Grantee Research Project Results
2024 Progress Report: 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 Period Covered by this Report: August 1, 2023 through July 31,2024
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: Endocrine Disruptors , Aquifer , Aquifer Recharge , Clean Water
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 Enhanced Aquifer Recharge (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 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.
Progress Summary:
The project team is conducting research activities designed to advance an improved understanding and practical solutions to these EAR risk and performance factors. Experiments and tests were conducted in Year 1 at the SWIFT Research Center (SRC) in Suffolk, laboratories at Virginia Tech in Blacksburg, and at the Potomac Aquifer Recharge Monitoring Lab (PARML) in Hampton. An injection-recovery test was performed at the SRC resulting in a successful proof-of-concept in the multi-screen recharge/pumping well. Results demonstrated the depletion of DO, removal of biodegradable TOC, and mobilization of metals above background levels. The project team conducted a series of recharge and pumping tests at the SRC to evaluate injectivity of the recharge well. The objective of this on-going testing is to monitor well performance over time and identify possible variables that impact well injectivity. One campaign of microseismic monitoring during recharge at the SRC revealed no detectable microseismicity.
Future Activities:
In Year 2 the project team will engage in research activities designed to advance an improved understanding and practical solutions to these EAR risk and performance factors. Future activities include injection-recovery tests, a field-scale forced-injection tracer test, a campaign of injectivity tests, and microseismic monitoring at the SRC. Two sets of SAT columns are under construction. Tracer tests and controlled experiments will be conducted. The project team will continue to develop practical tools for EAR implementation.
Journal Articles:
No journal articles submitted with this report: 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:
Original AbstractThe 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.