Análisis integral de los aspectos ambientales relacionados a la fractura hidraúlica en Argentina

Abstract

Comprehensive analysis of environmental aspects related to hydraulic fracturing in Argentina. There are concerns regarding the exploitation of unconventional hydrocarbon reservoirs, particularly related to water supply, handling, final disposal, chemical safety and protection of aquifers. Approximately 10-40% of injected volume of fracture fluids returns to the surface after the hydraulic fracturing process. The flowback water not only includes the chemicals added, but may also contain various substances suspended from the formation. The general aim of this work is the analysis of environmental aspects associated with the extraction of unconventional hydrocarbons, especially completion fluids. A comprehensive analysis of the activity is accomplished, including legal aspects, environmental conditions and possible treatment technologies. The study includes the evaluation of the existing environmental legislative framework on areas whit exploration or exploitation of unconventional hydrocarbons and the analysis of effluent management strategy. The environmental conditions of these areas, such as climatic, geological, hydrological and ecological are analyzed. In this context, the chemical composition of flowback water and the possibility of its reuse in the activity are determined. A preliminary study of treatments for removal of critical parameters is performed. This study attempts to reduce the growing environmental concerns of regulatory agencies and general public.