Technical Normalization of Activities in Shale Gas Exploration: The Case of Water Resources

Abstract

The exploration of unconventional resources using the hydraulic fracturing technique was decisive for the significant increase in hydrocarbon production in North and South America, with the consequent reduction in their dependence on external energy. However, in Brazil, production from unconventional sources continues to be debated due to the perception, by part of civil society, that the risks related to this activity outweigh its benefits. This work aims to analyze the impact of hydraulic fracturing on the environment, in particular with regard to water resources, as well as the most relevant regulation for water management, for the definition of a proposal for the structure of a specific technical standard to be used as a standard and good practice recommendation in the development of conventional gas exploration activities through hydraulic fracturing, aiming not only at the operational aspects of such activities, but also addressing the control and minimization of potential environmental impacts associated with water resources. Thus, it is possible to establish clear, objective, and easy-to-follow rules by the specialist society to ensure their development in suitable regions, limiting the occurrence and scope of any negative events to limits compatible with the benefits generated by the activity. Keywords: shale gas, hydraulic fracturing, regulation, unconventional resources, normalization, mitigation DOI: 10.7176/RHSS/12-10-03 Publication date: May 31 st 2022