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Jarrod D. Gasper

Jarrod D. Gasper
Senior Consultant

Jarrod D. Gasper

Senior Consultant

Mr. Jarrod Gasper is a geochemist with 18 years of experience. His primary area of expertise is the analysis of the fate and transport of metals and organic chemicals in the environment, with a focus on mining and industrial sites. His experience includes the forensic analysis of contaminant sources, the geochemical analysis of sediments and water, prediction and modeling of physical limnology and water quality at proposed mine pit lakes, analysis and modeling of surface water quality, and remediation of contaminated groundwater. Mr. Gasper’s background includes aqueous geochemistry, geology, and chemical engineering.

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The Benthic Zone (January 2025 Edition): Integral’s Sediment Newsletter

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PFAS at Contaminated Sediment Sites: Webinar

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PFAS at Contaminated Sediment Sites: Evolving Technical, Regulatory, and Legal Priorities

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September 26 2023

The Benthic Zone (September Edition): Integral's Sediment Newsletter

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Mining

Proposed Gold Mine, Oregon Provided required support for the State of Oregon for technical review of geochemical evaluation work plans and results. The technical review involved the evaluation of the sufficiency of proposed characterization work, the technical analysis and review of characterization results, and an evaluation of that work with respect to State of Oregon regulations for chemical process mining.
Proposed Gold Mine, Nevada Performed geochemical materials characterization over a range of project stages from exploration through the initiation of the permitting process.  This characterization included materials selection, analysis, and reporting.  In support of this project, managed a State of Nevada-certified laboratory for humidity cell testing.
Open-Pit Mine, Utah A very large open-pit mine in Utah is approaching the end of mine life.  One closure scenario involves the formation of a pit lake.  Co-led an effort to model the physical limnology and geochemistry of the potential pit lake.  The first phase of the project was numerical modeling of the physical limnology and the second phase was the creation and implementation of a linked geochemical-physical limnology model.  These modeling efforts were used to evaluate wet-pit options as part of the closure pre-feasibility study.
Gravel Quarry in California A proposed gravel quarry for a confidential client in California has a bedrock aquifer system underlying the site that includes a narrow, highly-conductive fracture zone.  Performed data analysis and geochemical modeling in support of the ongoing hydrogeological investigation.  The purpose of this investigation was an analysis of water quality related to dewatering activities, and modeling of water quality in the post-closure pit lake.
Mine Exploration Project in Ketchikan, Alaska A hard-rock mine exploration project has an ongoing program for the monitoring of water quality and treatment of water from dewatering activities.  Performed statistical analysis of water quality data for monitoring reports.  A geochemical analysis of the produced water was used to estimate loading to, and treatment capacity of, the land-application system used for water treatment.

Surface Water Management

Sediment Dynamics at a Ranch, North Park, Colorado Due to excessive erosion and associated sediment transport, a large ranch in northern Colorado was suffering the loss of the use of irrigation ditches and experiencing associated damages to hay fields from excessive sediment.  Developed an understanding of the sediment dynamics of cold climate sand dunes under both historical and current conditions, with the latter demonstrating impacts from high-intensity vehicular recreation.  This analysis of sediment dynamics was used for the novel demonstration of an impairment of water quality due to sediment under Section 303(d) of the Clean Water Act.

Contaminated Sediments

Portland Harbor Allocation, Portland Oregon The Portland Harbor Superfund site is in the midst of an allocation process for the assignment of remedial costs for a multi-billion-dollar remedy. Wrote, as lead author, expert reports regarding allocation for two facilities located at the site, both of which have an 80-year history of industrial use and reuse. These reports proposed an allocation based upon an integrated review of historical documents, chemical forensics, and site data.

PFAS

PFAS in Biosolids, Maine The application of biosolids from a municipal wastewater treatment plant (WWTP) treating paper mill waste has resulted in contamination of soils and associated litigation. Serving as project manager for preparation of expert report and testimony regarding the fate and transport of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in soils, surface water, and groundwater.
PFAS in Biosolids, Massachusetts A composting facility’s processed paper mill waste has resulted in contamination of soil and groundwater in the vicinity of the facility and associated litigation. Provided technical support and guidance for the preparation of an expert report and associated supporting tasks including field sampling.
PFAS in Biosolids, South Carolina A textile mill disposed of PFAS-containing biosolids from its WWTP, resulting in contamination of soils and groundwater in the vicinity of the facility and associated litigation. Retained as consulting expert for the analysis of the fate and transport of PFAS at the facility and associated agricultural fields.
PFAS Treatment Litigation, Southeastern United States PFAS contamination of a river used as a water supply by multiple municipalities has resulted in multiple litigations. Serving as project manager to support the preparation of four expert reports and testimony regarding treatment methods and costs for a drinking water treatment facility.
PFAS Natural Resource Damage Assessment, Midwestern United States Investigated sources and supported a forensic evaluation of individual plume extents for a number of PFAS as part of a natural resource damage litigation, including both groundwater and surface water resources in the Midwestern United States.
PFAS Site Investigation, New Jersey Provided technical support for the evaluation of PFAS compound fate and transport through a variety of pathways in a complex, heterogeneous industrial area.  This included the forensic evaluation of sources, analysis of fate and transport of PFAS in the subsurface, and an evaluation of impacts to public water supply wells.
PFAS Litigation, Southeastern United States PFAS contamination of a large river spanning two southeastern states has resulted in multiple litigations. Serving as project manager for an effort to identify current and historical sources of PFAS to the river. Developed a mass-balance model to understand the fate and downstream transport of PFAS in a complex river basin. These analyses were buttressed by a forensic analysis of PFAS to spatially and temporally discriminate different sources and transformation through the watershed.

Chemistry

Analytical Chemistry Experience Experienced in the analysis and processing of mercury samples, both ultra-trace (cold vapor atmospheric fluorescence spectrometry) and above (cold vapor atomic absorption spectrometry).  Wide range of experience with laboratory analytical methods, including liquid chromatography, gas chromatography, atomic absorption spectroscopy, and inductively coupled plasma methods.

Geochemistry

Operating Uranium Mill, Utah The operation of a uranium mill has resulted in releases of contaminants and potential groundwater impacts.  These impacts have resulted in concerns for the local indigenous population regarding their continuing use of groundwater resources. Led geochemical modeling effort evaluating the effect of pyrite oxidation on groundwater pH at operating uranium mill in Utah.  Provided technical analysis of reports submitted to EPA and completed geochemical modeling to evaluate claims by mill operator.
Old Lead Belt, Missouri Lead mining in Southeast Missouri began with surface mining in the 1700s and has continued with underground mining at present. The extraction, beneficiation, and smelting of lead ores has resulted in widespread contamination. Designed and led field sampling effort to understand and quantify the sources of lead to residential soils. This sampling effort was focused on quantifying and differentiating between recognized sources of lead including natural background, historical mining activities, modern mining activities, and anthropogenic background sources such as leaded paint and gasoline.
Geochemical Evaluation of Contaminated Sediments, Portland Harbor RI/FS, Portland, Oregon The Portland Harbor Superfund site encompasses a 9‑mile reach of the Willamette River, where a range of organic and inorganic contaminants is present in surface water, groundwater, and sediments.  Performed geochemical modeling and technical analysis to support a geochemical evaluation of groundwater discharge based on mixing and reaction of groundwater, transition zone water, and surface water.  Primary analyst for the calculation and statistical analysis of background concentrations of contaminants in sediment and surface water.  Prepared estimations of loading to site from surface water and groundwater. Extensive involvement in site-wide data analysis and reporting.
Groundwater–Surface Water Mixing, Patrick’s Bayou, Houston, Texas Performed geochemical analysis of groundwater–surface water mixing in a tidal estuary in Houston, Texas, in support of an investigation of effects of groundwater discharge on benthic toxicity.  This involved an evaluation of the geochemical fingerprints of groundwater, surface water, and sediment porewater.  The analysis considered the temporal and spatial variability in the surface water geochemical fingerprint in response to tidal fluxes and precipitation events.
Interactions of Mercury and Dissolved Organic Matter, Florida Everglades The Everglades are subject to high levels of atmospheric mercury deposition and resulting high burdens of mercury in higher trophic level species.  Used field- and laboratory-based research to investigate the processes affecting the fate and transport of mercury in the environment.  Performed extensive research into the interactions of mercury with dissolved organic matter, including measurement of binding strength (mercury-dissolved organic material [DOM] stability constants); release and sorption of mercury from Everglades peats; mercury-DOM photochemistry; and dissolution and precipitation of mercuric sulfide. Conducted trace-metal sampling and processed large-volume (2,000 L) samples for organic matter isolation.
Mobilization of Mercury from Historically Contaminated Sediments, Sacramento River Watershed, California The Sacramento River Watershed is extensively contaminated with mercury due to natural mercury deposits, mercury mining, and mercury use in gold ore processing.  Performed and supervised research investigating the chemical parameters affecting the release of mercury from sediments representing the range of contaminated environments. In addition, conducted surface water and sediment sampling.
Lead Contamination, Jefferson County, Missouri Thousands of residential properties in Jefferson County have been evaluated, tested, and remediated due to the contamination of soils by lead.  Designing and developing a study for the evaluation and determination of background concentrations of lead in soils.  This study will incorporate an evaluation of historical mining, geology, anthropogenic impacts and an understanding of fate and transport to develop robust, defensible background values.

Water Quality Modeling

Water Quality Modeling, Cache la Poudre River, Colorado The Cache la Poudre River is located in northern Colorado and is a major source of water for municipal, agricultural, and industrial users.  Additional storage of water from the river has been proposed in a new, off-channel reservoir.  Created and implemented a water-quality model for the assessment of project-related impacts on in-river water quality as part of the environmental impact statement and Clean Water Act permitting for this storage project.

Litigation Support

Taylor Way Fill Site, Tacoma, Washington The Port of Tacoma has been the site of heavy industrial activities for many decades. The Taylor Way Fill Site has been impacted by the placement of multiple rounds of contaminated fill of various types and the processing and handling of solvents, oils, and fuels. Served as project manager for a litigation project to identify sources and allocate costs associated with remediation.
Chlorinated Solvent Litigation, Georgia An industrial facility in Georgia was used for the manufacture of spray cans containing products for consumer use. The facility has a history of multiple chemical releases and several sequences of remediation. Performed a chemical forensic analysis of site groundwater and soils to differentiate releases from different eras to defend client’s claim of minimal liability at the site.
PFAS Treatment Litigation, Southeastern United States PFAS contamination of a river used as a water supply by multiple municipalities has resulted in multiple litigations. Serving as project manager to support the preparation of four expert reports and testimony regarding treatment methods and costs for a drinking water treatment facility.
Griggs and Walnut Superfund Site, New Mexico Provided geochemical and fate and transport technical analysis for an expert report on a tetrachloroethene (PCE) plume affecting municipal water supplies.  This project involved the integration of historical documents, the reinterpretation of previously collected data, and the re-evaluation of the existing site conceptual model to identify previously ignored dry cleaners as a source of the PCE groundwater plume.
PCB Analysis at a Manufacturing Facility, New Jersey The demolition of a former aluminum manufacturing facility and disposal of the associated building materials led to the contamination of a municipal park.  In support of litigation, performed an analysis of PCB concentrations and mass in park soil.  In addition, built a model of PCB mass in the facility prior to demolition.  This technical analysis was supported by an extensive document review and development of a timeline to identify parties responsible for the contamination.
PFAS Litigation, Southeastern United States PFAS contamination of a large river spanning two southeastern states has resulted in multiple litigations. Serving as project manager for an effort to identify current and historical sources of PFAS to the river. Developed a mass-balance model to understand the fate and downstream transport of PFAS in a complex river basin. These analyses were buttressed by a forensic analysis of PFAS to spatially and temporally discriminate different sources and transformation through the watershed.

Water Quality Monitoring

Water Quality Reporting, Clear Creek/Standley Lake Watershed, Colorado Clear Creek and Standley Lake provide the water supply for three cities and more than 250,000 citizens in the Denver area.  Led the preparation of annual reports documenting and describing the efforts to maintain and improve water quality in the basin.  These reports included detailed analysis of temporal and spatial trends in water quality throughout the basin and in Standley Lake.
Water Quality Monitoring, Big Thompson River, Colorado Project manager for the preparation of a “State of the Watershed” report for a nonprofit watershed advocacy group.  This involved the compilation of long-term water quality monitoring data into a single database and the preparation of a written report, performance of a statistical evaluation of the data, and the preparation of accompanying figures.

Forensics

Onondaga Lake, New York Onondaga Lake has been the location of hundreds of millions of dollars of remedial activities to address a long history of contamination and waste disposal.  Served as project manager for forensic analysis of multiple sediment contaminants to support the equitable allocation of remedial costs.  Helped lead data analysis, document review, and forensic analyses to support the development of expert reports.
Chlorinated Solvent Litigation, Georgia An industrial facility in Georgia was used for the manufacture of spray cans containing products for consumer use. The facility has a history of multiple chemical releases and several sequences of remediation. Performed a chemical forensic analysis of site groundwater and soils to differentiate releases from different eras to defend client’s claim of minimal liability at the site.
PCB Analysis at a Manufacturing Facility, New Jersey The demolition of a former aluminum manufacturing facility and disposal of the associated building materials led to the contamination of a municipal park.  In support of litigation, performed an analysis of PCB concentrations and mass in park soil.  In addition, built a model of PCB mass in the facility prior to demolition.  This technical analysis was supported by an extensive document review and development of a timeline to identify parties responsible for the contamination.
PFAS Litigation, Southeastern United States PFAS contamination of a large river spanning two southeastern states has resulted in multiple litigations. Serving as project manager for an effort to identify current and historical sources of PFAS to the river. Developed a mass-balance model to understand the fate and downstream transport of PFAS in a complex river basin. These analyses were buttressed by a forensic analysis of PFAS to spatially and temporally discriminate different sources and transformation through the watershed.

Fate and Transport

Griggs and Walnut Superfund Site, New Mexico Provided geochemical and fate and transport technical analysis for an expert report on a tetrachloroethene (PCE) plume affecting municipal water supplies.  This project involved the integration of historical documents, the reinterpretation of previously collected data, and the re-evaluation of the existing site conceptual model to identify previously ignored dry cleaners as a source of the PCE groundwater plume.
Shenandoah River Modeling, Virginia Completed a loading model integrating plant operations and streamflow for a viscose rayon facility on the Shenandoah River as part of a natural resource damage assessment.  The plant had operated for more than five decades.  Also responsible for reviewing and analyzing historical documents to develop a detailed picture of the timing and magnitude of plant releases.  The release model was coupled with an analysis of surface water geochemistry to produce an estimate of the likely period of precipitation and sedimentation of metal-containing solids.
PFAS Natural Resource Damage Assessment, Midwestern United States Investigated sources and supported a forensic evaluation of individual plume extents for a number of PFAS as part of a natural resource damage litigation, including both groundwater and surface water resources in the Midwestern United States.
PFAS Site Investigation, New Jersey Provided technical support for the evaluation of PFAS compound fate and transport through a variety of pathways in a complex, heterogeneous industrial area.  This included the forensic evaluation of sources, analysis of fate and transport of PFAS in the subsurface, and an evaluation of impacts to public water supply wells.
PFAS Litigation, Southeastern United States PFAS contamination of a large river spanning two southeastern states has resulted in multiple litigations. Serving as project manager for an effort to identify current and historical sources of PFAS to the river. Developed a mass-balance model to understand the fate and downstream transport of PFAS in a complex river basin. These analyses were buttressed by a forensic analysis of PFAS to spatially and temporally discriminate different sources and transformation through the watershed.

Statistical Analysis

Statistical Analysis, Former Wood Preservation Facility, Minnesota Suspected contamination from a former wood preservation facility led to an investigation of ecological and human health risks related to sediment and fish consumption exposure.  Performed a statistical comparison of chemical concentrations in fish tissues from locations affected and unaffected by the site.

Groundwater Remediation

Process Water Reuse, Hermiston, Oregon A large potato processing facility reuses process water for irrigation and nutrient recycling at agricultural fields.  Serve as project manager for the evaluation of the fate, transport, and loading of nitrate to soils and groundwater.  This project is expanding to include the design, planning, and implementation of a remedial investigation and feasibility study to address nitrate in groundwater.
Confidential Facility, New Jersey An operating industrial facility has PFAS-contaminated soils and groundwater.  The PFAS contamination at this site has a diverse set of older and novel PFAS compounds.  Designed and led implementation of a bench-scale study for the evaluation of in situ stabilization and solidification to remediate soils contaminated with PFAS that are impacting site groundwater.
Former Refinery, Alaska Operations at a former refinery in Alaska have resulted in the contamination of groundwater with PFAS and sulfolane.  Provided technical support to evaluate fate and transport of contaminants in groundwater.  Developing alternative water supply plan for the provision of clean drinking water to residents.
Remediation Systems, Shoreham Yard, Minneapolis, Minnesota Shoreham Yard is an active rail facility that has a history of groundwater contamination from both solvent and petroleum releases.  A suite of remediation systems at the site are working to remediate the source zone and control the groundwater plume.  Provided data and geochemical analysis related to remediation activities.  Prepared monitoring reports and associated data products.
Groundwater Analysis, Blackwell Zinc Site, Blackwell, Oklahoma The historical operation of a smelter resulted in the extensive contamination of groundwater with zinc and cadmium.  Prepared analysis of groundwater levels in context of the application of the pump-and-treat groundwater remedy.  Assisted in the permitting process for the operation of the groundwater treatment facility.

Stormwater Treatment

Stormwater Treatment, Former DDT Manufacturing Facility, Portland, Oregon As a component of a larger remediation program, this facility installed a system for the conveyance and treatment of stormwater.  Performed step backwater modeling of conveyance channels for design storms, provided technical support for the analysis and selection of treatment methods, and modeled design element performance to estimate treatment effectiveness.

Project Management

Deepwater Horizon Incident, Louisiana Managed operations and staffing of a sample-handling facility within the context of a natural resources damage assessment in the Gulf of Mexico.  Samples were collected over large distances, from inshore to far offshore, and involved diverse media, including water, sediments, and biota.  Tasks included the management and QA/QC of sample documentation; logistical coordination of sample pickup from, and equipment resupply of, a fleet of vessels far offshore; and oversight of sample handling staff.
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