Cold Lake Region– SAGD Source Water Supply Modelling

Low-impact lifecycle studies supporting long-term SAGD source water planning

Project Details

Client: Pipeline Owner Province: Alberta Project Type: Groundwater Supply Modelling

Project Overview

Groundwater modelling to assess long-term water supply viability from a regional brackish aquifer for a SAGD project, supporting lifecycle planning and regulatory approval.

Scope / Challenge

A brackish aquifer required evaluation to confirm its ability to supply water for the full lifecycle of a SAGD operation, with limited existing production data.

Approach

Alta Tech developed a regional groundwater model supported by detailed geological and hydrogeological characterization.

Work included:

  • Analysis of over 300 petroleum logs across a ~200 x 300 km model domain
  • Development of variable aquifer thickness (isopach) mapping to accurately represent spatial heterogeneity
  • Steady-state and transient calibration using 15 months of pumping and observation data
  • Simulation of long-term pumping scenarios to evaluate supply capacity and drawdown

Outcome

The calibrated model confirmed sufficient aquifer capacity to support project demands, providing confidence in project viability.

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