Resolving complex hydrogeological settings using an integrated geochemical approach

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Background

•! Hydrochemical assessment completed to determine source/cause of high salinity and GR-C potential

•! Constraints on disposal into basal McMurray leading to requirement for new disposal options

•! High salinity zone in Grand Rapids C identified

•! Concern regarding potential connectivity to deeper saline zones (e.g. Devonian)

Stratigraphy

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Pressure vs. Depth

•! Colorado and Joli Fou acting as good aquitards for Grand Rapids (in most places)

•! Grand Rapids (and McMurray) in under-pressured state

•! Some separation evident between Grand Rapids and McMurray evident

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Connections & traps

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Study area

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•! TDS can vary by several 1000s of mg/L within a lease area: spatial heterogeneity characteristic of karst hydrogeology

•! High TDS values indicative of upward vertical groundwater flow into the McMurray from deeper Devonian

Suspicions of source Cowie et al. 2014

The approach to resolution

•  Sample collection from Grand Rapids (A,B,C intervals), McMurray, and Quaternary via pumping, swabbing, and bailing

o  field monitoring to determine sample stability

The approach to resolution

•  Analysis for major ions, trace elements, and selected stable & radiogenic isotopes (18O, 2H, 3H, 13C, 14C)

•  Rigorous QA/QC of data to ensure integrity Tolerances: pH tolerance: 6 to 9 standard units Ion balance: ±5% TDS ratio (meas. vs. calc): 1.0 to 1.2 * TDS/EC: 0.55 to 0.7 Tritium: <1 TU

Hydrochemical types

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Stable O and H isotopes

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2013 SW samples

2012 Quat samples

2014 Quat samples

2012 GR samples

2014 GR samples

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2014 McM samples

GMWL (Rozanski et al. 1993)

AEMWL (Lemay 2002)

HFFWL (Hitchon Friedman (1969)

Linear (2014 GR samples)

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Summary

•  High salinity Grand Rapids C waters show strong hydrochemical separation from Devonian, McMurray, Grand Rapids A and B, and Quaternary

•  Meteoric water influences appear responsible for the lower TDS in Grand Rapids C

•  near edges of buried channels •  glaciogenic and Cretaceous water influences

•  Geochemical setting is consistent with presence of a hydrodynamic trap (or stagnation zone) due to confining pressure effects

Summary

Disposal into Grand Rapids C

appears to be a safe solution to deceasing potential in basal

McMurray

Some final thoughts

•  Complexities do exist in nature, and can present challenges for interpretation of natural systems

•  Limited information leads to limited understanding •  Employing a multidisciplinary approach (geophysics;

geology; hydraulics and flow; geochemistry) and forensic analysis will help ensure the most correct result

Thank you

jon.fennell@integrated sustainability.ca

587-891-5831