The Foundation’s Projects

Successful Ongoing GWREF Projects and Initiatives:

Risk Based Data Management System (RBDMS)

• The RBDMS initiative now in its 23rd year is a comprehensive management system used by 23 state oil and gas agencies providing regulators and the regulated community management tools for water-energy sustainability;
• Allows regulatory agencies to protect the environment while supporting responsible development of domestic oil and gas and the underground injection of fluids;
• Results in significant staff efficiencies and reduced operating expenses for regulators and the regulated community;
• Provides worldwide access to production and injection data; and more;

Over the history of RBDMS, the GWREF has successfully managed $9.5M Federal & $2.6M non-Federal for the project. 

National Awards: DOE Energy 100 Award; 2011 Innovation Award Council of State Governments; and 2010 Outstanding Achievement Finalist, Government to Business.

FracFocus: www.FracFocus,org  is the hydraulic fracturing chemical registry website initiated by GWPC and the Interstate Oil & Gas Compact Commission.  On this site you search for information about the chemicals used in the hydraulic fracturing of oil and gas wells.  You can also find education material designed to help you put this information in perspective.  This educational piece is funded in a large part by the GWREF.

GWREF SPOTLIGHT SERIES EVENTS:

Water Energy Sustainability Symposia: For the last several years, beginning with Salt Lake City then Pittsburgh, Atlanta, and Nashville, the GWREF has been a major contributor toward multi-day, multi stakeholder water-energy events.

Stray Gas Incidence & Response:  In the summer of 2012 the GWREF sponsored a short course for natural gas producers, researchers, regulators, emergency responders, consultants and other stakeholders striving to improve investigation processes and response to stray gas incidences related to natural gas production. 

Induces Seismicity: In January of 2013 the GWREF sponsored a special event for seismologists, regulators, and other stakeholders with the focus of assessing and managing risk of induced seismicity by underground injection from the perspectives of researchers, the industry, and regulators. 

Plans are underway for a series of important events related to unconventional oil & natural gas development including: Induced Seismicity; Stray Gas; and Water Management later this year.

see White Paper - Stray Gas Forum, 2012 
see White Paper - Induced Seismicity 2013
see Call for Abstracts: 2013 Summer Spotlight Series Events
see Stray Gas Forum 2013 flyer
see Unconventional Oil & Gas Water Management Forum flyer