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Tools for Estimating Groundwater Contaminant Flux to Surface Water
Citation:
Ford, R., S. Acree, B. Lien, AND R. Ross. Tools for Estimating Groundwater Contaminant Flux to Surface Water. Presented at NARPM Presents Webinar Series, Cincinnati, Ohio, September 05, 2018.
Impact/Purpose:
This presentation summarizes recent advances for characterizing the extent of contaminated groundwater impacts on surface water bodies adjacent to sites with hazardous waste releases. A case study for a Superfund site will be used to illustrate a range of cost-effective methods to define the connection between contaminated upland groundwater and observed impacts in an adjacent surface water body. The information derived from implementing these site characterization methods was used to support selection, design, and monitor performance of the installed remedy. The presentation content will be useful to project managers and technical staff from USEPA Regions, State Environmental Agencies, and Remediation Contractors involved with cleanup of hazardous waste sites.
Description:
Surface water bodies adjacent to sites with contaminated groundwater may receive impacts that impair otherwise functional ecosystems and create new exposure pathways, increasing human health risks. Optimizing site characterization protocols to improve the remedy design effort is best achieved by developing knowledge of the potential extent and magnitude of contaminated groundwater discharge into the surface water body. Through field-based research, EPA/ORD has developed several approaches to more reliably characterize system hydrology and assess contaminant flux. A series of standard methods and spreadsheet-based calculation tools have been developed to facilitate data collection and analysis, and all in an affordable and consistent manner. A case study example will be used to highlight these novel approaches to improve understanding of the spatial and temporal dynamics of contaminant transport across the groundwater-surface water transition zone.