Evolution of multi-well pad development and influence of well pads on environmental violations and wastewater volumes in the Marcellus shale (USA)

Manda, Alex K.; Heath, Jamie L.; Klein, Wendy A.; Griffin, Michael T.; Montz, Burrell E.

doi:10.1016/j.jenvman.2014.04.011

Cited by 29 publications

(19 citation statements)

References 9 publications

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“…Incorporating volumetric data on releases from natural gas operations would allow direct comparisons to other energy industries. Clearly, such a report relies on accurate self-reporting or more robust monitoring (44). Further, if the PA DEP required volume and chemical identity estimates, a more accurate assessment of the relative risks due to domestic energy extraction could be constructed.…”

Section: −27mentioning

confidence: 99%

Elevated levels of diesel range organic compounds in groundwater near Marcellus gas operations are derived from surface activities

Drollette

Hoelzer

Warner

et al. 2015

Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. U.S.A.

138

131

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Hundreds of organic chemicals are used during natural gas extraction via high-volume hydraulic fracturing (HVHF). However, it is unclear whether these chemicals, injected into deep shale horizons, reach shallow groundwater aquifers and affect local water quality, either from those deep HVHF injection sites or from the surface or shallow subsurface. Here, we report detectable levels of organic compounds in shallow groundwater samples from private residential wells overlying the Marcellus Shale in northeastern Pennsylvania. Analyses of purgeable and extractable organic compounds from 64 groundwater samples revealed trace levels of volatile organic compounds, well below the Environmental Protection Agency's maximum contaminant levels, and low levels of both gasoline range (0-8 ppb) and diesel range organic compounds (DRO; 0-157 ppb). A compound-specific analysis revealed the presence of bis(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate, which is a disclosed HVHF additive, that was notably absent in a representative geogenic water sample and field blanks. Pairing these analyses with (i) inorganic chemical fingerprinting of deep saline groundwater, (ii) characteristic noble gas isotopes, and (iii) spatial relationships between active shale gas extraction wells and wells with disclosed environmental health and safety violations, we differentiate between a chemical signature associated with naturally occurring saline groundwater and one associated with alternative anthropogenic routes from the surface (e.g., accidental spills or leaks). The data support a transport mechanism of DRO to groundwater via accidental release of fracturing fluid chemicals derived from the surface rather than subsurface flow of these fluids from the underlying shale formation.natural gas extraction | high-volume hydraulic fracturing | groundwater | hydrophobic organic contaminants | transport mechanisms

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Section: −27mentioning

confidence: 99%

Elevated levels of diesel range organic compounds in groundwater near Marcellus gas operations are derived from surface activities

Drollette

Hoelzer

Warner

et al. 2015

Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. U.S.A.

138

131

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“…During the study period, violation rates increased to a maximum in 2010 and decreased thereafter, attributed to changes in Pennsylvania inspection policies, inspection rates, and the increasing use of multi-well pads (Manda et al 2014;Rahm et al 2015). Spilled fluids included pit fluids, fuels, mud, fracturing fluid, chemicals, flowback, and brine.…”

Section: Mechanism Methods Of Quantificationmentioning

confidence: 99%

Towards Quantifying the Likelihood of Water Resource Impacts from Unconventional Gas Development

2018

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Gas production from unconventional reservoirs has led to widespread environmental concerns. Despite several excellent reviews of various potential impacts to water resources from unconventional gas production, no study has systematically and quantitatively assessed the potential for these impacts to occur. We use empirical evidence and numerical and analytical models to quantify the likelihood of surface water and groundwater contamination, and shallow aquifer depletion from unconventional gas developments. These likelihoods are not intended to be exact. They provide a starting point for comparing the probabilities of adverse impacts between types of water resources and pathways. This analysis provides much needed insight into what are "probable" rather than simply "possible" impacts. The results suggest that the most likely water resource impacts are surface water and groundwater contamination from spills at the well pad, which can be as high as 1 in 10 and 1 in 100 for each gas well, respectively. For wells that are hydraulically fractured, the likelihood of contamination due to inter-aquifer leakage is 1 in 10 or lower (dependent on the separation distance between the production formation and the aquifer). For gas-bearing formations that were initially over-pressurized, the potential for contamination from inter-aquifer leakage after production ceases could be as high as 1 in 400 where the separation between gas formation and shallow aquifer is 500 m, but will be much lower for greater separation distances (more characteristic of shale gas).

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“…[163] Reducing the surface footprint also helps to reduce depletion of abiotic resources, such as metals and minerals,r equired for the construction of wells. [9,54] However, the area available for shale gas extraction will dependo nn earby land uses,a sw ell as on policies such as setback distances,w hich can reduce the actuala rea available by as much as 31 %.…”

Section: Land Usementioning

confidence: 99%

Shale Gas: A Review of the Economic, Environmental, and Social Sustainability

2016

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The growth of the shale gas industry in the US has raised expectations that other nations could boost domestic gas production, leading to lower energy prices and improved energy security. However, the degree to which the US experience is transferable to other countries is uncertain. Furthermore, sustainability implications of shale gas development remain largely unknown. In an attempt to find out if and how shale gas could be exploited in a sustainable way, this paper reviews the economic, environmental, and social aspects of shale gas. These include costs, energy security, employment, water and land pollution, greenhouse gas emissions, earthquakes, and public perception. The literature suggests that it is possible to develop shale gas in a sustainable way, but its future will depend on the industry being able to address the environmental concerns, the political will to see the industry through to maturity, and public support, with the latter most likely being the biggest determinant.

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Evolution of multi-well pad development and influence of well pads on environmental violations and wastewater volumes in the Marcellus shale (USA)

Cited by 29 publications

References 9 publications

Elevated levels of diesel range organic compounds in groundwater near Marcellus gas operations are derived from surface activities

Elevated levels of diesel range organic compounds in groundwater near Marcellus gas operations are derived from surface activities

Towards Quantifying the Likelihood of Water Resource Impacts from Unconventional Gas Development

Shale Gas: A Review of the Economic, Environmental, and Social Sustainability

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