The rapid extension of in situ bitumen-recovery projects based on steam-assisted gravity drainage (SAGD) technology in the EUB-designated Athabasca Oil Sands Area of northeast Alberta (e.g. Butler, 2001), has generated substantial new industry interest in the subject of waste-water disposal by deep-well injection. These projects produce a variety of liquid-waste streams requiring disposal, including steam- boiler blowdown water and excess produced water. Deep-well disposal can be an acceptable waste-management option for in situ projects, depending on site-specific circumstances. Deep-well injection of oilfield waters in the Province of Alberta is administered by the Alberta Energy and Utilities Board (EUB) as documented in EIB Guide 51 - Injection and Disposal Wells: Well Classifications, Completion, Logging, and Testing Requirements. Deep-well disposal of oilfield and industrial wastewaters in Alberta is considered to be a safe and viable disposal option where wells are properly constructed, operated, and monitored. EUB Guide 65 describes the application requirements for disposal/injection wells.
Gordon, T.M., Kokot, S.L. and Parks, K. (2002): Guide to recent publications on inorganic water-rock interactions relevant to deep-well wastewater disposal in carbonate-evaporite formations in the Athabasca Oil Sands area, Alberta; Alberta Energy and Utilities Board, EUB/AGS Special Report 52, 17 p.