(GP/GT) for Additional Water Supply in the Lower Rio Grande

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The earth's crust is composed entirdyofrock. which maybe eltherporous or non-porous.
aU and gas are usually foWl~ In porous rocks which form a reservoir, Salt water, which
"CcutS With the 011 and gas in the reservoir, is produced along With the oU and gas. The salt
.ter or produced water maybe returned by fluid injection Into the reservoir from which it
origInated for secondcuy and enhanced recovery operations. but also may be disposed of
lnto porous rocks not productive of oU or gas.
The ideal fluid injectlon or disposal wen Is one utilizing a porous zone of relatlvely low or
moderate pressures which Is sealed above and below the porous zone by Wlbroken
impermeable strata. The rece1v1ng zone must be permeable and of sufficient thickness and
lateral dimensions to contain the volume offluid to be injected Without increasing injection
pressure to the point that it will fracture the sealing layers of rock above and below the
disposal zone. Fluid injectlon and d1sposal wells must be designed and operated to perform
the specific Job for which they were intended, which is to confine the injected fluids to the
approved strata and to protect fresh water resources. Fresh water is the one natural
resource Withou t which life cannot be sustained. The objectlve of the Railroad Commission
Underground Injection Control Program Is to ensure that our surface and subsurface fresh
water is free of pollution or contamfnaHon Which could result from unsound Installatlons
and operations. Proper well completion. injection procedures, mOnitoring and care will
ensure that quality fresh water sources will be available for all generations to come. .
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