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 4/17/2017

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 4/17/2017

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. 4/17/2017

Uncontrolled Runoff Causes Erosion 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. 4/17/2017 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 4/17/2017 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. 4/17/2017

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. 4/17/2017

Marcellus Shale

Quaternary – Glaciation Geological Sequence Deposit or Rock Type Time Period sand, silt, clay, and gravel Quaternary – Glaciation 0 to 1.8 million years 1.8 to 290 million Tertiary to Permian Not present (eroded and weathered) O L D E R 290 – 320 million Pennsylvanian Llewellyn (coal) and Pottsville ( minor coal) 320 – 354 million Mississippian Mauch Chunk Pocono and Spechty Kopf Catskill Formation Trimmers Rock Formation Mahantango Formation Marcellus Formation (Black Shale)- Target Onondaga Formation (calcareous sandy shale) 354 - 417 million Devonian 417 – 443 million Silurian 17

Marcellus Shale Photo Outcrops Along the Southeastern Border of Pike County Along Route 209 Source: Oram, 2009 Main Fracture Orientation 18

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 Landowner Rights and interests Minimal Surface Owner Control – Unless Agreements are Established Loss of Crop or Timber Value Proper Management of Waste and Waste Materials (excluding frac water and brine) Water Resource Issues – Frac Water / Brine Disposal Air Quality – Noise Pollution- Compaction Lack of Oversight and Insufficient Staff on Local Level Assisting Non-Royalty Owners – Public deal with Gas Companies and there Consultants Stormwater Management Issues Hauling and Road Issues 19

Concerns Related to Marcellus Shale Based on Our Community Location – these could be a major concern. 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 and Source Water Protection Aesthetic Issues and Lifestyle Issues 20

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

EPA Tip Line EPA's Mid-Atlantic Region has a natural gas drilling tip line for reporting dumping and other illegal or suspicious hauling and/or disposal activities. Tip line number (toll free): 1-877-919-4372 (877-919-4EPA) URL: http://www.epa.gov/region03/marcellus_shale/tipline.html Tip email address: eyesondrilling@epa.gov

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 to string approach to well construction that is based on site conditions, 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 (2000 feet even better) of proposed well location. If no wells are installed or exist on the parcel with the pad, develop a baseline monitoring program surrounding the drilling pad. Test wells/springs/surfacewater along horizontal testing leg with a minimum of 100 to 500 feet radius from horizontal leg – this depends on the extent of induced fractures. 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? Do we need construction standards for geothermal or ground source wells? Follow-up baseline testing should include parameters that actually cover the frac chemical composition that were used. 24

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, Set-up Information Lines 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 (Strings), 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 injection 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/ 29

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 30

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. 31

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. 32

Arthur et. al., 2008 – All Consulting – “ Natural Gas Wells of the Marcellus Shale”, Presented at Groundwater Protection Council 2008 Annual Forum. 33

Available Frac Water Chemistry Parameter Units Concentration Drinking Water Limit MultipleAbove PWS Standard Aluminum mg/L 1.2 0.2 6 Arsenic 0.014 0.01 1.4 Barium 410 2 205 Iron 17 0.3 56 Manganese 0.89 0.05 17.8 Hardness 1750 500 3.5 T. Dissolved Solids 31324 62 Nirate @ N 90.1 44 pH su 6.73 6.5 - 8.5 oK Bromide 61.8 6180 Chloride 27000 250 108 Gross Alpha pCi/L 223.3 15 Gross Beta mrem/yr (Sr) 38.65 4 10 Radium 228 18.55 5 Radium 226 69.63 14 Good Indicaters Source: http://www.prochemtech.com/ 34

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/ 35

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/ 36

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 When land is developed, the frequency, volume and rate of flow of surface runoff increases dramatically. This is because of increased impervious areas, such as roads, driveways and buildings. The reduction of vegetation from development also decreases the amount of rainfall returning to the atmosphere through evapotranspiration and the amount that infiltrates to the ground. This increased volume of runoff and reduction in groundwater recharge destabilizes stream channels and in-stream habitat. The amount of sediments and pollutants also increases, which further degrades the habitat. 4/17/2017 39 Courtesy May, U of W 39

Hydrology Under Natural Conditions Forest Hydrology continued Under natural conditions about 40% of the water from each rainfall event is intercepted by the forest and returned to the atmosphere through evapotranspiration or trapped on the forest floor and slowly infiltrated into the ground. There is very little surface runoff. The water that infiltrates is critical to maintaining the base flows of streams. The temperature, volume, and quality of this baseflow is crucial to helping maintain the habitat for sensitive species (trout). 4/17/2017 40 Courtesy May, U of W 40

developed lands, the amount of groundwater recharge decreases. As the area is converted from a natural woodland, grassland, or forest into developed lands, the amount of groundwater recharge decreases. Less recharge 4/17/2017 41 Source: Dr. Dale Bruns, Wilkes University

Possible Solutions – Conservation Subdivision and Clustered Development ft3/yr ft3/yr 1 ft3 = 7.48 gallons

What About the Existing Development ? How do we turn back the clock? The runoff from one acre of paved parking generates the same amount of annual runoff as: 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 4/17/2017

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. 4/17/2017 45

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. 4/17/2017

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 4/17/2017

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 Each bulleted item will appear separately, allowing time to discuss why each construction requirement is important to the quality of ground water produced from the well. 4/17/2017

Well Construction Options for Private Wells Standard Well Cap Sanitary Well Cap The bentonite grout has filled the entire well bore up to the ground surface for proper decommissioning. Allows entry for insects and small animals Sealed to prevent contamination Source – Penn State University. 4/17/2017

An Ungrouted A Properly Residential Well Grouted Well These two diagrams show how not to and how to construct a residential water well. A laser pointer may be used to draw attention to each design element as it is described. Source: PSU (modified by Brian Oram) 4/17/2017

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. Each bulleted item will appear separately, allowing time to discuss why each construction requirement is important to the quality of ground water produced from the well. 4/17/2017

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 4/17/2017

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. 4/17/2017

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 short-term pumping test (24 to 72 hours). 4/17/2017

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)

It is likely that no additional assessments are needed. 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. 4/17/2017

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. 4/17/2017 61

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 4/17/2017

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 65

G E O L Y What Does This Mean? Source: Luzernecounty.org 66

Pre-Illinoian (> 770,00 yrs) G L A C I T O N Wisconsinan (17,000 to 22,000 yrs) Late-Illinoian (132,000 – 198,000 yrs) Pre-Illinoian (> 770,00 yrs) Source: DCNR - http://www.dcnr.state.pa.us 67

Appalachian Plateau Province Younger (Y) Broad to Narrow Valleys Rounded Hills and Valleys Associated with Glaciation Valleys filled by glacial fluvial material Un Older (O) Y O Un Y Unconsolidated Material (Un) O 68

Ridge and Valley Province Bedrock has been folded into a series of anticline and synclinal structures. Y O O Y O Anticline Syncline 69

Plunging Anticlines / Synclines Source: West Virginia University http://www.geo.wvu.edu 70

Quaternary – Glaciation Geological Sequence Deposit or Rock Type Time Period sand, silt, clay, and gravel Quaternary – Glaciation 0 to 1.8 million years 1.8 to 290 million Tertiary to Permian Not present (eroded and weathered) O L D E R 290 – 320 million Pennsylvanian Llewellyn (coal) and Pottsville ( minor coal) 320 – 354 million Mississippian Mauch Chunk Pocono and Spechty Kopf Catskill Formation Trimmers Rock Formation Mahantango Formation Marcellus Formation (Black Shale)- Target Onondaga Formation (calcareous sandy shale) 354 - 417 million Devonian 417 – 443 million Silurian 71

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 Source: Oram, 2009 Main Fracture Orientation 74

Geology of Columbia and Luzerne County Anticline – Plunge to NE Syncline – Plunge to NE 75

Geology of Ridge and Valley Provinces Younger (Y) Older (O) Younger (Y) Anticline Water Well 1200 + ft Fresh Water < 1000 mg/L 600 + ft Brackish 1000 to < 10,000 mg/L Sea Level Brine- > 10,000 mg/L Target Formation Geology of Ridge and Valley Provinces 76

General Geology Horizontal Bedding Saline Water Brine Water Fresh Water Y O Use a Multiple Casing Approach Geology of Appalachian Plateau Provinces 77

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 Fund- image edited by Mr.Brian Oram, PG Wilkes University 79

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 80

Well Geology (Unconsolidated) Source: Water Watch Alliance 81

Groundwater Moves - Slowly feet per year Confining Bed Sea Level Saline Water Brine Water Stagnant Water – no to little flow 82

Bedrock Fractures and Fractured Zones Lower Yielding Well High Yielding Well Fractured Zone Bedding Planes Within Consolidated Rock or Bedrock Water Moves Along Bedding Planes, Joints, Fractures, and Faults. 83

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. 85

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 ! 86

Organic Contamination 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 87

Private wells are not regulated by PADEP or EPA. 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/ 89

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 4/17/2017 90

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 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

Ground Resource Management Luzerne County, Pennsylvania This slide is a good opportunity to describe the work that the speaker’s company does concerning the location and construction of residential water wells. The speaker should describe his/her experience with these subjects. Soils Evaluation Community Education Outreach Hydrogeological Assessments http://www.water-research.net 100