Bio
Mr. James Molloy is a hydrogeologist with 6 years of experience in both consulting and academia. He specializes in hydrologic and groundwater modeling, geochemistry, well drilling, geotechnical investigations, aquifer testing, and construction services.
Relevant Experience
Groundwater Modeling
Aquifer Characterization and Geologic Modeling, San Luis Valley, Colorado — Constructed a regional 3‑dimensional geologic model from geologic maps and driller’s logs, which was used to inform hydrologic properties of the aquifer system in this area.
Floodplain–Aquifer Interactions, Arkansas River, Colorado — Investigated the regional aquifer–floodplain–stream connectivity of the lower Arkansas River basin with QGIS and SWAT+ with gwflow for assessing the role of floodplains in controlling and mediating irrigation return flows, aquifer recharge, and solute transformations.
Numerical Modeling and Reporting for a Lithium Mine, Argentina — Refined and recalibrated a 3-dimensional flow and transport numerical model to provide guidance on sustainable brine pumping rates, predict future conditions, and provide assurance on best management practices for a lithium mine in Argentina. Evaluated effects on water levels, streamflow, and total dissolved solids under different potential pumping scenarios. Documented numerical model development, calibrations, and predictive simulation results in a numerical modeling report.
Hydrogeology
Aquifer Characterization and Monitoring Well Installation, Umatilla, Oregon — Performed aquifer characterization and soil logging of sonic drill cores during monitoring well installation to evaluate contamination of aquifer systems from land-applied nitrates.
Groundwater Extraction System, Blackwell Zinc Site, Blackwell, Oklahoma — Evaluated well performance to expand a groundwater extraction system targeting cadmium- and zinc-impacted groundwater from a former zinc smelter. Processed and analyzed transducer data and participated in well deficiency resolution for underperforming horizontal extraction wells.
Well Drilling and Construction, Teton County, Wyoming — Monitored air and mud rotary well drilling and development at various sites.
Aquifer Testing, Teton County, Wyoming — Performed the pump and slug testing of wells for water supply, geothermal work, and excavation dewatering. Monitored with Hoboware and in situ transducers.
Groundwater Monitoring, Teton County, Wyoming — Performed groundwater monitoring at various sites following geotechnical investigations.
Mining
Numerical Modeling and Reporting for a Lithium Mine, Argentina — Refined and recalibrated a 3-dimensional flow and transport numerical model to provide guidance on sustainable brine pumping rates, predict future conditions, and provide assurance on best management practices for a lithium mine in Argentina. Evaluated effects on water levels, streamflow, and total dissolved solids under different potential pumping scenarios. Documented numerical model development, calibrations, and predictive simulation results in a numerical modeling report.
Litigation Support, Colorado — Reviewed historical documents to analyze mine workings, hydrology, and geology. Analyzed heavy metal isotopes to support conceptual mixing theories for hydrology and metal fate and transport from multiple underground mines.
Dust Fallout from Mining Activities, Lake Junin Basin, Peru — Installed dust traps and sampled soil, water, and plant samples for the inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry analysis of heavy metals. Researched the method development for trace metal extraction from various media and performed a geospatial analysis of contamination.
PFAS
PFAS Sampling, Denver, Colorado — Perform routine quarterly groundwater sampling to monitor PFAS contamination.
PFAS Fingerprinting, Multiple Sites, United States — Created radar plots and geospatially referenced pie charts for fingerprinting multiple PFAS species to support investigations.
PFAS Litigation Support, Confidential Site, New Jersey — Reassembled and analyzed a groundwater model from the opposing counsel’s expert report.
PFAS LEACH Modeling, Biosolids Site, Wisconsin — Used the PFAS LEACH model to evaluate the extent of contamination and arrival times of different PFAS species downgradient of a biosolids site.
Modeling
PFAS LEACH Modeling, Biosolids Site, Wisconsin — Used the PFAS LEACH model to evaluate the extent of contamination and arrival times of different PFAS species downgradient of a biosolids site.
Aquifer Characterization and Geologic Modeling, San Luis Valley, Colorado — Constructed a regional 3‑dimensional geologic model from geologic maps and driller’s logs, which was used to inform hydrologic properties of the aquifer system in this area.
Floodplain–Aquifer Interactions, Arkansas River, Colorado — Investigated the regional aquifer–floodplain–stream connectivity of the lower Arkansas River basin with QGIS and SWAT+ with gwflow for assessing the role of floodplains in controlling and mediating irrigation return flows, aquifer recharge, and solute transformations.
Geotechnical
Geotechnical Investigations, Multiple Locations, Wyoming and Idaho — Performed geotechnical investigation planning and map preparation, construction staking, subcontractor scheduling, and utility locate scheduling.
Laboratory Testing, Jackson, Wyoming — Performed Unified Soil Classification System soil classifications, hydrometer testing, well-screen gradation work, and concrete strength testing.
Materials Field Testing, Multiple Locations, Wyoming and Idaho — Performed materials testing, a concrete inspection, nuclear density testing of native subgrades and engineered materials, proof-roll observations, and relative density testing.
Construction Inspections, Multiple Locations, Wyoming and Idaho — Performed quality assurance inspections for the construction of roadways, foundation preparations, and shoring.
Surveying
Snow King Resort Gondola, Jackson, Wyoming — Assisted with establishing the construction staking limits of disturbance for a new service road and gondola.
Schroon River Geomorphology Study, Lake George, New York — Conducted Rosgen Level I, II, III, and IV stream stability studies for restoration design.
GIS Analysis
Mohawk River Watershed Road Salt Study, Mohawk Valley, New York — Performed GIS watershed delineation and land cover geoprocessing at sampling locations.
Education & Credentials
M.S., Civil Engineering, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, Colorado, 2025
B.S., Environmental Geology, Union College, Schenectady, New York, 2017
Continuing Education
OSHA 40-Hour HAZWOPER
First Aid/CPR/AED Certified
Nuclear Density Testing Equipment Certification with Hazmat, Troxler Labs, Inc. (2019, 2023)
Confined Space Training, Wyoming Workers’ Compensation Safety and Training (2020)
Professional Affiliations
Colorado Groundwater Association
Rocky Mountain Association of Geologists