Too frequently, researchers rely on incomplete site characterization data to determine the placement of the sampling wells. They forget that it is these sampling wells that will be used to evaluate the effectiveness of their research efforts. This case study illustrates the effect of some special site characteristics on the perceived results of one such research project. The site that will be discussed is in Fallon, NV. The special characteristics concern the unusual characteristics of inorganic constituents in the groundwater, and their effect on an experiment attempting bioremediation of a fire training pit plume. This document will demonstrate the problems found and the methods used to correct the sampling scheme. It will also suggest several parameters that should be considered when performing the initial site characterization.