News | January 26, 2011

Firms Announce Teaming Agreement

Layne Christensen and Fountain Quail Alliance to provide shale gas wastewater treatment

Layne Christensen Company and Aqua-Pure Ventures, Inc. have entered into a Teaming Agreement under which the companies intend to jointly promote opportunities and projects where the combination of their respective technologies provide unique solutions for the treatment and disposal of flowback, produced water and other applicable waste streams.

The Teaming Agreement contemplates that both companies will market the other's products and services to exploit complementary technologies, to provide shale gas operators with a "turnkey solution" for treatment of flowback, produced water and other applicable waste streams. The parties intend that their combined services will provide a comprehensive solution for pre-treatment, re-use and disposal of wastewater using both mobile and permanent facilities.

"We are extremely pleased to have an arrangement with an industry leader like Aqua-Pure, which has developed a highly cost-effective and viable wastewater recycling process in the industry," said Greg Aluce, Layne's President of Water Technologies. "We believe our combined marketing efforts and technical expertise have the potential to position us as a formidable player in the rapidly expanding shale gas market. Our recent acquisition of Intevras Technologies, a leader in the treatment and disposal of heavy brine in the oil and gas markets, provides synergistic technologies ranging from basic on-site treatment to complete zero-liquid discharge solutions."

"We expect our relationship with Layne to be an important milestone in our company's history, which will enable Aqua-Pure to compete aggressively for business in virtually every shale play across North America," said Brent Halldorson, Chief Operating Officer of Calgary-based Aqua-Pure. "Layne is an outstanding company with impeccable credentials; we are pleased to have this Teaming Agreement with them at this pivotal moment in our industry's development."

The companies expect their combined capabilities to provide opportunities across North America. They also anticipate opportunities to collaborate globally in heavy oil, power, mining and other related industries.

Since 2004, Aqua-Pure has developed and refined its industry-leading technology for recycling flowback and produced water, and has recycled roughly 600 million gallons of wastewater in the Barnett Shale. The treated water, which would otherwise have been injected into disposal wells and permanently removed from the hydrological cycle, is instead re-used in drilling operations.

Aqua-Pure's technology is now being deployed in the Marcellus Shale, at Eureka Resources' water treatment facility in Williamsport, PA. Aqua-Pure's NOMAD units are now recycling up to 300,000 gallons of wastewater every day from a wide range of producers.

About Aqua-Pure Ventures Inc.
Aqua-Pure is a leading provider of services and technology that ensure environmentally sustainable waste stream practices. Markets served include municipal, oil and gas exploration and development wastewater.

About Layne Christensen
Now in its third century of operations, Layne Christensen Company started in 1882 as a water-well drilling company near Hurley, South Dakota. Headquartered in Mission Woods, Kan., Layne operates worldwide, providing products and services for the water, mineral, construction and energy markets.

Layne Christensen's Water Technologies Division provides products and services for industrial water and wastewater treatment, engineered systems, and facility construction.

With over 50 offices strategically located nationwide, Layne Christensen is uniquely positioned to offer comprehensive, integrated solutions to solve the most demanding needs of our clients. For more information, visit www.laynechristensen.com

SOURCE: Layne Christensen