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Research Needs Identified for Potential Effects of Energy Development Activities on Environmental Resources of the Williston Basin, United States

Fact Sheet 2022-3088
By:  and 
https://doi.org/10.3133/fs20223088

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Abstract

Unconventional oil and gas development that uses horizontal drilling and hydraulic fracturing is rapidly changing the landscape and exponentially increasing oil production within the Williston Basin, especially in North Dakota and eastern Montana. The activities associated with unconventional oil and gas development are complex and wide reaching and include, in part, road and well-pad construction, leaks from pits or tanks, chemical spills, discharge of wastewater, drilling before casing installation, leaks during or after hydraulic fracturing, failed casing seals, pipeline breaks, abandoned wells, deep-well disposal of flowback or produced wastewater, and induced subsurface migration pathways that can potentially adversely affect the environmental resources within the Williston Basin.

Suggested Citation

Delzer, G.C., and Post van der Burg, M., 2023, Research needs identified for potential effects of energy development activities on environmental resources of the Williston Basin, United States: U.S. Geological Survey Fact Sheet 2022–3088, 6 p., https://doi.org/10.3133/fs20223088.

ISSN: 2327-6932 (online)

Study Area

Table of Contents

  • Introduction
  • Research Needs in the Williston Basin
  • References Cited
Publication type Report
Publication Subtype USGS Numbered Series
Title Research needs identified for potential effects of energy development activities on environmental resources of the Williston Basin, United States
Series title Fact Sheet
Series number 2022-3088
DOI 10.3133/fs20223088
Year Published 2023
Language English
Publisher U.S. Geological Survey
Publisher location Reston, VA
Contributing office(s) Dakota Water Science Center
Description 6 p.
Country United States
State Montana, North Dakota, South Dakota
Other Geospatial Williston Basin
Online Only (Y/N) Y
Google Analytic Metrics Metrics page
Additional publication details