Topic Area: 7h. Modeling and Monitoring Approaches to Improve Remedy Design and Implementation

Formatted Title:

Using Earth Volumetric Studio (EVS) to Generate a 3D Groundwater Plume Model of a Site to Address Data Gaps and Assist with Remedial Design Selection

Background/Objectives:

Collecting samples and getting new data for contaminated sites could take time and be expensive. An innovative approach could be modeling the site using 3D models, to better understand the plume behavior. TRC used Earth Volumetric Studio (EVS) to model a site impacted by chlorinated volatile organic compounds in both soil and groundwater. The groundwater at the site is divided into shallow, intermediate and deep zones. There is an extraction and recirculation system at the site that acts as a hydraulic barrier pumping water out from the downgradient of the site and reinjecting it at upgradient injection wells. The site has been under New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (NYSDEC) supervision while undergoing remedial activities. Previous interim remedial measures (IRM) included air sparge/soil vapor extraction (SVE), hot spot soil excavation, underground storage tank (UST) removal and in situ chemical oxidation (ISCO). While designing a next steps in the remedial program at the site, TRC incorporated the 3D model to track the plume, locate the data gaps vertically and horizontally, calculate the mass flux and adjust injection plan accordingly.

Approach/Activities:

EVS is a visualization and geostatistical analysis tool that uses convex Hull grid and natural neighbors estimation method to interpolate for stratigraphy of the site. The software uses the kriging estimation method to estimate the plume. The data from the boring logs for monitoring wells and soil borings were entered into the model to build different layers of the soil at the site. The depth to water at the site is relatively shallow, varying between 1 and 4 feet. The coordinates, depths, screen intervals and observed concentrations were entered in the model to establish the plume.

Lucas Mangold

Affiliation

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(Group 2, Poster Board #22) Using Earth Volumetric Studio (EVS) to Generate a 3D Groundwater Plume Model of a Site to Address Data Gaps and Assist with Remedial Design Selection