Effects of fracturing on well yields in the coalfield areas of Wise and Dickenson counties, southwestern Virginia

Water-Resources Investigations Report 85-4061
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Abstract

Fracturing associated with lineaments are the primary influence on yields from wells in the coalfields of southwestern Virgnia. Graphical comparison of yield from wells shows that wells located in valleys with lineaments produce larger quantities of water than wells in valleys without lineaments. Pumping tests at wells located in valleys with lineaments indicate transmissivities as high as 598 ft2/d, caused principally by secondary permeability. Analysis of data collected from packer-injection tests in a test hole located on a ridge indicate relatively large hydraulic conductivities ranging from 2x10(sup -2) to 1x10(sup -1) feet per day in upper parts of the test hole, compared to values typical of unfractured rocks in the study area. Fracturing due to stress relief contribute to these large values. Yields from wells located on lineaments are consistently higher than well yields from wells in unfractured rock in the study area, but well yields from wells placed randomly in areas suspected of having stress relief fractures cannot be predicted. 

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Publication type Report
Publication Subtype USGS Numbered Series
Title Effects of fracturing on well yields in the coalfield areas of Wise and Dickenson counties, southwestern Virginia
Series title Water-Resources Investigations Report
Series number 85-4061
DOI 10.3133/wri854061
Year Published 1985
Language English
Publisher U.S. Geological Survey
Description v, 21 p.
Country United States
State Virginia
County Dickenson County, Wise County
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