Produced Waters
Overview of USGS Produced Waters Project Activity
As a first step, the ERP developed geochemical data that characterizes produced waters from conventional oil and gas fields and from coalbed natural gas fields. ERP researchers have edited a substantial produced water geochemistry database originally created by the U.S. Bureau of Mines at its Bartlesville, Oklahoma laboratory. This information is available as a provisional release produced-waters database.
In early 2001 USGS researchers began detailed studies at two oil and gas production sites on Skiatook Lake in southeastern Osage County near Tulsa, Oklahoma. These investigations are designed to document the effects of produced water and hydrocarbon releases. Site “A” was active from 1913 to 1973. Produced waters were released from two pits and other production facilities. Site “B” has been active since 1937 and has three salt scars formed from produced water releases from former and present-day production facilities. Both sites are adjacent to Skiatook Lake. Information about these two sites and results of research can be found at http://ok.water.usgs.gov/skiatook/.
|
U.S. Department of the Interior |
U.S. Geological Survey
