Air.Water.Energy Event:
Groundwater and the Oil & Gas Industry
Powerhouse Science Center
5 - 7 pm
Join MSI, local professionals, and academics from CU Boulder for a casual evening of discussion about the benefits of monitoring groundwater, for both homeowner and the oil and gas industry. Learn about the science-based framework for evaluating the effects of oil and gas production on water quality. See a demonstration of groundwater testing. The public will have an opportunity to ask questions to industry professionals and researchers.
Program
Oil and Gas Production and Potential Effects on Groundwater
Jessica Rogers - Graduate Research Assistant
Environmental Engineering Department - University of Colorado at Boulder
The oil and gas boom, facilitated by technical advances in horizontal drilling and hydraulic fracturing, is bringing energy production activities closer to densely populated areas and raising concerns on the potential contamination of drinking water resources. This talk will give an overview of two possible risks to groundwater resources: contamination by oil- and gas-related organic compounds and the occurrence of methane or "stray gas." Results of ongoing research by the AirWaterGas Sustainability Research Network studying groundwater impacts in Colorado will be presented.
Baseline Groundwater Sampling Programs: Peace of Mind for Landowners and Industry
Ashley Ager, M.S., P.G. - Senior Geologist, LT Environmental, Inc.
Durango, Colorado
Ashely Ager will discuss the most important rule governing baseline groundwater sampling in Colorado, Rule 609. The Colorado Oil and Gas Conservation Commission (COGCC) issued Rule 609 in 2013 in order to establish baseline the conditions in groundwater aquifers within close proximity to planned oil & gas production prior to drilling. This rule also includes the continued monitoring of the groundwater for a specified period of time following well completion. The intent of the rule is to satisfy landowners that drinking water supplies are being protected as oil & gas development expands. A critical component of these programs, as demonstrated in case studies, is the liability protection for the oil & gas operators, landowners, and associated water users in an environment becoming increasingly sensitive to impacts from oil and gas production.
"Know your Groundwater- Training for Homeowners"
Katya Hafich - Outreach Hydrologist
Colorado Water and Energy Research Center
AirWaterGas Sustainability Research Network
University of Colorado-Boulder.
Learn about how to develop plans for developing baseline water quality data for your domestic water well: what constituents to test for, how often and what time of year to test, how to interpret your results, and how to find opportunities for free testing.
Panel Discussion - Ask the Experts!
Karen Spray, PG
Southern Ute Indian Tribe – Growth Fund
Department of Energy
Exploration & Production Manager
Brian Devine
Water Program Manager – San Juan Basin Health Department
Kyle Siesser
Cottonwood Consulting
