2007 Ground Water Summit

Tuesday, May 1, 2007 : 10:20 a.m.

Water Resource Investigations in Ecologically Sensitive Areas

Louis F. Vittorio Jr., M.S., P.G. and Jillian M. Williams, B.S., Biology, EarthRes Group Inc.

Investigation of groundwater resources in ecologically sensitive areas requires coordination between multiple regulatory agencies.  At the project site in Pennsylvania, the spring under investigation discharges to a tributary classified as a cold water fishery and natural trout reproduction stream, thereby classifying the surrounding wetlands as exceptional value.  Federal, state, regional and local regulations establish criteria, such as demonstrating “no impacts” or “no adverse impacts”, for resource permitting in watersheds containing exceptional value wetlands in Pennsylvania (PA Code Title 25, Chapters 93 and 105).  Due to the location of this groundwater resource, special consideration of the wetland hydrology, the spring’s contribution to the hydrology, and the spring’s role in maintaining adequate flow to the stream tributary was required to utilize the source, satisfy the regulatory agencies and protect the wetland and stream resources.

The spring source was assessed through installation of boreholes and subsequent hydrogeological and analytical testing of the aquifer using various methods. Transducers were used to monitor water level fluctuations in the boreholes, wetlands and area streams.  The monitoring was performed through several seasons and during simulated high and low flow water withdrawal tests.  The permit conditions established jointly by the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection, Susquehanna River Basin Commission, and Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission for this groundwater source required the installment of electronic flow measurement and control devices to monitor pass-by flow and total flow from the spring catchment.  The controls were mandated to ensure that withdrawal from the groundwater source would not adversely impact the wetlands or natural stream flow.  Successful completion of the project was dependent on timely coordination between each of the regulatory agencies involved and satisfying regulatory requirements and special concerns that arose from this unique project.

Louis F. Vittorio Jr., M.S., P.G., EarthRes Group Inc. Mr. Vittorio is the Vice President and Principal Hydrogeologist at ERG and has more than twenty-two years of experience in environmental consulting. He holds a BS Degree in Geology/Geophysics from the University of Pittsburgh and an MS Degree in Geology from Lehigh University. Mr. Vittorio is a registered Professional Geologist in Pennsylvania, a NJ Certified Subsurface Evaluator and is a member of the Pennsylvania Council of Professional Geologists, American Water Works Association and NGWA. Specialized project areas include water and mineral resource permitting, quarry dewatering analysis, fractured rock/karst aquifer system characterization, and groundwater flow and contaminant transport modeling.

Jillian M. Williams, B.S., Biology, EarthRes Group Inc. Jillian Williams holds a Bachelor of Science Degree in Biology and is a certified wetland delineator. She is currently pursuing a Master of Science Degree in Environmental Assessment at Drexel University. Jillian is employed full-time as a Project Scientist and Assistant Project Manager of Environmental Services at EarthRes Group, Inc. Ms. Williams has over five years of professional experience in the environmental consulting industry. Her areas of specialization include bottled and bulk spring water multi-state permitting, water resource evaluation and development, benthic macroinvertabrate stream surveys, wetland delineation, environmental compliance reporting, sampling and data analysis, and environmental site assessments.


The 2007 Ground Water Summit