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2007 Ground Water Summit |
Monday, April 30, 2007
4:30 p.m. - 7:30 p.m.
Tuesday, May 1, 2007
9:30 a.m. - 1:30 p.m.
Tuesday, May 1, 2007
4:30 p.m. - 7:30 p.m.
The Application of Mapping, Visualization, and Database Tools to Investigate Hydrocarbon Contamination from an Oil Refinery
The ability to better interpret data, create predictive flow and transport models, and make informed management decisions through the use of mapping, visualization, and database tools has progressively led to the use of these tools in many, if not all, aspects of our environmental investigations. We present an example of the many uses of these tools in an ongoing investigation of hydrocarbon contamination at an oil refinery site. Site data interpretation and conceptual model development was facilitated by linking a graphical user interface, developed from several different visualization and mapping applications, with a SQLServer database, resulting in GeoSHIP (Geological Site Holistic Interpretation Program). GeoSHIP allows the user to directly access data in the database and graphically display the data relative to georeferenced spatial datasets such as roads, aerial photos and topographic maps. Further conceptualization of site processes was accomplished with a three dimensional animation developed with EVS and other GIS mapping tools. Development of numerical flow and transport models relied on a three dimensional geologic block model developed with EVS. The geologic zones in the block model were directly mapped onto the three dimensional finite difference model grid to assign hydraulic conductivities. Vertical recharge was the primary stress applied in the groundwater flow model. Recharge was assigned by integrating GIS applications (used to delineate land use, soil type and topography) and results from HELP and MODFLOW-SURFACT simulations (used to determine surface infiltration and deep percolation rates). Finally, presentation of data analyses and model results was accomplished using mapping and visualization tools where applicable. Ultimately, mapping, visualization, and database tools were instrumental in the overall investigation conducted at the site, as well as conveying important results of the investigation to both the client and regulators.
William Linderfelt, Ph.D., Geomega William Linderfelt is Senior Hydrologist and manager of Geomega's Albuquerque office.
Bryan Keith, Geomega Bryan Keith is Senior GIS Specialist at Geomega.
Greg VanderBeek, M.S., Geomega Greg VanderBeek is a Hydrogeologist at Geomega.
Andy Davis, Ph.D., Geomega Andy Davis is President and Director of Geochemistry at Geomega.