Characterization of produced waters from underground natural-gas-storage reservoir operations. Volume 1. Topical report, July 1986-June 1988

This report presents the results of a nationwide characterization program for produced waters from underground natural-gas-storage operations. In all, seven produced-water samples from seven different sites were collected and analyzed. The results of the program indicate that the characteristics and volumes of production waters from storage facilities are highly variable, site-specific, and most likely dependent on the characteristics of the storage formation. In general, the produced waters from storage facilities sampled in the program contained volatile organics and, to a lesser degree, selected semivolatile organics. Selected minor and trace elements also were present in the produced-water samples. Chloride and total dissolved solids were the most-predominant conventional parameters detected. Produced waters did not generally exhibit current RCRA hazardous-waste characteristics. The predominant method used to dispose of these waters is underground injection into Class II wells regulated under the Safe Drinking Water Act.