Sampling of Groundwater from Wells 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 domestic wells, water-supply wells, observation wells and from piezometers. The goal of the sampling project was to collect high quality water samples. The results will be used to establish a baseline hydrogeochemical data set for the shallow groundwater in the area before resource development begins.

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, C1, Br and I; 4) quality control; and 5) site cleanup and equipment decontamination.