Select work examples with links to downloads:

• Municipal Groundwater Assessments     Pleasant Valley Report / Philipstown Report
  These two municipal groundwater reports in different geologic terrains demonstrate aquifer mapping, landscape photo interpretation, fracture trace analysis, stream flow analysis identifying groundwater use impacts, unsewered areas with undersized parcels. Each report closes with specific water resource planning recommendations.



• Regional Aquifer Recharge Rates    Recharge Rate Study
  This study describes a streamlined method to assess regional aquifer recharge rates using stream flow records, hydrologic soil groups, and precipitation data. Aquifer recharge rates are used in water budget studies, groundwater allocation plans and ecological service evaluations.



• Sustainable Septic System Density   Density Planning Model
  This recharge rate study presents a model to recommend sustainable average parcel sizes for areas using septic systems and domestic wells. The accuracy of the model was recently validated by 250 domestic well water samples on large and undersized parcels. Wells with elevated nitrate coming from septic systems may also contain other wastewater constituents, including pharmaceutical residues, endocrine disruptors, and personal care chemicals.



• Hydrogeologic Conditions Summary    Hydrogeologic Report
  This cost-effective regional groundwater inventory was prepared based on interviews with municipal planners and engineers, existing reports, and analysis of published and GIS-based aquifer mapping. The resulting report summarized known aquifer conditions and threats, details missing hydrogeologic data needed for sustainable planning initiatives, and recommends groundwater utilization objectives.



• Model Ordinances    Generic Model / Two-Zone Model
  Two versions of a model local ordinance are available to protect and allocate aquifer water quality. The generic version provides uniform regional protection. The two-zone version allows users to focus protection on recharge areas and wellhead protection areas and reduce administrative burdens elsewhere. Both model laws include cluster subdivision layout guidance, stormwater infiltration requirements, and pumping test protocols.



• Groundwater Protection & Utilization Plan    Stakeholder Plan
  This County-wide aquifer study included GIS-based aquifer mapping analysis, stream flow analysis, statistical analysis of depth and yield data from 5,000+ well logs, a regional water budget assessment, and groundwater protection and allocation recommendations finalized through a public process including significant stakeholder input.

Additional projects

• Well installations in Sand and Gravel as well as Bedrock aquifers with yields up to 500 gallons per minute


• Analysis of road salting impacts on regional groundwater and individual wells


• Regional wastewater plans based on aquifer assimilation capacity


• Long-term regional well monitoring programs (ongoing)


• Aquifer mapping and septic system impact analysis on Orcas Island in Washington State (in progress)


• Remedial activities at gasoline stations, dry cleaners and inactive hazardous waste sites