Exploratory hydrocarbon drilling impacts to Arctic lake ecosystems
Joshua R Thienpont1, Steven V Kokelj, Jennifer B Korosi
1Paleoecological Environmental Assessment and Research Lab (PEARL), Department of Biology, Queen's University, Kingston, Ontario, Canada.
Plos One
|November 14, 2013
Summary
Saline wastes from oil and gas drilling sumps in the Arctic Mackenzie Delta can contaminate lakes. Permafrost thaw releases these wastes, increasing lake conductivity and impacting aquatic life.
Area of Science:
- Environmental Science
- Arctic Ecology
- Geochemistry
Background:
- Oil and gas development in the Arctic releases saline wastes.
- Drilling sumps in permafrost were used for waste disposal.
- Permafrost thaw threatens the containment integrity of these sumps.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the impact of degrading drilling sumps on Arctic lake water quality.
- To assess the effects of saline waste leaching on aquatic ecosystems in the Mackenzie Delta.
- To compare impacts from drilling sumps with natural permafrost thaw.
Main Methods:
- Paleolimnological analysis of lake sediments.
- Analysis of extensive present-day water chemistry data.
- Comparison of impacted lakes with control and naturally disturbed lakes.
Main Results:
- Drilling sump-impacted lakes show significantly elevated lakewater conductivity and chloride levels.
- Paleolimnological data reveal shifts in invertebrate assemblages tolerant of high conductivity.
- These changes correlate with the timing of drilling sump construction.
Conclusions:
- Degrading permafrost and compromised drilling sumps pose a significant threat to Arctic lake water quality.
- Leaching saline wastes from sumps negatively affect aquatic ecosystems.
- Current waste disposal practices require re-evaluation due to permafrost thaw risks.
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