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Ground-water and subsidence investigations of the LLL in situ coal gasification experiments. [Hoe Creek No. 1; Hoe Creek No. 2]

Conference ·
OSTI ID:6944327

Ground-water sampling and subsidence measurements have been carried out at the sites of two in situ coal gasification experiments conducted in northeastern Wyoming by the Lawrence Livermore Laboratory. Changes in ground-water quality and the possible effects of subsidence and ground movement induced by the gasification cavity represent important environmental concerns associated with the in situ coal gasification process. Our ground-water quality measurements near the site of the first experiment (Hoe Creek I) show a continuing decrease, after more than a year, in the concentration of important contaminants such as phenolic materials. Laboratory measurements have provided detailed information concerning phenol adsorption by coal. Long-term effects due to ground-water flow, and the detailed behavior of other contaminants remain to be investigated. Data from subsurface geotechnical instruments installed at the second gasification experiment (Hoe Creek II), as well as measurements of ground-water levels indicate that roof collapse has connected the gasification cavity with overlying aquifers. The implications of this interconnection for the dispersal of underground contaminants are being investigated.

Research Organization:
California Univ., Livermore (USA). Lawrence Livermore Lab.
DOE Contract Number:
W-7405-ENG-48
OSTI ID:
6944327
Report Number(s):
UCRL-81271; CONF-780723-4
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English