Judge upholds coal-bed methane water standards

HELENA, Mont. (AP) A judge has upheld Montana's water-quality standards, aimed at protecting rivers in the Powder River Basin from pollution due to coal-bed methane development.

Some oil and gas companies sued the state, saying the standards adopted in 2003 and 2006 are too restrictive. They said the standards were not based on science, and are in some cases more stringent than naturally found in the environment.

District Judge Blair Jones, in Columbus, ruled that state agencies followed state and federal law in creating the standards.

Attorney General Mike McGrath says the judge's decision means the water standards are lawful, and consistent with the science presented to the agencies.

(Copyright 2007 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.) APNP 10-19-07 1523CDT | save this article / add to your favorites list