Bernhard Mayer, University of Calgary
16-WIPC-01 and 17-WIPC-01
Expansion of oil and gas activities into unconventional resource plays has been tied to concerns about the current and future state of Alberta’s groundwater. A key step in addressing this concern is characterizing current baseline conditions in Alberta’s aquifers in a scientifically sound manner. The effort must include developing methods that enable differentiation between natural variations in water and gas geochemistry from those caused by potential anthropogenic impacts. The objective of this project is to compile, evaluate and interpret all available baseline groundwater testing data on aqueous and gas geochemical compositions across Alberta.
Policy Issues
Assessment of alternative sources and handling of water for unconventional oil and gas development, considering the entire life cycle.
Knowledge Gap
Compile and analyze baseline water well testing data from areas where hydrologic fracturing occurs.
