Getting The Waters Tested The Marcellus Shale Factor

Old Issues

New IssuesEnvironment

Water Resources

Private Wells In PA

B.F. Environmental Consultants Inc.

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Outreach ProgramsOutreach Programs

Environmental and Professional Education and Training for CitizeEnvironmental and Professional Education and Training for Citizens ns and Local Municipalitiesand Local MunicipalitiesWater Quality Help Guides Water Quality Help Guides –– Information LibraryInformation LibraryCommunity and Business Outreach ProgramsCommunity and Business Outreach ProgramsLow Cost Low Cost –– Informational Water Testing Program with National Informational Water Testing Program with National LaboratoryLaboratoryCitizen Monitoring ProgramsCitizen Monitoring Programs

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Carbon County Groundwater Guardians

Document NoticeCopyright and all content is owned and retained by Mr. Brian OramDocument can not be reproduced in whole or part without providing credit as follows:

Mr. Brian Oram, PGhttp://www.bfenvironmental.comhttp://www.water-research.net570-335-1947bfenviro@ptd.net

GoalsPart 1- The Private Well Factor and Issue in Pennsylvania

Private Well Water Quality for the RegionExisting Problems in RegionBrief Introduction to Marcellus Shale and Importance of Proper Well ConstructionReview of Hydraulic FracturingMethane Gas MigrationThe Citizen Groundwater DatabaseMethane Gas in PAWell Monitoring and PurgingChain-of-CustodyBaseline Testing – What Parameters?Duke and PSU Findings – My ThoughtsEducating the Community-Making a Difference

Goa1 - Private Wells/ Water Systems in Pennsylvania

What ?

95 % drilled wells5 % hand-dug and other

PA -Private Wells Not RegulatedPrivate Wells Are Not Regulated under Safe Drinking Water Act

EPA – NOPADEP – NOCounty – Very Few Counties in PATownships – some have basic ordinance on placement- some have comprehensive requirementsWhere are these Wells?

Lets Be Honest – We have Problems in Pennsylvania with Private Wells

Wells Poorly Constructed – either poor casing, inadequate casing, or annular space not grouted.Wells Too Deep – Mixing Fresh and Saline AquifersWells in the Wrong Place

Properly Constructed Wells and Poorly Constructed Wells

Confining BedSea Level

Stagnant Water – no to little flow

Saline Water

Proper Construction

Brine Water

600 to1200 ft Fresh

Water

Poorly Constructed

Some Private Well Photos

What is the Marcellus Shale Factor and Why a Citizen Database?

We have been educating private wellowners for 20+ years- but it was difficult to get citizens to test their well water. It looks clear – I am not sick – It is fine.

The Marcellus Shale Factor – Baseline Testing for Natural Gas Development is conducting Testing and Citizens are be told they have a Problem NOW.

Based on Private Well Construction and Placement - Some Private Wells may be the pathways for Contamination.

How do we track an unregulated activity – such as: Private Wells and Identify Zones or Areas that are Vulnerable to Contamination.

This lead to the idea for creating the Citizen Groundwater / Surfacewater Database.

WE Support the Citizen Groundwater Database at Wilkes University !

This is Drinking Water in PA?

Iron / Manganese

Bacteria

Sediment / Gases

Corrosion

50%

Other 50%

Before Marcellus Shale DevelopmentWhat was the Quality of Private Well Water?

A USGS survey found that 70% of private wells were contaminated.A USGS survey found that 70% of private wells were contaminated. ThisThiscontamination could result in acute or chronic health concerns (contamination could result in acute or chronic health concerns (1996).1996).

Sixty-Four Percent of the identified waterborne disease outbreaks in theUnited States during 1999 and 2000 occurred in unregulated private waterWells. Lee et al. (2002). - HOW MUCH DOES THIS ADD to Health Care Cost – DO WE CARE??

Testing Conducted by Wilkes University throughout the United StaTesting Conducted by Wilkes University throughout the United Statestesindicates that 30 to over 50% may be contaminated indicates that 30 to over 50% may be contaminated –– Mostly by TotalMostly by TotalColiform Bacteria Coliform Bacteria –– 30% of these E. coli. Positive (1989 30% of these E. coli. Positive (1989 –– 2010).2010).

PSU PSU –– Master Well Owner Network suggests that 33 to 50 % of PrivateMaster Well Owner Network suggests that 33 to 50 % of PrivateWell Owners in PA may have some form of contamination. Well Owners in PA may have some form of contamination.

Not Just a Marcellus Shale Issue

Based on the geology of the NEPA and my 20 years Based on the geology of the NEPA and my 20 years experience, the experience, the commoncommon water quality problems are water quality problems are

as follows:as follows:

Corrosive WaterLow pH

Soft Water (low hardness) to Moderate HardnessIron and Manganese

Total Coliform BacteriaSulfur Odors and

Methane- Biogenic and Thermogenic Gas

(Tends to be < 10 mg/L)Some over 28 mg/L

Contamination by VOCs, SOCs, Glycols, Saline Water, and Radionuclides are NOT COMMON, but saline water may influence 1 to 3 % of wells – This is 12,000 to 36,000 households in PA!

Goal of the Database

Provide a Central Location to Store Baseline Pre-Drilling and/or Post-Drilling Water Quality Data for the Region Document Quality by Geological FormationIdentify Existing Regional Issues or ConcernsProvide an Un-Biased Community ResourceProvide a Mechanism to Track Temporal, Spatial, and other Geospatial Variation in Water Quality.

ImageSource: Luzernecounty.org

Recent Baseline Testing in Luzerne County, PA320 Private Wells

Tested Conducted byCertified LaboratoriesThird Party SamplersNot Wilkes University

Study Area

The Source of the Data I am Presenting Today

Certified – Third Party SamplersAll Testing Completed by Certified Laboratories Using Approved MethodsSamples include rigorous QC/QA including Blanks/ DuplicatesAll wells purged using Standards of PracticePurging Time Based on Stabilized Well Parameters(pH, conductivity, and temperature)The data is the baseline data that was done by EnCana.Homeowners had to approve releasing the data – over 90 % said Yes.

Up to 3% influenced by Saline Water – These same samples have methane approaching 7 mg/L or more.

Source – Wilkes University DatabasePercent Exceeded

0

10

20

30

40

50

60

Total C

oliform

pH < 6.5

Lead

Manga

nese Iro

n

e. co

liPhth

altes

Arsenic TDS

Sodium

Chlorid

eGros

s Alph

a

Perc

ent E

xcee

ded

Well Inflenced by

Connate Water

bis(2 ethylhexylphthates)What?

Plasticizers?

Total Coliform (49%)20% E Coli. Positive

Lead (22 %)

Plasticizers (8%)

Arsenic (6%)

Most Contamination appears to be associated with Total Coliform Bacteria

Insects, Larvae and Insects, Larvae and Nests / Egg MassesNests / Egg MassesMouse ColoniesMouse ColoniesSnakesSnakesBeehivesBeehivesMud Mud -- when casing to when casing to close to groundclose to ground

Therefore – In some cases - the Private Wellsare Facilitating Groundwater Contamination.

What are Phthalates?Used as Plasticizers- is a substance which when added to a material, usually a plastic, makes it flexible and easier to handle. Bis(2-ethylhexylphthalte) (DEHP) – DW Standard – 6 ppb – GI problems, possible endocrine disruptor and carcinogen.Recent Testing – Highest Value was 60 ppb.How did this get in the aquifer?

8 % have plasticizers above the drinking water standards

How ? Not Sure – Here are Some Ideas

Trace Level or near Detection Limit may be related to contamination during field sampling or laboratory testing, but this does not appear to account for levels at or above the drinking water standard.

Other Sources

Private Wells Not Regulated and there are no plumbing codes.

Sources – PVC plastic piping used in the home.

Sources – Drop Pipe and Delivery Piping used in the well.

This is only a hypothesis.

Sometimes we also see hits for Vinyl Chloride and Toluene

(What the electric Tape !!!!)

Arsenic- up to 6 % Elevated LevelsThe drinking water MCL is 0.010 mg/L.

Arsenic can result in the formation of malignant tumors on skin and lungs and may cause nervous system disorders.

Observable symptoms of arsenic poisoning are: thickening and discoloration of the skin, stomach pain, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, numbness in hands and feet, partial paralysis, and blindness.

For this particular parameter within Northeastern Pennsylvania (NEPA), it would be advisable to retest the water for dissolved and total arsenic.

In many cases, the arsenic has been leached from a colloid or particle that could be more cost effectively removed by standard filtration. It is also typically bound to iron oxide complexes.

More Facts- Private Wells Issues Can / Does Impact Citizens Health

There are nearly 1 million households in PA that rely directly on private wells. This is equivalent to serving approximately 3 million PA residents.

20,000 new wells are drilled every year

In 2000, it was estimated there were 1.2 million private wells in PA.

If 50% - have deficiencies that facilitate groundwater contamination –This is approximately 500,000 places were contaminants can leak directly into the groundwater aquifer.

500,000 pathways for leaks, spills, and other surface releases to directly impact the groundwater aquifer

1.5 million citizens drinking water that is “not potable”.

A Study Completed in 2002 found that 64 percent of the identified waterborne disease outbreaks in the United States during 1999 and 2000 occurred in unregulated private water wells.

Methane in WaterMethane has been a hidden issue in NEPA. Methane has been a hidden issue in NEPA. The gas is colorless, tasteless, and odorless The gas is colorless, tasteless, and odorless and there are no known health effects.and there are no known health effects.Potential concerns relate to flammability/ Potential concerns relate to flammability/ explosiveness of gas.explosiveness of gas.Background Background –– appears to range from nonappears to range from non--detect to over 20+ mg/L (highly variable) in detect to over 20+ mg/L (highly variable) in Northeast Pennsylvania.Northeast Pennsylvania.I lit my first well water sample burn in about I lit my first well water sample burn in about 19891989-- thanks to methane gas. thanks to methane gas. New Action Limit of 7 mg/L in water New Action Limit of 7 mg/L in water

Methane Gas

Video from Salt Springs State Park – Fall 2010, by Brian Oramhttp://www.friendsofsaltspringspark.org“At the base of the gorge is a bubbling salt spring, traces of an1850s woolen mill, and mid-19th century farmhouses and barns.”

Go to: http://youtu.be/2QugRgXGdIQ

Methane Gas Migration- Not Related to Marcellus Shale

Private WellLandfillWetland

600 to 1200 ft

1200 to3000+ ft

Gas from Non-Marcellus Shale

Groundwater Flow

Lake

Rock Sample from Quarry – West of Dimock

Sandstone Unit – Containing Plant Materials,Organic Muds – Possible Shallow Methane Source

Duke Study- “Gas Well Drilling and

Hydraulic Fracturing" by Osborn

Note:1. Action Level is 7 mg/L2. Study done in an area with “suspected” gas migrationProblems- Not Considered.3. Data suggest a simple 2-Drelationship.4. Many samples well above Saturation- Influenced by Pump Depth. 5. Contains No Pre-Drill Data-for the shaded area.

Title is spin.

If I told you your grade was26.8 +/- 30 – Did you get a zero?

It looks like background methane levels may follow a linear/ curvilinear trend.

Cabot – Quick Look

Bedrock Fractures and Fractured Zones

High Yielding Well(High Methane ?) Fractured Zone

Lower Yielding Well(Low Methane?)

0

2

4

6

8

10

12

14

10 15 30 45 60 75 90 105 120 135

pH Conduct*100 Temperature Methane

Purge Time, minutesCONCENTRATION

Methane Increases with Purge Time.

How Many Private Well OwnerNormally Let Water Run for 45 minutes

Methane Gas Migration Videos (2009 – Prior to Regulatory Change)

Misc. Videos Showing Gas Migration at the wellhead.

http://youtu.be/gpn2jsb9JtMhttp://youtu.be/N4Ibbs7BN_Ehttp://youtu.be/lnPqKvE60uI

Some Marcellus Shale Issues

Movements or Discolored Water Associated with the Physical Process of Drilling.Problems Caused by Inadequate Casing Placement and CementingIssues of Deep or Excessively Deep Private Wells- that are not known.Old Abandon Oil/Gas Wells –Mostly Western PA

Marcellus Shale - Cartoons

Again – I am not saying I am right, just that I can make a cartoon.

PSU Study -Migration and Disturbance During Drilling-losing circulation

Proper Construction Poor Construction

Key Points1. Proper Casing and Cement of Marcellus Shale Wells2. Knowing How Private Wells Are Constructed3. Isolation Distances will not Solve This Problem.4. Fixing Private Wells has to be part of the Solution.5. This may account for the data on bromide from PSU.6. The issue may not be well radial distance, but constructionand drilling issue.7. Recommend closed loop drilling with water withinfreshwater aquifer (no muds) or water-based muds.

up to

200

0 ft

Lined Pit

Could this explain the Bromide Issue??

Catskill Formation

“Bluestone Quarry – West of Dimock”Note – Preferential Flow Pathways Along Joints and Bedding Planes

80 feet

Migration Concepts- Multiple Casements and Recreate Confining Layers- Need Good Cement Bonds- Cement up to Deepest Casement or Surface

Older

YoungerWater Table

Private Well

Confining Layer

More Conventional Reservoir

Target

Could Radon Gas be a Good Surrogate for Methane Migration? It cost less to test for Radon than Methane- Not Suggesting we Eliminate Methane- add Radon

9000 psi

4000 psiIs this Possible ?

Very Deep Private Well- We have some that are 900 + feet deep

Note

Again – I am not saying anything migrated from the Marcellus Shale into the Catskill Formation or directly into a private well.I am suggesting a Push- Like a “domino effect” or like in Shooting Pool with a possible lag because of permeability- just vertical.

Related to Marcellus ShaleYes – Baseline Testing at a Further Distance – I proposed 3000 feet and 2 years in 2009 with testing every 6 months.

Yes – Assumed Responsibility over a Larger Time Frame- 2 years with screening test every 6 months.

Yes – Liners and Self- Contained Drilling Pads

Yes- Closed Loop Drilling and Water Reuse- change PA Laws to Project Waters with a TDS of less than 10,000 mg/L – this is consistent with the EPA UIC Program.

Yes – Cement Bound Logs and More Disclosure- put copy of permit at a local Twp or Municipal Building

Yes – Higher Permit Fees so Inspectors Working for the Citizens are On Site or Fees to Pay for Contractors Hired by the State that Carry a PA Professional License.

Problem – This does nothing to fix the Problems we have in PA with Private Wells that is not caused by the Marcellus ShaleDevelopment.

What We Need in PAPrivate Well Construction StandardsWell Drilling and Geothermal Well StandardsRequire Water Testing When Well is Drilled-Simple Cost Effective Screening Test.Program to Fix Private WellsStop Using Baseline Data as a “Requirement for a Permit or Part of a To Do List”, but as a Tool to Fix and Prevent Problems.Compile the Data for Tracking Change, Education Outreach, and Not Regulatory Enforcement Against Private Well Owners.

Things We TriedEducation and Outreach Programs (success)Education and Outreach Programs (success)Encouraging Private Well Testing (success)Encouraging Private Well Testing (success)MicroMicro--loan Program to Fix Wells loan Program to Fix Wells –– Great Great Program Program –– Bad Economy and Terms and Bad Economy and Terms and Conditions for Program DifficultConditions for Program Difficult-- We had We had over $ 100,000 at 1% Many Interested over $ 100,000 at 1% Many Interested --Only 1 Application Meet USDA ConditionsOnly 1 Application Meet USDA ConditionsGrant Program to Fix Private Wells Grant Program to Fix Private Wells –– Some Some funding needs support funding needs support –– Maybe Severance Maybe Severance Tax, Impact Fee Could Assist, Donations.Tax, Impact Fee Could Assist, Donations.

DRASTIC Model

Correlation of DRASTIC and Incidences of Contamination

Comparison of Relative DRASTIC index vulnerabilities to frequencies of the occurrence of Total Coliform contamination of Buda and Salansky well water samples- Thanks to Encana and the local private well owners.

Poor Correlation. – I think poor well construction making wells more vulnerable than anticipated.

AgainUp to 1.5 Million - Citizens in PA Drink Water that may cause shortterm or chronic disease. This has nothing to do with Marcellus ShaleOr Unconventional Gas.

This needs to have attention – NOW!

This is not a Marcellus Shale Issue- it is a Health Care and EconomicIssue for the State of Pennsylvania.

We NEED to Work as a Community and Fix The Problems We Created.

Do we really want to Control Health Care Cost??

This is not a Marcellus Shale Issue – It is a HEALTH Issue !

New Community ResourceDownload a Free Copy (pdf) – email bfenviro@ptd.net

Also:1. BFE are Working on a Regional CitizenWater Quality Database.http://www.bfenvironmental.com/

2. BFE provides education outreach programs for private well owners.

3. BFE is working on an update to the booklet – it will be available for Community Education Programs.

Add Your Data to the Citizen Database- ContactMr. Brian Oram at brian.oram@wilkes.edu or bfenviro@ptd.net

AnnouncementsAnnouncement – New Private Well Owner and Watershed Survey for Marcellus Shale Region - Going to Offer 200 Free Radon in Water Tests.

http://www.surveymonkey.com/s/NMG6RQ3

Want to host a community meeting to discuss baseline testing, gas migration, community monitoring, Citizen Groundwater/Surfacewater Database or other issues – call (570) 335-1947, bfenviro@ptd.net or Visit Us at http://www.bfenvironmental.com

New Fact Sheet Related to Methane Gas and Updating the Free Bookletfor Private Well Owners.

Baseline Testing- Critical Issues

Get Testing Done NOWFix any problems that are identified to protect your well water and our WATER.Need Help Selecting Parameters or Understanding Testing Results– Go to http://www.bfenvironmental.com

Facebook Sites

National Water Tests Water Research Watershed Center Citizen SciencePocono Northeast Resource, Conservation & Development CouncilCarbon County Groundwater GuardiansB.F Environmental Consultants Inc

Presented by:Mr. Brian Oram, Professional Geologist (PG), Mr. Brian Oram, Professional Geologist (PG),

Soil Scientist, Licensed Well Driller, IGSHPA Soil Scientist, Licensed Well Driller, IGSHPA

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