6.5.3. Sitewide Hydrogeological Characterization Project




This multiphase project will fully characterize the hydrogeology of the ANL-E site and support a sitewide RFI. The project is critical to defining the baseline hydrogeological conditions beneath ANL-E and the surrounding Forest Preserve, including the geological and hydrogeological properties of the uppermost aquifer system. This information will define the sitewide groundwater quality and flow regime and provide important baseline data for other, smaller scale, site characterization and remediation projects. It also will be an important resource for new construction project designs and environmental spill responses. The data will reveal whether ANL-E operations overall have impacted groundwater.

In 1995, 27 unusable wells were sealed in accordance with state and county health department regulations. Six usable wells were upgraded and incorporated into the sitewide monitoring well network.

The current funding plan calls for the Phase II field investigation to be completed over several years. Phase II will characterize the detailed hydrogeology of the larger portion of the ANL-E site and complete the major field component of the project.



Back to the Chapter Six Table of Contents