--> Abstract: Groundwater Interference Issues related to Natural Gas Pipeline Construction Programs: Seven Years of Assessment, #90907 (2000)

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ABSTRACT: Groundwater Interference Issues related to Natural Gas Pipeline Construction Programs: Seven Years of Assessment

O'SHEA, K.J., Trow Consulting Engineers, Brampton, Ontario, Canada

During the construction of natural gas pipelines there is the potential that local and regional groundwater resources may be affected. The potential impacts include physical (i.e. quantity) and chemical (i.e. quality) impacts. The potential for impact varies depending on the location and type of construction and the techniques used for construction. Location dictates the type of surficial geological material, construction techniques, and the type and extent of shallow groundwater resources that could be affected.

Drilling for oil and gas also presents the potential for impacts to groundwater resources-both through surface effects related to the drilling program, and through down hole issues that may arise. Past practices may have also resulted in the presence of poorly sealed well annulus and leaking casings that may permit movement of brines from depth into shallow potable zones.

Experience with conducting private well surveys for the pipeline industry, and for oil and gas exploration programs, has resulted in many 100s of wells being sampled for 100s of km of pipeline construction and for 10s of exploration wells.

The data collected to date has indicated that the actual, measurable impact that can be technically attributed to construction and drilling activities is minimal (less then 1% of wells are affected). The data also shows a strong correlation between geological conditions and potential for impact, as well as a strong correlation between techniques and impact.

 

Search and Discovery Article #90907©2000 AAPG Eastern Section Meeting, London, Ontario, Canada