Geohydrologic Services

Site Explorations

State-of-the-art field and laboratory tests determine how groundwater conditions will affect structure. Based upon these tests, site specific engineering solutions are developed and materials recommendations are made.

New Well Development

Developing and registering a new groundwater supply requires selecting a location with sufficient quality and yield and determining and mapping the "cone of influence," or the land surface area from which the well draws. Aquifer hydraulics are measured using in situ borehole permeability tests and various pumping test designs. Groundwater modeling has served as a useful tool in delineating wellhead protection areas and potential risk factors. This information is essential not only for registering new groundwater or surface drinking water supplies, but also for discharge permit applications. Our staff is experienced in providing these services for both deep rock and gravel wells, for private clients, and for municipalities.

Monitoring Wells

Installation of wells is frequently required to monitor water quality in areas near public water supplies, sanitary landfills, wastewater treatment plants, and other projects such as golf courses and large residential complexes. Our staff has designed such systems for public and commercial landfills, public water supply protection, hazardous waste site remediation projects, new residential subdivisions, industrial and underground fuel storage tank facilities, and for projects involving land application of waste water.

Computer Modeling

Computer programs use numerical methods to predict groundwater movement and environmental outcomes. Modeling is a useful tool in delineating wellhead protection areas. It is used frequently to provide convincing evidence regarding the acceptability of a project in terms of groundwater protection or to demonstrate the effectiveness of proposed contamination mitigation measures. Our company uses sophisticated software, such as Visual MODFLOW, MT3D, AQTESOLV, MOC, and Hydropal Other frequently used software includes SURFER, HELP (leachate generation by landfills), 3DTOPO, and various statistical/probabilistic packages including SPSS. While groundwater modeling can be expensive in terms of initial costs, the derived benefits usually return dividends with respect to developing monitoring and sampling program designs.

Documentation

Applications for groundwater discharge and withdrawal permits and many other requirements of state, federal, and local agencies must be based upon accurate and carefully documented research and analysis. Our staff is experienced in compiling and presenting this documentation, and in acting as a liaison between our clients and the permitting authorities.