신시내티 대학교에서 진행하는 새 연구 프로젝트가 오하이오주 수압 프랙킹 지점 근처의 지하수 자원 모니터링에 대한 획기적인 접근을 시도하고 있다. 지질학을 전공한 Claire Botner가 진행한 이 연구는 오하이오의 지하수 자원의 파트로, 대학교 외부에 기반을 두고 우티카 주 셰일 지역의 지하수에 대한 프랙킹 영향력을 검증하기 위해 시작한 협동 연구 프로젝트이다.

2012년 캐롤 카운티에 처음 런칭된 GRO연구팀은 프랙킹이 실시된 이후와 실시기간 동안 메탄 수치와 메탄의 발원지를 조사했다.

 

 

 

A new research project at the University of Cincinnati (UC) is taking a groundbreaking approach to monitoring groundwater resources near hydraulic fracturing (fracking) sites in the state of Ohio. Conducted by Claire Botner, a UC graduate student in geology, the research is part of UC Groundwater Research of Ohio (GRO), a collaborative research project based out of the university to examine the effects of fracking on groundwater in the Utica Shale region of the eastern part of the state.

First launched in Carroll County in 2012, the GRO team of researchers is examining methane levels and origins of methane in private wells and springs before, during and after the onset of fracking. The team travels to the region to take water samples four times a year. Amy Townsend-Small, the lead researcher for GRO and a UC assistant professor of geology, said the UC study is unique in comparison with studies on water wells in other shale-rich areas of the U.S. where fracking is taking place -- such as the Marcellus Shale region of Pennsylvania.

 

Townsend-Small explained that water samples finding natural gas-derived methane in wells near Pennsylvania fracking sites were taken only after fracking had occurred, so methane levels in those wells were not documented prior to or during fracking in Pennsylvania. The Ohio samples are being analyzed by UC researchers for concentrations of methane as well as other hydrocarbons and salt, which are pulled up in the fracking water mixture from the shales. The shales are ancient ocean sediments.

 

Botner's study involves testing on 22 private wells in Carroll County between November 2012 and last May. The first fracking permits were issued in the region in 2011. So far, results indicate that any methane readings in groundwater wells came from organic matter. In less than a handful of cases, the natural methane levels were relatively high -- above 10 milligrams per liter. However, most of the wells carried low levels of methane.

 

The UC sampling has now been expanded into Columbiana, Harrison, Stark, and Belmont counties in Ohio. Researchers then review data on private drinking water wells with the homeowners. "We're working on interacting with these communities and educating them about fracking as well as gathering scientific data, which is lacking on a very sensitive issue," said Botner. "It can also be reassuring to receive data on their water supplies from an objective, university resource."

 

The team is also seeking additional funding to begin monitoring groundwater wells near wastewater injection wells, where fracking brine is deposited after the wells are drilled.

 

[출처 = Water World / 2014년 10월 23일]