Abstract: Methods are provided for managing the production of fluids from a low-permeability subsurface formation in a field. The subsurface formation may be a coalbed formation. The method involves producing formation fluids from a first zone in the subsurface formation for a period of time so as to at least partially dewater the first zone. The formation fluids are separated into a liquid stream that primarily comprises water, and a gas stream that primarily comprises methane gas. The water is sent for disposal, such as into a subsurface formation, while the gas is temporarily stored or flared. A gas processing facility is constructed for the field. In order to manage the outlay of capital for the field development, construction of the gas processing facility is spread out or delayed until the field is ready to produce enough gas to allow the gas processing facility to operate at a substantially greater capacity than would be provided at the beginning of field development.