| (1) |
An applicant or holder must assess the geology and geohydrology of the affected area prior to well design and submit a geological overview report to the designated agency for approval. |
| (2) |
The report contemplated in subregulation (1) must be submitted, for consideration, to the competent authority as part of the application for Environmental Authorisation. The report must at least include the following information: |
| (a) |
A geological map of the area (that can encompass several hydraulic fracturing sites) at the appropriate scale and with details that must allow understanding of the potential structural aspects; |
| (b) |
an analysis of available geological information such as published and unpublished map sheets, satellite imagery and published and unpublished scientific papers; |
| (c) |
stratigraphic exploration boreholes to understand the regional stratigraphy and possible structural complexity as well as proposed depth(s) to the top and the bottom of the formation into which well fracturing fluids are proposed to be injected; |
| (d) |
borehole analysis including core logging, downhole geophysics, camera, water strikes, hydrogeochemical character and injection tests in fractures or formations; |
| (e) |
the physical and chemical properties of the stratigraphic formations such as porosity, permeability, naturally occurring fissures and fractures, total organic carbon, clay and mineralogy; |
| (f) |
cross sections of the study area based on surface geology, exploration borehole and geophysical profiling showing the stratigraphy, including the presence and morphology of dolerite, kimberlite and tectonic structures; |
| (g) |
groundwater monitoring (area covered, duration of monitoring, watercourse) and deep groundwater investigation to be specified when independent preliminary research has been completed; |
| (h) |
a model of fluid migration in the geological formation; and |
| (i) |
geohazards associated with geological formation and structural features and possible solutions to overcome them. |
[Regulation 87 inserted by section 2 of Notice No. R. 466 dated 3 June 2015]
Special Investigating Units and Special Tribunals Act, 1996
