A great opportunity is approaching for the geosynthetics field to play a larger role in the environmental side of the shale energy dialogue. Through August 6, the American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE) Shale Energy Conference will accept abstracts. Geosynthetic liners are providing essential environmental and operational efficiency containment for shale energy sites, geogrids and geotextiles are supporting access roads and strengthening transportation routes, etc.
In the abstracts invitation document (PDF), the event organizers note that the conference will:
…identify and promote the most cost effective and environmentally sound ideas, innovative solutions, and emerging technologies related to water resources management, geological and geotechnical aspects of shale gas development, and broader infrastructure components of the shale oil and gas exploitation cycle.
The Shale Energy Conference will be held 21-23 July 2014 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.
FOUR KEY TOPICS
Those interested in submitting abstracts should note that the Shale Energy Conference will focus on four primary issues:
- Water Resources Management in Shale Oil & Gas Development
- Geological and Geotechnical Aspects of Shale Oil & Gas Well Development
- Environmental, Regulatory, and Public Policy Issues
- Supporting Infrastructure Development for Shale Oil & Gas Production
These topics incorporate issues of transportation, pad design, on-site water resource management (groundwater protection, stormwater controls, etc.), and much more.
Learn more in the Call for Abstracts (PDF)
OTHER RESOURCES
The August 2011 White Paper #20 from the Geosynthetic Research Institute (GRI) “Geosynthetic Opportunities Associated With Shale Gas Extraction” examined the involvement and potential involvement for the geosynthetics market in shale energy. In its introduction, authors Robert Koerner and George Koerner note that “…one can envision [shale contained] natural gas as an energy source rivaling oil, coal and nuclear, while dwarfing all of the renewables combined.” The 27-page White Paper outlines major shale gas zones, environmental and regulatory concerns, geosynthetic materials and applications relevant to the sector, and more.
The Fabricated Geomembrane Institute (FGI) will hold a short course on “Environmental Protection in Shale Oil and Gas Development.” To be held 12 September 2013 in Corsicana, Texas. The event will describe the estimated 40 trillion cubic feet of retrievable natural gas and oil in the Barnett and Eagle Ford Shale, techniques to ensure environmental protection during the development, best development practices, and construction materials and techniques to facilitate shale oil and gas development.
