A Conceptual GIS Vulnerability Model for Unsafe Drinking Water in Relation to Hydraulic Fracturing: A Southwestern Manitoba Case Study

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Date
2017
Authors
McDonald, Glen Robert
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Abstract
Fracking has become a major fossil fuel source providing $37 billion to the Canadian economy in 2016. However, hydraulic fracturing has potential environmental and impacts from sub-surface and surface water contamination from fracking fluid. Water quality is the most serious issue facing rural communities that are spatially adjacent or within production fields. The objective of this study is to develop a conceptual GIS model for estimating risk to ground water in southwestern Manitoba. The model consists of five components: chemical contaminants, industrial sources, urban infrastructure, socio-economics and environmental factors. There are significant gaps in data, especially chemical and health effects with little monitoring. The multivariate approach used here detected areas at risk to fracking and in particular Wallace municipality ranked high within the model. The model allows areas of vulnerability to be identified and resources directed to the community in question in order to mitigate future health risks.
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Keywords
Fracking, Water quality, Geographic Information Systems, Conceptual models
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