Site Characterization and Management of Environmental Risks at Upstream Oil and Gas Fields
Presented on Wednesday, May 1, 2013
Upstream oil and gas fields pose unique challenges to scientists and engineers tasked with characterizing and managing environmental risks. These challenges may include complex hydrogeologic settings, unknown or often incomplete knowledge regarding chemical releases, and complex mixtures of chemicals such as petroleum hydrocarbons, salts, and naturally occurring radioactive materials. Furthermore, upstream oil and gas fields offer unique health, safety, and logistical challenges due to their large size and remoteness, which can pose significant site access challenges. Lastly, environmental regulation of upstream oil and gas fields in the U.S. has been left largely to the states, resulting in different environmental policies in different states. However, these challenges also provide opportunities for creative problem solving and innovation.
Moderators:
David S. Lipson, Ph.D., PG
ARCADIS U.S. Inc., Lakewood, CO
David Lipson has more than 22 years of experience as a contaminant hydrogeologist with particular emphasis on chemical transport, subsurface remediation, and fractured bedrock hydrogeology. He provides technical support on a wide range of groundwater contamination and remediation projects. Lipson is well-versed at using mathematical models, engineering controls, and risk-based corrective action approaches at sites regulated under CERCLA, RCRA, and state-led regulatory programs. He earned a doctorate degree in Geological Engineering at Colorado School of Mines, a master’s degree in Hydrogeology at Syracuse University, and a bachelor’s degree in Geology at the State University of New York.
Michael Gefell
ARCADIS U.S. Inc., Lakewood, CO
Michael Gefell, PG, CPG, is a Principal Geologist and Director of Innovation for the Environmental Division at ARCADIS U.S. He holds a B.A. in Geological Sciences from Cornell University and an M.S. in Geology from the University of California-Davis. Gefell has 24 years of experience in environmental site investigations. His primary areas of interest include quantitative hydrogeology, NAPL assessment, fractured bedrock, innovative site characterization methods, and modeling. He has applied these at numerous environmental sites.
