Hydrogeologic Modeling for Wetlands and Watershed-Scale Mining-Related Projects
An Integral hydrogeologist assisted in developing a watershed/groundwater basin system conceptual model for the entire Park City mining district area and upper Silver Creek watershed, located within the Wasatch mountain range in Utah. This complex geological area contains more than 1,200 miles of mining tunnels and dozens of tailings sites and waste rock piles from historical milling and tailings disposal activity. The area includes four Superfund sites and environmental contamination in the Silver Creek watershed from lead, arsenic, cadmium, and zinc.
Due to the complexity of the area, development of the conceptual model required a unique approach. Using hydrologic and environmental systems analysis (HESA), Integral staff was able to quantify and conceptualize the interrelated pieces of this hydrogeologic puzzle—through effective visualization techniques, use of regulator-approved modeling software, and regional and site-specific analysis of the entire groundwater flow system. Regional and site-specific 3 D hydrogeologic block models were developed using the U.S. Department of Defense groundwater modeling system. In addition, Integral staff was part of a research team that quantitatively examined the site-specific groundwater flow system for two of the Superfund sites in the watershed, using HESA and numerical groundwater models. Various remediation scenarios were performed to address the effectiveness of potential remedial alternatives and to optimize the remedial design.
Overall, the HESA process allowed for refinement of the most likely conceptual model of the groundwater flow system and supported effective visualization of complex information—enabling the stakeholder group to make better, more cost-effective decisions regarding groundwater cleanup and site restoration.
This project reflects Integral staff experience gained under previous employment.
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