--> Abstract: Application of Petroleum Exploration/Development Methods to an Environmental Remediation Project, Tinker Air Force Base, Oklahoma, by J. C. Osweiler and D. P. Hunt; #90957 (1995).

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Abstract: Application of Petroleum Exploration/Development Methods to an Environmental Remediation Project, Tinker Air Force Base, Oklahoma

John C. Osweiler, Dan P. Hunt

The North Tank Area (NTA) was designated as an operable unit of the Building 3001 NPL Site at Tinker AFB. A perched layer of the uppermost regulatory aquifer is contaminated with #2 fuel oil as free product.

An approach to remediation of the NTA has been conducted in a manner similar to that used following the initial discovery and ensuing development of a typical sandstone petroleum reservoir. The methods include exploration drilling, 3D geophysical modeling and interpretation, production/development drilling, and formation fracturing.

After drilling several monitoring (exploration) wells around the NTA, the extent of free product contamination could not be sufficiently defined to determine the placement of extraction (development) wells for removal of the free product. In order to further define the areal extent of the free product, a geophysical method using electromagnetic induction tomography was applied to generate three dimensional views (models) of high resistivity anomalies such as hydrocarbon.

Following geophysical data interpretation, three sets of wells were drilled in areas of the free product layer where optimum production could be anticipated. Each set of wells contained a fracture inducement well and a fluids recovery well. After drilling the fracture/recovery well sets, pneumatic fracturing techniques were employed to enhance the product yield of the aquifer. Air was injected into the formation at pressures of approximately 400 psi. Preliminary results of the project indicate enhanced yield of the aquifer.

AAPG Search and Discovery Article #90957©1995 AAPG Mid-Continent Section Meeting, Tulsa, Oklahoma