Stream measurements locate thermogenic methane fluxes in groundwater discharge in an area of shale-gas development

Environmental Science & Technology
Victor M HeilweilDennis W Risser

Abstract

The environmental impacts of shale-gas development on water resources, including methane migration to shallow groundwater, have been difficult to assess. Monitoring around gas wells is generally limited to domestic water-supply wells, which often are not situated along predominant groundwater flow paths. A new concept is tested here: combining stream hydrocarbon and noble-gas measurements with reach mass-balance modeling to estimate thermogenic methane concentrations and fluxes in groundwater discharging to streams and to constrain methane sources. In the Marcellus Formation shale-gas play of northern Pennsylvania (U.S.A.), we sampled methane in 15 streams as a reconnaissance tool to locate methane-laden groundwater discharge: concentrations up to 69 μg L(-1) were observed, with four streams ≥ 5 μg L(-1). Geochemical analyses of water from one stream with high methane (Sugar Run, Lycoming County) were consistent with Middle Devonian gases. After sampling was completed, we learned of a state regulator investigation of stray-gas migration from a nearby Marcellus Formation gas well. Modeling indicates a groundwater thermogenic methane flux of about 0.5 kg d(-1) discharging into Sugar Run, possibly from this fugitive gas source. Si...Continue Reading

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Citations

Feb 5, 2016·The Science of the Total Environment·M P J A AnnevelinkA J Hendriks
Sep 16, 2016·Environmental Science & Technology·Victor M HeilweilDavid P Genereux
Apr 12, 2018·International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health·Noura AbualfarajMira S Olson
Feb 7, 2018·Ground Water·William K EymoldThomas H Darrah
Jan 27, 2018·Science·S L BrantleyT Wen
Apr 30, 2017·Environmental Science and Pollution Research International·Daniele CostaAntónio Fiúza
Dec 7, 2016·Environmental Geochemistry and Health·P J SaundersA Munroe
Jun 20, 2018·Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences of the United States of America·E Barth-NaftilanJ E Saiers
Nov 21, 2018·Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences of the United States of America·Josh WodaSusan L Brantley
Aug 14, 2020·The Science of the Total Environment·Josh WodaSusan L Brantley

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