Summary
In 2008, Geoscience BC secured $5 million in funding from the BC Ministry of Energy, Mines and Petroleum Resources, dedicated to geoscience studies supporting timely and 
efficient appraisal and development of the enormous shale gas resource of the Horn River Basin. In consultation with the Horn River Basin Producers Group (HRBPG), Geoscience BC determined a key geoscience challenge in identifying aquifers capable of producing high volumes of water to support completions (fraccing) operations, and also capable of accepting disposal of large volumes of spent frac fluids. The Horn River Basin Aquifer Characterization Project, a cooperative effort between Geoscience BC and the HRBPG, was conceived as a result, and Petrel Robertson Consulting Ltd. (PRCL) was appointed project manager. In a series of meetings commencing November 2008, three primary project objectives were defined:
efficient appraisal and development of the enormous shale gas resource of the Horn River Basin. In consultation with the Horn River Basin Producers Group (HRBPG), Geoscience BC determined a key geoscience challenge in identifying aquifers capable of producing high volumes of water to support completions (fraccing) operations, and also capable of accepting disposal of large volumes of spent frac fluids. The Horn River Basin Aquifer Characterization Project, a cooperative effort between Geoscience BC and the HRBPG, was conceived as a result, and Petrel Robertson Consulting Ltd. (PRCL) was appointed project manager. In a series of meetings commencing November 2008, three primary project objectives were defined:-
- Synthesize available geological information to produce a stratigraphic framework for hydrogeological/aquifer analysis.
- Facilitate collection of aquifer and fluid data from new Producer Group wells, particularly those being drilled for water supply and disposal.
- Undertake a systematic hydrogeological investigation of potential aquifers in the Horn River Basin in order to quantify and map reservoir capacity and productivity / injectivity potential.