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Analysis of Potential Environmental Risks in the Hydraulic Fracturing Operation in the “La Luna” Formation in Colombia

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  • Camilo Andrés Guerrero-Martin

    (Department of Engineering, Federal University of Pará, Campus Salinópolis, Rua Raimundo Santana Cruz, S/N, Bairro São Tomé, Salinópolis 68721-000, Brazil
    Centre for Energy and Environmental Economics (Cenergia), Energy Planning Program (PPE), Alberto Luiz Coimbra Institute for Graduate Studies and Research in Engineering (COPPE), Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro (UFRJ), Rio de Janeiro 21941-917, Brazil)

  • Alexandre Szklo

    (Centre for Energy and Environmental Economics (Cenergia), Energy Planning Program (PPE), Alberto Luiz Coimbra Institute for Graduate Studies and Research in Engineering (COPPE), Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro (UFRJ), Rio de Janeiro 21941-917, Brazil)

Abstract

This article presents an in-depth analysis of potential environmental risks associated with hydraulic fracturing operations within the “La Luna” formation in Colombia. Using the Conesa methodology, it assesses the environmental impacts of unconventional reservoir production in Colombia, including water usage, chemical additives, air emissions, and the potential for groundwater contamination. This study incorporates comprehensive data on geological characteristics, operational procedures, and environmental conditions specific to the region. This analysis highlights the need for a proactive approach to managing potential environmental risks associated with hydraulic fracturing in Colombia. The findings underscore the importance of implementing robust regulatory measures, comprehensive monitoring systems, and the industry’s best practices to mitigate and prevent adverse environmental impacts. This research contributes to the ongoing global dialogue on the environmental implications of hydraulic fracturing in regions with sensitive ecological conditions. The environmental impacts of unconventional reservoirs are widely recognized as a general consensus; however, the absence of applied studies with the rigor of an explicit methodology in Andean countries highlights the need for specific research in this region. This article addresses this gap by proposing a detailed and structured methodology to assess and mitigate environmental impacts in unconventional reservoirs. Emphasizing the importance of knowing the characteristics of reservoir fluids, this research highlights that this critical information is only revealed by drilling exploration wells and PVT (pressure, volume, and temperature) analysis. Obtaining this data is crucial for shaping specific mitigation measures, thus allowing for the formulation of a robust environmental management plan tailored to the conditions of the reservoirs in the Andean region. This precise and contextualized approach contributes to closing the knowledge gap and promotes more sustainable practices in the exploitation of unconventional reservoirs in this specific geographical context. The methodology used in this study proved its effectiveness by accurately quantifying the risks associated with each of the environmental alterations inherent to the hydraulic fracturing process in the La Luna formation. The results obtained allowed for the identification of the critical points most susceptible to environmental impacts, serving as a solid basis for the elaboration of an environmental management plan. This strategic approach not only enabled the delineation of specific mitigation measures but also facilitated the selection of the most appropriate locations for the implementation of the plan, maximizing the effectiveness of corrective actions. It is noteworthy that the successful application of the Conesa methodology in this unconventional reservoir context evidences the versatility and applicability of this approach, consolidating it as a valuable tool for environmental assessment and effective planning in the hydraulic fracturing industry.

Suggested Citation

  • Camilo Andrés Guerrero-Martin & Alexandre Szklo, 2024. "Analysis of Potential Environmental Risks in the Hydraulic Fracturing Operation in the “La Luna” Formation in Colombia," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 16(5), pages 1-35, March.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jsusta:v:16:y:2024:i:5:p:2063-:d:1349807
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    References listed on IDEAS

    as
    1. Mohammed Ali Badjadi & Hanhua Zhu & Cunquan Zhang & Muhammad Hamza Naseem, 2023. "Enhancing Water Management in Shale Gas Extraction through Rectangular Pulse Hydraulic Fracturing," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 15(14), pages 1-19, July.
    2. Aarón Levi Garavito-Acosta & Enrique Montes-Uribe & Jorge Hernán Toro-Córdoba & Camila Agudelo-Rivera & Viviana A. Corredor-Alfonso & Álvaro Carmona-Duarte & María Mercedes Collazos-Gaitán & Camilo Go, 2020. "Ingresos externos corrientes de Colombia: desempeno exportador, avances y retos," Revista ESPE - Ensayos Sobre Política Económica, Banco de la República, issue 95, pages 1-81, July.
    3. Jennifer A. Caldwell & Christopher K. Williams & Margaret C. Brittingham & Thomas J. Maier, 2022. "A Consideration of Wildlife in the Benefit-Costs of Hydraulic Fracturing: Expanding to an E3 Analysis," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 14(8), pages 1-17, April.
    4. Kenneth Gillingham & James H. Stock, 2018. "The Cost of Reducing Greenhouse Gas Emissions," Journal of Economic Perspectives, American Economic Association, vol. 32(4), pages 53-72, Fall.
    5. Henao, Felipe & Dyner, Isaac, 2020. "Renewables in the optimal expansion of colombian power considering the Hidroituango crisis," Renewable Energy, Elsevier, vol. 158(C), pages 612-627.
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