Scenario analysis for assessing the impact of hydraulic fracturing on stream low flows using the SWAT model |
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| Authors: | Aashish Shrestha Colleen E McLean Bryan A Kelly Scott C Martin |
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| Institution: | 1. Civil and Environmental Program, Youngstown State University, Youngstown, OH, USA;2. Geological and Environmental Sciences, Youngstown State University, Youngstown, OH, USA;3. Civil and Environmental Engineering Program, Youngstown State University, Youngstown, OH, USA |
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| Abstract: | Scientists and water users are concerned about the potential impact on water resources, particularly during low-flow periods, of freshwater withdrawals for hydraulic fracturing (fracking). Therefore, the objective of this paper is to assess the potential impact of hydraulic fracturing on water resources in the Muskingum watershed of Eastern Ohio, USA, especially due to the trend of increased withdrawals for hydraulic fracking during drought years. The Statistical Downscaling Model (SDSM) was used to generate 30 years of plausible future daily weather series in order to capture the possible dry periods. The data generated were incorporated in the Soil and Water Assessment Tool (SWAT) to examine the level of impact due to fracking at various scales. Analyses showed that water withdrawal due to hydraulic fracking had a noticeable impact, especially during low-flow periods. Clear changes in the 7-day minimum flows were detected among baseline, current and future scenarios when the worst-case scenario was implemented. The headwater streams in the sub-watersheds were highly affected, with significant decrease in 7-day low flows. The flow alteration in hydrologically-based (7Q10, i.e. 7-day 10-year low flow) or biologically-based (4B3 and 1B3) design flows due to hydraulic fracking increased with decrease in the drainage area, indicating that the relative impact may not be as great for higher order streams. Nevertheless, change in the annual mean flow was limited to 10%. |
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| Keywords: | hydraulic fracturing (fracking) SWAT SDSM low flow drought |
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