Overview:
Aquifer Science & Technology conducted a series of gravity, magnetic, and Time Domain Electromagnetic Induction surveys in Death Valley National Park to map subsurface geology between Yucca Mountain and Death Valley and determine the geologic factors controlling the location of several major springs along the eastern side of Death Valley. The surveys were conducted to support a regional ground water flow study being conducted by the Hydrodynamics Group for Inyo County, California. The study is attempting to document the continuity of a carbonate aquifer system from Yucca Mountain to Death Valley. Our geophysical work indicated that the springs appeared to be related to faults and were probably supplied by a regional flow system.
Unusual Facts:
The Yucca Mountain repository is designed using the philosophy of multiple barriers, both engineered and natural, each of which impedes the potential movement of contaminants into the groundwater system.
The Death Valley Drainage Basin covers about 15,800 square miles, and the regional water flow of the area is not well understood. Through a variety of sophisticated methods, the extensive Lower Carbonate Aquifer is being mapped for the first time. Geophysical data is the only economical means of gathering subsurface information about these critical areas. The subsurface data collected by Aquifer Science & Technology is being used to site a series of monitoring wells to collect critical information on the potential transport of contaminants from Yucca Mountain to Death Valley.
Aquifer Science & Technology has been working for the Hydrodynamics Group and Inyo County, California to survey the hydrogeology of the area and ensure that the repository siting and subsequent activities do not adversely impact public health, safety or welfare. This is true for both County residents and the area, including Death Valley National Park. Funding is being provided by the Department of Energy and Federal set-aside money for Inyo County.
The hydrogeology of the Death Valley Drainage Basin is important to the understanding of the movement of ground water from Yucca Mountain and the spring discharge in Death Valley National Park (DVNP). The work being conducted by Aquifer Science & Technology is a critical component in this high level, high security project. Two deep monitoring wells are being drilled on the basis of our geophysical surveys. These wells will measure the head and water quality in the carbonate aquifer in the western Amargosa Valley. Based on our geophysical work, the carbonate aquifer was found at depths of less than 4,000 feet, as opposed to the 8,000 feet which is more typical for the Valley.
Awards:
State of Wisconsin Merit Award; American Council of Engineering Companies