Recommendations for new monitoring wells at Everest, Kansas.

LaFreniere, L. M. (Environmental Science Division)

关键词: AQUIFERS;    BIODEGRADATION;    BOREHOLES;    CARBON TETRACHLORIDE;    CONES;    CONFIGURATION;    CONTAMINATION;    GEOLOGY;    GROUND LEVEL;    HYDRAULICS;    IMPLEMENTATION;    INCLINATION;    MONITORING;    ORGANIC COMPOUNDS;    PENETROMETERS;    PLUMES;    REMEDIAL ACTIO;   

DOI  :  10.2172/1031445
RP-ID  :  ANL/EVS/AGEM/CHRON-1041
PID  :  OSTI ID: 1031445
Others  :  TRN: US201201%%713

学科分类：环境科学（综合）

美国|英语

来源: SciTech Connect

【 摘 要 】

On February 15, 2007, the Commodity Credit Corporation of the U.S. Department of Agriculture (CCC/USDA) submitted Recommendations for Remedial Action at Everest, Kansas. Those Recommendations were accepted by the Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE) in a letter to the CCC/USDA dated March 5, 2007. The approved Recommendations document outlines a plan for systematic groundwater sampling and monitoring at Everest to provide data necessary for the critical evaluation of remedial options - including a phytoremediation alternative - for restoration of the groundwater and protection of the surface waters of the intermittent creek at this site. Phase I of the KDHE-approved monitoring plan includes the following activities: (1) Groundwater sampling at existing monitoring wells, with analyses for volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and selected biodegradation parameters; (2) Sampling of surface waters along the intermittent creek for VOCs analyses; and (3) Periodic manual measurement and automated recording of groundwater and surface water levels in the vicinity of the intermittent creek. The locations selected for groundwater and surface water sampling and analyses under the approved monitoring program were determined in consultation with the KDHE. As a result of subsequent discussions among representatives of the KDHE, the CCC/USDA, and Argonne regarding the technical program at Everest, the CCC/USDA seeks KDHE approval for the installation of up to four new permanent monitoring wells along the upper reach of the intermittent creek west of the Nigh property, as shown in Figure 1. The proposed new well locations lie progressively downgradient in the anticipated direction of future groundwater and contaminant movement; all of the recommended points lie at least 2,000 ft upgradient, however, of the confirmed area of groundwater discharge to the creek identified near Highway 73. The proposed new wells will supplement the existing network of groundwater and surface water monitoring points identified in the KDHE-approved monitoring plan. The new wells will be sampled in accord with the schedules outlined in the approved plan. The new wells are recommended to address specific investigation needs, as follows: (1) The proposed borings will provide data on the lithologic and hydrogeologic characteristics - and the relative continuity - of the Everest aquifer unit along the upgradient reach of the intermittent creek, where possible implementation of a phytoremediation remedy is under consideration. (2) Installation of the borings will permit the collection of sediments from the aquifer unit for possible physical or hydraulic property analyses. The completed monitoring wells will also facilitate possible future in situ estimation of the aquifer unit's hydraulic properties in this area, as part of the remedy evaluation and development process. (3) The completed new wells will be used to determine the depths to groundwater and the pattern(s) of groundwater flow near the intermittent creek, and hence to predict more accurately the locations of possible groundwater (and contaminant) discharge and the extent of the area amenable to possible phytoremediation. (4) The use of automated groundwater level recorders at the new locations will provide data on the potential range and variability of groundwater levels to be expected in the area near the intermittent creek. (5) Periodic sampling of the recommended wells for VOCs analyses will help to constrain (1) the rate(s) and pathway(s) of contaminant approach toward the intermittent creek (and the area amenable to possible phytoremediation) and (2) the areal extent of the plume as it continues to evolve. The resulting 'early warning' data obtained from this sampling will therefore help to ensure that remedial action can be taken, if necessary, in sufficient time to prevent unacceptable levels of carbon tetrachloride contamination from threatening the identified surface waters of the creek. The well locations shown in Figure 1 were chosen to satisfy the technical objectives above, as well as to minimize disruption (to the extent possible) of the normal agricultural activities in the required investigation area. To accommodate these somewhat conflicting goals, the recommended monitoring points include one new well (PZ1) along the existing waterways west of the Nigh property, one new well (PZ3) along the margin of the farm field southwest of existing well SB63 and northeast of well SB64, and two new wells (PZ2, PZ4) in the fields east of the intermittent creek. The CCC/USDA has contacted the potentially affected landowner and is attempting to negotiate access to the desired well locations. If the necessary access cannot be obtained, a modified distribution of three new monitoring wells, to be located entirely along the existing waterways west and southwest of the Nigh property, is proposed as a possible alternate configuration.