A study of sediments building up in Missouri River reservoirs shows some of the material could be used in the oil and gas industry.
The study, done by the US Geological Survey, looked at sediment deposits in the upper end of Lewis & Clark Lake, near where the Niobrara River flows in.
Nathan Schaepe, with the USGS coordinated the study, and says the sediment could be used as “frac” sand…..

Schaepe says most of the sediment flows in from the Nebraska sand hills……

That sand is rapidly filling in the western end of the lake.
Schaepe says the oil and gas market is not a reliable one….

Schaepe says other challenges include how to remove the sand, and how to transport it.
The report was part of the annual meeting of the Missouri Sedimentation Action Coalition.