Advancing a Web-based Tool for Unconventional Natural Gas Development with Focus on Flowback and Produced Water Characterization, Treatment and Beneficial Use (11122-53)

Objective: The overall objective of this proposed study is to provide a set of web-based tools that will enable producers and other users to characterize, treat, beneficially use, and manage produced water and frac flowback water from unconventional gas production. The goal is to sustain gas production while minimizing potential impacts on natural water resources, public health, and environment. Built upon the integrated decision making framework developed for CBM produced water management, the proposed study focuses on shale gas and tight sand production, the most difficult and least developed. The proposed research is designed for 36 months and organized into four phases.