Beetaloo Basin shale: long-term competency after decommissioning
This fact sheet describes the results of a CSIRO research project designed to assess the self-sealing competency of shale formations and explore their potential to create a natural barrier that reduces the risk of contaminants entering the environment.
This project improves our understanding of how decommissioned wells in the Beetaloo Basin maintain their integrity over the long term.
Researchers undertook a comprehensive literature review of shale creep mechanisms; an exploration of techniques to enhance creep deformation in shales; scientific analysis and geo-mechanical tests of shale samples; and the development
of a leakage calculator to evaluate the risks of hydrocarbon fluid escape.
The project outcomes help address community concerns in the region about the potential for decommissioned wells to become potential sources of contaminants, and will help provide an evidence base for informed decision making by industry stakeholders.