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Recommended Oil and Gas Pre-Drill Parameters

Publication Number: P3374
View as PDF: P3374.pdf
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Recommended Oil and Gas Pre-Drill Parameters

The Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) has developed the following list of parameters that are suggested for homeowners who want to have their private water supply well tested independently. The following is not an exhaustive list of available testing, and homeowners may want to have their water supply tested more extensively. Additionally, while it is not recommended, if a homeowner wants to test for less than the full recommendations, the minimum parameters are printed in bold in the table below.

It is recommended that homeowners test their water before any well site drilling and earth disturbance activity. To obtain valid results, samples must be collected by a qualified third party. Homeowners may also want to discuss the option of having the headspace of their private well tested for the presence of methane gas at the time of sampling. Finally, homeowners should use an independent, Mississippi-accredited laboratory for valid results.

Analyte (Inorganic)

Alkalinity1

Chloride1

Conductivity

Hardness

Bromide

pH1

Sulfate2

Total Dissolved Solids1

Turbidity1

Total Suspended Solids

 

Analyte (Trace Metal)

Barium1

Calcium1

Iron1

Magnesium

Manganese1

Potassium

Sodium1

Strontium

Arsenic

Zinc

Aluminum

Lithium

Copper

Vanadium

Boron

Chromium

Selenium

 

Analyte (Organic)

Methane1

Ethane1

Propane1

Ethylene Glycol

Total Petroleum Hydrocarbons3

VOCs/(BTEX)4

 

Additional  Suggested Testing

Total Coliform Bacteria5

 

1At a minimum, homeowners should have their private water supply well tested for the parameters listed in bold.

2Consider the presence of coal formations and oil-producing regions.

3Recommended as a preliminary screening test. If test shows a detection for total petroleum hydrocarbons, an environmental professional should be consulted and additional tests considered to identify the specific hydrocarbon source responsible for the water supply impacts. Please note there are many sources of hydrocarbons not related to oil and gas production.

4Due to the lower detection limit associated with the test method, volatile organic compounds (VOC)/benzene, toluene, ethylbenzene, and xylene (BTEX) testing may provide a more sensitive method for detecting hydrocarbon impacts.

5While not related to drilling activities, total coliform bacteria testing is suggested due to health concerns and as a way to assess overall drinking water quality.

 

Laboratory Testing of Drinking Water in Proximity to Oil and Gas Development

There are recommended practices, testing, and maintenance for private drinking water wells that can be performed by a homeowner. For more information on regulations, applications, and forms, visit the Mississippi Department of Environmental Quality (MDEQ) online at https://www.mdeq.ms.gov/water/water-availability-and-use/regulations-applications-and-forms/ and the Mississippi State Department of Health–Division of Onsite Waste Water for Private Water Wells at https://msdh.ms.gov/msdhsite/_static/30,0,76,762.html.

Finding a Laboratory

  1. Go to https://msdh.ms.gov/msdhsite/_static/14,0,188.html and look for the Laboratory Service Areas ribbon. Underneath will be Environmental Services, and then Environmental Laboratory Certification Program. Once on that page, scroll down until you see Participating In-State Labs, and click there to find a laboratory accredited to perform these tests.
  2. Contact a local laboratory and ask if it is accredited to perform the above testing or if it can refer you to a laboratory that is accredited.
  3. Contact the MSDH Laboratory Accreditation Program via telephone at (601) 576-7582.

Before Sending Samples

  1. Inform the chosen laboratory that the homeowner wants to have well water tested for oil and gas pre-drill parameters.
  2. Ask the laboratory if it is accredited to perform the requested testing. If the laboratory is not, ask if it will subcontract to an accredited laboratory.
  3. Ask the laboratory if it provides sample-collection services. MDEQ recommends that a qualified third party (a consultant or the laboratory) collect and transport the sample for testing.
  4. Instruct the laboratory to perform the testing and reporting of the samples in accordance with all accreditation requirements (relating to Environmental Laboratory Accreditation Regulations).

Please contact MDEQ for information about well permits or to report complaints about wells.

 


Publication 3374 (07-19)

By Jason R. Barrett, PhD, Assistant Extension Professor, Extension Center for Government and Community Development.

Special thanks to Brian Swistock, Penn State Extension, Senior Extension Associate, Water Resources Coordinator.

Copyright 2019 by Mississippi State University. All rights reserved. This publication may be copied and distributed without alteration for nonprofit educational purposes provided that credit is given to the Mississippi State University Extension Service.

Produced by Agricultural Communications.

Mississippi State University is an equal opportunity institution. Discrimination in university employment, programs, or activities based on race, color, ethnicity, sex, pregnancy, religion, national origin, disability, age, sexual orientation, genetic information, status as a U.S. veteran, or any other status protected by applicable law is prohibited. Questions about equal opportunity programs or compliance should be directed to the Office of Compliance and Integrity, 56 Morgan Avenue, P.O. 6044, Mississippi State, MS 39762, (662) 325-5839.

Extension Service of Mississippi State University, cooperating with U.S. Department of Agriculture. Published in furtherance of Acts of Congress, May 8 and June 30, 1914. GARY B. JACKSON, Director

Department: Ext Ctr for Government & Comm Devel
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