By William E. Godsey, PG

Engineering Geologist - President

Geo Logic Environmental Services, LLC

Longview, Texas

bill.godsey@geologicenvironmental.com

903-753-8200
Introduction

 Appropriate environmental, hydrogeologic and 

regional geologic investigations coupled with proper 

well construction techniques can all but eliminate the 

potential for problems with adverse impact related to 

hydraulic fracturing.
Purpose

 The purpose of this presentation is to outline the 

tasks that can be undertaken concurrent with 

leasing, site acquisition, permitting and 

development of prospect areas to identify and 

mitigate potential pathways of frac fluids other 

than intended target zones.
Location

 Almost without exception, shale gas plays occur where 

existing oil and gas production, mining or known 

geologic structures are known. In many cases, these 

plays are now located in populated rural areas and 

urban settings where development and water supply 

wells are located.
Study Area

 The area selected for study is in East Texas where 

the Haynesville Shale extends into and under 

existing oil and gas fields and underlies extensive 

fresh water aquifers and lignite fields. There are 

also numerous gas storage fields, brine 

injection/disposal wells and complex geologic 

structures located in this area.
When to Conduct Due Diligence

 1. Prospect is developed.

 2. Land is leased.

 3. Conduct due diligence investigation.

 4. Casing and cementing program design.
Information Sources

 Records Research

 Well Log Review

 Published Reports

 Economic Data

 Public Records

 State Geologists

 University/College

 GIS Mapping

 Private Data Bases

 Regulatory Agency

 Surface Geology

 Groundwater/Soil

 Appraisal/Real Est.

 USGS/Fed. Agency
Aquifer Protection Investigation

 Identify all aquifers

 Determine base of usable quality water

 Locate municipal water supply wells and/or large 

irrigation wells

 Locate productive oil/gas intervals

 Isolate pressured or lost circulation zones
Illustrations Presented

 Oil and Gas Fields with Well Locations

 Stratigraphic Column

 Location Maps With Wells

 Major and Minor Aquifer Maps

 Alluvial Aquifer Maps

 Rural Water Supply Wells 
Illustrations (continued)

 Well Log

 Municipal Water Supply Well Locations

 Lignite and Coal Map

 Casing and Cementing Criteria
What Tasks Needed to Complete An Appropriate 

Inquiry Into Potential Pathways?

 Determine Area of Well Bore Influence

 Determine Regional Geologic Conditions

 Indentify Hydrogeologic Setting

 Locate Oil/Gas Fields/Mining Areas/Minerals

 Municipal Water Supply Wells/Fields

 Identify All Well Penetrations and Depths

 Determine Status of Wells
Summary and Conclusions

Hydraulic fracturing can be conducted safely and aquifer 

protection can be provided when appropriate site 

investigation is conducted. Once aquifers and 

potential pathways of exposure are identified, casing 

and cementing programs can be developed to address 

specific applications. Geologic conditions vary from 

site to site and there are numerous frac methods to 

address the individual circumstances and assure 

aquifer protection.