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The AAPG/Datapages Combined Publications Database

CSPG Bulletin

Abstract


Bulletin of Canadian Petroleum Geology
Vol. 39 (1991), No. 2. (June), Pages 213-213

"Remediation of Groundwater Contamination at Alberta Sour Gas Plants [Abstract]"

Hardisty, P.E.1, Dabrowski, T.L.1

ABSTRACT

Operations at sour gas processing facilities involve the production, storage, shipment, and disposal of a wide variety of substances, most of which have the potential to contaminate groundwater. A recent study of groundwater monitoring data from 45 Alberta sour gas plants revealed that all but one exhibited some form of impact on groundwater quality. Common sources of contamination at sour gas plants include evaporation/runoff ponds, process area, sulphur block, and on-site landfills. Contaminants that may be introduced into near-surface aquifers include process waters, sulphur products, process chemicals (sulphinol, amines, glycols), aromatic hydrocarbons (BTEX), and natural gas liquids (condensate). At several facilities in the province, work is underway to clean up, abate, or control migration of groundwater contamination; preliminary studies for the implementation of remedial action are proceeding at others. The complex hydrogeology and severe climatic conditions prevalent in Alberta, combined with the unique combinations of potential contaminants found at sour gas plants, make careful design and selection of remedial systems necessary. Groundwater clean-up can be expensive and time-consuming. A thorough site investigation program to define local geology, hydrogeological conditions, and the nature and distribution of contaminants is required for the design of a successful remediation program. Considerations in selecting a remedial strategy include the nature, type, and occurrence of contaminants in the subsurface, site hydrogeology, disposal options, regulatory constraints, and proximity and risk to potential receptors of environmental significance. Groundwater remediation systems may employ technologies such as pump-and-treat systems, in situ methods (chemical, biological, physical), hydrodynamic control, physical barriers, injection and reinfiltration, vapour-phase extraction, and excavation, singly or in combination.

End_of_Record - Last_Page 213-------

ACKNOWLEDGMENTS AND ASSOCIATED FOOTNOTES

1 Piteau Engineering Ltd., Calgary, Alberta T3B 0M6

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