Exploration and Characterization of Deep Fractured Rock Aquifers near Albuquerque, New Mexico
Presented on Tuesday, April 30, 2013
Robert D. Marley1, Christopher P. Wolf, PG2 and T. Neil Blandford, M.S., Hydrology1, (1)Daniel B. Stephens & Associates, Inc., Albuquerque, NM, (2)Water Resources Division, Daniel B. Stephens & Associates, Inc., Albuquerque, NM
Increasing demands on water resources throughout the semi-arid southwestern United States, combined with prevailing water laws, have driven the exploration for and development of groundwater to greater depths over the past decade. This presentation will provide an overview of a recently completed project to explore for and develop groundwater resources from deep fractured rock aquifers at a site near Albuquerque, New Mexico. Exploration was conducted using geophysical analysis, geologic mapping, isotopic analysis, zone testing and sampling, and production well aquifer testing. The site is composed of a synclinorium bounded by two major fault zones with numerous smaller fault zones and geologic structures.
Two deep wells were constructed and tested at the site. The first well bore was drilled to a depth of nearly 3,700 ft below ground surface (bgs), but was completed at 2,150 ft bgs. This well has limited yield. A second well was completed to a depth of 700 ft bgs. Aquifer testing of this well with multiple observation wells and a monitored spring indicated very high permeability fracture networks, likely with solution enhancement of carbonate beds. The detailed site characterization determined the second well produces from the water-bearing zone that would best serve the proposed development. In order to obtain an appropriation of water under the laws of the state of New Mexico, an analysis was also completed to estimate the effects of the proposed pumping on existing users of groundwater and surface water in the basin.
Robert D. Marley
Daniel B. Stephens & Associates, Inc., Albuquerque, NM
Robert D. Marley's technical speciality is hydrogeology with more than 20 years of experience in the areas of water resource assessment, development, and protection. He holds an M.S. in Hydrology from the University of Arizona and a B.S. in Geology from Northern Arizona University. Marley currently serves as the New Mexico trustee for the Rocky Mountain Section of the American Water Works Association, and is a New Mexico Municipal Environmental Quality Association board member.
Christopher P. Wolf, PG
Water Resources Division, Daniel B. Stephens & Associates, Inc., Albuquerque, NM
Christopher Wolf is a senior scientist specializing in geochemistry and geology with 20 years of experience at Daniel B. Stephens & Associates and working in New Mexico. He holds M.S. and B.S. degrees in geochemistry and geology, respectively, from the New Mexico Institute of Mining and Technology. Wolf’s experience includes evaluating water quality for managed aquifer recharge and water resources projects.
T. Neil Blandford, M.S., Hydrology
Daniel B. Stephens & Associates, Inc., Albuquerque, NM
Mr. Blandford is a senior hydrologist with an M.S. in groundwater hydrology from the New Mexico Institute of Mining and Technology and a B.A. in environmental science from the University of Virginia. He has more than 20 years of experience in water supply investigations and water rights analysis, numerical simulation of groundwater flow and contaminant transport, geostatistics and aquifer testing methods, wellhead protection area delineation, remediation well field design, and expert testimony.
