The industry term for containers used to hold frac fluids is ‘pits.’ Pits have many different functions such as storing produced water, oil, and treatment fluids, as well as containing the burn off of waste oil and emergency overflows. The most important aspect of a pit is its ability to safely store these fluids because if these fluids are not contained, the results can be disastrous for the surrounding environment and the people that live near the oil drill wells. If these fluids are not effectively contained, they can seep directly into the surface water and shallow groundwater. Not only is rectifying the problem a lengthy, costly endeavor but it also affects the health and overall well-being of entire peoples and species.
So, how can we continue to drill for oil while also ensuring that these dangerous fluids do not infiltrate our water supply? The first line of defense against disastrous, widespread pollution is the pit lining. These are extra layers of protection against losing fluid. Additionally, many states have begun mandating that pits used for long-term containment of these kinds of frac fluids be stored away from sources of surface water. The hope is that these pits will be too far away to taint the water supply in case there is accidental fluid discharge.
Before these fluids are stored in the pits, they come out of the ground after hydraulic fracturing as ‘flowback.’ In the same way, frac fluids need to be stored responsibly and the flowback must be handled carefully. Otherwise, the environmental consequences are disastrous. Thanks to improvements in fracturing technology, we are finding newer, safer ways to handle the fluids, as well as, finding different ways to repurpose them. Managed irrigation, for example, is a promising future use for recycled frac fluids. Whether it is for containing or repurposing frac fluids, they must be handled carefully.
Do more for the environment with your Frac Fluid Management Plan. Call Water Cleaning Services at 888.689.7858 for more information.