Ground Water Modeling in the Army Environmental Restoration Programs
Abstract
This is the report of the findings and recommendations of a ground water study panel convened by the Army Science Board's Infrastructure & Environment (I&E) Issue Group to evaluate the role and practice of ground water modeling (GWM) in the Army's environmental restoration programs and to assess future research program needs. Cleaning up contaminated ground water and soils is an exceptionally difficult problem. Contaminants often exist in complex hydrogeologic conditions in which a variety of different physical, chemical, and biological processes are occurring. Complexities in subsurface characteristics make characterizing contaminant transport challenging. Ground water models mathematically approximate contaminant fate and transport processes in certain subsurface water conditions, providing a tool for site characterization that can help clarify the trade-offs associated with alternative clean-up remedies. A number of different elements within the Army (or its contractors) use a variety of ground water models to carry out site restoration projects. The Army's ground water modeling activities have met with various degrees of success. To alleviate identified usage problems, the Army plans to initiate a more aggressive and comprehensive research, education and out-reach program - the Ground Water Modeling/ Simulation Program - to support better use of ground water models. The program focuses on the development of an integrated Ground Water Modeling System and includes activities such as: evaluation of existing modeling technologies; provision for an integrated user environment (including education, training and technical support); integration of multiple data base management systems; and, undertaking basic research on transport and flow of Army-specific contaminants in varied hydrogeologic conditions.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- May 01, 1994
- Accession Number
- ADA283694
Entities
People
- Crystal C. Campbell
- Gail Charnley
- George Piegari
- Jay Sculley
- Kim Green
Organizations
- Army Science Board