Categories of groundwater resources B and C1 - Hydrogeology. The groundwater. Reserves and resources of groundwater, types of deposits

On different grounds, there are now several groups of stocks groundwater.

Natural reserves - the mass of gravitational water in the reservoir in natural conditions. That part of this mass that can be extracted from the pressure aquifer due to the elastic properties of water and rocks without draining the formation is called elastic reserves. When estimating the reserves of groundwater for water supply (fresh water), it is more convenient to express the reserves not by mass but by the volume of water, since numerically the values of the unit of mass and the volume of water are quite close in this case. In this approximate interpretation, natural reserves are equal to the sum of the volume of water enclosed in the reservoir (these reserves are sometimes called "capacitive"), and the volume of water extracted under pressure conditions without draining the reservoir ("elastic reserves"). The value of the latter in comparison with the capacitive reserves is usually the proportion of propet.

Artificial reserves of groundwater - this is their volume in the formation, formed as a result of irrigation, backwater reservoirs, artificial flooding of the reservoir.

Exploitation reserves of groundwater - the amount of groundwater that can be obtained by rational in technical and economic respect water intake facilities for a given operating regime and with water quality that meets the requirements during the entire estimated water consumption period. The amount of water referred to in the above definition is recommended to be expressed by the flow of water. Therefore, strictly speaking, we are talking not about the operational reserves, but about the operational resources of the aquifer. With the term operational reserves, you can agree to pour from a practical point of view - the GKZ approves mineral reserves (the vast majority is hard minerals, where the term "reserves" is accurate), rather than resources.

The term "operational resources" is used in forecasting assessments at the regional level, as a characteristic of the potential opportunities for the operation of groundwater in a particular large region.

Taking into account their replenishment, they allocate replenishable reserves (provided that resources are received) and non-renewable (in the absence of sources of their formation). The latter include, so-called, geological reserves of groundwater, equal to the volume of water in the horizon.

Like resources, reserves, taking into account the area of their distribution, are subdivided into regional and local, and on the basis of genetic attributes - to natural and artificial ones (accumulate with the participation of anthropogenic impact). If the reserves of a certain horizon are replenished in part by the inflow of water from other aquifers, then the amount of water coming from them is attributed to the attracted reserves.

A special group consists of operational reserves that can be extracted or extracted from exploited aquifers, primarily from groundwater deposits in compliance with environmental measures (7). As a rule, operational reserves are confined to groundwater deposits, which ensure economically justifiable production. The degree of complexity of these deposits (or their sections) is different. In this regard, they are divided into three groups.

The first of these is associated with operational reserves of groundwater deposits with simple conditions. On the area of their distribution, the aquifers (subunits) are sized and structured, homogeneous in filtration properties, provided with food (resources), and are characterized by stable conditioning chemistry.

The second group of groundwater deposits is characterized by a complex structure, as well as complex hydrogeochemical and geothermal conditions. However, it is possible to assess the changes in various components of the natural environment, using special technologies in limited quantities in the exploration and development of reserves.

The third group includes the operational reserves of deposits with very complex conditions, characterized by an unrestrained geological structure, extreme variability in capacity and filtration properties of water-bearing rocks, as well as complex hydrogeochemical and geothermal conditions. Exploration works at such fields require the use of special expensive technologies, the implementation of which at the exploration stage may be technically unworkable or economically impractical.

The operational reserves are subdivided into categories (A, B, C1, C2) according to the degree of study of the formation conditions, the quantity and quality of groundwater, and the conditions of operation and preparedness of groundwater deposits for further study or development.

Under the terms of development, economic and economic significance, operational reserves are divided into balance and off-balance reserves. The first of these groups includes reserves, the expediency of using them is established on the basis of all geological, economic and sanitary and hygienic factors taken into account by the current instructive documents. The possibility of their use must be confirmed by the appropriate federal or territorial authorities. Off-balance reserves include the use of which for the evaluation period can not be considered appropriate for a number of reasons (technical, economic, technological, environmental).

One of the defining moments in the procedure for assessing groundwater resources is the assignment of the category of study. Category of the study of groundwater resources , allocated on the license area, is indicated in the protocol of the Territorial Commission on Reserves - a key document for the sake of obtaining which, in fact, the whole process of counting reserves is started. Without a TKZ protocol, a license for the right to extract groundwater will not be available today.

Let's see what are the categories of stocks B and C 1? What is the difference? And why, when assigning a category of stocks C 1, the employees of the Department for Subsoil Use put forward the requirements for the re-evaluation of reserves after the expiration of 3-5 years of operation of the water intake. And also try to understand how legitimate the requirement to revaluate reserves of category C 1 in 3-5 years.

The principles of the categorization of groundwater resources are discussed in Chapter III "Classification of Reserves and Forecast Resources of Drinking, Technical and Mineral Groundwaters" (approved.order MNR RF of July 30, 2007 No. 195) and in paragraph 6 of the "Methodological recommendations for the application of the Classification of Reserves and Forecast Resources of Drinking, Technical and Mineral Groundwaters" (approved by Decree of the Ministry of Natural Resources No. 69-r of December 27, 2007). Both documents can be found and downloaded on the newsletter " Hydrogeology. Owners of water wells and not only ».

Scientific and production group "Tectonics". Hydrogeological works.

"Classification of reserves ..." is the main document regulating work on the assessment of groundwater resources. Like many other regulatory documents in our country, the "Classification of stocks ..." suffers from characteristic ailments: the lack of uniqueness and strict certainty.

The conditions for assigning groundwater reserves to category A, reflecting the highest degree of study of the geological-hydrogeological conditions of the subsoil block, are most clearly defined. In order to assign this category of reserves, data on three-year observable observations, including measurements of the production rate and duration of operation of the production wells (AML-11 magazine), monthly measurements of the static and dynamic level of groundwater for all available wells, the results of chemical and bacteriological analyzes with sampling once a quarter (from each well) and the results of annual radiological studies. In addition, experimental work should be carried out at the water intake: single and cluster pumping, as well as necessary hydrodynamic calculations that confirm the possibility of operating the structure for the next 25 years.

Pumping and hydrodynamic calculations is the work of hydrogeologists. From the most subsoil user here is required the presence of a three-year cycle of regime observations.

However, in practice, most subsoil users begin to perform these observations only in the course of work on stock assessment, which makes the appropriation of the desired category A - impossible.

The requirements for a three-year cycle of observations of the rates, levels and chemical composition of groundwater are very often proposed by the Department of Subsoil Use when authorizing a license for the extraction of groundwater. I draw the attention of expensive owners of water wells that a three-year observation cycle is needed just to assess groundwater resources in category A. At the same time, nowhere in the normative documents does it state that the reserves should be estimated precisely according to the highest category.

The whole charm of the last edition of the "Stock classification ..." from 2007 is that the difference between these categories is almost not perceptible.

Here are some excerpts from the document:

"... reliable estimation of sources of formation of operational reserves" is possible - this is in category B;

"... an indicative estimate of the sources of stock formation is possible" - and this is according to C 1;

"... the quality of groundwater is studied in the required volumes with the detail, allowing to establish compliance with the established requirements" - this again category B;

"... the quality of groundwater is studied in a volume and detail, allowing to establish with satisfactory reliability the compliance with the established requirements" - and this again is C 1;

"... the possible impact of water intake facilities on the environment is assessed" - Category B;

"... the possible impact of groundwater abstraction on the environment was preliminarily assessed" - category C 1.

As we see, the whole difference lies in the fact that for the category C 1 the words "tentatively", "satisfactorily" and "beforehand" appear. What they can mean in relation to specific works on the license area, the authors of the document do not explain. How many wells need to be tested in order to evaluate "reliably", but how much, only to be "preliminary". It is understandable, when the quality of groundwater is studied with detail, allowing to establish compliance with the established requirements. But what is "satisfactory reliability" when assessing the same quality is difficult to understand.

To bring some clarity to the question of dividing the categories of stocks B and C 1, we should turn to the old version of the "Classification of reserves ..." that operated from 1997 to 2007, as well as the practice of hydrogeological research and common sense.

Each category of reserves in the previous version of the "Classification ..." had its strict definition: category A - developed, category B - explored, category C 1 - estimated, category C 2 - identified. The names of the categories reflected the generally accepted and understandable geological exploration stage for all geologists: first a search (C 2), then an estimate (C 1), then exploration (B) and then pilot production (A).

In the new classification, the concepts of "explored" and "estimated" reserves are allocated to a separate group. And it is completely unclear how to relate them to the categories of study. It turns out, that simultaneously explored reserves on a category С 1 and estimated stocks on a category С 1 can be allocated within the limits of a deposit simultaneously. And this too became one of the bargaining chips. Carefully watch that the protocol TKZ on your water intake does not skewed the word "estimated".

To put it more simply, previously, to high categories A and B, it was possible to classify reserves of groundwater prepared for industrial operation. What does this mean?

This means that reserves of categories A and B could be assigned only to existing wells or projected water wells, the location and design of which are specified in the approved design of the water intake facility.

Reserves for category C 1 can also be assigned for non-existent wells, for example, taking their construction in analogy with those already in operation. The principal difference was that these wells still do not have an approved project of underground water intake.

Proceeding from this simple and completely understandable principle, the reserves of groundwater over all existing single water intakes operated for tens of years should be assigned exclusively to category B. Naturally, provided that they are followed by regime observations and a set of experimental works with the subsequent calculation of operation in for 25 years. Reserves in category С 1 should be allocated only if the subsoil user has planned drilling another well not envisaged by the project (or, as it often happens, if there is no project at all). In this case, according to the projected well, the reserves pass through the category С 1, and according to all existing ones - according to the category B. And nothing prevents to establish the service life of all wells in 25 years.

However, in reality this solution does not always work.

Because the experts of the Territorial Commissions on Reserves are extremely interested in the subsoil user conducting repeated works again and again. The bigger, the better. Because the experts of TKZ themselves are employees of organizations that perform work on the assessment of groundwater resources. These organizations are located in the same building as the Subsoil Use Department. Previously, they were state-owned FGU, and now massively pass into private hands and become JSC and LLC. But this does not diminish their strong friendship and affection for the Department of Subsoil Use.

But, let's understand, where did this wonderful tradition come from - to classify reserves on water intake to category С 1 and then to demand their reassessment after 3-5 years of water withdrawal operation?

Let's return to the previous version of the "Classification of reserves ..." from 1997 and carefully read the last paragraph of paragraph 3.4:

"In cases where the achievement of the details of the study of reserves for the allocation of category B is associated with large and unjustified costs, reserves of category C 1 can serve as a basis for involving the field (site) in pilot production without conducting exploration work. Based on the results of pilot operation, an assessment of the operational reserves of categories A or B is carried out and, if necessary, a project for the reconstruction (expansion) of the water intake is prepared. "

Based on this paragraph experts TKZ for 10 years forced subsoil users to increase the category of the study of reserves on the basis of pilot operation of water withdrawal. Note that in the current "Classification of reserves ..." in 2007, there is no such paragraph! And experts continue to force ...

Let's pay attention that in accordance with the requirements of the old version of the document, category C 1 was assigned "... without geological exploration". Those. the subsoil user did not conduct any assessment of the reserves, the category C 1 was given "for it". Three years later, he provided data on routine observations of the flow rate, levels and chemical composition of groundwater, carried out the necessary experimental work and received category B for a period of 25 years.

Hence the logical conclusion that if the category C 1 through existing wells before you could get for nothing (and this category is sometimes indicated in old licenses for extraction of groundwater, received 10-15 years ago), but now, when we work initially on the geological study of mineral resources, as required by current legislation, it would be quite correct to expect the appropriation of category B. Why is it not appropriated to us?

I'm afraid this question is rhetorical. Let's leave it on the conscience of Rosnedra's staff and try to summarize all of the above in the form of several fundamental conclusions:

1. If you rely on reasonable grounds, that in almost all cases, after the annual cycle of exploration work on a single intake, we should receive a category of knowledge of not less than B. If the experts are trying to solder SCC us from 1 - this is from the evil one.

2. The current documents do not say anywhere that the explored reserves of category С 1 should be revalued in 3-5 years based on the results of pilot-industrial operation of water intake, and the category of study should be increased to B or A. There is no such item! Therefore, reserves of category С 1 can be appropriated, but the service life of water intake does not change from this - 25 years and a point!

3. The current regulatory documents do not give unambiguous wording regarding reserves in categories B and C 1. There are no clear criteria that distinguish between these two categories. As a consequence, any ambiguity in the regulatory framework leads to arbitrariness on the part of employees of the supervisory bodies. You have to be ready for this!

What is the way out of this situation?

Alternatively, you can seek clarification from the State Commission on Reserves. Write a letter to the Director General of the State Reserves Committee, Yuri Podurtkin, with the following content:

Dear Yuri Alexandrovich!

We ask you to give an explanation on the evaluation of groundwater reserves of a single water intake.

It is planned to carry out geological exploration of the subsoil area of a single water intake LLC (your name) on the basis of a license (license number). Employees of the Department of Subsoil Use (insert your county) Federal District, issued the license to indicate that the groundwater reserves can be explored only in category C 1, which will require a re-evaluation of reserves after 3-5 years of pilot operation of water intake.

However, in the current "Classification of reserves ..." (2007), there is no such requirement. In accordance with the "Methodological recommendations on the application of the Classification of reserves and predicted resources of drinking, technical and mineral groundwater" (Order of the Ministry of Natural Resources of the Russian Federation No. 69-r of 27.12.07), groundwater reserves are estimated for a period of 25 years.

It is known that the requirement of revaluation of groundwater reserves, proven by the category C 1, put forward in paragraph 3.4 the previous version of "reserves classification ..." (the order of Ministry of Natural Resources of 03/07/97), which states that "... the reserves of category C 1 can serve as a basis for the involvement of the field (site) in pilot production without conducting exploration work in those cases when the achievement of the detail of the study of reserves for the allocation of category B is associated with large and unjustified costs. "

In our case, geological exploration is conducted. Volumes of work provide a degree of study, corresponding to category B. However, experts of TKZ tend to illegally assign the category C 1 to our license area. Thus, the assignment of this category does not allow the well to be involved in commercial operation.

We believe that the re-evaluation of reserves and the upgrading of the C 1 to B category is associated with large and unjustified costs.

Please authorize the operation of the well in category С 1 without carrying out revaluation work, or assign category В of groundwater reserves in accordance with the submitted materials on geological study. Because earlier the category С 1 was assigned to the wells in general without carrying out any work.

The above example may vary somewhat in form, but the meaning of the letter should remain the same. GKZ administration is obliged to respond to your letter.

I can inform you that this letter was sent from my side and received an official response. You can see it in the next post:.

Reserves of groundwater

amount, volume (mass) of groundwater contained in the aquifer. There are static (natural, capacitive, age-old) ZPs that characterize the total amount of water in the aquifer and are expressed in voluminous units, and elastic ZPs, which mean the amount of water released during the opening of the aquifer and the reduction of reservoir pressure in it (during pumping or self-inflow) due to volumetric expansion of water and reduction of the porosity of the formation itself.

In the practice of hydrogeological research for water supply purposes, an assessment is usually made of the natural and operational resources of groundwater. Under natural resources (dynamic reserves) is understood (according to B.I. Kudelin) the supply of underground flow provided with food. The natural resources of groundwater are continuously renewed in the course of the hydrologic cycle on Earth and in the average annual cut are equivalent to underground drainage. They characterize the natural productivity of aquifers. Operational resources correspond to the amount of water that can be extracted per unit of time from the aquifer rationally in a techno-economic sense by water intake, without progressive loss of productivity and dynamic levels and deterioration of water quality throughout the entire operation period. When assessing operational resources, the possibility of using static and elastic reserves, inflow of water from outside, and other factors are taken into account.

In the USSR, the exploitation of groundwater resources for specific consumers (city, plant, etc.) and the assessment of natural and operational groundwater resources of large territories and the country as a whole (regional assessment) are carried out.

Z.p. are estimated by categories A, B, C 1 and C 2, approved by the State Commission on Mineral Reserves (GKZ). To category A belong to the ZP, explored and studied with detail, which provides complete elucidation of the geological structure, conditions of occurrence and feeding of aquifers, pressures, filtration properties, the connection of used waters with the waters of other aquifers and surface waters, and possibility of replenishment of operational reserves. Category B includes reserves that have been explored and studied in detail, ensuring the elucidation of only the main features of occurrence, structure and feeding of aquifers. In the determination of the ssp. category C 1, only common features of the structure, conditions of occurrence and distribution of the aquifer are elucidated. Reserves of category 02 are established on the basis of general geological and hydrogeological data, confirmed by testing aquifers at selected points, or by analogy with the areas studied or explored.

Lit .: Bindeman NN, Estimation of operational reserves of underground waters, M., 1963; Bochever FM, Theory and Practical Methods of Hydrogeological Calculations of Exploitation Reserves of Groundwater, Moscow, 1968; Map of the modules of predicted operational resources of fresh and brackish groundwaters of the USSR at a scale of 1: 5,000,000, M., 1964; The map of the underground runoff of the USSR at a scale of 1: 5,000,000, M., 1964; Kudelin BI, Principles of regional assessment of natural resources of groundwater, Moscow, 1960; Reference manual of the hydrogeologist, ed. VM Maksimova, 2 ed., Vol. 1, Leningrad, 1967.

IS Sektser.

Great Soviet Encyclopedia. - Moscow: Soviet Encyclopedia. 1969-1978 .

CLASSIFICATION OF RESOURCES AND RESERVES OF UNDERGROUND WATER AND SUMMARY METHODOLOGY OF EVALUATION OF CONCEPT OF SPECIES AND STOCKS groundwater resources and their classification

The groundwater, suitable for use in the national economy, should be considered as a mineral. However, unlike other minerals (solid, oil and gas), groundwater has a number of specific features that must be taken into account when assessing the prospects for their use in the national economy.

A distinctive and main feature of groundwater resources in comparison with the reserves of other minerals is their renewability. Underground waters are the only useful mineral, in the process of exploitation of which, in many cases, not only its consumption is spent, but also additional formation caused by the strengthening of the supply of groundwater. Sources of such additional nutrition can serve and surface water, and groundwater adjacent to the exploited aquifers, and reduce the evaporation of groundwater with a decrease in their level. The formation of groundwater resources can also occur as a result of various water management measures (hydraulic engineering construction, irrigation), when creating special "factories" of groundwater *.

Another significant feature of groundwater is related to their mobility and close relationship with the environment. This relationship is reflected in the boundary conditions (the relationship between underground and surface waters, conditions for feeding and unloading groundwater). Boundary conditions are manifested during the operation of water fences and in many ways determine the possibility of using groundwater, while the influence of the external environment on deposits of solid minerals manifests itself during geological time.

It should be noted one more important feature of groundwater, associated with an assessment of the prospects for their use. It lies in that rational selection of groundwater at certain conditions depends not only on the amount of water present in the formation, and the amount of water flowing into the formation in vivo, but on the filtration properties of the water-bearing rock, determining the resistance to movement of groundwater to Diversion structures.

The listed main features of groundwater, distinguishing them from other minerals, predetermined the need to identify several concepts that characterize: a) the amount of water in the aquifer; b) the amount of water entering the aquifer under natural conditions during water management activities, and also in connection with the operation; c) the amount of water that can be selected by rational water intakes for the national economy.

In other words, if in the assessment of the prospects for the use of solid minerals, oil and gas, one concept is enough - "mineral reserves", then this concept can not fully characterize the possibility of rational exploitation of groundwater.

Recall that the subsoil of a useful mineral is understood as its weight, the amount enclosed in the earth's subsoil.

For groundwater other than reserves, as noted above, their food should be taken into account. This Yeshe in the early 30-ies indicated one of the founders of the national hydrogeology FP Savarensky, who proposed to distinguish between "holdings" of groundwater and "resources", meaning by the latter "to ensure in the water," the balance of the area groundwater inflow " The extensive hydrogeological literature is devoted to the classification of the reserves and groundwater resources.The most complete information on these issues is contained in the works of FM Bochever (1957, 1961), BI Kudelin (1960).

In the present paper we will not discuss the classifications proposed by different authors, especially since the difference between many of them is mainly of a terminological nature. Let us dwell only on the characteristics of the most important concepts, taking as a basis the terminology proposed by NN Bindemann (1963) and used in the compilation of separate volumes of the monograph "Hydrogeology of the USSR".

Reserves and groundwater resources can be subdivided into: 1) natural reserves and resources;

2) artificial reserves and resources;

3) attracted resources;

4) operational reserves and resources *.

E s t e c t e n s s s s e s. m of the water in the formation in natural conditions. The part of this mass that can be extracted from the formation when the pressure decreases due to the elastic expansion of water and compression of the rock (decrease in porosity) is called elastic reserves.

When assessing groundwater reserves for water supply, natural reserves should be expressed in terms of volume.

E c t e c e n t a n s e resources - the amount of water entering the aquifer in vivo as a result of infiltration of atmospheric precipitation, filtration of the rivers and lakes overflowing from the upstream and downstream horizons inflow from adjacent areas. The natural resources of the aquifer are equal to the sum of all the input elements of the balance of the given horizon. They are expressed in terms of consumption and can also be determined by the sum of all the expenditure elements of the balance sheet (evaporation, transpiration by vegetation, spring runoff, filtration into rivers, lakes and overflows to adjacent horizons).

* The terms used in the present work are not accepted by all hydrogeologists. Often the term "natural reserves" corresponds to the terms "static", "secular", "geological", "stocks" in the literature, and "to natural resources" - "dynamic reserves", "flow of underground flow".

Artificial reserves are the volume of groundwater in the reservoir, accumulated as a result of irrigation, the backwater of reservoirs or filtration from them, artificial replenishment of underground waters (storekeeping).

And with towater resources - the amount of water entering the aquifer as a result of filtration from canals and reservoirs, irrigation, as well as carrying out activities for the artificial feeding of groundwater.

The louvre tothe r e m e ry s ss - the increase in the supply of groundwaters during the operation of water intakes in connection with the emergence or intensification of filtration from rivers, lakes, overflows from adjacent "normally located aquifers.

The concepts of "operational reserves" and "exclu- sive rivers" of groundwater are essentially synonymous. Below them is meant "the number of groundwater, which may be obtained by rational in technical and economic terms intake facilities for a given mode of operation and quality of water, satisfying the requirements for the entire expected life consumption" ( "Manual ...", 1962). This value, therefore, represents the intake capacity and is expressed in consumption units (typically m "/ day). Therefore it is more logical would be to use only the term" operational resources. "But as for all other minerals adopted the term" reserves " , and they are approved by the State Commission on Mineral Reserves (GKZ), when considering the use of groundwater in the national economy, the term "operational reserves" is usually used. It is adopted in official documents (to and the GKZ instruction for its application.) At the same time, with the regional assessment of groundwater resources and resources, the term "operational resources" is more precise, since in this case groundwater resources are considered as part of the total water resources.

The operational resources of groundwater in a given region are determined not only by hydrogeological conditions, but also by the scheme of operation (placement of water intakes, the distances between them, and the costs of individual water intakes). In this connection NN Bindeman (1972) proposed to distinguish two concepts: "potential operational resources" and "forecast operational resources". Under the potential performance resources to be understood groundwater resources that can be obtained when placing the intake for the entire area of the spread of the aquifer and at distances between intakes ensuring full utilization of the natural attracted and synthetic stocks and groundwater resources taking into account a predetermined level decrease and the received duration operation. Unlike the potential, the forecasted operational resources correspond to a certain scheme for the allocation of water intake facilities. Potential resources characterize the maximum amount of water that can be taken from the aquifer. Since the waterbearing rocks have filter resistances, the predicted resources corresponding to a certain scheme of water intakes are usually less than potential ones, and only in some cases, the forecast resources can reach potential values. The share of potential use of potential resources for a particular scheme for the location of water intakes NN Bindeman (1973) suggested calling the predicted coefficient of groundwater use.

Undoubtedly, under various hydrogeological conditions, certain types of reserves or resources will prevail in the formation of operational resources (reserves) of groundwater, which will be discussed in detail in the next section,

The operational resources (reserves) of groundwater can be provided by sources of formation or for a certain limited period of operation, or for an unlimited time. In the latter case, the source of formation of operational resources is natural and artificial resources, as well as the resources involved (if they are in turn provided for an unlimited lifetime), since t ~ oothe second and fourth terms on the right-hand side of the equation "tend to zero.

Undoubtedly, when solving various national economic problems related to the use of groundwater, the evaluation of the operational resources (reserves) of groundwater is of paramount importance. Only the magnitude of the operational resources (reserves) makes it possible to judge the feasibility and feasibility of using groundwater. However, a certain interest is the calculation of other types of groundwater resources and resources. This is also necessary for assessing individual sources of the formation of groundwater operational resources, and for quantifying the characteristics of aquifers and structures under natural conditions.

One of the defining moments in the procedure for assessing groundwater resources is the assignment of the category of study. The category of the study of groundwater resources allocated in the licensed area is indicated in the protocol of the Territorial Commission on Reserves, a key document for the sake of obtaining which, in fact, the whole process of calculating reserves is started. Without a TKZ protocol, a license for the right to extract groundwater will not be available today.

Let's see what are the categories of stocks B and C1? What is the difference? And why, when assigning a category of C1 stocks, the employees of the Department for Subsoil Use put forward demands for re-evaluation of reserves after 3-5 years of operation of the water intake. And also try to understand how legitimate is the requirement to revaluate C1 reserves in 3-5 years.

The "Tectonika" production and production group. .

The conditions for assigning groundwater reserves to category A, reflecting the highest degree of study of the geological-hydrogeological conditions of the subsoil block, are most clearly defined. To assign a category reserves water intake to be reported regime observations over three years, including measurements of flow rate and duration of the wells (Journal AML-11), monthly measurements of static and dynamic groundwater level along all wells, the results of the chemical and bacteriological analyzes with sampling once a quarter (from each well) and the results of annual radiological studies. In addition, experimental work should be carried out at the water intake: single and cluster pumping, as well as necessary hydrodynamic calculations that confirm the possibility of operating the structure for the next 25 years.

Pumping and hydrodynamic calculations are the work of hydrogeologists. From the most subsoil user here is required the presence of a three-year cycle of regime observations.

However, in practice, most subsoil users begin to perform these observations only in the course of work on stock assessment, which makes the appropriation of the desired category A - impossible.

The requirements for a three-year cycle of observations of the rates, levels and chemical composition of groundwater are very often proposed by the Department of Subsoil Use when authorizing a license for the extraction of groundwater. I draw the attention of expensive owners of water wells that a three-year observation cycle is needed just to estimate groundwater resources in category A. At the same time, nowhere in the normative documents does it specify that the reserves should be estimated precisely according to the highest category.
Next, we move on to the most interesting categories B and C1.

The whole charm of the last edition of the "Stock classification ..." from 2007 is that the difference between these categories is almost not perceptible.

Here are some excerpts from the document:

"... reliable estimation of sources of formation of operational reserves" is possible - this is in category B;

"... an indicative estimate of the sources of stock formation is possible" - and this is based on C1;

"... the quality of groundwater is studied in the required volumes with the detail, allowing to establish compliance with the established requirements" - this again category B;

"... the quality of groundwater is studied in volumes and detail, allowing to establish with satisfactory reliability the compliance with the established requirements" - and this again C1;

"... the possible impact of water intake facilities on the environment is assessed" - Category B;

"... the possible impact of groundwater abstraction on the environment was preliminarily assessed" - category C1.

As we see, the whole difference lies in the fact that for the C1 category there appear the words "tentative", "satisfactory" and "preliminary". What they can mean in relation to specific works on the license area, the authors of the document do not explain. How many wells need to be tested in order to evaluate "reliably", but how much, only to be "preliminary". It is understandable, when the quality of groundwater is studied with detail, allowing to establish compliance with the established requirements. But what is "satisfactory reliability" when assessing the same quality is difficult to understand.

The shortcomings of the new "Classification of reserves ..." were repeatedly pointed out by hydrogeologists before the approval of this document by the order of the Ministry of Natural Resources in 2007. Criticism continues to sound almost at every scientific conference and meetings on groundwater. Unfortunately, today officials rarely listen to the opinion of scientists.
To bring some clarity to the question of dividing the categories of stocks B and C1, we should turn to the old version of the "Classification of reserves ...", which operated from 1997 to 2007, and also to the practice of hydrogeological research and common sense.

Each category of reserves in the previous version of the "Classification ..." had its strict definition: category A - developed, category B - explored, category C1 - estimated, category C2 - identified. The categories names reflected the generally accepted and understandable geological exploration stage for all geologists: first search (C2), then estimate (C1), then exploration (B) and then pilot-industrial operation (A).

In the new classification, the concepts of "explored" and "estimated" reserves are allocated to a separate group. And it is completely unclear how to relate them to the categories of study. It turns out that simultaneously explored reserves of C1 category and estimated reserves of C1 category can be allocated within the field. And this too became one of the bargaining chips. Carefully watch that the protocol TKZ on your water intake does not skewed the word "estimated".

To put it more simply, previously, to high categories A and B, it was possible to classify reserves of groundwater prepared for industrial operation. What does this mean?

Reserves in category C1 can also be set for non-existent wells, for example, taking their construction in analogy with those already in operation. The principal difference was that these wells still do not have an approved project of underground water intake.

Proceeding from this simple and completely understandable principle, the reserves of groundwater over all existing single water intakes operated for tens of years should be assigned exclusively to category B. Naturally, provided that they are followed by regime observations and a set of experimental works with the subsequent calculation of operation in for 25 years. Reserves in category C1 should be allocated only if the subsoil user has planned drilling another well that is not envisaged by the project (or, as it often happens, if there is no project at all). In this case, according to the projected well, reserves pass through category C1, and according to all existing ones - according to category B. And nothing prevents to establish the life of all wells in 25 years.

However, in reality this solution does not always work.

But, let's see, where did this wonderful tradition come from - to classify reserves on water intake to C1 category and then to demand their revaluation after 3-5 years of water withdrawal operation?

Let's return to the previous version of the "Classification of reserves ..." from 1997 and carefully read the last paragraph of paragraph 3.4:
"In cases where the achievement of the details of the study of reserves for the allocation of category B is associated with large and unjustified costs, reserves of category C1 can serve as the basis for involving the field (site) in pilot production without conducting exploration work. Based on the results of pilot operation, an assessment of the operational reserves of categories A or B is carried out and, if necessary, a project for the reconstruction (expansion) of the water intake is prepared. "
Based on this paragraph experts TKZ for 10 years forced subsoil users to increase the category of the study of reserves on the basis of pilot operation of water withdrawal. Note that in the current "Classification of reserves ..." in 2007, there is no such paragraph! And experts continue to force ...

Let's pay attention that in accordance with the requirements of the old version of the document, category C1 was assigned "... without geological exploration". Those. the subsoil user did not evaluate the reserves, the C1 category was given to him "for that". Three years later, he provided data on routine observations of the flow rate, levels and chemical composition of groundwater, carried out the necessary experimental work and received category B for a period of 25 years.

Hence the logical conclusion is that if the C1 category could have been obtained for existing wells in the past (and this category is sometimes indicated in the old groundwater production licenses obtained 10-15 years ago), today, when we initially carry out work on geological study of mineral resources, as required by modern legislation, it would be quite correct to expect the appropriation of category B. Why do not we assign it?

I'm afraid this question is rhetorical. Let's leave it on the conscience of Rosnedra's staff and try to summarize all of the above in the form of several fundamental conclusions:

1. If we rely on reasonable grounds, then practically in all cases after an annual cycle of geological exploration work on a single water intake, we should receive a category of study not lower than B. If the experts of the TKZ are trying to solder to us C1 is from the evil one.

2. The current documents do not say anywhere that the explored reserves of category C1 should be revalued in 3-5 years based on the results of pilot operation of the water intake, and the category of study should be increased to B or A. There is no such point! Therefore, reserves of category C1 can be assigned, but the lifetime of the water intake does not change from this - 25 years and the point!

3. The current regulatory documents do not give unambiguous wording regarding reserves in categories B and C1. There are no clear criteria that distinguish between these two categories. As a consequence, any ambiguity in the regulatory framework leads to arbitrariness on the part of employees of the supervisory bodies. You have to be ready for this!

What is the way out of this situation?

Alternatively, you can seek clarification from the State Commission on Reserves. Write a letter to the Director General of the State Reserves Committee, Yuri Podurtkin, with the following content:

Dear Yuri Alexandrovich!

We ask you to give an explanation on the evaluation of groundwater reserves of a single water intake.
It is planned to carry out geological exploration of the subsoil area of a single water intake LLC (your name) on the basis of a license (license number). Employees of the Subsoil Use Department for (indicate your county) to the federal district that issued the license, indicate that groundwater reserves can only be explored in C1 category, which will require re-evaluation of reserves after 3-5 years of pilot operation of the water intake.
However, in the current "Classification of reserves ..." (2007), there is no such requirement. In accordance with the "Methodological recommendations on the application of the Classification of reserves and predicted resources of drinking, technical and mineral groundwater" (Order of the Ministry of Natural Resources of the Russian Federation No. 69-r of 27.12.07), groundwater reserves are estimated for a period of 25 years.
It is known that the requirement to reassess underground groundwater resources explored in C1 category was proposed in clause 3.4 of the previous version of the "Classification of Reserves ..." (Order of the Ministry of Natural Resources of the Russian Federation of 07.03.97), which states that "... C1 reserves may serve as grounds for involvement deposit (field) into pilot-industrial operation without carrying out exploration work in those cases when the achievement of the detail of the study of reserves for the allocation of category B is associated with large and unjustified costs. "
Thus, category C1 could previously be assigned without performing geological exploration, which required a reassessment of reserves based on operating experience in 3-5 years.
In our case, geological exploration is conducted. Volumes of work provide a degree of study, corresponding to category B. However, experts of TKZ are trying to illegally assign category C1 to our license area. Thus, the assignment of this category does not allow the well to be involved in commercial operation.
We believe that the re-evaluation of reserves and the increase in the category of study C1 to category B is associated with large and unjustified costs.
We ask you to permit the operation of the well in category C1 without revaluation work, or to assign category B of groundwater resources in accordance with the submitted materials on geological study. Because earlier the C1 category was assigned to wells in general without carrying out any work.

The above example may vary somewhat in form, but the meaning of the letter should remain the same. GKZ administration is obliged to respond to your letter.
I can inform you that this letter was sent from my side and received an official response.

Here is the text of the letter:

On your request we inform the following. In accordance with the previous "Classification of Exploitation Reserves and Forecast Groundwater Resources" in C1 category reserves for deposits of the 1 st and 2 nd complexity groups, in individual cases, under the decision of the state expertise, the pilot industrial exploitation of the groundwater deposit up to 5 years. Therefore, the groundwater resources in these cases were approved for the specified period. In the current "Classification of Reserves and Forecast Resources of Drinking, Technical and Mineral Waters," the possibility of pilot operation is provided only for Category C2 reserves for deposits of the 4th complexity group, and for C1 reserves, their commercial development is allowed, since the allocation of higher categories for them it is considered inexpedient. For other groups of deposits in terms of complexity, reserves of category C1 imply their classification according to their degree of study to the evaluated ones, which in turn determines the need for setting up exploration work and the possibility of issuing licenses for the right to use subsoil for exploration and production of groundwater. Thus, the current regulatory documents do not allow the exploitation of deposits of 1-3 groups of complexity on C1 category reserves, without prospecting and transfer of reserves to category B, and the assessed fields by the degree of exploration into the group of explored ones. At the same time, the estimated service life for which reserves are approved, as you indicated, can not exceed 25 years, and its specific duration can be determined both by the geological and technical assignment of the subsoil user, and by specific hydrodynamic and migration calculations. The restriction of the estimated service life by strong-willed way is considered unacceptable.

Deputy. General Director of FBU GKZ, Esipov A.V.

Thus, this letter reflects the following view of the leadership of the State Commission on Reserves on the problem of assessing groundwater resources:

1. All C1 category groundwater reserves should be revalued to category B. Category C1 reserves are valued and can not be involved in commercial operation. The license for the right to extract groundwater, by definition, can only be issued for explored reserves of category B.

Accordingly, those subsoil users who have been previously "soldered" by the TKZ expertise are unlikely to avoid a revaluation.

2. The assessment period for groundwater reserves can not exceed 25 years, but may be less.
I should note that the phrase "the specific duration (operation of water intake) can be determined both by the geological and technical assignment of the subsoil user, and by specific hydrodynamic and migration calculations" indicates that the period for which reserves are calculated is determined exclusively by the experts of the State Reserves Committee and the TKZ.

In some cases, it is really reasonable to estimate groundwater reserves for a period of less than 25 years, if a significant change in the quality of groundwater is projected in the course of operation. However, this problem in itself arises not often and, as a rule, is most actual for large water intakes with a volume of water withdrawal of several tens of thousands of cubic meters per day.
Well, in the case of single water intakes this phrase creates a vast field of activity for the enterprising specialists of Rosnedra, who, service time moonlighting in geological exploration organizations.

It is necessary to pay attention to the paradoxicality of the situation. In itself, this letter does not bear a negative for the owners of water wells. What is it that you can only exploit wells with estimated reserves in category B? In fact, geological exploration work is carried out in order to provide the necessary study of the site.

However, sharply negative moments appear when the proposed explanations are applied to the existing reality. In the absence of independent geological expertise and very limited opportunities to appeal its results, the directors of the State Reserves Commission actually put subsoil users in a desperate situation, when the work on the assessment and reassessment of groundwater reserves can be imposed again and again, referring to certain "objective" reasons.

It remains to ascertain the fact that the situation in the sphere of regulation of subsoil use issues in our country differs little from the situation in all other spheres. And the slogan of the fight against corruption is still nothing more than a slogan.

Nevertheless, I call law-abiding owners of water wells to assert their rights. Do not be shy about each individual issue and the controversial situation, ask for clarification directly in the FBU GKZ. And in especially severe cases, apply to the prosecutor's office and the courts.

Do not forget that the need to assess the reserves of groundwater, as well as any other types of minerals, follows from Section III of the Law "On Subsoil", which is called "Rational use and protection of mineral resources".

In general, the requirement of rationality is one of the basic requirements of the legislation on subsoil use.

Estimation of mineral reserves is a purely economic procedure, which, as a rule (in the case of any other kinds of minerals), is performed as part of a report with a feasibility study of temporary or permanent conditions.

I can explain.

The issue of the volume of mineral resources in the subsoil (ie reserves), methods and rates of their mining is considered simultaneously with the issue of economic benefits and the expediency of extracting it. Ie, if you, say, assess the gold reserves, then first of all you are guided by the modern cost of gold in the world market, after which you determine how profitable it is for you to extract, enrich and transport gold ore from this particular site.

The whole procedure for estimating reserves is, in fact, aimed at solving one simple question: how much mineral is contained in the bowels and is it profitable to mine it today?

Now, let's look at the current "Classification of groundwater resources ..." and in particular the point referred to in his letter by Deputy. gene. Director of FBU GKZ:

"... for deposits of the 4th group of complexity C1 category reserves are allowed their industrial development, since it is considered inadvisable to allocate higher categories for them".

Now you will understand where I'm going.

Drawing on normative documents, we see that in some cases, it is "impractical" to carry out geological studies of subsurface resources upon reaching a certain limit. Ie, it is possible to study any vegetable garden indefinitely. But when the costs of geological study significantly exceed the cost of the most useful mineral, then why study it? This is irrational!

And this situation applies entirely to single water intakes.

The payment for the extraction of groundwater - a penny! Gos. duty for registration of licenses is also an amount not essential. Moreover, the drilling of the water intake well, as the main facility that provides the extraction of mineral resources, will cost 100-200 thousand rubles. But the work on geological study is worth a million! And sometimes more!

Tell any investor that he should spend 5 times more on the geological report on the gold deposit than on exploratory drilling. Considering that tens and hundreds of millions of rubles are spent on drilling in such cases, the investor will very quickly tell you where you need to go.

However, with the groundwater this situation is fully realized. And it does not surprise any of the employees of the Department for Subsoil Use.

I can say that some specialists, hydrogeologists, have already raised the issue of single water intakes. Proposals were made that on single wells only the monitoring of the object level should be performed, i.e. Measurements of the level, flow rate and investigation of the chemical composition of groundwater. A statement of inventory is made on the basis of a small written conclusion for 10 sheets without special works at the water intake. However, none of the officials of the Department for Subsoil Use has listened to this opinion.

Finally, if Rosnedra ordered the owners of water wells to carry out full-fledged work on the assessment of groundwater reserves, then more than enough to conduct these works once. Setting reserves for single wells first in category C1, and then requiring re-evaluation of reserves with an increase in knowledge to category B is a blatant violation of the principle of rationality.

If the geological study is several times higher than the cost of an underground water intake, is this rational?
Alas, this is another question that will remain unanswered.

In this situation, it remains to once again recommend that all law-abiding subsoil users send official letters and requests to the GKZ FBU. Perhaps this will not lead directly to a positive resolution of your question, however, at least it will show to officials that "the situation has matured."

It happens that one or two phrases can be snatched from a response letter, so that, waving a letter as a flag, show local officials of the TKZ or the Department for Subsoil Use their determination, sabotage and awareness.

In some cases it works!