2.2. Operational practices
There are inherent aspects of UCG that help to reduce the
contamination potential of UCG projects. During operation, a
steam barrier or “steam jacket” is created that surrounds and
contains the process and leakage [4]. Operators should maintain
the gasification chamber below hydrostatic pressure in the sur-
rounding aquifer to ensure that all groundwater flow in the area is
directed inward, towards the gasification chamber as shown in
Fig. 2 [12]. UCG operators must also invest in groundwater
monitoring around the facility to ensure contaminants are not
migrating from the gasification chamber.
.