Abstract

Reclamation of land used for oil and gas development begins prior to the construction of oilfield activities with a surface use plan designed to minimize land disturbance and to protect soil and ecosystem resources. Developing a site management plan that minimizes adverse impacts to soil requires an understanding of the physical and chemical properties of soil. A predisturbance assessment of soil resources includes gathering information prior to development regarding the physical and chemical properties of soil pertinent to current land use and how those properties may be affected during such development. Physical and chemical soil characterization ensures that predisturbance conditions are identified and documented before land development begins. A study was conducted to demonstrate the application of soil characterization for protecting a soil profile during oil and natural gas development at a location in the Eagle Ford production area, Atascosa County, Texas. The study used soil horizon identification, texture, mineral composition, salinity, and chemical composition relevant to plant growth as minimum baseline parameters for characterizing the soil. Potential changes in each parameter that could occur during development are identified and the effect of these changes on current soil use is discussed.