Hydrofracking Proactive Source Water Protection
Navigating Hydraulic Fracturing in New York StateReview of Local Impacts and ConcernsPresented by Paul J. Granger, P.E.NYSAWWA HVHF Ad-hoc Committee Chair Vice President , H2M WaterSeptember 18, 2013High Volume Hydraulic Fracturing
Major Construction & Industrial Activity Hydraulic Fracturing or FrackingHigh-volume hydraulic fracturing (HVHF) is a means of tapping shale deposits containing natural gas that were previously inaccessible by conventional drillingHVHF or slickwater fracking is a technique in which large amounts of water, combined with smaller amounts of chemicals and sand, are pumped under high pressure into a drilled gas well
Extent of HVHF Shale in N.Y.
Fracking is major news
Fracking is major controversy.
Officials urge NY Gov. Cuomo to OK gas drillingBy Mary Esch on September 06, 2012http://www.businessweek.com/ap/2012-09-06/officials-urge-ny-gov-dot-cuomo-to-ok-gas-drilling
Hot Button Issue for NYSAWWA and NYWEA Membership!Those For Economic BenefitThose Against Environmental Harm
Goal Strike the balance between energy development and the environment
Our members are on both sides of the issue!Impacts all Water Suppliers!All Water Suppliers have a stake in this issuein and out of the fracking Marcellus shale area.Future Utica shale. Sets the stage for future water resource protection policies and regulations.
Source Water Protection is VitalLocal water utilities need to be actively involved in the regulatory process and be aware of potential impacts related to water supply.Water systems located outside of the Marcellus shale area must also be vigilant since drilling operations can have indirect impacts to water resources and infrastructure
Water Supply Protection ConcernsNine areas of concerns identified by NYAWWA based on past review of the HVHF DsGEIS (issued in 2011).Can be mitigated if properly addressed.
Regulatory oversightHaving adequate regulatory oversight is essential for water resource protection.At present the NYSDEC does not have the regulatory staff to address HVHFWe have recommend that fees / impact charges be developed to support NYSDEC regulatory efforts
Set-back distancesSet-back distances must have a scientific basis Fracking industry agrees*Must consider local hydrogeologic variations from site to site.
*2012 Marcellus Shale Conference - PSU
Subsurface geology and aquifer hydrogeology Cannot be one size fits allA one size fits all approach for evaluating and protecting subsurface geology and aquifer hydrogeology is inadequate and must be predicated on actual local conditions - Fracking industry agrees**2012 Marcellus Shale Conference - PSU
Seismicity ConcernsSeismic impact observations must be studied further.Recent seismic concerns documented in Ohio, Arkansas, other States, and in Europe
Competent analytical laboratory capabilitiesExtensive list of potential contaminants of concern, in flowback water. Lab data is needed to evaluate waste storage, and transport and disposal of hydrofracking flowback.Timely submission of this data is critical in assuring compliance with flowback water and production brine wastewater treatment plant disposal standards prior to permit issuance.
Waste disposalCredible data is vital regarding the availability of appropriate waste disposal options consistent with stated goals of meeting federal discharge standards at the ultimate disposal points
RadioactivityRadioactivity contaminants in the wastewater and drill cuttings are a potential significant issue that must be addressed more research is needed according to PSU*.
*2012 Marcellus Shale Conference - PSU
Full disclosure of all HVHF chemicals Imperative to determining proper wastewater treatment methods and emergency response measures when addressing spills. This is crucial in avoiding avoid unintended consequences to drinking water purveyors.
Production brinesPossibility of using production brines.The use of production brines on roads cannot be allowed.
The Big Picture .integrated approach to protect source water Water resourcesWastewater treatment and waste disposalStormwater ManagementStorage of hazardous materialsCompliance oversight Emergency Services / Public Safety (spill response)Well Close-out and Site LegacyLand Use /ZoningTransportation
Many moving parts!
Other Assessment ConsiderationsTerrestrial and Aquatic Ecosystems New Gas Pipeline InfrastructureSeismic RisksLocal EconomyAir Quality
Water Resource Protection DetailsDrilling down into the details:QuantityWatershed surveyData collectionWater quality assessmentsPlanningPlan developmentPlan implementation
Water QuantityAvailability of water supply to support HVHF operations. The drilling and fracking process can consume 3 to 4 million gallons of water per well. The review of short and longer term quantity and quality impacts related to water withdrawal and usage is recommended.
Source Water DataIdentify and survey geographically primary surface water bodies, watershed areas, aquifer boundaries and Principal AquifersUse your SWAP data ..update as required!
24Source Water DataSite specific information is essential for proper well design based on local aquifer properties.Must evaluate the characteristics and extent of subsurface geology and aquifer hydrogeology on a local basis
Source Water Data (cont.)Determine the proximity of the target fracture zone to the base of a known fresh water supply; and well pad proximity to the boundary of a Principal Aquifer (s) / primary surface water bodies. Important for determining setbacks
Source Water Data (cont.)Identify the depth of the deepest fresh water aquifer to determine if it is reflected in the required construction depth of the HVHF well production casing.Critical area for groundwater source protection .well casing construction.
Water QualityObtain and evaluate baseline water quality data for public and private water sources. Create Pre-HVHF assessments.
Water Quality (cont.)Obtain and review continuous water quality monitoring data for public and private water sources and compare data to pre-HVHF assessments.
Perform surface water monitoring both upstream and downstream of proposed HVHF sites (before and during HVHF activities). Develop a monitoring schedule and plan.Water Quality (cont.)Develop procedures to respond to water quality issues / detected contamination.
Water Protection PlanningRequire the development of a plan for local government review for determining water availability and to protect water resources
Site Management PlanningProtection of surface water bodies and groundwater sources. Improper well construction, poor storage / handling practices and spills associated with the HVHF process could adversely impact local drinking water sources.
Water resource protectionDevelop a communication and outreach plan with private well owners and public water suppliers.
Keys for implementing protective measuresFunding for effective regulatory oversightIntegrated assessment of HVHF impactsLocal control / inputOngoing Water system participation / input
HFHV in New York Remains on HOLDProposed regulations for HVHF officially expired on February 27, 2013The DECif it decides to implement formal regulationswould have to re-propose them in the register, and open them to a 45-day public comment period and at least one hearing.
Delay From a water perspective ..Allows for more time to:Collect dataStudy / EvaluateGain more experienceBenchmark
What does the future hold?....
Limited HVHF in 2013??? 2014?? ...2016 ??Next Steps and Moving Forward Make sure the FSGEIS and Regulations (if and when issued) addresses water supplier concernsReview and communicate issues and concerns on an on-going basisWork with other organizations. NYWEA, NYRWALet science and facts dictate ..provide fair and balanced argumentsStay engaged with state legislators and regulatorsBe proactive .if need be ..be loud.For more information..WWW.NYSAWW.ORG
WWW.AWWA.ORG (Government Affairs)
Paul Granger NYSAWWA Hydrofracking Ad-Hoc Committee ChairPhone: (631) 756-8000 ext. 1419e-mail: [email protected]
Jenny IngraoNYSAWWA Executive Director Phone: (315) 455-2614e-mail: [email protected]
