Horizontal Hydraulic Fracturing (Fracking)

Baseline Water Quality Assessment for Hydraulic Fracturing Operations

As the oil and gas industry continues to expand, many deposits are slated for horizontal hydraulic fracturing (fracking) operations. While these reservoirs are often located at significant depths, the drilling process invariably intersects with groundwater aquifers. To safeguard the integrity of these vital water resources in areas where hydraulic fracturing is planned, comprehensive baseline water quality assessments are essential.

Importance of Water Quality Monitoring:

  1. Pre-Operation Baseline: Establishing water quality parameters prior to drilling activities provides a crucial reference point.
  2. Ongoing Monitoring: Continuous assessment during extraction operations allows for real-time detection of potential impacts.
  3. Post-Operation Evaluation: Analysis after the completion of oil and gas activities helps identify any long-term effects on water quality.
  4. Regulatory Compliance: Many states mandate water quality testing as a prerequisite for obtaining permits related to various phases of oil and gas extraction.

Standard Water Quality Parameters:

Our laboratory conducts thorough analyses of the following key parameters:

  1. Dissolved Methane Sample: 40 ml vial preserved with HCl Significance: Indicator of potential gas migration
  2. BTEX (Benzene, Toluene, Ethylbenzene, Xylenes) Sample: Two 40 ml vials preserved with HCl Significance: Volatile organic compounds associated with petroleum products
  3. General Chemistry Panel Sample: One liter plastic container Parameters: pH, Alkalinity, Specific Conductance, Total Dissolved Solids, Chloride, Sulfate, Nitrite Significance: Provides overall water quality profile and potential indicators of contamination
  4. Nitrate Sample: 250 ml plastic container preserved with H2SO4 Significance: Important nutrient that can indicate surface contamination
  5. Metals Panel Sample: 250 ml plastic container preserved with HNO3 Elements Analyzed: Arsenic, Barium, Calcium, Chromium, Iron, Magnesium, Selenium, Cadmium, Lead, Manganese, Mercury, and Silver Significance: Detects potential heavy metal contamination and changes in mineral composition

By conducting these comprehensive analyses, stakeholders can:

  • Establish a robust baseline of water quality before operations commence
  • Monitor for any changes that may occur during the extraction process
  • Assess potential environmental impacts post-operation
  • Ensure compliance with local and state regulations

 

*Our state-of-the-art laboratory facilities and experienced team of environmental scientists are committed to providing accurate, timely, and actionable data to support responsible resource extraction while protecting vital groundwater resources.

NELAP Accredited Testing

Teklab adheres to strict guidelines and standards to participate in the National Environmental Laboratory Accreditation Program (NELAP). We warmly invite both current and prospective clients to visit our facility, meet with a project manager, or review our Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs).

We believe that a great business starts with a passion for perfection and outstanding customer service. To uphold this standard, we consistently train our chemists and analysts to maintain peak efficiency. While our customers are a top priority, the safety and well-being of our employees always come first.

With over 42 years of experience in the environmental testing industry, our mission is to deliver reliable, accurate results promptly. Learn more about our commitment to excellence by exploring our mission statement.

Teklab, a NELAP certified laboratory can test for all of these parameters in house at our Collinsville, IL laboratory location.

Call us Toll Free at (877) 344-1003 or email John Riley for a price quote to receive these services without hassle or obligation. We can send you a sampling kit today.

Speciality Testing Services

Hazardous Waste

Here at Teklab, one of the services we offer clients is expert guidance in determining whether your waste materials meet the criteria for disposal at local landfill sites.

Pharmaceutical Manufacturing

Teklab can set up a specific program for each facility based on your POTW or NPDES permit. And our Laboratory Information System (LIMs) can notify you each time a regulatory limit is exceeded; allowing prompt action to correct any problems.

Wastewater/NPDES Testing

As a NELAP Accredited Environmental Testing Laboratory with an experienced project management team, Teklab has an in-depth understanding of NPDES testing complexities. We serve diverse industries including manufacturing, engineering, and municipalities.