Flowback Water

{
  "id": "MLC-T-ENV-011321",
  "term": "Flowback Water",
  "field": "Environment",
  "definition": "1. Wastewater generated by ... Shale energy exploration, extraction, and production activities including, but not limited to, disposal, treatment and recycling.\n\n2. After the hydraulic fracturing procedure is completed and pressure is released, thedirection of fluid flow reverses, and water and excess proppant flow up through the wellbore to the surface. The water that returns to the surface is commonly referred to as “flowback.”\n\n3. Process of allowing fluids and entrained solids to flow from a well following a treatment, Start either in preparation for a subsequent phase of treatment or in preparation for cleanup and returning the well to production. The term flowback also means the fluids and entrained solids that emerge from a well during the flowback process. The flowback period begins when material introduced into the well during the treatment returns to the surface following hydraulic fracturing or refracturing. The flowback period ends when either the well is shut in and permanently disconnected from the flowback equipment or at the startup of production. The flowback period includes the initial flowback stage and the separation flowback stage. Screenouts, coil tubing cleanouts, and plug drill-outs are not considered part of the flowback process.[85 FR 57398; 40 CFR 60.5430a (CFR 2021)]",
  "references": [
    "EPA Request for Information on Marcellus Shale Flowback Water at http://www.epa.gov/region03/marcellus_shale/pdf/letter/talisman5-12-11.pdf",
    "EPA Study of the Potential Impacts of Hydraulic Fracturing on Drinking Water Resources: Progress Report at http://www.epa.gov/hfstudy/pdfs/hf-report20121214.pdf",
    "40 CFR 60.5430b (CFR 2024)"
  ],
  "url": "https://mlchart.com/terminology/environment/flowback-water/"
}