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Shale GasGreening of America?
Shale GasGreening of America?
By Ethan Bellavance, Kaylyn Hawkes, Justin Grodman, Dan Hale,
Caitlin Shea
By Ethan Bellavance, Kaylyn Hawkes, Justin Grodman, Dan Hale,
Caitlin Shea
What is Shale Gas?What is Shale Gas?
95.5% Methane, 2.5% Ethane, 0.2% Propane.
Large Domestic Source of energy
5.4 Tcf/year in 1998 to 8.9 Tcf/year in 2007
95.5% Methane, 2.5% Ethane, 0.2% Propane.
Large Domestic Source of energy
5.4 Tcf/year in 1998 to 8.9 Tcf/year in 2007
http://www.uniongas.com/aboutus/aboutng/composition.aspArthur, J Daniel. (2008). An Overview of Modern Shale Gas Development in the United States. AllConsulting. http://www.all llc.com/publicdownloads/ALLShaleOverviewFINAL.pdf USGS
Natural Gas ProductionNatural Gas Production
Arthur, J Daniel. (2008). An Overview of Modern Shale Gas Development in the United States. AllConsulting. http://www.all llc.com/publicdownloads/ALLShaleOverviewFINAL.pdf
Arthur, J Daniel. (2008). An Overview of Modern Shale Gas Development in the United States. AllConsulting. http://www.all llc.com/publicdownloads/ALLShaleOverviewFINAL.pdf
Types of Unconventional Natural Gas
Types of Unconventional Natural Gas
Tight Gas Sands Coal Bed Methane Gas Shale’s- Most Expansive Growth,
Comprise 50-60% of countries reserves growth by 2011
Tight Gas Sands Coal Bed Methane Gas Shale’s- Most Expansive Growth,
Comprise 50-60% of countries reserves growth by 2011
Arthur, J Daniel. (2008). An Overview of Modern Shale Gas Development in the United States. AllConsulting. http://www.all llc.com/publicdownloads/ALLShaleOverviewFINAL.pdf
Three factors that have created the unconventional natural gas
industry.
Three factors that have created the unconventional natural gas
industry.
Directional Drilling Hydraulic Fracturing High well prices
Directional Drilling Hydraulic Fracturing High well prices
QuickTime™ and aTIFF (Uncompressed) decompressor
are needed to see this picture.
http://www.theoildrum.com/files/perforating3_0.jpg
Marcellus Shale Marcellus Shale
USGS
Deposited over 350 Million years ago.
Area and Depth of Marcellus Shale
USGS
Objectives Objectives
Assess whether water release from acid fracturing is detrimental to surface water and aquifers?
Determine if the amount of water necessary for acid fracturing can be sustainably extracted from existing watershed aquifers.
Observe how the process of acid fracturing effects local ecosystems.
Analyze the national and local socioeconomic impact of acid fracturing in regard to potential job creation, US energy profile, social values, and land use.
Assess whether water release from acid fracturing is detrimental to surface water and aquifers?
Determine if the amount of water necessary for acid fracturing can be sustainably extracted from existing watershed aquifers.
Observe how the process of acid fracturing effects local ecosystems.
Analyze the national and local socioeconomic impact of acid fracturing in regard to potential job creation, US energy profile, social values, and land use.
Hydraulic FracturingHydraulic Fracturing
Three treatments available Foam Gel Slickwater
Three treatments available Foam Gel Slickwater
Slickwater Treatments Slickwater Treatments
Introduction of “rock acid” - cleans out well Slickwater plug- formed with water, sand
and additives. Friction reducing chemicals to allow faster pumping.
Fracturing- over a million gallons of water, sand and chemicals.
Flush- recovery of water in pumps to allow collection of gases.
Introduction of “rock acid” - cleans out well Slickwater plug- formed with water, sand
and additives. Friction reducing chemicals to allow faster pumping.
Fracturing- over a million gallons of water, sand and chemicals.
Flush- recovery of water in pumps to allow collection of gases.
QuickTime™ and aTIFF (Uncompressed) decompressor
are needed to see this picture.
http://www.propublica.org/special/hydraulic-fracturing-national
Acid FracturingAcid Fracturing
Each Fracture is unique Based on local stress conditions. Typically contains 98% water and sand, and
2% chemicals Currently 197 products used in slickwater
process, 152 products known
Each Fracture is unique Based on local stress conditions. Typically contains 98% water and sand, and
2% chemicals Currently 197 products used in slickwater
process, 152 products known
NYS Department of Environmental Conservation, 2009).
Chemical AdditivesChemical Additives
(NYS Department of Environmental Conservation, 2009)
Water QuantityWater Quantity
Water WithdrawalsWater Withdrawals
Variety of sources Proximity to drill site Three to four million gallons for typical
horizontal shale gas well 0.5 to six million gallons for hydraulic
fracturing of the Marcellus Shale Used in relatively short time period
Variety of sources Proximity to drill site Three to four million gallons for typical
horizontal shale gas well 0.5 to six million gallons for hydraulic
fracturing of the Marcellus Shale Used in relatively short time period
Water TransportWater Transport
Location and type of sources Longer route distance = more expensive and less
water efficiency Reliability of source as constant supply Rate and timing of withdrawals are key
Location and type of sources Longer route distance = more expensive and less
water efficiency Reliability of source as constant supply Rate and timing of withdrawals are key
Effects on Water ResourcesEffects on Water Resources
Reduction in stream flow Stream’s uses and public supplies altered Adjacent habitats altered
Recreational uses, potable and culinary uses, fish survival and propagation, disposal of wastes
Reduction in stream flow Stream’s uses and public supplies altered Adjacent habitats altered
Recreational uses, potable and culinary uses, fish survival and propagation, disposal of wastes
Effects ContinuedEffects Continued
Depletion of aquifers Cumulative withdrawals Occurs when volume extracted > recharge
rate Potentially lead to reduction to
aboveground bodies of water Translocation of water from watershed
Depletion of aquifers Cumulative withdrawals Occurs when volume extracted > recharge
rate Potentially lead to reduction to
aboveground bodies of water Translocation of water from watershed
Ecosystem ImpactsEcosystem Impacts
Adverse effects on local ecosystems Natural cycles essential to ecosystems Alterations in flow regimes affect habitat Improper techniques and structures for
withdrawing Water uptake flow velocity Transporting invasive species
Adverse effects on local ecosystems Natural cycles essential to ecosystems Alterations in flow regimes affect habitat Improper techniques and structures for
withdrawing Water uptake flow velocity Transporting invasive species
Effects on WetlandsEffects on Wetlands
Susceptibility to draining of water Quantity withdrawn has direct impacts
depending on natural dynamics of flow Variety of species significantly affected
Susceptibility to draining of water Quantity withdrawn has direct impacts
depending on natural dynamics of flow Variety of species significantly affected
Water Quality Water Quality
Produced WaterProduced Water
Byproduct of the stimulation and drilling process
Before natural gas can be recovered, water that is pumped into the shale must be allowed to flow out as “produced water”
Can consist of fracturing fluids, heavy metals, brine waters, dissolved minerals or organic matter from the shale
Byproduct of the stimulation and drilling process
Before natural gas can be recovered, water that is pumped into the shale must be allowed to flow out as “produced water”
Can consist of fracturing fluids, heavy metals, brine waters, dissolved minerals or organic matter from the shale
(Arthur 2008)
Composition of a Fracture Fluid
Composition of a Fracture Fluid
(Arthur 2008)
Chemical Additives Chemical Additives
No “one size fits all” percentage that are added to fracture fluid
Additives in a single hydrofrac job result in approximately 15,000 gallons of chemical waste
Most are proprietary All are necessary in order to ensure the success
of the drilling process Risk to human and environmental health is low
No “one size fits all” percentage that are added to fracture fluid
Additives in a single hydrofrac job result in approximately 15,000 gallons of chemical waste
Most are proprietary All are necessary in order to ensure the success
of the drilling process Risk to human and environmental health is low
(Soeder 2009), (Arthur 2008), (NYSDEC 2009)
Threats to Drinking WaterThreats to Drinking Water
Drilling must pass through shallow drinking water aquifers
Well casings made of steel and concrete can become defective or damaged
Potential chemical spills Road/construction activity
Drilling must pass through shallow drinking water aquifers
Well casings made of steel and concrete can become defective or damaged
Potential chemical spills Road/construction activity
(Cornell University 2010)
Wastewater Treatment Plants Wastewater Treatment Plants
Cannot handle the quantity of water used Unsure of the chemical composition of the
proprietary chemicals used in the acid fracturing process
Do not successfully remove salts and other dissolved solids
Cannot handle the quantity of water used Unsure of the chemical composition of the
proprietary chemicals used in the acid fracturing process
Do not successfully remove salts and other dissolved solids
(Soeder 2009)
Additional Treatment MethodsAdditional Treatment Methods
Re-inject produced water into the ground at a shallow depth
Re-inject produced water into the ground at a depth below the Marcellus Shale
Allow wastewater to evaporate from open pits or tanks
Dilute produced water and reuse it in future fracturing operations
New technology…
Re-inject produced water into the ground at a shallow depth
Re-inject produced water into the ground at a depth below the Marcellus Shale
Allow wastewater to evaporate from open pits or tanks
Dilute produced water and reuse it in future fracturing operations
New technology…(NYSDEC 2009), (Soeder 2009)
Habitat FragmentationHabitat Fragmentation
Inevitable consequence of all mining practices
Occurs through construction of unpaved roads, pipelines and infrastructure: Well pads drilling rigs, storage facilities, heavy
machinery
necessary to mine natural gas and eventually transport it off site
Inevitable consequence of all mining practices
Occurs through construction of unpaved roads, pipelines and infrastructure: Well pads drilling rigs, storage facilities, heavy
machinery
necessary to mine natural gas and eventually transport it off site
RoadsRoads Generally includes removing large rocks and vegetation,
and replacing them with crushed gravel or stone Each well-site must have an access road
According to NY DEC every 150ft of 30ft access road adds 1/10 acre to the total disturbed surface area attributed to the well site
Highly used fragments, such as access roads, significantly increase impact
Edge sensitive species affected most Increased erosion contributes to habitat and water-
quality degradation
Generally includes removing large rocks and vegetation, and replacing them with crushed gravel or stone
Each well-site must have an access road According to NY DEC every 150ft of 30ft access road
adds 1/10 acre to the total disturbed surface area attributed to the well site
Highly used fragments, such as access roads, significantly increase impact
Edge sensitive species affected most Increased erosion contributes to habitat and water-
quality degradation
Sedimentation and ErosionSedimentation and Erosion Overflow off roads and impervious drilling pads alters
slopes and soils and further ↑ surface water quality issues Plants rooting is disrupted Aquatic receptors are affected by increased
sedimentation increasing TSS in the water column Velocity and volume of runoff ↑ with reciprocal ↓ in
infiltration (impermeable surfaces) Chemicals and pollutants are present on impermeable surfaces Pollutants adhere to eroded sediment particles
Overflow off roads and impervious drilling pads alters slopes and soils and further ↑ surface water quality issues
Plants rooting is disrupted Aquatic receptors are affected by increased
sedimentation increasing TSS in the water column Velocity and volume of runoff ↑ with reciprocal ↓ in
infiltration (impermeable surfaces) Chemicals and pollutants are present on impermeable surfaces Pollutants adhere to eroded sediment particles
Ecological Receptor- TroutEcological Receptor- Trout Rising Stake-holder concern
Chesapeake Bay Association PA and NY trout association, land owners, fishermen
Marcellus Shale spans under the Appalachian basin which provides headwaters for numerous streams valued for trout habitat
Salinity, acidity, and toxicity in mine runoff are of concern for trout health and ability to reproduce
Increased impervious surfaces and increase acidity have been shown to negatively affect Brook Trout populations in the NorthEast (Conservation Strategy Work Group, 2005)
Mine drainage in has historically in PA and WV has drastically decreased stream ecological health USGS records over 3,400 miles of streams and GW contaminated in
PA alone due to mining practices (USEPA, 2001)
Rising Stake-holder concern Chesapeake Bay Association PA and NY trout association, land
owners, fishermen Marcellus Shale spans under the Appalachian basin which
provides headwaters for numerous streams valued for trout habitat
Salinity, acidity, and toxicity in mine runoff are of concern for trout health and ability to reproduce
Increased impervious surfaces and increase acidity have been shown to negatively affect Brook Trout populations in the NorthEast (Conservation Strategy Work Group, 2005)
Mine drainage in has historically in PA and WV has drastically decreased stream ecological health USGS records over 3,400 miles of streams and GW contaminated in
PA alone due to mining practices (USEPA, 2001)
Edge-related StressEdge-related Stress
Increased edge will affect some species more drastically than others Life history traits, population numbers, physical size, physical
size and amount of area needed per individual
Golden-winged and prairie warbler have shown increase abundance in early succession edge areas Results NOT shown when fragmentation is maintained by
constant use and traffic
Cerulean warbler – Edge sensitive species inhabitaing areas along Marcellus Shale territory Largely impacted by habitat fragmentation due to mining
Increased edge will affect some species more drastically than others Life history traits, population numbers, physical size, physical
size and amount of area needed per individual
Golden-winged and prairie warbler have shown increase abundance in early succession edge areas Results NOT shown when fragmentation is maintained by
constant use and traffic
Cerulean warbler – Edge sensitive species inhabitaing areas along Marcellus Shale territory Largely impacted by habitat fragmentation due to mining
Soil Compaction & ReclamationSoil Compaction & Reclamation
Overburden must be removed to gain access to bedrock Stockpiling of this material is essential for
reclamation efforts Where overburden is not removed, continuous
use of heavy machinery compacts soils Increased bulk density rates Creates difficult habitat for plant rooting Lower water infiltration rates Contributes to ↑ surface runoff
Overburden must be removed to gain access to bedrock Stockpiling of this material is essential for
reclamation efforts Where overburden is not removed, continuous
use of heavy machinery compacts soils Increased bulk density rates Creates difficult habitat for plant rooting Lower water infiltration rates Contributes to ↑ surface runoff
Reclamation TechniquesReclamation Techniques Open pits must be backfilled Soils must be tested for salinity, acidity and
toxicity in order to prepare restoration plan Salinity acidity and toxicity will likely all
contribute to Shale gas sites due to: salts, hydroflouric acid, heavy metal leaching and a
variety of chemicals used in the fracking liquid Grading and scraping to loosen soils and adding
Lime and fertilizer are recommended Many mine Reclamation sites fail due to soil toxicity
Open pits must be backfilled Soils must be tested for salinity, acidity and
toxicity in order to prepare restoration plan Salinity acidity and toxicity will likely all
contribute to Shale gas sites due to: salts, hydroflouric acid, heavy metal leaching and a
variety of chemicals used in the fracking liquid Grading and scraping to loosen soils and adding
Lime and fertilizer are recommended Many mine Reclamation sites fail due to soil toxicity
Recommendations for Water ManagementRecommendations for Water Management
Communicating with local water planning agencies is essential for the operators of the drills in order to manage water sources.
Using several large sources of water instead of many smaller ones.
Ensuring that the withdrawal of every water source used will not significantly nor permanently deplete that source.
Choosing water sources in close proximity to mine site.
Ensuring the safe and effective disposal of produced water from the acid fracturing process.
Continue to research the proper disposal of produced water in order to create more effective methods of treatment.
Communicating with local water planning agencies is essential for the operators of the drills in order to manage water sources.
Using several large sources of water instead of many smaller ones.
Ensuring that the withdrawal of every water source used will not significantly nor permanently deplete that source.
Choosing water sources in close proximity to mine site.
Ensuring the safe and effective disposal of produced water from the acid fracturing process.
Continue to research the proper disposal of produced water in order to create more effective methods of treatment.
Recommendations for Land Use ChangeRecommendations for Land Use Change
In order to protect trout populations, drilling should not be permitted in areas deemed sensitive coldwater habitats.
Multiple wells should be placed along the same access road, while utilizing current roads as much as possible.
Areas of sensitivity such as steep slopes, wetlands, and streams should be avoided.
Proper erosion controls must be implemented.
Topsoil must be maintained for proper reclamation. Catch ponds and/or artificial wetlands must be provided to store, filter and monitor surface runoff from mine sites.
In order to protect trout populations, drilling should not be permitted in areas deemed sensitive coldwater habitats.
Multiple wells should be placed along the same access road, while utilizing current roads as much as possible.
Areas of sensitivity such as steep slopes, wetlands, and streams should be avoided.
Proper erosion controls must be implemented.
Topsoil must be maintained for proper reclamation. Catch ponds and/or artificial wetlands must be provided to store, filter and monitor surface runoff from mine sites.
Works CitedWorks Cited Arthur, J Daniel. (2008). An Overview of Modern Shale Gas Development in the United States.
All Consulting. http://www.allllc.com/publicdownloads/ALLShaleOverviewFINAL.pd Soeder, Daniel and William Kappel. (2009). Water Resources and Natural Gas Production from
the Marcellus Shale. USGS. https://webmail.uvm.edu/horde/imp/view.php popup_view=1&index=11782&mailbox=INBOX&actionID=view_attach&id=2&mimecache=e6686c56f385749fe79522412f9e4d3e
New York State Department of Environmental Conservation. (2009). Supplemental Generic Environmental Impact Statement on the Oil, Gas and Solution Mining Regulatory Program. http://www.docstoc.com/docs/12365971/OGdSGEISFull
Cornell University. Water Quality Information for Consumers. http://waterquality.cce.cornell.edu/naturalgasdrilling.htm
USEPA (U. S. Environmental Protection Agency). 2001. What is the State of the Environment in the Mid-Atlantic Region? Technical report EPA/903F/F-01/003. Region 3, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.
Conservation Strategy Work Group. (2005) Conserving the Eastern Brook Trout: status, threat and trends. http://www.mmbtu.org/Conserving_Eastern_Brook_Trout.pdf
Arthur, J Daniel. (2008). An Overview of Modern Shale Gas Development in the United States. All Consulting. http://www.allllc.com/publicdownloads/ALLShaleOverviewFINAL.pd
Soeder, Daniel and William Kappel. (2009). Water Resources and Natural Gas Production from the Marcellus Shale. USGS. https://webmail.uvm.edu/horde/imp/view.php popup_view=1&index=11782&mailbox=INBOX&actionID=view_attach&id=2&mimecache=e6686c56f385749fe79522412f9e4d3e
New York State Department of Environmental Conservation. (2009). Supplemental Generic Environmental Impact Statement on the Oil, Gas and Solution Mining Regulatory Program. http://www.docstoc.com/docs/12365971/OGdSGEISFull
Cornell University. Water Quality Information for Consumers. http://waterquality.cce.cornell.edu/naturalgasdrilling.htm
USEPA (U. S. Environmental Protection Agency). 2001. What is the State of the Environment in the Mid-Atlantic Region? Technical report EPA/903F/F-01/003. Region 3, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.
Conservation Strategy Work Group. (2005) Conserving the Eastern Brook Trout: status, threat and trends. http://www.mmbtu.org/Conserving_Eastern_Brook_Trout.pdf
