3D groundwater vulnerability
This project examined how subsurface activities for unconventional and conventional oil and gas exploration might have an impact on groundwater.
Documents
Details
Oil and gas exploration and production has the potential to release pollutants deep below the ground surface which could then move upwards into groundwater. Most important groundwater resources are found near to the surface, but deeper rocks can also contain water and may be the source of springs in some areas. Although water at such depths is usually of poorer quality, potential resources like this may also need protection.
The Environment Agency has studied the vulnerability of groundwater to pollution from activities at the ground surface for many years and has published maps to help assess risks. This new and innovative work carried out with the British Geological Survey uses the same principles to examine pollution sources deep below the ground surface and to assess subsurface groundwater vulnerability.