Addressing Water Well ‘Problems’ and Complaints in Areas of Unconventional Resource Development

John V. Fontana, PGJohn V. Fontana, [email protected]@VistaGeoScience.com

David M. Seneshen, PhD David M. Seneshen, PhD DSeneshen@VistaGeoScience comDSeneshen@VistaGeoScience [email protected]@VistaGeoScience.com

Vista GeoScience, Golden, Colorado, USAVista GeoScience, Golden, Colorado, USA

OutlineOutlineOutlineOutline

Industry’s Image

Domestic Water Well FactsDomestic Water Well Facts

Leading up to the Complaintg p p

The Water Well Symptoms & Causes

How to Prepare for and Handle the Complaints thatWill ComeComplaints that Will Come.

AAPG International Conference & Exhibition: Singapore DEG & EMD Luncheon; September 18, 2012

2

The Environmental RulesThe Environmental Rules

Environmental Problems are EmotionalEnvironmental Problems are Emotional

Environmental Solutions are Technical

Environmental Decisions are Political

Author Unknown

AAPG International Conference & Exhibition: Singapore DEG & EMD Luncheon; September 18, 2012 3

The Public Image of Oil and GasThe Public Image of Oil and GasThe Public Image of Oil and Gas The Public Image of Oil and Gas DevelopmentDevelopment


Google Images (1Google Images (1stst page)page)Google Images (1Google Images (1 page)page)FrackingFracking, Water, Water


GASLANDGASLAND DebunkedDebunked Several cases in Piceance & Denver Basins, Colorado, USA

Colorado Oil & Gas i i iConservation Commission

publishes a letter correcting inaccuracies in Gasland. O l l t d t il & Only one case related to oil & gas operations, (but not shown to be from fracking.)

Others all showed biogenic Others all showed biogenic shallow or coal bed gas.

How many people who saw the movie heard about that?the movie heard about that?


Results of Misinformation?Results of Misinformation?Bans on Hydraulic Fracturing

Countries

FranceFrance

Bulgaria

Many States, Provinces & Cities


W W ll O FW W ll O FWater Well Owner FactsWater Well Owner Facts About 95% of all rural Americans get their drinkingAbout 95% of all rural Americans get their drinking water from a groundwater source

42 million depend on wells for their water Groundwater provides:

37% of public water supplies 95% of self‐supplied household water

Well Owner Associations Recommend Annual Maintenance and TestingMaintenance and TestingMost Owners Don’t Do Any!

Few Test for Methane Few Test for Methane


ColoradoColorado 25,700 Active Wells

40,000 P&A Wells

270,000 Water Wells 203,000 Residential/Household


CommonCommonWell ProblemsWell ProblemsCommon Common Well ProblemsWell Problems1. Poor Water Production (Quantity) Well Goes Dry or has Low Yield Rates

2 General Water Quality2. General Water Quality

Odors, Taste, Color, Staining, etc.

di Sediment

Bacteria ‐ Slime

3. Gases in the Water


Reasons for Problems are ManyReasons for Problems are ManyReasons for Problems are ManyReasons for Problems are Many Lack of Routine Testing & Maintenance

Poor Installation & Construction Practices

Poor Aquifer ConditionsPoor Aquifer Conditions

Photos Courtesy Anthony GorodyAAPG International Conference & Exhibition: Singapore

DEG & EMD Luncheon; September 18, 2012 11

Private Wells Exceed EPA StandardsPrivate Wells Exceed EPA StandardsPrivate Wells Exceed EPA StandardsPrivate Wells Exceed EPA StandardsPrivate water wells are not required to meet US‐EPA drinking water standards.

Many exceed primary or secondary standards.y p y y

Most Domestic Water Wells Contain Measurable Dissolved Hydrocarbons (Mostly Methane)Dissolved Hydrocarbons (Mostly Methane)

Majority Contain Bacterial Gas

l Some Contain Gas From Natural Seeps or

Historic Production Activities


l l ' ll l ' l llU.S. Geological Survey's National WaterU.S. Geological Survey's National Water‐‐QualityQualityAssessment ProgramAssessment ProgramUSGS News Release, 2011 About 20% of untreated water samples from public, private, and monitoring wells across the nation contain concentrations of at least one trace element such as arsenic manganese and uranium atone trace element, such as arsenic, manganese and uranium, at levels of potential health concern, according to a new study by the U.S. Geological Survey.

10% actually contained two or more trace elements exceeding10% actually contained two or more trace elements exceeding human health benchmarks.

Trace elements in groundwater exceed human health benchmarks at a rate that far outpaces most other groundwater contaminants, such

i i id d l il i d (VOC )as nitrate, pesticides, and volatile organic compounds (VOCs). 5,000 well sample set in USGS NWQAP http://www.usgs.gov/newsroom/article.asp http://water.usgs.gov/nawqa/trace/pubs/sir2011‐5059http://water.usgs.gov/nawqa/trace/pubs/sir2011 5059


The Complaint SequenceThe Complaint SequenceThe Complaint SequenceThe Complaint Sequence1. CBM, Tight Sand, or Shale Play Develops

2. + Hydraulic Fracturing Well Stimulation No Previous Production History, or…

Previous History Drilling – Possibly Old, or….

Severed Mineral Rights

3 L i A i iti3. Leasing Acquisition

4. Owners Google “Fracking” and see the images

O B i D illi P h5. Operator Begins Drilling Program, then…

6. A Landowner’s Water Well Develops a Problem….

7. The Land Owner Calls and ComplainsAAPG International Conference & Exhibition: Singapore


h C l ih C l iThe ComplaintThe ComplaintAfter they drilled that oil/gas well my waterAfter they drilled that oil/gas well my waterAfter they drilled that oil/gas well, my water After they drilled that oil/gas well, my water well _________!!!!! well _________!!!!! (Fill in the Blank)(Fill in the Blank) Stopped Working … Stopped Working … Went Dry Has Sediment or Slimy Stuff … Has Sediment, or Slimy Stuff … Has Gas Bubbles, or Methane Tastes Awful Salty … Tastes Awful, Salty … Smells … Blew Up!… Blew Up!


Common Aquifer TypesCommon Aquifer Types

W t T blW t T blWater TableWater Table

AlluvialAlluvialAquiferAquifer

Bedrock AquiferBedrock Aquifer

AquiferAquifer

(Confined or Unconfined)(Confined or Unconfined)AAPG International Conference & Exhibition: Singapore


Reasons for Low YieldReasons for Low YieldReasons for Low YieldReasons for Low Yield“My well now goes dry!”

i ld i h h ll l ( ) Yield is the Rate the Well Flows Water (gpm) Day 1 will be your best yield ever! P t ti l C Potential Causes:

Tight or Low‐Flowing Aquifer Dry Season – LowWater TableDry Season Low Water Table Drawdown (over‐pumping) Fouling of the Well Screen or Pump ‐ Sediment

ll d ll Pump Damage, Small Size, Bad Installation Poor Well Design or Construction Lifespan: Yield Declines with Age of Water WellLifespan: Yield Declines with Age of Water Well


Seasonal Fluctuation or DroughtSeasonal Fluctuation or Drought

Spring/Summer Fall/WinterHigh water level Low water level


Localized Drawdown Localized Drawdown OverOver‐‐Use of the AquiferUse of the Aquifer


Fouling (blockage) of theFouling (blockage) of theFouling (blockage) of the Fouling (blockage) of the Well Screen or PumpWell Screen or Pump Silts and Clays

EncrustationAFTER

Encrustation

“Hard” WaterBEFORE

Iron

Corrosion

BEFORE

FOULED PUMP

Bio‐Fouling

Bacteria Growth

FOULED PUMP

Bacteria Growth


20

Poor Well Design or ConstructionPoor Well Design or ConstructionPoor Well Design or ConstructionPoor Well Design or ConstructionMinimum Construction Requirements & Rules

– Good Enough? g Maybe Not…..

Sand/Gravel Filter or Open Bore?p Post‐drilling well cleaning? Adequate Bore‐Hole Diameter & D th?Depth?

Is the casing too small or too big? Well Casing Size & Screen Type?Well Casing Size & Screen Type? Pump Size & Location?


if f llif f llLifespan of a Water WellLifespan of a Water WellYY d d b dd d b dYYears to decades based on:ears to decades based on:The Geology/Environment

/Well Design/ConstructionMaintenance

l /Normal Corrosion/Wear & Tear

hWater Chemistry Amount of Use


Water Quality ComplaintsWater Quality Complaints::Water Quality ComplaintsWater Quality Complaints: :

OdorOdorOdorOdor

TasteTaste

Color & SedimentColor & Sediment


Causes of Poor QualityCauses of Poor QualityCauses of Poor QualityCauses of Poor QualityDissolved Minerals & Salts (High TDS)Dissolved Minerals & Salts (High TDS)

Excessive Bacteria Activity y

Dislodged Sediment or Slime

Photos Courtesy Anthony Gorody


Gas BubblesGas BubblesGas BubblesGas BubblesMy water fizzes like soda!y fCauses Dissolved Air or Natural Gas Dissolved Air or Natural Gas ‐Methane and/or Carbon Dioxide

Sources Sources Natural Bacteria Gas

Natural Gas ‐ Coal Bed Methane

Radon – Uranium is potential


N t l S D E i tN t l S D E i t A k J d!A k J d!Natural Seeps Do Exist Natural Seeps Do Exist –– Ask Jed!Ask Jed!


How Common is Methane in How Common is Methane in Ground Water?Ground Water? Is Methane Present in the Well? Not Regulated by EPA, So There is No Specific

Method Detection Limit Requirements “Reportable Quantities” Vary by Lab Varies by several orders of magnitude y g

(.1ug/L – 1mg/L) Laboratory Methods Vary

FID‐GC vs. TCD‐GC Analysis RSKSOP‐175 (Rev. No. 2, 2004)( , )

(Robert S. Kerr Lab Std. Op. Procedure #175) USEPA Region 1 (Rev. 1, 2002): Technical

Guidance for the Natural Attenuation Indicators: Methane, Ethane, and Ethene

Proper Collection Method is IMPORTANT Proper Collection Method is IMPORTANT

RSKMETHOD: “This standard operating procedure has been prepared for the use of the Ground Water and Ecosystems Restoration Division of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and may not be specifically applicable h i i i f h i i THIS IS NOT AN OFFICIAL EPA APPROVED METHOD Thi d h


to the activities of other organizations. THIS IS NOT AN OFFICIAL EPA APPROVED METHOD. This document has not been through the Agency’s peer review process or ORD clearance process.”

27

Potential Impacts to Water WellsPotential Impacts to Water WellsppHome with Septic Field

Fuel S

Barn Animals Garage

Septic Field Storage


Livestock Pen Water Well & CisternLivestock Pen Water Well & CisternLivestock Pen, Water Well & CisternLivestock Pen, Water Well & Cistern


29

Ci S i k?Ci S i k?Cistern or Septic Tank?Cistern or Septic Tank?


Preparing for ComplaintsPreparing for Complaints Establish a Baseline Program Establish a Baseline Program Conduct Sampling Ed t W t W ll O Y Eff t Educate Water Well Owners on Your Efforts andWater Well Testing & Maintenance Promote it as a Valuable Community Service Promote it as a Valuable Community Service “How Well Do You Know Your Water Well”

htt // t t /Lib /W t W llB kl t dfhttp://cogcc.state.co.us/Library/WaterWellBooklet.pdf

Use as Opportunity for Stakeholder EngagementEngagement


E bli h B li W Q liE bli h B li W Q liEstablish Baseline Water QualityEstablish Baseline Water Quality

Voluntary Programs Regulated Programs

l l l ( ) Sampling & Analysis Plan (SAP) Establish Data Quality Objectives Quality Assurance & QualityQuality Assurance & Quality Control

Field Protocol Analytical Protocol Analytical Protocol

Expertise & Experience


Baseline Water Quality & DissolvedBaseline Water Quality & DissolvedBaseline Water Quality & Dissolved Baseline Water Quality & Dissolved Gas ParametersGas Parameters Fingerprint of Water and Gas Chemistry Major Anions and Cations ‐ Balance Trace Metals (EPA Toxic Lists)( ) pH, eH, Conductivity, Temp, DO Dissolved Hydrocarbons

Methane, Ethane, PropaneMethane, Ethane, Propane C1‐C6 recommended

BTEX or VOCs (EPA ‐ SW846 8260 GC‐MS) + TPH Stable IsotopesStable Isotopes

Methane ‐ δ13C and δD C2+, CO2 and Water Isotopes (O & H) Other Stable Isotopes p


Establish Baseline Water Quality Establish Baseline Water Quality Q yQ yParameters (continued)Parameters (continued) Uranium/Radon, other NORMs Arsenic Nitrates

C lif B t i Coliform Bacteria Bacteria Activity Reaction Test (BART)

Iron Related (IRB) Sulfate Related (SRB) Sulfate Related (SRB) Slime Forming (SLYM)

Design for Local Geochemistry Issues HowMany Pre‐Drill Events?How Many Pre Drill Events?

Natural Variability can be Significant Seasonal Changes Mixed Aquifers Water Demand/Usage Water Demand/Usage


MethanMethane in Fox Hills Aquifere in Fox Hills AquiferD B i C l d USAD B i C l d USADenver Basin, Colorado, USADenver Basin, Colorado, USA


Denver Basin Baseline Survey, Denver Basin Baseline Survey, C l d USAC l d USA

ERA TYPE WELL M. Segelke # 1

NENE Sec. 27 T11N R53W API 05-075-09050

FORMATION NAME

GEOLOGIC EPOCH/AGEPe

riod

Colorado, USAColorado, USA

Holocene Pleistocene

Alluvial & Dune Sand

Recent

RTI

AR

Y

0 - 50 ft

Miocene

Pliocene Ogallaha

Arikaree

0 - 180 ft

0 - 80 ft (Not present in area)

Ogallala Aquifer (80 m)Ogallala Aquifer (80 m)

Pierre Maestrichtian Campanian

TE

3150 ft

( p )

400 - 550 ftLate Maestrichtian Laramie Fox Hills

25 - 100 ft Lower Oligocene White River

Fox Hills Aquifer (300 m)Fox Hills Aquifer (300 m)Anomalous dissolved CH4Anomalous dissolved CH4

Carlile

Campanian

Campanian Coniacian

Niobrara & Fort Hays

Greenhorn 195 ft

250 ft (Storage Caprock)ESO

ZOIC

CR

ETA

CEO

US

Turonian

350 ft

Anomalous dissolved CH4Anomalous dissolved CH4

HuntsmanAlbian

Dakota "J"

Dakota "D" Graneros ShaleCenomanian

50 ft (Storage Zone)65 ft

104 ft (Storage Zone)

250 ft (Storage Caprock)

Skull CreekLytle

115 ft104 ft

ME C

Aptian

O&G Reservoir (2,100 m)O&G Reservoir (2,100 m)

MorrisonJurassic 420 ft


No Mixing of Groundwater & Produced WaterNo Mixing of Groundwater & Produced Water

Ogallala Aquifer Ogallala Aquifer

gg

Produced WaterProduced Water

g qg q(Ca/Mg HCO3 Water)(Ca/Mg HCO3 Water)

Fox Hills AquiferFox Hills Aquifer

Fox Hills AquiferFox Hills AquiferOgallala Ogallala AquiferAquifer

Produced WaterProduced WaterFox Hills Aquifer Fox Hills Aquifer (NaHCO3 Water)(NaHCO3 Water)

Produced WaterProduced Water

Magnesium type

Sulfate type

Produced Water Produced Water ((NaClNaCl Water)Water)

Sodium or potassium

typeCalcium

typeChloride

type

Bicarbonate type


Biogenic Methane in Aquifer Easily Biogenic Methane in Aquifer Easily Distinguished from Produced GasDistinguished from Produced Gas

-80BIOGENIC GAS

BIOGENIC

-80

Water Well Water Well Water Well Water Well

Distinguished from Produced GasDistinguished from Produced Gas

-70

--6060 MIXED

BIOGENIC

GAS-70

-60

Fox Hills Aquifer (300 m)Fox Hills Aquifer (300 m)Fox Hills Aquifer (300 m)Fox Hills Aquifer (300 m)

-50

GAS

MATURE THERMOGENIC GAS

MIXED

GAS

MATURE THERMOGENIC GAS-50

Met

hane

(‰)

Produced Gas (2,100 m)Produced Gas (2,100 m)Produced Gas (2,100 m)Produced Gas (2,100 m)

-40

FORMED WITH OIL

POST-MATURE

FORMED WITH OIL

POST-MATURE

-40C13

-30

-20

POST-MATURE

WET GAS

MATURE

DRY GASPOST-MATURE

WET GAS

MATURE

DRY GAS-30

-20

Gas Wetness (% C2+)DMethane (‰)-300 -250 -200 -150 -100

200 5 10 15 20 25 30

20


Caveat: Mixing & Alteration canCaveat: Mixing & Alteration canCaveat: Mixing & Alteration can Caveat: Mixing & Alteration can Create a Complex PictureCreate a Complex Picture


Courtesy Isotech Labs

Assess Nearby Wells (and Mines) Assess Nearby Wells (and Mines) for Leakagefor Leakage Old Wells or Open Annulus Can Create C C i i i h A ifCross‐Communication with Aquifers


Courtesy Anthony Gorody

40

Some Symptoms May Be Some Symptoms May Be Related to Ancillary ActivitiesRelated to Ancillary ActivitiesRelated to Ancillary ActivitiesRelated to Ancillary ActivitiesVibrations from Construction & Vibrations from Construction & Hydraulic Fracturing ActivitiesHydraulic Fracturing Activities

Ground motion impacts on water wells can ….

Disturb bottom sediment

Dislodge scale & bacterial gslime

Temporarily increase suspended material

= Immediate complaint


Exploration ActivityExploration Activity Seismic exploration may disturb the sediments in aSeismic exploration may disturb the sediments in a water well temporarily


Regulated & Voluntary Baseline Regulated & Voluntary Baseline g yg yProgram Are a Good Start…. Program Are a Good Start…. A Use Them as a Minimum Set of StandardsA Use Them as a Minimum Set of StandardsA Use Them as a Minimum Set of StandardsA Use Them as a Minimum Set of Standards


2012, Richard Hirsch, Section of Douglas County Rural Water Providers Map

43

….. But it May not be Enough….. But it May not be Enoughy gy gMultiple Confined Aquifers & High Density Water Wells Requires More SamplesMultiple Confined Aquifers & High Density Water Wells Requires More Samples


2012, Richard Hirsch, Ponderosa Summit Subdivision

44

Assess VariabilityAssess VariabilityGround Water & Well Headspace Methane: Ground Water & Well Headspace Methane: 17 Sampling Events in 8 Month Period 17 Sampling Events in 8 Month Period


Courtesy: Chuck Whisman (GES), Debby McElreath (Chesapeake); 2012 Stray Gas Incident & Response Forum

45

A V i bilitA V i bilitAssess VariabilityAssess VariabilityWell Headspace Methane vs. Water Level (Drawdown)Well Headspace Methane vs. Water Level (Drawdown)


Courtesy: Chuck Whisman (GES), Debby McElreath (Chesapeake); 2012 Stray Gas Incident & Response Forum

Fight Misinformation with Good Fight Misinformation with Good Information & Education Information & Education Many Water Well Organizations Provide Good Public Service InformationInformation NGWA AGWT AGWT GWPC State Water WellState Water Well Organizations

Industry Information Websites


SummarySummarySummarySummary Complaints Happen!Complaints Happen! Water Well Problems or Contaminants are a Result of:Water Well Problems or Contaminants are a Result of: Water Well Problems or Contaminants are a Result of:Water Well Problems or Contaminants are a Result of:

Lack of Maintenance & Testing (most common) Poor Construction, Poor Aquifer or Lifespan of a Well Historic Drilling or Mining ActivitiesHistoric Drilling or Mining Activities Natural In Place Gas, Migration or Seepage Naturally Occurring Bacteria, Minerals, Etc. New Releases, Casing Leaks, Spills (least common), g , p ( )

A Proper Designed Baseline & Monitoring Program can:A Proper Designed Baseline & Monitoring Program can: Educate Stakeholders Establishes Pre-Drill Baseline Conditions Monitor Variability Prepare you with Answers to the Complaints! Mitigate Risk


ThanksThanks

[email protected]@VistaGeoScience.comVista GeoScience, Golden, Colorado, USA www.VistaGeoScience.com

49

Technology

Addressing Water Well ‘Problems’ and Complaints in Areas of Unconventional Resource Development