Accession Number:

ADB006746

Title:

An Economic and Ecologic Comparison of the Nuclear Stimulation of Natural Gas Fields with Retorting of Oil Shale

Descriptive Note:

Final rept.

Corporate Author:

ARMY COMMAND AND GENERAL STAFF COLLEGE FORT LEAVENWORTH KS

Personal Author(s):

• Wise, William A.

Report Date:

1975-06-06

Pagination or Media Count:

102.0

Abstract:

This study discusses two possible solutions for the national fuel shortage 1 The recovery of natural gas by nuclear stimulation, and 2 Retorting of oil shale to obtain crude oil. The findings are summarized from the limited employment of both methods in the Piceance Basin of Western Colorado. Particular emphasis is given to a review of the related literature. The similarities and differences of each method have been examined first with regard to ecologic considerations and second from the standpoint of economic considerations. Finally, each method was contrasted in the light of which would be the most economical and which would do the least amount of permanent damage to the ecology. The study concludes that, given a fixed amount of fiscal assets and the need to do minimal harm to the environment, nuclear stimulation of natural gas fields is the more logical option.

Descriptors:

• *NATURAL GAS
• *OIL SHALES
• ADVERSE CONDITIONS
• COLORADO
• COMPARISON
• DAMAGE ASSESSMENT
• ECOLOGY
• ECONOMICS
• ENVIRONMENTS
• EXTRACTION
• LITERATURE SURVEYS
• NATURAL RESOURCES
• NUCLEAR EXPLOSIONS
• PETROLEUM INDUSTRY
• PETROLEUM PRODUCTS
• PUBLIC OPINION
• RADIOACTIVITY
• TECHNOLOGY ASSESSMENT
• THESES
• WATER QUALITY
• WATER SUPPLIES
• WILDLIFE

Subject Categories:

• Economics and Cost Analysis
• Mining Engineering

Distribution Statement:

APPROVED FOR PUBLIC RELEASE