Do Oil And Water Mix? Effects Of Oil And Gas Development On Water Quality In Colorado’s Denver-Julesburg Basin
Ryan, Joseph 1
1 Civil, Environmental, and Architectural Engineering; University of Colorado, Boulder
Over the past decade, hydraulic fracturing and horizontal drilling accelerated oil and gas development in Colorado. Much of the development occurred closer to populated areas than in the past and raised concerns about public health and disruption of residential communities. One of the concerns being the effect of oil and gas development on groundwater quality. This presentation will provide updates on water use, frequency and severity of spills, and the occurrence of methane and organic contaminants in groundwater in Colorado’s Denver-Julesburg Basin.