Mr. Erik Milito - The House Committee on Natural Resources ...

WATER MANAGEMENT ASSOCIATED WITH HYDRAULIC FRACTURING 15
One alternative that could be considered and that may be acceptable to local water management authorities is water
withdrawal programs that make use of seasonal changes in river flow, in order to capture water when surface water
flows are greatest. This would likely involve the use of large-scale water diversion and storage impoundments (see
Figure 6).
As described in more detail below, additional regulatory requirements are likely to be associated with such facilities.
Diverting water to storage impoundments during periods of high flow allows withdrawals at a time of peak water
availability which avoids impacts to municipal drinking water supplies or to aquatic or riparian communities. However,
operators need to keep in mind that this approach will normally require the development of sufficient water storage
capabilities to meet the overall requirements of drilling and hydraulic fracturing plans over the course of a season,
year, or perhaps even over a multi-year period (to plan for possible periods of drought).
Another alternative to ensuring water supply is to use abandoned surface coal mining pits for the storage of water.
Having more permanent facilities such as this may provide for the installation of a comprehensive water distribution
system that can be matched to development plans. Of course, the water quality in such impoundments must meet
with operational requirements and will likely vary depending on the nature of the exposed overburden present in such
areas. Moreover, these pits must meet all regulatory requirements for such surface impoundments.
Another simple method that can be used is to excavate low lying areas and allow for rain water harvesting. <strong>The</strong>
potential use of such a method requires planning as it may take a long time for the excavation to fill up, depending on
precipitation conditions. This option should be discussed with state, regional, or local water management authorities
to ensure compliance with stormwater runoff program elements.
Source: Little Red River Reservoir—Chesapeake Energy Corporation, 2008
Figure 6—Example of Diversion Pond Construction