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CHARACTERIZING SITE HYDROLOGY
Citation:
ACREE, S. D. CHARACTERIZING SITE HYDROLOGY. Presented at The U.S. EPA Workshop on Monitored Natural Attenuation for Inorganic Contaminants, Atlanta, GA, June 19, 2007.
Impact/Purpose:
To inform the public.
Description:
Hydrogeologic characterization is crucial to evaluations of the performance of natural attenuation processes when monitored natural attenuation (MNA) is considered for remedy implementation. Stratigraphic and lithologic data define the framework for ground-water flow and contaminant transport. Information regarding hydraulic properties of the aquifer materials, hydraulic gradients, and the locations/rates of ground-water recharge and discharge allow estimation of contaminant transport pathways and fluxes. The data from these characterizations are ultimately used for such purposes as to identify possible receptors, build conceptual and mathematical models, establish monitoring networks, and estimate contaminant attenuation rates.