ABSTRACT

Enhanced oil recovery processes are potential sources of groundwater contamination. In areas such as Lloydminster and Cold Lake, Alberta, where heavy oil is produced from shallow deposits, production fluids may migrate and contaminate surficial aquifers containing potable water. The possible routes of contaminant migration include poorly or improperly abandoned wells, poorly completed wells, corroded operating wells, and natural or induced fractures in the geological material overlying the production zone.

A study site was identified at which shallow aquifers had been contaminated as a result of enhanced oil recovery activities. A modelling study was conducted to examine the potential routes by which contamination could have occurred, as well as the time frame required for production fluids to migrate to the affected aquifers. The results of the study are presented.

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