Grantee Research Project Results
Risk and Performance Evaluation of Enhanced Aquifer Recharge in the Coastal Plain
EPA Grant Number: R840619Title: Risk and Performance Evaluation of Enhanced Aquifer Recharge in the Coastal Plain
Investigators: Widdowson, Mark , Schafran, Gary , Pruden, Amy , Schreiber, Madeline , Xia, Kang , Pollyea, Ryan , Liao, Jingqui , Schafran, Gary , Pruden, Amy , Schreiber, Madeline , Xia, Kang , Pollyea, Ryan , Liao, Jingqui
Institution: Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University , Old Dominion University
EPA Project Officer: Harper, Jacquelyn
Project Period: August 1, 2023 through May 13, 2025
Project Amount: $2,000,000
RFA: Enhanced Aquifer Recharge Performance and Potential Risk in Different Regional and Hydrogeologic Settings Request For Applications (RFA) (2023) RFA Text | Recipients Lists
Research Category: Aquifer , Aquifer Recharge , Clean Water , Endocrine Disruptors
Objective:
The overall objective of this project is to develop a web-based decision support tool to guide communities, agencies, and practitioners in the implementation of EAR in deep, confined aquifers. Six research objectives are investigated to address EAR risk and performance factors: subsurface heterogeneity, induced seismicity, contaminant mobilization, microbial response to EAR and impacts to CEC/PFAS attenuation, recharge well injectivity, and practical models for data analysis and EAR performance and monitoring. Our major hypothesis is that Enhanced Aquifer Recharge (EAR) can be effectively implemented in Coastal Plain aquifers with careful evaluation of risk and performance factors to ensure EAR projects are effective, sustainable, and protective of groundwater resources. Successful demonstration of recharge into the Potomac Aquifer System at the HRSD SWIFT Research Center (SRC; a 1.0-MGD recharge and advanced water treatment demonstration facility located in Eastern Virginia) forms the basis of this hypothesis and the Research Plan. The proposal addresses each of the four Research Areas identified in the RFA.
Approach:
Four experiments are proposed (combined with model development and application) to address multiple research objectives. Experiments are designed to reveal relationships between the outcomes of several risk factors and to promote synergies in the research findings. The research will take place at the SRC in partnership with the HRSD SWIFT team. The investigators have been working collaboratively at the SRC for more than four years in partnership with HRSD on addressing EAR performance and risk questions.
Expected Results:
We seek to advance knowledge in the field of EAR implementation that will result in a science-based approach to evaluating EAR risk and performance factors. The expected results (outputs and outcomes) of the proposed project will support effective EAR design and safe and sustainable implementation in the U.S. Coastal Plain and in regions with similar hydrogeology. The web-based decision support tool will be designed to advance best practices and assist users in a careful evaluation of risk and performance factors to ensure EAR projects are effective, sustainable, and protective of groundwater resources.
Publications and Presentations:
Publications have been submitted on this project: View all 1 publications for this projectSupplemental Keywords:
groundwater, managed aquifer recharge, water reuse, bacteria, metals, CECs, PFAS, engineering, hydrogeology, microbiology, environmental chemistry, modeling, monitoring, Virginia, Mid-Atlantic, Southeast, Gulf CoastProgress and Final Reports:
The perspectives, information and conclusions conveyed in research project abstracts, progress reports, final reports, journal abstracts and journal publications convey the viewpoints of the principal investigator and may not represent the views and policies of ORD and EPA. Conclusions drawn by the principal investigators have not been reviewed by the Agency.