Indicators of Impacts of Hydraulic Fracturing Fluids on Groundwater Quality

Van Stempvoort, Dale

Indicators of Impacts of Hydraulic Fracturing Fluids on Groundwater Quality

Thursday, November 13, 2014: 5:30 p.m.

Dale Van Stempvoort , Environment Canada, Burlington, ON, Canada

Environment Canada is conducting research on the impacts of shale gas development on groundwater in Canada. Following a literature review to establish the state of the science, the current focus is on laboratory activities to develop suitable indicators to probe for impacts of hydraulic fracturing fluids (FF). Information posted at fracfocus.ca was used along with other relevant information to screen and select candidate FF chemicals for testing as indicators. This includes development of new analytical methods and using batch and column experiments with simulated fracturing fluids to investigate the persistence and mobility of FF chemicals in the subsurface, and their tendencies with respect to sorption and biodegradation. The goal is to select one or more suitable tracers to study the possible migration of FF into groundwater resources. An overview of the laboratory methodology and preliminary results will be presented at the workshop.

Dale Van Stempvoort, Environment Canada, Burlington, ON, Canada

Dale Van Stempvoort (M.Sc., McGill, University; Ph.D., University of Waterloo) is Research Scientist and Head of the Groundwater Section, Water Science and Technology Directorate, Environment Canada. His current research focuses on trace organic contaminants in groundwater. Previous research has included investigation of biodegradation of petroleum hydrocarbons in groundwater at cold temperatures, and stable isotope techniques to investigate biogeochemical processes in aquatic systems.