--> A Protocol for Baseline Sampling of Water Sources in Areas of Shale Oil and Gas Development
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AAPG Eastern Section Meeting

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A Protocol for Baseline Sampling of Water Sources in Areas of Shale Oil and Gas Development

Abstract

In many areas of shale oil and gas development, sampling of proximate water sources (e.g., residential water wells, springs, seeps, and surface waters) prior to installation or stimulation of production wells (i.e., “pre-Previous HitdrillNext Hit”) is standard practice for many oil and gas operators. These programs provide a “baseline” snapshot of water quality for comparison to conditions after oil and gas production commences (i.e., “post-Previous HitdrillNext Hit”). This information is critical for evaluating whether reported changes in local water quality (e.g., methane, salts, taste, odor) are naturally occurring or the result of nearby drilling activities. Many state agencies require pre-Previous HitdrillNext Hit and/or post-Previous HitdrillNext Hit sampling of various water sources (primarily residential water wells) however, little guidance is currently available to operators, regulators, and contractors to support development of these sampling programs.

This talk presents the findings of a Department of Energy-funded research project, which evaluated key sources of variability in pre-Previous HitdrillNext Hit sampling results from a series of residential water wells in Northeastern Pennsylvania and Eastern Kentucky. Results from these field studies culminated in the development of the practical protocol for sampling of residential water wells. The protocol includes: i) current state regulations for pre-Previous HitdrillNext Hit and post-Previous HitdrillNext Hit sampling, ii) sampling practices and lab analysis methods, iii) data management and analysis procedures, and iv) tools to discern natural variability in water quality from potential anthropogenic impacts. This talk provides an overview of the components of the protocol, critical findings from the field studies, and implications for development of future pre-Previous HitdrillNext Hit and post-Previous HitdrillTop sampling programs in areas of shale oil and gas development.