Characterizing an aquifer is an important step in understanding ground water flow and contaminant fate and transport in the subsurface. McLane Environmental is experienced in performing aquifer characterization studies, from planning and conducting field programs to the analysis of collected data.

Our staff has experience in the following aquifer characterization activities:

• Analysis of boring logs and field sample analytical results;
• Construction of geologic cross-sections;
• Interpretation of stratigraphic and hydrostratigraphic units;
• Analysis of ground water monitoring data;
• Determination of the magnitude and direction of horizontal and vertical hydraulic gradients;
• Hydrograph analysis and ground water/surface water interaction;
• Determination of water budgets;
• Development of conceptual models;
• Analysis of aquifer pumping tests and slug tests; and
• Analysis of tidal zone aquifer data to determine effect of tides on water levels and contaminant transport.

We use an array of analytical methods and software to assist in aquifer characterization such as AQTESOLV to analyze aquifer test data, GIS and EVS to analyze spatial patterns of aquifer properties, and flow and transport studies to evaluate conceptual models and to identify locations for additional data acquisition.

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