A method for screening groundwater vulnerability from subsurface hydrocarbon extraction practices

Area of Science:

• Environmental Science
• Hydrogeology
• Geological Engineering

Background:

• Groundwater contamination from hydrocarbon exploitation poses significant environmental risks.
• Existing methods may not comprehensively assess vulnerability across diverse subsurface activities.
• Accurate assessment is crucial for effective environmental management and regulation.

Purpose of the Study:

• To introduce a novel screening method for evaluating groundwater vulnerability to hydrocarbon exploitation.
• To provide a framework applicable to various hydrocarbon energy sources and subsurface activities.
• To enhance environmental decision-making through a confidence-rated assessment of pollution risk.

Main Methods:

• Assessing intrinsic vulnerability by identifying geological contaminant transport pathways.
• Evaluating specific vulnerability considering hydrocarbon activity type and driving heads.
• Incorporating a confidence rating for each assessment parameter.

Main Results:

• The method provides a structured approach to assess groundwater vulnerability.
• Confidence ratings highlight areas needing further investigation for informed decision-making.
• Demonstrated applicability for conventional and shale gas operations.

Conclusions:

• The developed screening method offers a robust tool for assessing groundwater vulnerability to hydrocarbon exploitation.
• It supports environmental decision-making, regulation, and management by quantifying risk and confidence.
• The method's adaptability allows for application in various geological settings and for diverse subsurface activities.