FRAC ponds: evaporation and algae prevention

How do you stop evaporation and eliminate algae?

Frac ponds, also known as hydraulic fracturing ponds or frac pits, are artificial water bodies used primarily in the oil and gas industry to store flowback water and produced water from hydraulic fracturing (fracking) operations. These ponds are essential for managing the large volumes of wastewater generated during the fracking process, which can include various contaminants such as hydrocarbons, salts, and other chemical additives used in fracking fluids.

Evaporation and Algae Issues in Frac Ponds

Evaporation Concerns

Evaporation is a significant issue in frac ponds due to their large surface areas. The primary function of these ponds is to allow for the evaporation of water, which can help reduce the volume of wastewater that needs to be managed. However, this process can lead to several environmental concerns:

• Pollutant Concentration: As water evaporates, contaminants become more concentrated in the remaining liquid, potentially leading to higher levels of toxic substances.
• Air Quality: Evaporation can also release volatile organic compounds (VOCs) into the atmosphere, contributing to air pollution and posing health risks to nearby communities.

Algae Growth

Algae can proliferate in frac ponds due to nutrient-rich conditions created by the organic materials and chemicals present in the wastewater. While some algae are beneficial for oxygen production, excessive growth can lead to several problems:

• Oxygen Depletion: When algae die and decompose, they consume oxygen in the water, which can harm aquatic life by creating hypoxic conditions.
• Toxin Production: Certain types of algae can produce toxins that may contaminate groundwater or pose health risks to humans and animals.
• Operational Challenges: Algal blooms can complicate the management of frac ponds by increasing maintenance needs and potentially affecting water quality for reuse in fracking operations

Management Solutions

To mitigate evaporation and algae issues in frac ponds, several strategies can be employed:

• Covering Ponds: Using floating covers such as the Hexprotect AQUA can significantly reduce evaporation rates and limit sunlight exposure, which helps control algae growth
• Aeration Systems: Implementing aeration techniques can enhance water circulation and oxygen levels, promoting a healthier aquatic environment while reducing stagnant conditions that favor algal blooms
• Regular Monitoring: Continuous monitoring of water quality and algae levels is crucial for early detection of potential problems and for implementing timely interventions.

AWTT has developed an innovative solution for controlling water evaporation in frac ponds through their floating covers. The problem they address is significant – operators typically lose between 1 to 4 inches of water daily to evaporation during hot weather. Installing a quality floating cover represents a smart financial investment for operators, as it dramatically reduces water loss through evaporation. For frac pits intended for use beyond one year, investing in an evaporation cover makes particular economic sense, with cost savings extending well into the future. These covers serve multiple purposes beyond water conservation – they prevent sunlight from penetrating the water, which in turn stops the growth of algae and other problematic aquatic plants.

What sets AWTT’s approach apart is their ability to install covers on ponds that are already filled with water. Their Hexprotect AQUA cover is designed to float naturally and position itself correctly across the water’s surface. This “wet” installation method is particularly advantageous as it eliminates the need for any modifications to the existing frac pit. The covers can also serve as an effective alternative to bird nets when the pits are being used to store produced water.

Contact us for more information about our company!