APPLICATIONS OF AIRBORNE ELECTROMAGNETIC SURVEYS TO IMPROVE MANAGEMENT OF PRODUCED WATER IN THE POWDER RIVER BASIN

A helicopter electromagnetic survey was completed at selected study sites within the Powder River Basin of Wyoming and Montana in 2003 and 2004 as part of a hydrologic study of coal bed<br>natural gas production. The National Energy Technology Laboratory contracted Fugro Airborne Surveys to perform surveys at 9 study areas which covered a total of 210 km2. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the use of airborne electromagnetic methods for the large-scale mapping of lithologic and hydrogeologic properties. The study includes sites along floodplains and upland areas. Interpretation of the apparent conductivity maps and inverted conductivity depth sections reveals litholigic heterogeneities, water quality variations, and inferred hydrologic processes. Ultimately, it is hoped that the information from these surveys will be used to better manage produced waters from coalbed natural gas production.