Science Team about Energy and Plains and Potholes Environments (STEPPE) Active
Pothole pond landscape with oil well
Wetland complex
Dried wetland bed
Medicine Lake entrance
Brine Contamination to Plains and Potholes Environments from Energy Development in the Williston Basin
In the United States, the Williston Basin occupies 143,000 square miles and includes portions of Montana, North Dakota, and South Dakota. Superimposed over this landscape is the Prairie Pothole Region (PPR) which includes critical wetland and grassland habitats of importance to breeding, nesting, and migrating waterfowl, and wetland and grassland birds. A potential impact of oil field activities on these important habitats is brine contamination from co-produced waters (Investigations of Waters Injected or Produced for Energy Development Project) that leach from oil well reserve pits, injection wells, and transport lines. Previous studies have identified contamination of wetlands and groundwater resources, including drinking water aquifers, located on U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS), tribal, and public lands, and numerous groups have expressed concern over the potential risk of contamination. Currently, the extent of such contamination across the Williston Basin is unknown, and there is a need for scientific-based information to assess this threat.
Recently Completed and Ongoing USGS Investigations in the Williston Basin
USGS Co-Principal Investigators and Affiliations - see contact info on right side of page
Other Co-PIs and Affiliations:
Mike Borgreen - USFWS Medicine Lake National Wildlife Refuge
Joel Galloway - USGS North Dakota Water Science Center
Kevin Johnson - USFWS Region 6, Ecological Services
Karen Nelson - USFWS Region 6, Ecological Services
Jon Reiten - Montana Bureau of Mines and Geology
David Rouse - USFWS Region 6, Ecological Services
Non-USGS References
For USGS-authored references, please visit the Publications tab. Below is a list of non-USGS authored references.
Frost, C.D., and Toner, R.N. Strontium isotopic identification of water–rock interaction and ground water mixing. Ground water, 42 (3) (2004), pp. 418-432 https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1745-6584.2004.tb02689.x
Iampen, H.T. and Rsotron, B.J. Hydrogeochemistry of pre-Mississippian brines, Williston Basin, Canada–USA Journal of Geochemical Exploration, 69–70 (2000), pp. 29-35 https://doi.org/10.1016/S0375-6742(00)00007-8
Naftz, D.L., Peterman, Z.E., and Springer, L.E. Using δ87 Sr values to identify sources of salinity to a freshwater aquifer, Greater Aneth Oil Field, Utah, USA. Chemical Geology, 141 (3–4) (1997), pp. 195-209 https://doi.org/10.1016/S0009-2541(97)00063-6
Quattrocchi F. et al. Strontium Isotope (87sr/86sr) Chemistry in Produced Oil Field Waters: The IEA C02 Monitoring and Storage Project. In: Lombardi S., Altunina L., Beaubien S. (eds) Advances in the Geological Storage of Carbon Dioxide. Nato Science Series: IV: Earth and Environmental Sciences, 65 (2006) Springer, Dordrecht https://doi.org/10.1007/1-4020-4471-2_20
Rittenhouse, G., Fulton III, R.B., Grabowski, R.J. and Bernard, J.L. (1969) Minor Elements in Oil-Field Waters Chemical Geology, 4 (1–2), pp. 189-209 https://doi.org/10.1016/0009-2541(69)90045-X
Rostron, B.J. and Holmden, C. Fingerprinting formation-waters using stable isotopes, Midale Area, Williston Basin, Canada Journal of Geochemical Exploration, 69–70 (2000), pp. 219-223 https://doi.org/10.1016/S0375-6742(00)00024-8
Shand, P., D.P.F. Darbyshire, A.J. Love, and W.M. Edmunds Sr isotopes in natural waters: Applications to source characterisation and water–rock interaction in contrasting landscapes, 24 (4) (2009), pp. 574-586 https://doi.org/10.1016/j.apgeochem.2008.12.011
Wilson, T.P. and Long, D.T. Geochemistry and isotope chemistry of Michigan Basin brines: Devonian formations, 8 (1) (1993), pp. 81-100 https://doi.org/10.1016/0883-2927(93)90058-O
Below are other science projects associated with this project.
Below are data or web applications associated with this project.
Below are multimedia items associated with this project.
Below are publications associated with this project.
Chemical and isotopic changes in Williston Basin brines during long-term oil production: An example from the Poplar dome, Montana
Effects of energy development on wetland plants and macroinvertebrate communities in Prairie Pothole Region wetlands
Land cover changes associated with recent energy development in the Williston Basin; Northern Great Plains, USA
Estimating national water use associated with unconventional oil and gas development
Presence and abundance of non-native plant species associated with recent energy development in the Williston Basin
Risk assessment of brine contamination to aquatic resources from energy development in glacial drift deposits: Williston Basin, USA
Monitoring and modeling wetland chloride concentrations in relationship to oil and gas development
Hydrogeologic framework of the uppermost principal aquifer systems in the Williston and Powder River structural basins, United States and Canada
Conceptual model of the uppermost principal aquifer systems in the Williston and Powder River structural basins, United States and Canada
Brine contamination to aquatic resources from oil and gas development in the Williston Basin, United States
Delineation of brine contamination in and near the East Poplar oil field, Fort Peck Indian Reservation, northeastern Montana, 2004-09
A framework for assessing water and proppant use and flowback water extraction associated with development of continuous petroleum resources
- Overview
Brine Contamination to Plains and Potholes Environments from Energy Development in the Williston Basin
In the United States, the Williston Basin occupies 143,000 square miles and includes portions of Montana, North Dakota, and South Dakota. Superimposed over this landscape is the Prairie Pothole Region (PPR) which includes critical wetland and grassland habitats of importance to breeding, nesting, and migrating waterfowl, and wetland and grassland birds. A potential impact of oil field activities on these important habitats is brine contamination from co-produced waters (Investigations of Waters Injected or Produced for Energy Development Project) that leach from oil well reserve pits, injection wells, and transport lines. Previous studies have identified contamination of wetlands and groundwater resources, including drinking water aquifers, located on U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS), tribal, and public lands, and numerous groups have expressed concern over the potential risk of contamination. Currently, the extent of such contamination across the Williston Basin is unknown, and there is a need for scientific-based information to assess this threat.
Recently Completed and Ongoing USGS Investigations in the Williston Basin
USGS Co-Principal Investigators and Affiliations - see contact info on right side of page
Other Co-PIs and Affiliations:
Mike Borgreen - USFWS Medicine Lake National Wildlife Refuge
Joel Galloway - USGS North Dakota Water Science Center
Kevin Johnson - USFWS Region 6, Ecological Services
Karen Nelson - USFWS Region 6, Ecological Services
Jon Reiten - Montana Bureau of Mines and Geology
David Rouse - USFWS Region 6, Ecological ServicesNon-USGS References
For USGS-authored references, please visit the Publications tab. Below is a list of non-USGS authored references.
Frost, C.D., and Toner, R.N. Strontium isotopic identification of water–rock interaction and ground water mixing. Ground water, 42 (3) (2004), pp. 418-432 https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1745-6584.2004.tb02689.x
Iampen, H.T. and Rsotron, B.J. Hydrogeochemistry of pre-Mississippian brines, Williston Basin, Canada–USA Journal of Geochemical Exploration, 69–70 (2000), pp. 29-35 https://doi.org/10.1016/S0375-6742(00)00007-8
Naftz, D.L., Peterman, Z.E., and Springer, L.E. Using δ87 Sr values to identify sources of salinity to a freshwater aquifer, Greater Aneth Oil Field, Utah, USA. Chemical Geology, 141 (3–4) (1997), pp. 195-209 https://doi.org/10.1016/S0009-2541(97)00063-6
Quattrocchi F. et al. Strontium Isotope (87sr/86sr) Chemistry in Produced Oil Field Waters: The IEA C02 Monitoring and Storage Project. In: Lombardi S., Altunina L., Beaubien S. (eds) Advances in the Geological Storage of Carbon Dioxide. Nato Science Series: IV: Earth and Environmental Sciences, 65 (2006) Springer, Dordrecht https://doi.org/10.1007/1-4020-4471-2_20
Rittenhouse, G., Fulton III, R.B., Grabowski, R.J. and Bernard, J.L. (1969) Minor Elements in Oil-Field Waters Chemical Geology, 4 (1–2), pp. 189-209 https://doi.org/10.1016/0009-2541(69)90045-X
Rostron, B.J. and Holmden, C. Fingerprinting formation-waters using stable isotopes, Midale Area, Williston Basin, Canada Journal of Geochemical Exploration, 69–70 (2000), pp. 219-223 https://doi.org/10.1016/S0375-6742(00)00024-8
Shand, P., D.P.F. Darbyshire, A.J. Love, and W.M. Edmunds Sr isotopes in natural waters: Applications to source characterisation and water–rock interaction in contrasting landscapes, 24 (4) (2009), pp. 574-586 https://doi.org/10.1016/j.apgeochem.2008.12.011
Wilson, T.P. and Long, D.T. Geochemistry and isotope chemistry of Michigan Basin brines: Devonian formations, 8 (1) (1993), pp. 81-100 https://doi.org/10.1016/0883-2927(93)90058-O
- Science
Below are other science projects associated with this project.
- Data
Below are data or web applications associated with this project.
- Multimedia
Below are multimedia items associated with this project.
- Publications
Below are publications associated with this project.
Filter Total Items: 31Chemical and isotopic changes in Williston Basin brines during long-term oil production: An example from the Poplar dome, Montana
Brine samples were collected from 30 conventional oil wells producing mostly from the Charles Formation of the Madison Group in the East and Northwest Poplar oil fields on the Fort Peck Indian Reservation, Montana. Dissolved concentrations of major ions, trace metals, Sr isotopes, and stable isotopes (oxygen and hydrogen) were analyzed to compare with a brine contaminant that affected groundwaterAuthorsZell E. Peterman, Joanna N. ThamkeEffects of energy development on wetland plants and macroinvertebrate communities in Prairie Pothole Region wetlands
Energy production in the Williston Basin, USA, results in the coproduction of highly saline, sodium chloride-dominated water (brine). The Prairie Pothole Region (PPR) overlies the northeastern portion of the Williston Basin. Although PPR wetlands span a range of salinity, the dominant salt is sodium sulfate, and salinities are much lower than brine. Introduction of brine to wetlands can result inAuthorsTodd M. Preston, Andrew M. RayLand cover changes associated with recent energy development in the Williston Basin; Northern Great Plains, USA
The Williston Basin in the Northern Great Plains has experienced rapid energy development since 2000. To evaluate the land cover changes resulting from recent (2000 – 2015) development, the area and previous land cover of all well pads (pads) constructed during this time was determined, the amount of disturbed and reclaimed land adjacent to pads was estimated, land cover changes were analyzed overAuthorsTodd M. Preston, Kevin KimEstimating national water use associated with unconventional oil and gas development
The U.S. Geological Survey’s (USGS) Water Availability and Use Science Program (WAUSP) goals are to provide a more accurate assessment of the status of the water resources of the United States and assist in the determination of the quantity and quality of water that is available for beneficial uses. These assessments would identify long-term trends or changes in water availability since the 1950sAuthorsJanet M. Carter, Kathleen M. Macek-Rowland, Joanna N. Thamke, Gregory C. DelzerPresence and abundance of non-native plant species associated with recent energy development in the Williston Basin
The Williston Basin, located in the Northern Great Plains, is experiencing rapid energy development with North Dakota and Montana being the epicenter of current and projected development in the USA. The average single-bore well pad is 5 acres with an estimated 58,485 wells in North Dakota alone. This landscape-level disturbance may provide a pathway for the establishment of non-native plants. To eAuthorsTodd M. PrestonRisk assessment of brine contamination to aquatic resources from energy development in glacial drift deposits: Williston Basin, USA
Contamination to aquatic resources from co-produced water (brine) associated with energy development has been documented in the northeastern portion of the Williston Basin; an area mantled by glacial drift. The presence and magnitude of brine contamination can be determined using the contamination index (CI) value from water samples. Recently, the U.S. Geological Survey published a section (~ 2.59AuthorsTodd M. Preston, Tara L. Chesley-PrestonMonitoring and modeling wetland chloride concentrations in relationship to oil and gas development
Extraction of oil and gas via unconventional methods is becoming an important aspect of energy production worldwide. Studying the effects of this development in countries where these technologies are being widely used may provide other countries, where development may be proposed, with some insight in terms of concerns associated with development. A fairly recent expansion of unconventional oil anAuthorsMax Post van der Burg, Brian A. TangenHydrogeologic framework of the uppermost principal aquifer systems in the Williston and Powder River structural basins, United States and Canada
The glacial, lower Tertiary, and Upper Cretaceous aquifer systems in the Williston and Powder River structural basins within the United States and Canada are the uppermost principal aquifer systems and most accessible sources of groundwater for these energy-producing basins. The glacial aquifer system covers the northeastern part of the Williston structural basin. The lower Tertiary and Upper CretAuthorsJoanna N. Thamke, Gary D. LeCain, Derek W. Ryter, Roy Sando, Andrew J. LongConceptual model of the uppermost principal aquifer systems in the Williston and Powder River structural basins, United States and Canada
The three uppermost principal aquifer systems of the Northern Great Plains—the glacial, lower Tertiary, and Upper Cretaceous aquifer systems—are described in this report and provide water for irrigation, mining, public and domestic supply, livestock, and industrial uses. These aquifer systems primarily are present in two nationally important fossil-fuelproducing areas: the Williston and Powder RivAuthorsAndrew J. Long, Katherine R. Aurand, Jennifer M. Bednar, Kyle W. Davis, Jonathan D.R.G. McKaskey, Joanna N. ThamkeBrine contamination to aquatic resources from oil and gas development in the Williston Basin, United States
The Williston Basin, which includes parts of Montana, North Dakota, and South Dakota in the United States and the provinces of Manitoba and Saskatchewan in Canada, has been a leading domestic oil and gas producing region for more than one-half a century. Currently, there are renewed efforts to develop oil and gas resources from deep geologic formations, spurred by advances in recovery technologiesAuthorsTara L. Chesley-Preston, James L. Coleman, Robert A. Gleason, Seth S. Haines, Karen E. Jenni, Timothy L. Nieman, Zell E. Peterman, Max Post van der Burg, Todd M. Preston, Bruce D. Smith, Brian A. Tangen, Joanna N. ThamkeDelineation of brine contamination in and near the East Poplar oil field, Fort Peck Indian Reservation, northeastern Montana, 2004-09
The extent of brine contamination in the shallow aquifers in and near the East Poplar oil field is as much as 17.9 square miles and appears to be present throughout the entire saturated zone in contaminated areas. The brine contamination affects 15–37 billion gallons of groundwater. Brine contamination in the shallow aquifers east of the Poplar River generally moves to the southwest toward the rivAuthorsJoanna N. Thamke, Bruce D. SmithA framework for assessing water and proppant use and flowback water extraction associated with development of continuous petroleum resources
The U.S. Geological Survey is developing approaches for the quantitative assessment of water and proppant involved with possible future production of continuous petroleum deposits. The assessment approach is an extension of existing U.S. Geological Survey petroleum-assessment methods, and it aims to provide objective information that helps decision makers understand the tradeoffs inherent in resouAuthorsSeth S. Haines, Troy Cook, Joanna N. Thamke, Kyle W. Davis, Andrew J. Long, Richard W. Healy, Sarah J. Hawkins, Mark A. Engle