ECOLOGICAL MONITORING PROBLEMS OF THE SHALE GAS DEVELOPMENT IN THE VOLYNO-PODILLYA REGION

Purpose. The purpose of the paper is to study and map of the areas with enhanced environmental hazards of Volyno-Podillya, where gas production is not recommended; to develop optimization stages for the existing network of hydroecological monitoring of the given area. Design/methodology/approach. The studies were conducted using structural-thermo-atmo-geochemical method that allows selecting and mapping zones of high fracturing rocks. Findings. We defined and mapped modern active tectonic lineaments of various rank and related areas of tectonic fractures and crushing which create zones of formational permeability. We also defined conservation areas, such as water intake systems and local agglomerations, where work on shale gas production is not recommended. Special attention was given to river areas confined to zones of faults and decompression of the rocks. The authors propose, while choosing the objects of further geological exploration for shale gas, give special consideration to the selected areas of environmental risk. The analysis of installing a modern groundwater monitoring network showed to optimize works for the development of shale gas resources with regard to the state of the mining works, water placement, and the groundwater regime. Practical value/implications. Implementation of the proposed optimization of the environmental monitoring system would significantly reduce the risk of environmental effects of shale gas development in the Volyno-Podolia. The exact prediction of various ecological processes is possible only after the optimization of the existing monitoring network using geographic information systems and simulation of hydrogeological conditions of the territory.