Salinity loading and coal bed natural gas disturbance in Muddy Creek, Wyoming

Energy production is an important industry in Wyoming. In the last decade the state has seen dramatic increases in energy development such as coal, wind energy, and most notably coal bed natural gas (CBNG). With the increasing rate of natural gas production in Wyoming it is necessary to consider compounding factors which may contribute to potential hydrologic degradation. The climate over much of Wyoming is semiarid; therefore, removal of surface vegetation can cause flashy runoff, increasing risk of erosion. The full environmental impact of energy development on soil and water resources in Wyoming is yet to be revealed. Computer modeling can only provide a general concept of the scope and direction of potential impacts. However, correctly applied, it can provide a scientifically based framework for resource managers when making land management decisions. In this project, water quality in a small tributary to Muddy Creek was monitored and the subwatershed was modeled using AGWA to determine potential changes in surface runoff and sediment loading. Water chemistry models were reviewed and salinity modeling using QUAL2K was attempted. The potential to append a water chemistry model to AGWA was assessed as part of a larger cooperative project. Future research will endeavor to provide resource scientists and land management agencies with a user friendly and dependable tool to aid in land management decisions.