Alaska, Well Drilling, Several Major Petroleum Companies

Work consisted of describing the lithology and other features, such as fossils, encountered while drilling exploratory oil wells at several locations. The penetration rate was also recorded to note drilling breaks indicating possible formation changes or shows. Cuttings were examined under a microscope and fluoroscope for evidence of liquid phase hydrocarbons or staining. Gas vapor readings were also recorded by using a chromatograph to measure concentrations of methane, ethane, propane, butane and pentane (petroleum vapors). A stratigraphic log was maintained as the well was being drilled for subsequent comparison to electric logs. All of the work was performed in the Prudhoe Bay area in early spring when the ground was frozen. Access to the rigs was by air.

Confidential Client, Major Oil Company

One of our professional staff managed a project to assess the extent and impact of migration of saline water from surface evaporation ponds into underlying ground water at an oil field production area. The scope of work included:

• Review of existing site data regarding production processes, geology, hydrogeology, and previous studies
• Formalization of a scope of work to assess the extent and impact of saline water migration from surface impoundments
• Drilling and installation of 18 ground water monitoring wells using mud-rotary techniques with an average well completion depth of approximately 250 feet
• Sampling and laboratory analysis of ground water for organic and inorganic constituents
• Interpretation of field and analytical data, completion of a fate and transport model, and preparation of a report documenting findings, conclusions, and recommendations

Production Field (McElmo Field), Utah

One of our professional staff provided technical support in NAPL characterization and volume estimates. A NAPL migration analysis in a fractured bedrock setting was conducted to evaluate potential remedial efforts. The analyses were successfully presented to USEPA Region IX, which resulted in potential savings of over $100,000 in fines.