Sampling of Surface Water and Spring Water in the Athabasca Oil Sands (In Situ) Area, Alberta, 1999-2001 - A Compilation of Protocols and Methods

Between 1999 and 2001, the Alberta Geological Survey (AGS) completed a water-sampling program in northeastern Alberta. Water samples were collected from springs issuing from Quaternary-Tertiary-aged aquifers exposed along the Athabasca River, as well as from springs believed to be issuing from Cretaceous and Devonian-aged strata along the Christina and Clearwater rivers. The goal of the sampling project was to collect high quality water samples. The results will be used to establish a baseline hydrogeochemistry dataset for these springs prior to large-scale industrial development in the area. All of the springs fall within the Alberta Energy and Utilities Board (EUB)-designated Athabasca Oil Sands (in situ) Area.

The sampling protocols documented in this Geo-Note are the result of a literature review and of personal communications with a number of research scientists involved in water sampling in the oil and gas industry. The protocols and methods include sections on: 1) site selection, preparation and setup; 2) collection of field measurements for pH, conductivity, temperature, oxidation-reduction potential, dissolved oxygen and alkalinity; 3) sampling for major, minor and trace elements, isotopes of O, H, C, B, S and Sr, organic acids, radionuclides, silica, CI, Br and I; 4) quality control; and 5) site cleanup and equipment decontamination.