Ground Water
Protecting and restoring our reserves of usable ground water has become
one of America’s top environmental priorities. It is a significant challenge, since
at any given location, the ground water environment is subject to the complexities of
local and regional geology, as well as the nature and history of man’s use of the
land.
Whitman Experience in Hydrogeology
The Whitman Companies, Inc. has conducted ground water investigation
and remediation projects in all types of aquifers and hydrogeologic regions. We are
particularly knowledgeable and experienced on the hydrogeology of complex fractured
bedrock environments, where traditional thinking and conceptual models used to describe
ground water flow do not apply. Our hydrogeologists have published numerous papers on our
innovative approaches in this area. Their understanding of the fractured bedrock
environment leads to more timely and cost-effective programs of ground water management
and remediation for our clients.
Whitman’s ground water experience spans a diverse range of
technical and professional services, which include:
- Ground water testing
- Aquifer and flow characteristics
- Characterizing complex hydrogeologic settings
- Remediation of contaminated ground water
- Expert investigations and reports
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Ground Water Testing
The Whitman Companies, Inc. can be counted on to provide the utmost
care in ground water sampling, guaranteeing that all samples taken are isolated,
transported, and stored in an environment that eliminates the possibility of
cross-contamination. All samples are tested in highly experienced, certified laboratories
with the finest QA/QC programs. Ground water samples are expertly analyzed for the
appropriate biological, chemical, and geochemical tests.
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Aquifer and Flow Characteristics
Tests for aquifer yield and sustainable pumping rate are conducted to
assist clients who have a need to develop their ground water resources and provide
sustainable volumes of water.
Sophisticated aquifer testing is performed in conjunction with
investigations of aquifer water quality and the feasibility of contaminant remediation.
Ground water flow characteristics are determined by using slug tests and pump tests as the
basis to calculate rates of ground water migration. Step drawdown tests are used to
determine the interconnectedness of discrete aquifer units.
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Whitman
Experience in Hydrogeology
Ground Water Testing
Aquifer and Flow Characteristics
Complex Hydrogeologic Settings
Remediation of Contaminated Ground
Water
Ground Water and Hydrogeology Resources
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Complex Hydrogeologic Settings
The key to discovering and remediating ground water contamination is
understanding the presence of movement of ground water within the specific geologic
setting. Inadequate hydrogeologic characterization frequently leads to a serious
misdiagnosis of contaminant occurrences that frustrates ground water remediation efforts
and results in higher remediation costs.
Whitman has pioneered the use of such innovative approaches applied to
complex bedrock formation as in-well flow tracing methods, electrical
conductivity/temperature logging, and downhole video surveys.
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Remediation of Contaminated
Ground Water
The Whitman Companies, Inc. is at the forefront of site investigation
and ground water remediation techniques. We are keenly aware that the conventional
"pump-and-treat" approach to ground water remediation can be a costly exercise
that may take years to complete – often without achieving results that are fully
consistent with regulatory requirements. This is especially true when the contaminants are
the almost ubiquitous chlorinated industrial solvent compounds and the DNAPL sources that feed them.
Our clients can count on us to
develop cost-effective, risk-based remedies that are both technically feasible and fully
consistent with the complex character of the site.
From Whitman’s unconventional perspective, more and more ground
water remediation projects now entail monitored natural attenuation source recovery by
soil vapor extraction, and ground water contaminant removal by air sparging and dual phase
extraction.
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Expert Investigations and Reports
Whitman’s expertise in ground water frequently leads to expert
assignments relating to disputes between parties, litigation-related expert testimony,
and/or investigations on the cutting edge of ground water management. Areas for expert
reports include:
- Plume dating to substantiate insurance claims
- Determining the source and timing of ground water contaminant discharges
- Allocating liability among responsible parties
- Assessing natural resource damages.
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Ground Water and
Hydrogeology Resources
The Whitman Companies’ expertise in characterization and
remediation of ground water contamination in bedrock aquifers is widely recognized.
Publications documenting the company’s approach are
frequently cited within the field of ground water remediation. Call or e-mail Rich Britton to discuss your needs or to discuss how
Whitman’s expertise and experience can be put to work for your benefit.
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DNAPL – Dense
Non-Aqueous Phase Liquids – the bane of many ground water cleanups – normally
comprised of the industrial solvent TCE or the dry cleaning solvent PCE.
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