How to Find Freshwater Wells for BC Disposal Applications

Overview

Freshwater well and groundwater information is an important consideration for certain BC disposal well applications. When preparing a disposal application, operators may need to review nearby freshwater wells, groundwater aquifers, capture zones, and related subsurface information to support the application and address potential concerns.

This guide summarizes how to locate freshwater well information for BC disposal application work and how the information may be used in a regulatory review.

When This Process Applies

This process applies when preparing a BC disposal well application, particularly for deep well disposal of produced water. The training material references the BC Energy Regulator's operations documentation and guidance for subsurface disposal applications, including guidance related to groundwater review and freshwater wells within the application review area.

Operators should confirm the current BCER guidance before submitting an application, as requirements and tools may change over time.

Reviewing BCER Guidance

Begin by locating the applicable BCER disposal guidance. The training video references the pathway through the BCER website to energy professionals, operations documentation and guidance, subsurface disposal, and the application guideline for deep well disposal of produced water.

The guideline identifies groundwater-related information that may be required. This may include the base of groundwater depth, discussion of freshwater wells within a defined area, and information about nearby aquifers or capture zones. The application should address these items where they are applicable to the proposed disposal project.

Finding Freshwater Well Information

The video demonstrates reviewing public information sources and groundwater tools to help identify freshwater wells and groundwater features. These tools may include mapping resources, groundwater review assistants, and public well databases. Users may need to define the location of interest, search the surrounding area, and review available groundwater or water well records.

When information is found, it should be reviewed in relation to the proposed disposal well location and interval. The goal is to understand whether freshwater wells, aquifers, or capture zones are present near the project and whether the application should include additional discussion or supporting information.

Key Considerations

Freshwater well data should be interpreted carefully. Public databases may not be complete, and records may vary in quality. Operators should document the sources reviewed, the search area used, and the results identified. If nearby groundwater features are present, the application should explain how they were considered.

Need Assistance?

Benoit Regulatory supports operators with BC disposal well applications, groundwater information reviews, regulatory application preparation, and supporting technical documentation. If you need help identifying freshwater wells or preparing the groundwater discussion for a BC disposal application, our team can assist.

Practical Tips

When reviewing freshwater well information, keep a clear record of the map area searched, the tools used, and the wells or aquifers identified. If no nearby freshwater wells are found, document that result as well. A clear search record helps demonstrate that groundwater and freshwater well considerations were reviewed as part of the disposal application process. This review can also help identify whether additional technical discussion may be useful in the application, particularly where freshwater use, groundwater protection, or nearby domestic water wells may be a concern.