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We seek scientifically sound solutions for our clients. BeneTerra has aligned itself with top research organizations as part of our commitment to continuous improvement. Our staff is encouraged to take leadership roles in their respective fields of endeavour to produce meaningful research.

December2011

Summary of Inorganic Compositional Data for Groundwater, Soil-Water

Published by United States Geological Survey  2011. 

Nicholas J. Geboy, Mark A. Engle, Karl T. Schroeder, and John W. Zupancic

Abstract

As part of a 5-year project on the impact of subsurface drip irrigation (SDI) application of coalbed-methane (CBM) produced waters, water samples were collected from the Headgate Draw SDI site in the Powder River Basin, Wyoming, USA. This research is part of a larger study to understand short- and long-term impacts on both soil and water quality from the beneficial use of CBM waters to grow forage crops through use of SDI. This document provides a summary of the context, sampling methodology, and quality assurance and quality control documentation of samples collected prior to and over the first year of SDI operation at the site (May 2008–October 2009). This report contains an associated data-base containing inorganic compositional data, water-quality criteria parameters, and calculated geochemical parameters for samples of groundwater, soil water, surface water, treated CBM waters, and as-received CBM waters collected at the Headgate Draw SDI site.

 

 

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September2011

Tracking solutes and water from subsurface drip irrigation application of coalbed methane–produced waters, Powder River Basin, Wyoming

Environmental Geosciences  

September 2011

Mark A. Engle, Carleton R. Bern, Richard W. Healy, James I. Sams, John W. Zupancic, and Karl T. Schroedercover_EG_journal

ABSTRACT

One method to beneficially use water produced from coalbed methane (CBM) extraction is subsurface drip irrigation (SDI) of croplands. In SDI systems,treated CBM water (injectate) is supplied to the soil at depth, with the purpose of preventing the buildup of detrimental salts near the surface.The technology is expanding within the Powder River Basin, but little research has been published on its environmental impacts. This article reports on initial results from tracking water and solutes from the injected CBM produced waters at an SDI system in Johnson County, Wyoming.

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June2011

Santos visits BeneTerra in US

Two members of the Santos irrigation team, David MacFarlane and Andrew Snars, toured BeneTerra irrigation projects and research facilities in Wyoming on 20 and 21 June, 2011.  They were accompanied by consulting soil scientists from MWH, Stuart Macnish and Justin Adams.  While there the Santos/MWH group engaged with Tim Kalus of Anadarko, the groundwater team from the Wyoming Department of Environmental Quality, Carl Bern with the US Geological Survey and the BeneTerra staff.

 

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May2011

MD addresses ASSSI

On 11 May 2011, BeneTerra’s Managing Director spoke to the Queensland branch of the Australian Soil Science Society about the company’s experiences with coal seam gas water in the Powder River Basin of Wyoming.  He described why and how the company adapted subsurface drip irrigation for dispersal of CSG water in a frigid climate.  Results from studies undertaken by the US Geological Survey were shared with the group.  An hour-long question and answer session followed the talk resulting in a dialogue on the impacts of CSG.

 

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October2010

Interview with Queensland Country Life on community benefits of CSG

The weekly regional newspaper, Queensland Country Life, interviewed John Zupancic of BeneTerra about his experiences with coal seam gas development in the Wyoming’s Powder River Basin. Zupancic pointed out that there have been many benefits to development that are rarely mentioned such as professional job opportunities for young people in or near their home town.

 

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