This study defines the hydrogeology of the Mannville Group, in order to identify prospective areas for coalbed methane (CBM) development. The study area covers T. 32-45, R. 18-29W4. Within this area, nominal Deep Basin edges and approximate extents of transition zones between the Deep Basin and conventional systems have been defined for both the Upper and Lower Mannville. The Mannville data were separated into Upper and Lower Mannville using a structure surface representing the top of the Ostracod Beds. Three systems conventional, transitional, and deep basin, were defined for each unit, and the potential for encountering dry Mannville coals in each region was addressed:

• Within the region where the Upper and Lower Mannville are conventional, structurally high areas isolated from the Lower Mannville regional water system may be favourable places to seek out dry coals.
• Although the region within the Deep Basin System - where gas is the continuous phase - is the "safest" area with regards to CBM development, mapping the transition zone between the conventional and Deep Basin systems is extremely important, as it will provide new prospective areas at shallower depths where there is much less risk of encountering water than in the updip conventional system.
• The lower-pressured region within the transition zone is the most favourable CBM prospect with regard to low water saturations.
• The higher-pressured region within the transition zone is the most favourable CBM prospect with regard to reserves, however, the water saturations may be higher.
• Within the transition zone, it is important to evaluate the potential for the underlying sands to be wet, as well as the vertical distance between the coal and the wet sands.