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Journal Article

Methane contamination of drinking water accompanying gas-well drilling and hydraulic fracturing

Authors: Osborn, SG, A Vengosh, NR Warner, RB Jackson


Directional drilling and hydraulic-fracturing technologies are dramatically increasing natural-gas extraction. In aquifers overlying the Marcellus and Utica shale formations of northeastern Pennsylvania and upstate New York, we document systematic evidence for methane contamination of drinking water associated with shalegas extraction. In active gas-extraction areas (one or more gas wells within 1 km), average and maximummethane concentrations in drinking-water wells increased with proximity to the nearest gas well and were 19.2 and 64 mg CH4 L-1 (n = 26), a potential explosion hazard; in contrast, dissolved methane samples in neighboring nonextraction sites (no gas wells within 1 km) within similar geologic formations and hydrogeologic regimes averaged only 1.1 mg L-1 (P < 0.05; n = 34). Average _13C-CH4 values of dissolved methane in shallow groundwater were significantly less negative for active than for nonactive sites (-37 ±7‡ and -54 ±11‡, respectively; P < 0.0001). These _13C-CH4 data, coupled with the ratios of methane-to-higher-chain hydrocarbons, and _2H-CH4 values, are consistent with deeper thermogenic methane sources such as the Marcellus and Utica shales at the active sites and matched gas geochemistry from gas wells nearby. In contrast, lower-concentration samples from shallow groundwater at nonactive sites had isotopic signatures reflecting a more biogenic or mixed biogenic/thermogenic methane source. We found no evidence for contamination of drinking-water samples with deep saline brines or fracturing fluids. We conclude that greater stewardship, data, and— possibly—regulation are needed to ensure the sustainable future of shale-gas extraction and to improve public confidence in its use.


Supporting Information for Osborn et al. 2011 doi: 10.1073/pnas.1100682108


See also:



  • Whitepaper: Research and Policy Recommendations for Hydraulic Fracturing and Shale-Gas Extraction by Jackson et al.

  • Op-ed, Philadelphia Inquirer, 5/10/11 (note that the title is not ours and the piece was edited by the Inquirer)

  • Op-ed in the Raleigh News & Observer, 7/10/11, also in the Charlotte Observer, 7/15/11

  • Shale gas paper FAQ: Responses to frequently asked questions and comments about the Osborn et al. PNAS shale gas paper



pnas2011.pdf
Journal Name
Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, U.S.A.
Publication Date
2011
DOI
doi:10.1073/pnas.1100682108