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Evaluation of Methane Sources in Groundwater in Northeastern Pennsylvania
Oral Presentation
Prepared by S. Farhat
GSI Environmental Inc., 2211 Norfolk Street, Houston, TX, 77098
Contact Information: skfarhat@gsi-net.com; 713-522-6300
ABSTRACT
Testing of 1701 water wells in northeastern Pennsylvania shows that methane is ubiquitous in groundwater, with higher concentrations observed in valleys vs. upland areas and in association with calcium-sodium-bicarbonate, sodium-bicarbonate, and sodium-chloride rich waters – indicating that, on a regional scale, methane concentrations are best correlated to topographic and hydrogeologic features, rather than shale gas extraction. In addition, our assessment of isotopic and molecular analyses of hydrocarbon gases in the Dimock Township suggest that gases present in local water wells are most consistent with Middle and Upper Devonian gases above the Marcellus sampled in the annular spaces of local gas wells. Combined, these findings suggest that the methane concentrations in Susquehanna County water wells can be explained without the migration of Marcellus shale gas through fractures, an observation that has important implications for understanding the nature of risks associated with shale-gas extraction.
Oral Presentation
Prepared by S. Farhat
GSI Environmental Inc., 2211 Norfolk Street, Houston, TX, 77098
Contact Information: skfarhat@gsi-net.com; 713-522-6300
ABSTRACT
Testing of 1701 water wells in northeastern Pennsylvania shows that methane is ubiquitous in groundwater, with higher concentrations observed in valleys vs. upland areas and in association with calcium-sodium-bicarbonate, sodium-bicarbonate, and sodium-chloride rich waters – indicating that, on a regional scale, methane concentrations are best correlated to topographic and hydrogeologic features, rather than shale gas extraction. In addition, our assessment of isotopic and molecular analyses of hydrocarbon gases in the Dimock Township suggest that gases present in local water wells are most consistent with Middle and Upper Devonian gases above the Marcellus sampled in the annular spaces of local gas wells. Combined, these findings suggest that the methane concentrations in Susquehanna County water wells can be explained without the migration of Marcellus shale gas through fractures, an observation that has important implications for understanding the nature of risks associated with shale-gas extraction.