Ground Resource Management
Luzerne County, Pennsylvania
Mr. Brian Oram, PG
Professional Geologist, Soil Scientist,
PASEO, Certified Geothermal Installer, Licensed Well Driller
Wilkes University
Environmental Engineering and Earth Sciences
Center for Environmental Quality
http://www.wilkes.edu
http://www.water-research.net
3/22/2016
1
Supporters

Wilkes University
http://www.wilkes.edu
 Carbon County Groundwater Guardians
http://www.carbonwaters.org
 C-SAW Program - Consortium for Scientific Assistance to
Watersheds Program
http://pa.water.usgs.gov/csaw/
 Pocono Northeast Resource Conservation & Development Council
http://www.pnercd.org
3/22/2016
2
Why Be Concerned about
Groundwater Quality / Quantity ?

In Luzerne County - 18 % of residents serviced by private wells, but
Virtually 100 % are supported by groundwater withdrawal.

Groundwater helps to maintain and sustain recreational areas and
habitats, i.e., streams, lakes, wetlands, and most surfacewater features.

Over withdrawal or groundwater mining can impact existing and
future uses, facilitate contamination, decrease stream aquatic habitat,
and result in subsidence.

Improper planning can result in groundwater contamination, which can
cause a financial burden on individuals, business, and other entities in
the Community.

Changing land-usage and infiltration capacity can adversely impact
both groundwater quality and quantity and cause flooding and erosion.
3/22/2016
3
Without Linking Water Resource Planning to Land
Development – We get more Extremes
(More Flooding Larger Events and More Dry Streams)
Uncontrolled Runoff Causes Erosion
Dry Stream Channels
When Rainfall Rate Exceeds Infiltration -Runoff is Generated
When Runoff Occurs Groundwater - Recharge Decreases.
3/22/2016
4
Because of increased impervious areas, over-pumping of
groundwater sources- stream baseflows will decrease.
Over- Development
Or Over-Withdrawal
Sustainable
Development
Deep recharge
could be reduced
by 90 to 95%
Source: Mr. Paul DeBarry, PE,Borton-Lawson Engineering
3/22/2016
5
Outline of Presentation




Summary of Act 220
Marcellus Shale Issues
Water Availability
Water Cycle / Well Water Ordinance
– Private Well Construction Issues

Geology and the Marcellus Development\
 Water Quality Issues – Current Issues in Luzerne
County, PA
 Announcements and Events
Act 220
Act 220
PA Water Resources Planning Act



Passed into law in 2002.
Act does not allocate water – just a planning tool.
Requires registration of all water users exceeding
10,000 gpd – Helping to develop a database of
users.
 Regional Committees meet to identify “Critical
Areas” within the state.
 Make Recommendations regarding long-term best
practices and assessments that are needed for each
area and provide other recommendations to
manage the resource.
PA Act 220 – Planning Regions
Our Area
We are Located in the Upper/ Middle Susquehanna Planning Area
Groundwater and Surfacewater
Withdrawals (Who does what?)

Depending on project size water is regulated by PADEP and River Basin
Commissions - Local agencies can not allocate water.

PADEP and the River Basin Commission are not a local or county planning
agency – they are state/federal permitting agencies.

PADEP Permits and Regulates – Public Water Systems Sizing and
Engineering and River Basin Commission Allocates Water.

River Basin Commissions are typically involved with consumptive use or
withdrawals starting at 20,000 gallons or 100,000 + gpd, but in certain areas
the River Basin Commission evaluates consumptive water use at a level of
10,000 gpd.

For Marcellus Shale – SRBC allocates all water- the very first drop- no
minimum.

PADEP and River Basin Commissions do not contact local planning, but
require local planning approval before permits or allocations issued.
3/22/2016
10
Upper / Middle Susquehanna Planning Region
Water Use in the Planning Area is
673 million gallon per day or 470,000 gallons per minute
Primary Water User is Hydroelectric/Thermoelectric (71%)
and Public Water Supply Usage is only 19% (Source: PADEP, 2003)
Thermoelectric(47%)
Public Water (10%)
Industry (39%)
We are located in the Upper Central Susquehanna River and the
daily use is equivalent to 168 million gallons per day (25 % of regional usage).
Preliminary Conclusions


Toby Creek Watershed was identified as a “Potential”
Critical Water Planning Area as part of the Act 220 review.
General Recommendations
–
–
–
–
–
–
Encourage Conservation and Add Metering (not on private wells)
Control Water Loss Due to Leakage
Develop Groundwater Recharge Systems
Implement Stormwater Management Systems
Encourage Water Reuse
Remediate Contaminated or Impacted Waters, such as Mine
Drainage as Industrial Water Source.
– Develop and Implement Private Well Construction Standards.
– Encourage Best Management Practices for Developments,
Industry, and Agricultural Users
– Develop Land Use Planning Approaches that Consider Water
Resource Issues , such as Development Rights Transfers, Infill,
Conservation Subdivisions, and more.
Keys to Groundwater Resource
Management and Planning

Local or County regulations related to land-use,
zoning, and wellhead protection- (Need to be Linked).
 Well Siting, Drilling, and Construction Standards.
 Groundwater Availability Analysis for Proposed
Subdivisions or Proposed Expansions of Unregulated
Water Systems.
 Community Education and Outreach
Water Reuse, Conservation, and Stormwater Management.
 Developing a Well Ordinance as part of the Act 537 Plan
and Encouraging Land-Based Wastewater Disposal.
 Act 220 and Watershed Withdrawals – Susquehanna River
Basin Commission.
3/22/2016
15
Marcellus Shale
Geological Sequence
Time
0 to 1.8 million years
Period
Quaternary –
Glaciation
1.8 to 290 million Tertiary to Permian
O
L
D
E
R
290 – 320 million
Pennsylvanian
320 – 354 million
Mississippian
354 - 417 million
Devonian
417 – 443 million
Silurian
Deposit or
Rock Type
sand, silt, clay,
and gravel
Not present (eroded and
weathered)
Llewellyn (coal) and
Pottsville ( minor coal)
Mauch Chunk
Pocono and Spechty Kopf
Catskill Formation
Trimmers Rock Formation
Mahantango Formation
Marcellus Formation
(Black Shale)- Target
Onondaga Formation
(calcareous sandy shale)
Marcellus Shale Photo
Outcrops Along the
Southeastern Border
of Pike County
Along Route 209
Main Fracture Orientation
Source: Oram, 2009
The Concerns (Partial List)







Regulated on the Federal/ State Level – minimal
control via local zoning and land-use.
Mineral Owner or Gas Rights Out-weigh
Rights of Surface Owner – Unless Agreements are
Established
Habitat Destruction and Loss of Crop or Timber
Value
Residual Contamination is Possible
Water Resource Issues – Frac Water / Brine
Disposal
Air Quality – Noise Pollution- Compaction
Lack of Oversight and Insufficient Staff on the
State Level
Concerns Related to
Marcellus Shale


Based on Our Community Location – this could be a
major concern or impact.
In general, the concerns are related to the following:
– Erosion and Sedimentation Control
– Volume of Water Used In Hydrofracturing- 2 to 9 million gallons
–
–
–
–
–
per well.
Loss of Water from the Freshwater Aquifer or contamination by
saline, brine water, or drilling fluids/ muds.
Drilling fluids/muds may contain environmental contaminations
(metals and organics).
Impacts to Roadways, Tourism, and Ecology
Groundwater and Surface Water Contamination
Aesthetic Issues and Lifestyle Issues
Action as a Local Agency

Bonding Roads
 Use Zoning Ordinances to the Maximum Extent Possible
 Supporting Proposed Changes to State and Federal
Regulations- Frac Act, NPDES Permits- TDS, Chloride,
Sulfate Standard
 Consider Supporting Severance Tax
 Setting Up Local Repository for Permit Applications, Third
Party Reports, and Possibly Local Hotline.
 Obtaining a Copy of Health and Safety Plans, MSDS
Sheets, and Emergency Response Plans.
 Informing Residents of EPA’s Tip Line and Sign up for
PADEP E-Notice
Action as a Local Agency

Encouraging Gas Companies to Host Local Education and Information
Sessions for Landowners and Residents

Encourage Gas Companies to use a multiple casement approach to
well construction, work with Local Emergency Management Personal,
Form Local Task Force or Work-Group Related to Natural Gas
Development.

This Task Force should include citizens, professionals, royalty owners,
municipal officials, conservation groups, and representatives from the
Gas Industry- All Stakeholders should be part of this effort.

Host Local Workshops or Work Groups Related to Gas Leasing for
Landowners- Send Township Engineer to PADEP Marcellus Shale
Workshops
http://www.dep.state.pa.us/dep/deputate/minres/oilgas/oilgas.htm
Background Testing and Baseline
(Work as a Community !)

Test wells / springs/surfacewater within at least 1000 feet of proposed well
location.

If no wells on the property install or develop a baseline monitoring program.

Test wells/springs/surfacewater along horizontal testing leg with a minimum
of 500 feet radius from horizontal leg.

Document static water levels, well production capacity, and spring flows

Pre Drilling Baseline – within 6 months of starting a production well.

Post Drilling Testing – within 6 months of completion.

Use Baseline Testing to Identify Current Areas of Concern .
–
–
How are we going to fix problems?
Do we need to put into place construction standards for private wells?
Action as a Citizen





Support proposed regulatory changes related to
Marcellus Shale Development
Encourage PA State Government to Invest in
Oversight, Increase Fees, and Fines
Support Proposed Changes in TDS, Chloride, and
Sulfate Discharge Regulations.
Ask Municipal Officials to Work With
Development Companies to Get Information to
Citizens
Attend Meetings and Get Educated !
Action as a Royalty Owner






Get a Solid Lease with Addendums that Protect You and Surrounding
Landowners. Control how and where property is accessed.
Use Bonus Payment to Establish Additional Ecological/
Environmental Baseline, Educate Adjacent Landowners, and Leverage
into Projects that generate or support local issues and community.
Avoid the use of lined pits for storing frac, stimulation, and bottom
hole fluids.
Encourage Driller to Use Multiple Cemented Casings, Third Party
Inspections, and Obtain Copies of Baseline Testing (Surface and
Groundwater).
Encourage Developer to Disclose Emergency Response Plan related to
a surface or subsurface contamination.
Prohibit on-site drilling and deep well inject for brine water disposal,
require proper disclosure on water usage (cradle to grave) and frac
chemicals used for the project.
Who May Have More Influence !

There may be more ways to control and
influence the regional gas development by
being a Royalty Owner over being a local
government or citizen.
Typical Vertical
Well
Additional Cemented
Zones
This Zone should
be cemented
Injection Wells – Class II
Class II wells inject fluids associated with oil and natural gas production.
Most of the injected fluid is salt water (brine), which is brought to the surface
in the process of producing (extracting) oil and gas.
Regulated by:
EPA - http://www.epa.gov/safewater/uic/wells_class2.html
Does the UIC Program regulate hydraulic fracturing?
Sometimes. The UIC Program regulates the following activities:
 Well injection of fluids into a formation to enhance oil and gas
production (Class II wells).
 Fracturing used in connection with Class II and Class V injection wells
to “stimulate” (open pore space in a formation).
 Hydraulic fracturing to produce methane from coal beds in Alabama.
Note: Class V wells are shallow wells that inject water into or above
a freshwater aquifer. http://www.epa.gov/ogwdw000/uic/
Getting to The Natural Gas
Freshwater
Well
Freshwater
Saline
Brine
5000 to
7000 feet
Possible
brine/ connate
Water- Trapped
Into formation
when deposited
Up to a few thousand feet
Types of Fluids
Top hole fluids – typically the water from the
freshwater aquifer. This water from the first 600
to 1200 feet.
 Bottom hole fluids – brine or connate water.
 Stimulation Fluids – fluid used to improve
recovery (frac process)
 Production Fluids – water produced along the
natural gas release – similar to bottom hole fluid.

Active Marcellus
Production Site – Frac Fluid
Chemistry
Typically Frac Water is comprised of clean water with a low probably for scale
formation, but treated effluents and other sources being evaluated.
The components include:
Friction Reducer – anionic polymer high molecular weight
(hold frac sand and other particles)
Wetting Agent- nonionic surfactant – reduce surface tension and improve
frac water flowback.
Biocides- control growth or regrowth of microorganisms.
Scale Inhibitor – phosphate based chemicals to inhibit precipitate formation
and scale formation.
Arthur et. al., 2008 – All Consulting – “ Natural Gas Wells of the
Marcellus Shale”, Presented at Groundwater Protection Council
2008 Annual Forum.
Available Frac Water Chemistry
G
o
o
d
I
n
d
i
c
a
t
e
r
s
Parameter
Units
Concentration
Drinking
Water Limit
Aluminum
mg/L
1.2
0.2
6
Arsenic
mg/L
0.014
0.01
1.4
Barium
mg/L
410
2
205
Iron
mg/L
17
0.3
56
Manganese
mg/L
0.89
0.05
17.8
Hardness
mg/L
1750
500
3.5
T. Dissolved Solids
mg/L
31324
500
62
Nirate @ N
mg/L
90.1
44
2
pH
su
6.73
6.5 - 8.5
oK
Bromide
mg/L
61.8
0.01
6180
Chloride
mg/L
27000
250
108
Gross Alpha
pCi/L
223.3
15
15
Gross Beta
mrem/yr (Sr)
38.65
4
10
Radium 228
pCi/L
18.55
5
4
Radium 226
pCi/L
69.63
5
14
Source: http://www.prochemtech.com/
MultipleAbove
PWS Standard
Flowback Water Chemistry
Flowback water is generated from drilling and it is what gets
produced from the first 5% of water returned after a well is started
May contain elevated levels of trace metals, nitrogen, bromide,
uranium, and hydrocarbons. Most of the dissolved solids includes
chloride and sodium.
Source: http://www.prochemtech.com/
Production
Water
Produced water is wasted water that accompanies oil
extraction and is high in saline. Typically, separated stored on
site and then hauled to treatment/disposal facility.
May contain elevated levels of trace metals, nitrogen,
bromide, uranium, and hydrocarbons. Most of the dissolved
solids includes chloride and sodium.
Source: http://www.prochemtech.com/
Water Cycle / Availability
Impact of Development
Water Budget
for PA
In
Precipitation – 42 inches
Out
Evapotranspiration – 22”
Total Streamflow – 20”
Baseflow – 13”
Surface Runoff – 7”
Other
Storage in Groundwater
Aquifers over 100 inches*
* This is our “Water” Cushion.
Developed Conditions
3/22/2016
38
Courtesy May, U of W
Hydrology Under
Natural Conditions
3/22/2016
39
Courtesy May, U of W
As the area is
converted from
a natural
woodland,
grassland, or
forest into
developed
lands, the
amount of
groundwater
recharge
decreases.
Less recharge
3/22/2016
Source: Dr. Dale Bruns, Wilkes University
40
Possible Solutions – Conservation Subdivision and
Clustered Development
1 ft3 = 7.48 gallons
ft3/yr
ft3/yr
What About the Existing Development ?
How do we turn back the clock?
1. The runoff from one acre of paved parking generates
the same amount of annual runoff as:
a)
b)
c)
d)
36 acres of forest
20 acres of grassland
14 acre subdivision – 2 acre lots
10 acre subdivision – 0.5 acre lots
All of the above – Does this mean we are missing a possible
effective means of “turning” back the stormwater clock. Maybe
we need to consider – “greening” some of the existing impervious
areas. Maybe the plan needs to include a combination of updated land
Development ordinances and “Greening” Strategies.
What Next ?
What Action a
Community Can
Take ?
To Protect Water
Resources
3/22/2016
43
Protect Your Water Source
Things Local Agency Can Do

Zoning and Planning Process that includes a Groundwater Availability
Analysis, Encourages Groundwater Recharge, and Water Reuse.

Developing a Well Water Ordinance and Linking the Well Water Ordinance
to Act 537 Planning (possible assistance with operating cost through Act 537
funding) and encourage the development of Wellhead Protection Zones

Developing Well Construction Standards and Encouraging
Groundwater Recharge (Low Impact Development and Stormwater Recharge
Systems for New and Existing Developments)

Start or Support a Community Based Groundwater Education Program
(Carbon County Groundwater Guardians, County Conservation District,
Universities, and other partners)

Encourage on-site septic and private well systems over developments with
central water and sewer.
Problem – this really targets future development !
Therefore – Redevelopment and Infill Development may be the answer.
3/22/2016
44
Additional Options for
Local Agency

Developing Water Well Ordinance that provides
construction standards and an initial water quality
and yield analysis.
 Developing Well Construction and Placement
standards – beyond a minimum isolation distance
from land-based wastewater systems, what about
hazardous chemicals, manure storage, stormwater
facilities, floodplains, etc.
3/22/2016
45
Why a Well Siting/ Construction
Ordinance?
Primary reasons for the ordinances
included:
Improper
Well Construction
Incidents of Well Contamination
–Improper Siting
–Interconnection with Contaminated Site
–Induce Contamination – Lack of Grouting
–No Testing Requirements to ensure potability
Overuse
of the Groundwater Aquifer.
Online Directory of Model Ordinances
http://www.epa.gov/owow/nps/ordinance/osm7.htm
3/22/2016
46
Why Care About Well
Construction ?

Poor construction can affect drinking water
quality for well user and regional well users

Poor construction can contribute, promote,
and facilitate pollution and contamination of
the groundwater aquifer

Proper construction can prolong the life and
yield of the well
3/22/2016
47
Well Construction Options for Private Wells
Standard Well Cap
Allows entry for insects and small animals
Sanitary Well Cap
Sealed to prevent contamination
Source – Penn State University.
3/22/2016
48
An Ungrouted
Residential Well
3/22/2016
A Properly
Grouted Well
Source: PSU (modified by Brian Oram)
49
A Properly Constructed
(Sanitary)
Residential Water Well Has:

casing that extends at least 15 feet into firm bedrock or 40 feet below
ground, whichever is greater

casing of adequate wall thickness (meet PADEP Requirements Community
Water Supplies- recommend 19#)

a driveshoe on the bottom of the casing

annular space should be grouted and casing should have a sanitary well cap.

casing at least 12 inches above grade and 3 feet above flood elevation.
3/22/2016
50
Well Isolation Distances
MONTGOMERY COUNTY HEALTH DEPARTMENT
INDIVIDUAL WATER SUPPLY WELL CONSTRUCTION
SPECIFICATIONS (partial listing)
Delineated wetlands or floodplains (25 feet)
Surface waters (25 feet) Storm water Systems (25 feet)
Spray Irrigation/ Septage Disposal (100 feet)
Farm silos / manure storage (200 feet) Septic Systems (100 feet)
Septic Tanks/Holding Tanks (50 feet)
Chemical Storage/Preparation Area (300 feet)
More Information at
http://www.h2otest.com/regs/pa/montgomery/
http://www.h2otest.com/regs/pa/chester/index.html
3/22/2016
51
Water Availability
Preliminary Groundwater Studies

Preliminary Tool that can be used in the
planning process.
 Based on a combination of published,
historical, and site-specific data.
Why Conduct a Groundwater
Availability Analysis ?

A preliminary desktop assessment could help to identify potential impacts
on existing uses or other regulated facilities during the planning process
and existing problems within the community.

Desktop assessments can be used to develop site-specific criteria for well
construction for unregulated projects and long-term sustainability.

For larger projects, a preliminary analysis may compile enough
information to show that a more comprehensive site-specific analysis
would provide sufficient data to show if the withdrawal is sustainable.

Helps to provide a proactive means of managing groundwater and water
resources and helps to ensure the long-term reliability, quality, and
sustainability of the system.

The groundwater system helps to sustain the water cycle during droughts.
3/22/2016
54
When Should a Groundwater or
Water Availability Analysis

As part of planning and local approvals for new subdivisions or expansion of
unregulated water systems, the applicant would conduct a groundwater
availability analysis.

For the Luzerne County area, > 1 edu (equivalent dwelling unit) per acre or
when the project is proposing the use of a central wastewater disposal system
with a stream discharge.

Groundwater availability analysis and hydrological description should be
conducted by a licensed professional geologist.

Where the desktop evaluation indicates the potential for over-pumping of the
aquifer, insufficient yield, poor water quality, or withdrawal of over 60 % of
baseflow.

The local regulations could require a more comprehensive hydrological
analysis that could include the installation of test wells and conducting a shortterm pumping test (24 to 72 hours).
3/22/2016
55
Desktop Analysis

Desktop Analysis should include the
following:
– Review of available baseflow and geological
data,
– Nature of the development (i.e., percent
impervious, wastewater disposal options, and
landscape changes)
– Existing Water Withdrawals within recharge
area and existing users.
Project Site
Current Conditions

100 acre Forest Area- Parcel Area
 Annual Rainfall – 45 inches
 Evapotranspiration – 24 inches
 Mean Annual Recharge – 12 ac-inches/year
 Drought Year Recharge – 7 ac-inches/year
 Impervious Area – 0 %
Project Site- Proposed

100 acre Tract – Proposed 85 Single-Family (Low Impact)
Residential (Low Impact Development)
- Proposed Lawn/House/Driveway Area- 85*0.1 acres = 8.5 acres
- Undisturbed Forest- 78.5 acres
- Impervious – 5 % or 13 acres

Annual Rainfall – 45 inches

Evapotranspiration – 24 inches

Mean Annual Recharge – 12 ac-inches/year (published)
Drought Year Recharge – 7 ac-inches/year (published)

Example Desktop Analysis
Post-Development- 85 Unit
(Low Impact Development Concept)
Normal Year Recharge Rate
(100-13- 8.5) acres * 12 ac-in/yr * 27154 gal/ac-in= 25,579,068 gallons per year or
70,079 gallons/day or 700 gpd/acre
Drought Year Recharge Rate
(100-13-8.5) acres * 7 ac-in/yr * 27154 gal/ac-in= 14,921,123 gallons per year or
40,879 gallons/day or 408 gpd/acre
Assuming an 85-unit single family residence with an average daily usage of 275 gpd
or (85* 275 = 23,375 gpd), the estimated water usage is 57 % of baseflow.
If the project was proposing the use of on-lot septic systems and the use of individual
on-site stormwater management systems, it is likely that this development would have
a sustainable water resource.
It is likely that no additional assessments are needed.
3/22/2016
59
Example Desktop Analysis
Post-Development- 85 Unit
(Central Water / Central Sewage)
Normal Year Recharge Rate
38.75 acres * 12 ac-in/yr * 27154 gal/ac-in * (1/365) = 34,593 gpd
(100 – 21.25 – 15- 38.75) * 0.5* 12 * 27154 * (1/365 d) = 11,159 gpd
Total – 45,750 gpd
Drought Year Recharge Rate
38.75 acres * 7 ac-in/yr * 27154 gal/ac-in * (1/365) = 20,179 gpd
(100 – 21.25 – 15- 38.75) * 0.5* 7 * 27154 * (1/365 d) = 6,509 gpd
Total – 26,680 gpd
Assuming an 85-unit single family residence with an average daily usage of 275 gpd
or (85* 275 = 23,375 gpd), the estimated water usage is 88 % of baseflow.
The proposed project could adversely impact groundwater system and a more
detailed analysis and site-specific data would be needed. In addition, it would be
advisable to consider the use on land-based disposal for wastewater and possibly
stormwater recharge.
3/22/2016
60
Test Well Analysis
Modeling/ Watershed Approach
1. Develop a Well Construction Standard for
the Project.
2. Identify Geological Boundaries.
3. Use a Groundwater Model to simulate the
installation of 85 wells with a withdrawal
equivalent to peak daily demand.
4. Can be used to more directly evaluate
existing wells and surfacewater features
3/22/2016
61
Additional Evaluations

May require a modification to design.
 A more detailed site-specific and watershed
based hydrological evaluation.
 A more detailed evaluation that includes the
installation of on-site water wells.
Geology
Luzerne County was glaciated and is located within the
Appalachian Plateau and the Ridge and Valley Provinces
Source: DCNR - http://www.dcnr.state.pa.us/topogeo/map13/map13.aspx
G
E
O
L
O
G
Y
What Does This Mean?
Source: Luzernecounty.org
G
L
A
C
I
A
T
I
O
N
Wisconsinan (17,000 to 22,000 yrs)
Source: DCNR Late-Illinoian (132,000 – 198,000 yrs) http://www.dcnr.state.pa.us
Pre-Illinoian (> 770,00 yrs)
Appalachian Plateau
Province

Broad to Narrow
Valleys
 Rounded Hills and
Valleys Associated
with Glaciation
 Valleys filled by
glacial fluvial
material
Un
Younger
(Y)
Older
(O)
Y
O
Un
Y
Unconsolidated
Material (Un)
O
Ridge and Valley Province

Bedrock has been
folded into a
series of anticline
and synclinal
structures.
O
Y
Syncline
O
Anticline
Y
O
Plunging Anticlines / Synclines
Source: West Virginia University
http://www.geo.wvu.edu
Geological Sequence
Time
0 to 1.8 million years
Period
Quaternary –
Glaciation
1.8 to 290 million Tertiary to Permian
O
L
D
E
R
290 – 320 million
Pennsylvanian
320 – 354 million
Mississippian
354 - 417 million
Devonian
417 – 443 million
Silurian
Deposit or
Rock Type
sand, silt, clay,
and gravel
Not present (eroded and
weathered)
Llewellyn (coal) and
Pottsville ( minor coal)
Mauch Chunk
Pocono and Spechty Kopf
Catskill Formation
Trimmers Rock Formation
Mahantango Formation
Marcellus Formation
(Black Shale)- Target
Onondaga Formation
(calcareous sandy shale)
Ridge and Valley Province –
Rt 309
Llewellyn
Pottsville
Mauch
Chunk
Bedding Planes with
Seepage
Mahantango Formation
Source: flickr.com/photos/ (ID –
stillriverside)- Site Milford, PA
Marcellus Shale Photo
Outcrops Along the
Southeastern Border
of Pike County
Along Route 209
Main Fracture Orientation
Source: Oram, 2009
Geology of Columbia and Luzerne County
Anticline – Plunge to NE
Syncline – Plunge to NE
Older (O)
Younger (Y)
Younger (Y)
Anticline
Water Well
1200 + ft
600 + ft
Brackish
1000 to < 10,000 mg/L
Brine- > 10,000 mg/L
Fresh Water
< 1000 mg/L
Sea Level
Target
Formation
Geology of Ridge and Valley Provinces
General Geology
Horizontal Bedding
Y
Fresh Water
Saline Water
Brine Water
O
Use a Multiple Casing Approach
Geology of Appalachian Plateau Provinces
Groundwater
Surfacewater & Groundwater
They Are Related and Connected !
Local Water Divide
Confining Layer
Fracture Zone
Copyright © 1997-2009 - League of Women Voters of PA Citizen Education Fundimage edited by Mr.Brian Oram, PG Wilkes University
Primary Aquifers in PA
Most Common Aquifers
Target
Copyright © 1997-2009 - League of Women Voters of PA Citizen Education Fund- image
edited by Mr.Brian Oram, PG Wilkes University
Well Geology
(Unconsolidated)
Source: Water Watch Alliance
Groundwater Moves - Slowly
feet per year
Confining Bed
Sea Level
Saline Water
Brine Water
Stagnant Water – no to little flow
Bedrock Fractures and Fractured
Zones
High Yielding Well
Lower Yielding Well
Fractured Zone
Bedding
Planes
Within Consolidated Rock or Bedrock Water Moves
Along Bedding Planes, Joints, Fractures, and
Faults.
Water Quality Issues
Why Test My Water ?
A USGS survey found that 70% of private wells were
contaminated. This contamination could result in acute
or chronic health concerns.
In general, there are no regulations related to well
construction, placement, or required testing. It is up to
you to determine the safety of your water.
EPA recommends, at minimum, an annual water test for
private wells.
Groundwater
Luzerne County
Based on the geology of Luzerne County, the common
water quality problems are as follows:
Corrosive Water
Low pH
Soft Water (low hardness) to
Moderate Hardness
Iron and Manganese
Discolored Water – Reddish
to Brown Tints
Total Coliform Bacteria
Sulfur Odors and Elevated
Sulfates
Air Quality Issues – Radon In Air !
Less Common Problems
These water quality conditions are not common to groundwater in
Luzerne County.
Elevated Nitrate- Nitrite Levels
Radiological (Uranium, Alpha Beta, and Radium)
Arsenic (local issues)
Organic Contamination
Elevated Trace Metals
(except corrosion by-products like Copper, Lead, Aluminum, Zinc)
Salty or Brackish Water (very deep wells)
Trihalomethanes
Pathogenic Organisms
Baseline Testing

Sampling by Third Party Contractors that are experienced.

Third Party Samples Should Follow Chain-of-Custody, Meet Laboratory
Preservation and Handling Requirements, and Be Capable of Providing Expert
Testimony.

Testing Done by a Certified Laboratory using approved methods and protocols.

Testing Parameters should cover a range of water quality parameters that relate to
freshwater, target formation water, frac chemicals and other agents.

Results should be presented to homeowner or private wellowner so they understand
the findings.

Baseline Testing may identify areas with groundwater contamination prior to
Marcellus Shale Development –
How do WE (Community Leaders/ Planners) act ?
What action should a Citizens Take ? – You know Who They Will Call
YOU !
Private wells are not regulated by PADEP or EPA.
Are YOU Prepared ?
Radon (In Air)- PA
This is a
Concern NOW!
Luzerne County in the Red Zone –
Suggests indoor air radon levels greater than 4 pCi/L
http://www.dep.state.pa.us/RadiationProtection_Apps/Radon/
Presentation Sponsors




Carbon County Groundwater Guardians
http://www.carbonwaters.org
C-SAW Program - Consortium for Scientific Assistance to
Watersheds Program
http://pa.water.usgs.gov/csaw/
Pocono Northeast Resource Conservation & Development Council
http://www.pnercd.org
Wilkes University
http://www.wilkes.edu
3/22/2016
89
Announcements
Susquehanna County
League of Women Voters- Elk Lake School, Dimock PA (7:00 – 9:00 pm)
 FEBRUARY 19, 2010 * MARCELLUS SHALE: AIR QUALITY ISSUES
 FEBRUARY 26, 2010 * MARCELLLUS SHALE: WATER QUALITY ISSUES
 MARCH 5, 2010 * MARCELLUS SHALE: LEGISLATION, TAXATION and
REGULATION
 Contact - lwvsc@frontier.com
Columbia County

Geothermal Installer Training and Certification Course – April 12 – 14, 2010 –
Columbia County- Bloomsburg, PA – Contact Pocono Northeast RC&D Council
Luzerne County
 2010 – Energy and Environmental Solutions Expo – Luzerne County Fairgrounds,
June 26 and 27, 2010 - Contact Pocono Northeast RC&D Council
http://www.pnesolutions.org
WEBINARS
http://naturalgas.extension.psu.edu/Events.htm
You Asked About A Quiz

Here You GO !
Groundwater Moves
1. Which ways can groundwater move?
a. Up
b. Down
c. Sideways
d. All of the above
1. d. All of the above
Although most movement is lateral (sideways), it can move
up or down. Groundwater simply follows the path of least
resistance by moving from higher pressure zones to lower
pressure zones.
Groundwater Moves
2. How is the speed of groundwater movement
measured?
a. Feet per day
b. Feet per week
c. Feet per month
d. Feet per year
2. d. Feet per year
Groundwater movement is usually measured in feet per year.
This is why a pollutant that enters groundwater requires many
years before it purifies itself or is carried to a monitored well.
Therefore, In 6 months water will move only a short distance.
Groundwater Moves
3. How is stream flow usually measured?
a. Feet per second
b. Feet per minute
c. Feet per hour
d. Yards per hour
3. a. Feet per second
Water flow in streams/rivers is measured in feet per second.
Groundwater Moves
4. What determines how fast groundwater moves?
a. Temperature
b. Air pressure
c. Depth of water table
d. Size of materials
4. d. Size of materials
Coarse materials like sand and gravel allow water to
move rapidly. (They also form excellent aquifers because
of their holding capacity.) In contrast, fine-grained materials,
like clay or shale, are very difficult for water to move through.
Thus, water moves very, very slowly in these materials.
Groundwater Moves
5. Can the water table elevation change often?
a. Yes
b. No
5. a. Yes
Water table elevations often fluctuate because of recharge
and discharge variations. They generally peak in the winter
and spring due to recharge from rains and snow melt. Throughout
the summer the water table commonly declines due to evaporation,
uptake by plants (transpiration), increased public use, industrial use,
and crop, golf course and lawn irrigation. Elevations commonly
reach their lowest point in early fall.
Groundwater Moves
6. Does aquifer storage capacity vary?
a. Yes
b. No
6. a. Yes
Just like the water level in rivers and streams, the amount of water
in the groundwater supply can vary due to seasonal,
weather, use and other factors.
Certificate of Completion
Presented to
Fill in Your Name
Introduction to Environmental
Issues for the Back Mountain Region
2 – hour Education Series
Presented by
Mr. Brian Oram, PG
Add Date
B.F. Environmental Consultants
Dallas, PA 18612
http://www.bfenvironmental.com
Groundwater and Hydrogeology of
Luzerne County, PA
Soils Evaluation
Hydrogeological Assessments
Community Education Outreach
http://www.water-research.net