Assessing the Impact of Hydraulic Fracturing on Groundwater in the UK

: A Case Study of Preston New Road

Abstract

The need for energy security has compelled many countries to explore alternative energy sources in the form of Shale Oil and Gas. The development of the shale industry has made the USA self-reliant in the production of oil and gas. The shale gas industry has become significant in the UK because of economic pressure and environmental targets which has resulted in changes in the UK energy mix. The fear of induced seismicity and groundwater contamination has been associated with hydraulic fracturing (HF), the technology used in the exploration and development of shale gas. This research addressed the impact of excessive water use for HF on groundwater level, the potential impact of chemical injection on groundwater quality, the impact of HF wastewater on groundwater quality and the social economic impact of shale gas development on the host community. The research employed the mixed method approach. Likert scale questionnaire was used to collect quantitative data from 70 respondents from the study area. Qualitative data in the form of semi- structured interviews was conducted involving 30 respondents. The respondents comprised of oil and gas industry practitioners, post graduate researchers, lecturers, politicians and residents of the study area. SPSS statistical tool was used for data analysis. A mean difference test was carried out on pre and post-HF groundwater level data. Groundwater quality data was also collected from the British Geological Survey (BGS) to determine if there has been a significant change in post-HF groundwater level and post HF groundwater quality. The seasonal variation in precipitation and its impact on groundwater was also captured in the analysis through a 2-way ANOVA test. Key findings were made from the study. In respect to groundwater level, it was observed that there was a significant post- HF rise in groundwater level within the PNR site. A further rise in groundwater level due to multiple HF activities within the study area could lead to flooding, water logging, reduced soil aeration and increased soil salinity. This will hinder agriculture, which is a key occupation within the study area. In terms of groundwater quality, there was a significant post HF increase in groundwater pH in the lower aquifer. A further increase in groundwater pH could lead to a built up of alkaline in groundwater with the potential impact of accelerated wear and tear of appliances within the study area. Again, aquatic ecosystems can be sensitive to changes in pH. High alkalinity may disrupt the natural balance of aquatic flora and fauna and affect biodiversity. In extreme cases, high pH has been linked to gastrointestinal disorder. Finally, the development of shale gas will not lead to improvement in household income within the host communities. Policy makers should therefore adopt flood control measures such as flood plain zonation to mitigate the potential impact of flooding within the study area. Furthermore, there should be adequate drainage systems and land use planning in shale gas producing areas in the UK to mitigate the impact of flooding. Adequate treatment mechanism should be adopted to mitigate the built up of alkaline in groundwater within the study area. Shale gas firms should incorporate monitoring and maintaining appropriate pH levels in the HFP to ensure portable water quality and environmental health. Finally, measures should be put in place to guarantee equitable distribution of shale wealth to households within the study area in order to gain community acceptance.

Date of Award	Mar 2024
Original language	English
Awarding Institution	Coventry University
Supervisor	Babatunde Anifowose (Supervisor)