Evaluation of High Resolution Methods for Contaminant and Flux Distributions in Igneous / Metamorphic Rock Settings

Tuesday, September 24, 2019: 10:30 a.m.
Steven Chapman, M.Sc., P.Eng. , G360 Institute for Groundwater Research, University of Guelph, Guelph, ON, Canada
Beth Parker, Ph.D. , G360 Institute for Groundwater Research, University of Guelph, Guelph, ON, Canada
Peeter Pehme, Ph.D. , School of Engineering, G360, University of Guelph, Guelph, ON, Canada
Ryan Kroeker, M.Sc. , G360 Institute for Groundwater Research, University of Guelph, Guelph, ON, Canada
Lars Davidsson, M.Sc. , WSP Environmental, Halmstad, Sweden
Erik Bergstedt, M.Sc. , Contaminated Land Unit, Geological Survey of Sweden, SGU, Lund, Sweden

Characterization of contamination in fractured bedrock is a pervasive and challenging problem. While nearly all groundwater flow occurs in the fracture network, diffusion transfers mass to the matrix causing attenuation of downgradient transport, but also acting as an impediment to plume cleanup. High resolution rock core sampling using efficient and robust methods for sample collection, processing and lab extraction and analysis has been shown to be effective at many sedimentary bedrock (e.g. sandstone, mudstone) and a few crystalline bedrock sites for assessing contaminant distributions, while minimizing cross-connection effects that can confound assessment of groundwater concentrations. However in low matrix porosity igneous / metamorphic bedrock (e.g. granite, gneiss) with negligible matrix sorption, rock core sampling techniques are more challenging and may not always be diagnostic. This presentation will focus on insights from multi-method high resolution characterization at a chlorinated solvent contaminated site in Sweden involving rock core sampling, FLUTe FACTâ„¢ and depth-discrete groundwater sampling, along with complementary profiles from geophysical and hydrophysical logging. These datasets provide unique insights regarding method performance and biases (drilling disturbance, cross-connection and method sensitivity) for crystalline rock in contrast to sedimentary rock systems, and ultimately inform conceptual site models for transport to improve remediation decisions.

Steven Chapman, M.Sc., P.Eng., G360 Institute for Groundwater Research, University of Guelph, Guelph, ON, Canada
Steve is a Senior Research Engineer / Hydrogeologist in the G360 Institute for Groundwater Research at the University of Guelph. He is a Professional Engineer (Civil) with a M.Sc. from the University of Waterloo (Earth Sciences) and has more than 20 years of hydrogeologic experience. His research focuses on contaminant behavior in diverse geological environments including unconsolidated porous media and fractured bedrock involving high resolution site characterization at industrial and research sites. He is also a specialist applying advanced numerical models with a focus on the role of diffusion and other processes on plume behavior and impacts on remediation performance.


Beth Parker, Ph.D., G360 Institute for Groundwater Research, University of Guelph, Guelph, ON, Canada
Beth L. Parker has her bachelors degree in environmental science and economics, Masters in environmental engineering and PhD in hydrogeology She is Professor in the School of Engineering and Director of G360 - The Centre for Applied Groundwater Research at the University of Guelph. She has more than 25 years of experience as a groundwater professional investigating subsurface contamination issues at industrial sites around the world. Her current research activities emphasize field and laboratory studies of DNAPLs in sedimentary rocks, clayey deposits, and heterogeneous sandy aquifers, and focus on the effects of diffusion into and out of low permeability zones and on DNAPL fate, plume attenuation, and controls on remediation. She is currently involved in research and technology demonstration projects at Superfund and RCRA facilities in the United States and similar sites in Canada, Europe and Brazil. In July 2007, she was awarded an NSERC Canada Industrial Research Chair in Fractured Rock Contaminant Hydrology. In December 2009, she received the John Hem Award from the Association of Groundwater Scientists and Engineers of the United States National Groundwater Association.


Peeter Pehme, Ph.D., School of Engineering, G360, University of Guelph, Guelph, ON, Canada
Pete Pehme is the president of Waterloo Geophysics Inc. as well as a Research Associate In the G360 Group and an adjunct professor at the University of Guelph. He earned Ph.D. and M.Sc. degrees in Hydrogeology/Geophysics from the University of Waterloo. His more than 30 years of experience includes the application of a wide variety of surface and borehole geophysical techniques to hydrogeological and geotechnical investigations. Pehme provides support to the G360 research program at the University of Guelph, developing and combining innovative borehole geophysical technologies with hydrophysical techniques investigating flow through fractured rock.


Ryan Kroeker, M.Sc., G360 Institute for Groundwater Research, University of Guelph, Guelph, ON, Canada
Ryan is a Senior Field Manager for the G360 Institute for Groundwater Research at the University of Guelph. He holds a MSc in Contaminant Hydrogeology from the University of Waterloo and has over 15 years of experience with a demonstrated history of working in the higher education industry conducting advanced field hydrogeogical research


Lars Davidsson, M.Sc., WSP Environmental, Halmstad, Sweden
Lars is a Technical Director at WSP in Sweden. He holds a M.Sc. in Civil Engineering from the Chalmers University of Technology and has over 20 years of experience with a focus on investigation and remediation of soil and groundwater in general and investigations and in situ remediation of sites contaminated with chlorinated solvents.


Erik Bergstedt, M.Sc., Contaminated Land Unit, Geological Survey of Sweden, SGU, Lund, Sweden
Erik is a Project Manager for the Contaminated Land Unit, Geological Survey of Sweden, SGU. He holds a M.Sc. in Geology from Lund University. In his current role he is project manager for investigation and remediation of state liable or publicly adressed contaminated sites, mainly by procurement of environmental and legal consulting services and contract works. Previously he has 25 years of consulting experience within the field of geology, groundwater and environmental issues as assignment manager or specialist.