Proactive Water Communication by Oil and Gas Operators in the Lochend, Alberta Strike Area

Bowerman, Brent

Proactive Water Communication by Oil and Gas Operators in the Lochend, Alberta Strike Area

Tuesday, March 5, 2019: 9:45 a.m.

Brent Bowerman, P.Geol. , Baseline Water Resource Inc., Calgary, AB, Canada

Alberta’s oil and gas industry prioritizes water resource management through the proactive approach of many industry producers. Baseline Water Resource Inc. (Baseline Water) conducted a regional hydrogeological/hydrological study in the Lochend Industry Producers Group (LIPG) oil and gas operating field northwest of Calgary. This study is an example of how landowner concerns regarding potential water quality/quantity impacts due to hydraulic fracturing can be addressed cooperatively. The objective was to characterize regional hydrogeology and provide a baseline of natural variation in groundwater chemistry. LIPG practices include offering landowners pre-drilling quality and quantity (yield) tests on water wells within 400 metres of hydraulic fracturing activity. The study consisted of 323 water well and 29 spring assessments throughout the LIPG field. Additionally, long term groundwater quality monitoring was performed for a duration of two years coinciding with oil and gas production. Groundwater from the shallow Paskapoo Formation sandstone aquifer is the primary water source for local landowners. Indicators of potential groundwater impacts from oil and gas activity may include elevated chloride and Total Dissolved Solids (TDS) concentrations or the presence of hydrocarbons. The groundwater quality results were comparable to regional background groundwater chemistry and demonstrate natural variation. The data may serve as a baseline for comparison with future water quality analyses. Results of the long-term groundwater quality monitoring indicated no adverse impacts from adjacent oil and gas operations. Study findings were used to prepare communication documents to facilitate water quality discussion between LIPG and private landowners. Stakeholder communication and engagement are paramount to expediting project timelines and improving public perception of the oil and gas industry.

Brent Bowerman, P.Geol., Baseline Water Resource Inc., Calgary, AB, Canada

Brent Bowerman is a Professional Geologist licensed in Alberta, British Columbia and Saskatchewan and President of Baseline Water Resource Inc. in Calgary, Alberta. Mr. Bowerman has 30 years of experience with environmental consulting, oil and gas producers and government with a primary focus on groundwater resources. Mr. Bowerman’s expertise includes water sourcing studies and licensing of surface water and groundwater supplies for commercial and industrial purposes. Mr. Bowerman also has an extensive background in soil and groundwater assessment and monitoring. Mr. Bowerman has contributed to the advancement of knowledge with organizations including CAPP, PTAC and the AOWMA. Baseline Water provides professional services throughout Western Canada for a variety of oil and gas, government and commercial clients. Services include groundwater and surface water assessment and monitoring, water supply evaluation and licensing, environmental site assessments, gas migration and regional baseline hydrogeological assessments.