Marcellus ShaleA Pennsylvania – Land Trust Perspective

Presentor

Mr. Brian Oram, PG Mr. Brian Oram, PG Professional Geologist, Soil Scientist, Professional Geologist, Soil Scientist,

PASEO, Certified Geothermal Installer, Licensed Well DrillerPASEO, Certified Geothermal Installer, Licensed Well Driller

Wilkes University Wilkes University Center for Environmental Quality Center for Environmental Quality http://www.waterhttp://www.water--research.netresearch.net

Project SponsorsWilkes Universityhttp://www.wilkes.eduPocono Northeast Resource Conservation & Development Councilhttp://www.pnercd.orgC-SAW Program - Consortium for Scientific Assistance to Watersheds Programhttp://pa.water.usgs.gov/csaw/

Center for Environmental Quality

NonNon--profit/ equal opportunity employer, is operated andprofit/ equal opportunity employer, is operated andmanaged, within the Department of Environmentalmanaged, within the Department of EnvironmentalEngineering and Earth Sciences at Wilkes UniversityEngineering and Earth Sciences at Wilkes University

Outreach Programs Outreach Programs Environmental and Professional Education and TrainingEnvironmental and Professional Education and TrainingApplied ResearchApplied ResearchCommunity and Business Outreach ProgramsCommunity and Business Outreach Programs

Website: Website: http://www.waterhttp://www.water--research.netresearch.net

What the NBLT Does?

Preserve the Beauty and Open landscapes that Preserve the Beauty and Open landscapes that Sustain Us.Sustain Us.It is a Conservation OrganizationIt is a Conservation OrganizationPreserve Property, Promote Healthy CommunitiesPreserve Property, Promote Healthy CommunitiesDevelop LongDevelop Long--Term Grow Strategies Term Grow Strategies Accomplish Mission through Accomplish Mission through –– donation of land or donation of land or development rights/subdivision rights or direct development rights/subdivision rights or direct purchase of development rights.purchase of development rights.

How Do You Manage or Maintain these Valuable Assets?

Donations, Fundraisers, GrantsDonations, Fundraisers, GrantsDo you timber harvest?Do you timber harvest?Do you harvest or grow Do you harvest or grow biofuelsbiofuels??Do you permit hunting, fishing, or farming?Do you permit hunting, fishing, or farming?Do you conduct Environmental Education Do you conduct Environmental Education Courses or Training Sessions? Courses or Training Sessions? Do you permit mineral resource extraction?Do you permit mineral resource extraction?

Marcellus Shale Photo

Outcrops Along theSoutheastern Border of Pike CountyAlong Route 209

Main Fracture Orientation

Geological Sequence

0 to 1.8 million years

Time

Quaternary –Glaciation

PeriodDeposit or Rock Type

sand, silt, clay, and gravel

1.8 to 290 million Tertiary to Permian Not present (eroded and weathered)

290 – 320 million Pennsylvanian

320 – 354 million Mississippian

354 - 417 million Devonian

417 – 443 million Silurian

Catskill FormationTrimmers Rock FormationMahantango FormationMarcellus Formation(Black Shale)- TargetOnondaga Formation(calcareous sandy shale)

Mauch ChunkPocono and Spechty Kopf

Llewellyn (coal) and Pottsville ( minor coal)

OLDER

Marcellus Shale- Natural Gas Play50 to 200 trillion cubic feet

Luzerne CountyShale may be 50 to 200 feet thick

Source- Cabot – Marcellus Shale Thickness Map

This is why the term – Fairway is being used to describe the play.

Permitted Drilled Wells - 2009

3.4 mmcf/day

2.3 to 6.3 mmcf/day

1 MMcf = 1000 MMBtu $3.64 per MMBtu

$ 12,400/day$ 3000/day (25%)

$ 23,900/day$ 5900/day (25%)

Source: DUG Conference Presentation

Marcellus Shale Drilling Site

Pads can be 5+ acres – but one pad may support drilling multiple horizontal wells.

The Concerns (Partial List)Lack of Local and State OversightLack of Local and State Oversight--Regulated on the Federal/ State Level Regulated on the Federal/ State Level –– not via not via local zoning and landlocal zoning and land--use.use.Mineral Owner or Gas Rights OutMineral Owner or Gas Rights Out--weigh weigh Rights of Surface Owner Rights of Surface Owner HabitatHabitat–– Loss of Crop or Timber ValueLoss of Crop or Timber Value-- can be can be addressed in leaseaddressed in leasePotential for ContaminationPotential for Contamination-- address concerns address concerns during leasing or other processes and local during leasing or other processes and local unrelated unrelated ordiancesordiances and baseline testingand baseline testingWater ResourceWater ResourceAir Quality Air Quality –– Noise PollutionNoise Pollution-- CompactionCompactionLocal Agencies not prepared for this type of Local Agencies not prepared for this type of developmentdevelopment

Concerns Related to Marcellus Shale

Based on Community Location Based on Community Location –– this could be a major this could be a major concern or major impact.concern or major impact.In general, the concerns are related to the following:In general, the concerns are related to the following:

Erosion and Sedimentation SystemsErosion and Sedimentation SystemsVolume of Water Used In Volume of Water Used In HydrofracturingHydrofracturing-- 2 to 9 2 to 9 million gallons per well.million gallons per well.Loss of Freshwater Aquifer or contamination by brine Loss of Freshwater Aquifer or contamination by brine water and drilling fluids/ water and drilling fluids/ mudsmuds..Drilling fluids may contain environmental Drilling fluids may contain environmental contaminations (metals and organics).contaminations (metals and organics).Impacts to Roadways, Traffic, Tourism, and EcologyImpacts to Roadways, Traffic, Tourism, and EcologyPotential for Groundwater and Surface Water Potential for Groundwater and Surface Water ContaminationContaminationSpills and Spill ManagementSpills and Spill Management

This Zone should be cemented

Typical Well

Additional CementedZones

Multiple CementedCasing Used in Drilling Process

Groundwater Moves - Slowlyfeet per year

Confining BedSea Level

Stagnant Water – no to little flow

Saline/Brine Water

Injection Wells – Class IIClass II wells inject fluids associated with oil and natural gas production.Most of the injected fluid is salt water (brine), which is brought to the surfacein the process of producing (extracting) oil and gas.

Regulated by:EPA - http://www.epa.gov/safewater/uic/wells_class2.html

Does the UIC Program regulate hydraulic fracturing?Sometimes. The UIC Program regulates the following activities:

Well injection of fluids into a formation to enhance oil and gasproduction (Class II wells). Fracturing used in connection with Class II and Class V injection wells to “stimulate” (open pore space in a formation). Hydraulic fracturing to produce methane from coal beds in Alabama.

Note: Class V wells are shallow wells that inject water into or above a freshwater aquifer. http://www.epa.gov/ogwdw000/uic/

Getting to The Natural Gas

5000 to7000 feet

Up to a few thousand feet

Freshwater Well

Possible saline/brine/ connatewater

Types of Fluids

Top hole fluids Top hole fluids –– typically the water from the typically the water from the freshwater aquifer. This water from the first 600 freshwater aquifer. This water from the first 600 to 800 feet.to 800 feet.Bottom hole fluids Bottom hole fluids –– brine or connate water.brine or connate water.Stimulation Fluids Stimulation Fluids –– fluid used to improve fluid used to improve recovery (recovery (fracfrac process)process)Production Fluids Production Fluids –– water produced along the water produced along the natural gas release natural gas release –– similar to bottom hole fluid.similar to bottom hole fluid.

Active Marcellus Production Site – Frac Fluid Chemistry

Typically Frac Water is comprised of clean water with a low probably for scaleformation, but treated effluents and other sources being evaluated. The components include:

Friction Reducer – anionic polymer high molecular weight(hold frac sand and other particles)

Wetting Agent- nonionic surfactant – reduce surface tension and improvefrac water flowback.

Biocides- control growth or regrowth of microorganisms.

Scale Inhibitor – phosphate based chemicals to inhibit precipitate formation and scale formation.

Arthur et. al., 2008 – All Consulting – “ Natural Gas Wells of the Marcellus Shale”, Presented at Groundwater Protection Council 2008 Annual Forum.

Available Frac Water ChemistryParameter Units Concentration PWS Multiplier

Aluminum mg/L 1.2 0.2 6

Arsenic mg/L 0.014 0.01 1.4

Barium mg/L 410 2 205

Iron mg/L 17 0.3 56

Manganese mg/L 0.89 0.05 17.8

Hardness mg/L 1750 500 3.5

T. Dissolved Solids mg/L 31324 500 62

Nirate @ N mg/L 90.1 44 2

pH su 6.73 6.5 - 8.5 oK

Bromide mg/L 61.8 0.01 6180

Chloride mg/L 27000 250 108

Gross Alpha pCi/L 223.3 15 15

Gross Beta mrem/yr (Sr) 38.65 4 10

Radium 228 pCi/L 18.55 5 4

Radium 226 pCi/L 69.63 5 14

Flowback Water ChemistryFlowback water is generated from drilling and it is what gets produced from the first 5% of water returned after a well is started

May contain elevated levels of trace metals, nitrogen, bromide,uranium, and hydrocarbons. Most of the dissolved solids includeschloride and sodium.

Source: http://www.prochemtech.com/

Production WaterProduced water is wasted water that accompanies oil extraction and is high in saline. Typically, separated stored onsite and then hauled to treatment/disposal facility.

May contain elevated levels of trace metals, nitrogen, bromide, uranium, and hydrocarbons. Most of the dissolved solids includes chloride and sodium.

Source: http://www.prochemtech.com/

Background Testing and Baseline(Work as a Community !)

Test wells / springs/Test wells / springs/surfacewatersurfacewater within at least 1000 feet within at least 1000 feet of proposed well location.of proposed well location.If no wells on the property install or develop a baseline If no wells on the property install or develop a baseline monitoring program.monitoring program.Test wells/springs/Test wells/springs/surfacewatersurfacewater along horizontal testing leg along horizontal testing leg with a minimum of 500 feet radius from horizontal leg.with a minimum of 500 feet radius from horizontal leg.Document static water levels, well production capacity, Document static water levels, well production capacity, and spring flowsand spring flowsPre Drilling Baseline Pre Drilling Baseline –– within 6 months of starting a within 6 months of starting a production well.production well.Post Drilling Testing Post Drilling Testing –– within 6 months of completion.within 6 months of completion.

Action as a CitizenSupport proposed regulatory changes related to Support proposed regulatory changes related to Marcellus Shale DevelopmentMarcellus Shale DevelopmentEncourage PA State Government to Invest in Encourage PA State Government to Invest in Oversight, Increase Fees, and FinesOversight, Increase Fees, and FinesSupport Proposed Changes in TDS, Chloride, and Support Proposed Changes in TDS, Chloride, and Sulfate Discharge Regulations.Sulfate Discharge Regulations.Use Organization To Properly Educate and Inform Use Organization To Properly Educate and Inform the Public, Local Government, and work with the Public, Local Government, and work with Royalty Owner Groups.Royalty Owner Groups.Royalty Owner Group Members may be future Royalty Owner Group Members may be future Land Trust Clients.Land Trust Clients.

Action as a Royalty OwnerGet a Solid Lease with Addendums that Protect You and SurroundinGet a Solid Lease with Addendums that Protect You and Surrounding g Landowners.Landowners.Use Bonus Payment to Establish Additional Ecological/ Use Bonus Payment to Establish Additional Ecological/ Environmental Baseline, Education Adjacent Landowners, and Environmental Baseline, Education Adjacent Landowners, and Leverage into Projects that generate or support local issues andLeverage into Projects that generate or support local issues andcommunity.community.Avoid the use of lined pits for storing Avoid the use of lined pits for storing fracfrac, stimulation, and bottom , stimulation, and bottom hole fluids.hole fluids.Encourage Driller to Use Multiple Cemented Casings, Third Party Encourage Driller to Use Multiple Cemented Casings, Third Party Inspects, and Obtain Copies of Baseline Testing (Surface and Inspects, and Obtain Copies of Baseline Testing (Surface and Groundwater).Groundwater).Encourage Develop to Disclose Emergency Response Plan related toEncourage Develop to Disclose Emergency Response Plan related to a a surface or subsurface contamination.surface or subsurface contamination.Prohibit onProhibit on--site drilling, deep well inject for brine water disposal, and site drilling, deep well inject for brine water disposal, and proper disclosure on water usage (cradle to grave) and proper disclosure on water usage (cradle to grave) and fracfrac chemicals.chemicals.

Anticline

Fresh Water< 1000 mg/L

Brackish1000 to < 10,000 mg/L

Brine- > 10,000 mg/L

1200 + ft

600 + ft

Younger Older Younger

Water Well

TargetFormation

Sea Level

General Geology

Saline Water

Brine Water

Water Testing Recommendations

Package # 1 Package # 1 –– Based on Penn State University Based on Penn State University Recommendations and Workshops.Recommendations and Workshops.Parameters: total Parameters: total coliformcoliform, e. coli, chloride, , e. coli, chloride, barium, pH, and total dissolved solids.barium, pH, and total dissolved solids.Estimated Cost w/o ChainEstimated Cost w/o Chain--ofof--Custody and Custody and Collection Collection –– Approximately $ 120.00 /sample..

Very inadequate !Very inadequate !Need to add at least methane/ethane !Need to add at least methane/ethane !

Water Testing RecommendationPackage # 2Package # 2-- Based on what the PADEP isBased on what the PADEP isRecommendations.Recommendations.

Chloride, Chloride, Total Total ColiformColiform, T. Hardness, Magnesium, Strontium, Iron, , T. Hardness, Magnesium, Strontium, Iron, Manganese, pH, Sodium, Conductivity, Calcium, Alkalinity, TotalManganese, pH, Sodium, Conductivity, Calcium, Alkalinity, TotalDissolved Solids, Barium, Oil & Grease, and Methane/EthaneDissolved Solids, Barium, Oil & Grease, and Methane/Ethane

Estimated Cost w/o ChainEstimated Cost w/o Chain--ofof--Custody and Collection Custody and Collection ––Approximately $600.00 /sample.

Missing barium, MBAS, Missing barium, MBAS, VOCsVOCs, , radiologicalsradiologicals and other and other key parameters and can not conduct geochemical mapping.key parameters and can not conduct geochemical mapping.

Water Testing RecommendationPackage # 3Package # 3-- Based on a combination of what local gas companyBased on a combination of what local gas company’’s ares aredoing as part of their background or baseline analysis, plus adddoing as part of their background or baseline analysis, plus added totaled totalcoliformcoliform and pH.and pH.

Alkalinity, pH, Total Alkalinity, pH, Total ColiformColiform, Arsenic, Barium, Calcium, , Arsenic, Barium, Calcium, Chloride, Conductivity, T. Hardness, Iron, Magnesium, Chloride, Conductivity, T. Hardness, Iron, Magnesium, Manganese, Oil/Grease, Potassium, Sodium, Sulfate, Total Manganese, Oil/Grease, Potassium, Sodium, Sulfate, Total Dissolved Solids, MTBE/Dissolved Solids, MTBE/VOCVOC’’ss (includes BTEX), (includes BTEX), Sulfide, Nitrate, Ammonia, MBAS (Surfactants), Sulfide, Nitrate, Ammonia, MBAS (Surfactants), Methane/Ethane, and Total Suspended Solids.Methane/Ethane, and Total Suspended Solids.Estimated Cost w/o ChainEstimated Cost w/o Chain--ofof--Custody and CollectionCustody and Collection$ 950.00 per sampleProblem Problem –– Does not include Strontium, Bromide, Selenium, and radiologicalDoes not include Strontium, Bromide, Selenium, and radiological..

Water Testing RecommendationsPackage # 4 Based on Gas Company Background Testing and areview of the chemical analysis of used Frac Water.

pH, standard plate count, total coliform, nitrate, nitrite, alkalinity, chloride, bromide, sulfate, color, odor, conductivity, corrosion index, alpha/beta count, T. Hardness, Mercury, trace metals (IOC Metals), strontium, potassium, regulated VOC’s & MTBE, Radium 226/ 228, AmmoniaTotal Dissolved Solids, secondary drinking water parameters, Uranium, Radon in Water, Total Kjeldahl Nitrogen, total suspended solids, MBAS, Methane/Ethane , Oil/ Grease, and Sulfide.Estimated Cost w/o Chain-of-Custody and Collection

$ 1950.00 per sample.

Estimated Cost without the radiological w/o ChainEstimated Cost without the radiological w/o Chain--ofof--Custody and CollectionCustody and Collection ––$ 1500.00 per sample..

Comprehensive Comprehensive –– Water Testing Package Water Testing Package –– Still missing phenol, Still missing phenol, 22--Butanone, Acetone, and other trace contaminants in Butanone, Acetone, and other trace contaminants in fracfrac water brinewater brine

Certificate of CompletionPresented to

Fill in Your NameIntroduction to Environmental

Issues for Natural Gas Development for Land Trusts

1– hour Education SeriesPresented by

Mr. Brian Oram, PG Add Date

B.F. Environmental ConsultantsDallas, PA 18612

http://www.bfenvironmental.com

Groundwater and Hydrogeology ofLuzerne County, PA

Hydrogeological AssessmentsSoils EvaluationCommunity Education Outreach

http://www.water-research.net