Subsurface Transport and Fate of Natural Gas Processing Wastes: Implications for Risk Assessment and Remediation

Fundamental data has been developed regarding the chemical nature and subsurface transport and fate of wastes generated by amine-based gas sweetening and glycol-based dehydration operations. Results indicate the mobility and biodegradability of both amine- and glycol-based wastes are variable depending primarily on soil type. The data suggest 1) a thorough understanding of site-specific waste and subsurface characteristics is necessary when predicting the fate of gas processing wastes, and 2) glycols may act as cosolvents for less mobile, but more highly regulated, hydrocarbons, thereby enhancing their transport. These data must be considered to accurately assess risk and develop appropriate remediation strategies.