With the click of a mouse button, Gov. Dave Freudenthal officially started the pumps on a 48-mile pipeline connecting the Powder River Basin to Midwest.

More than two years in the making, the underground pipeline will move water extracted from coal-bed methane operations and reinject the water into the Madison aquifer.

"We need to commend Anadarko for its efforts," Freudenthal said Wednesday at Anadarko Petroleum's Casper office. "I've seen a remarkable change in four years."

Freudenthal said the question of what to do with coal-bed methane water has loomed large for years.

"Coal-bed methane is a big part of the state's economy," he said. "I believe this pipeline is a way to solve that question. This is a great stepping stone. This is exactly the kind of relationship we're looking for as we develop the state."

Rick Robitaille, manager of public relations for Anadarko's Rocky Mountain region, said he was glad the governor has shown such an interest in the pipeline and was able to officially start the program.

"We like our relationship with the state of Wyoming and we will do whatever we can to foster that relationship," Robitaille said.

Project manager Mike Blackman said he expects an average of 100,000 to 180,000 barrels of water per day from the County Line site.

In the future, 400,000 barrels of water per day could be reinjected in the Salt Creek Field.

Reporter John Morgan can be reached at (307) 266-0614 or john.morgan@casperstartribune.net.