Groundwater

Understanding the Potential Impacts of the Extraction of Unconventional Gases on the UK Water Industry - Stage 2

Reference: 14/WR/09/10
ISBN: 1 84057 720 7
Published Date: 28/04/2014

Shale gas and coalbed methane CBM) are trapped at depth in low permeability shale and coal. The extraction of shale gas requires (as may CBM) hydraulic fracturing (fracking) to permit upwards gas migration via a well. Fracking involves injecting lage volumes of fluid under high pressure. Some of this fracking fluid returns to the surface as flowback. During production, wells also generate saline produced water potentially containing radioactive substances. Produced water and flowback require treatment and disposal.
This report represents Stage 2 of a project to understand the potential impacts of fracking and CBM extraction on the UK water industry. It addresses specific concerns regarding: demands on water resources; risks to groundwater and surface water from chemical additives, gas and formation fluids; managamenet and treatment of waste waters; and the potential risks to water company infrastructure from induced seismicity.

Price: £10  

Appendix A Common Additives in Hydraulic Fracture Fluid

Reference: 14/WR/09/10
ISBN: 1 84057 720 7
Published Date: 28/04/2014

Shale gas and coalbed methane CBM) are trapped at depth in low permeability shale and coal. The extraction of shale gas requires (as may CBM) hydraulic fracturing (fracking) to permit upwards gas migration via a well. Fracking involves injecting lage volumes of fluid under high pressure. Some of this fracking fluid returns to the surface as flowback. During production, wells also generate saline produced water potentially containing radioactive substances. Produced water and flowback require treatment and disposal.
This report represents Stage 2 of a project to understand the potential impacts of fracking and CBM extraction on the UK water industry. It addresses specific concerns regarding: demands on water resources; risks to groundwater and surface water from chemical additives, gas and formation fluids; managamenet and treatment of waste waters; and the potential risks to water company infrastructure from induced seismicity.

Price: £10  

Appendix B Additives Used in Europe (from NGSFacts)

Reference: 14/WR/09/10
ISBN: 1 84057 720 7
Published Date: 28/04/2014

Shale gas and coalbed methane CBM) are trapped at depth in low permeability shale and coal. The extraction of shale gas requires (as may CBM) hydraulic fracturing (fracking) to permit upwards gas migration via a well. Fracking involves injecting lage volumes of fluid under high pressure. Some of this fracking fluid returns to the surface as flowback. During production, wells also generate saline produced water potentially containing radioactive substances. Produced water and flowback require treatment and disposal.
This report represents Stage 2 of a project to understand the potential impacts of fracking and CBM extraction on the UK water industry. It addresses specific concerns regarding: demands on water resources; risks to groundwater and surface water from chemical additives, gas and formation fluids; managamenet and treatment of waste waters; and the potential risks to water company infrastructure from induced seismicity.

Price: £10