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Reconnaissance evaluation of contamination in the alluvial aquifer in the East Poplar oil field, Roosevelt County, Montana

Water-Resources Investigations Report 84-4174
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https://doi.org/10.3133/wri844174

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Abstract

Water moving from north to south in the alluvial aquifer of the Poplar River valley becomes contaminated with sodium chloride in the area underlain by the East Poplar oil fields. Four types of ground water were identified in the study area. Type 1 is sodium bicarbonate water. Type 2 is sodium chloride water with varying quantities of calcium and magnesium. Type 3 water contains sodium and chloride in significantly larger concentrations than Type 2. Type 4 water is the brine being injected into brine-disposal wells. Contamination of the alluvial aquifer is indicated by a brine-freshwater interface in the alluvium, by downstream increase in chloride concentration of the Poplar River, and by downstream change in water type of the Poplar River. Contamination also may be indicated by the distribution of iron and manganese concentrations in water from wells near a brine-disposal well. Possible sources of sodium chloride contamination in the alluvium are brine-disposal wells, pipelines, and storage or evaporation pits. The contamination can occur from leaks in the casing of disposal wells or in pipelines caused by the corrosive nature of the brine or from storage or evaporation pits that have been improperly sealed or have sustained tears in the sealing material. (USGS)

Suggested Citation

Levings, G.W., 1984, Reconnaissance evaluation of contamination in the alluvial aquifer in the East Poplar oil field, Roosevelt County, Montana: U.S. Geological Survey Water-Resources Investigations Report 84-4174, iv, 29 p. :ill., maps ;28 cm., https://doi.org/10.3133/wri844174.

Publication type Report
Publication Subtype USGS Numbered Series
Title Reconnaissance evaluation of contamination in the alluvial aquifer in the East Poplar oil field, Roosevelt County, Montana
Series title Water-Resources Investigations Report
Series number 84-4174
DOI 10.3133/wri844174
Year Published 1984
Language ENGLISH
Publisher U.S. Geological Survey,
Description iv, 29 p. :ill., maps ;28 cm.
Additional publication details