Unconventional oil and gas spills: Materials, volumes, and risks to surface waters in four states of the U.S.

摘要: Extraction of oil and gas from unconventional sources, such as shale, has dramatically increased over the past ten years, raising potential for spills or releases chemicals, waste materials, gas. We analyzed spill data associated with wells Colorado, New Mexico, North Dakota Pennsylvania 2005 to 2014, where we defined horizontally drilled into an formation. identified materials spilled by state each material summarized frequency, volumes rates. evaluated environmental risk calculating distance nearest stream compared these distances existing setback regulations. Finally, relative importance drinking water in watersheds occurred. Across all four states, 21,300 6622 reported spills. The number horizontal well bores sharply beginning late 2000s; rates also states except PA rate initially increased, reached a maximum 2009 then decreased. Wastewater, crude oil, drilling waste, hydraulic fracturing fluid were most often spilled; largely ranged 100 10,000L. average was highest Mexico (1379m), followed Colorado (747m), (598m) (268m), 7.0, 13.3, 20.4% occurred within surface regulations 30.5, 61.0, 91.4m, respectively. higher than other three states. Results this study can inform assessments providing improved input parameters on volume spilled, guide management policy