Analysis of Factors Affecting Plume Remediation in a Sole-Source Aquifer System, Southeastern Nassau County, New York
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- Document: Report (5.0 MB pdf) , HTML , XML
- Dataset: USGS National Water Information System database - USGS water data for the Nation
- Data Releases:
- USGS data release - MODFLOW 6 models for simulating groundwater flow and a proposed remediation system in the sole-source aquifer system in southeastern Nassau County, New York
- USGS data release - MODFLOW 6 model scenario used to simulate transient stresses, heads, and flows in the Regional Aquifer System of Long Island, New York, 2005–2019
- Download citation as: RIS | Dublin Core
Abstract
Several plumes of dissolved, chlorinated solvents, including trichloroethylene, have been identified in a sole-source aquifer near the former Northrop Grumman Bethpage Facility and Naval Weapons Industrial Reserve Plant sites in southeastern Nassau County, New York. Past investigations have documented that the groundwater contamination originated from this industrial area and now extends to the south, in the direction of groundwater flow. The intermixed plumes are commonly referred to as the “Navy Grumman groundwater plume.” Detailed groundwater-flow modeling was needed for the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (NYSDEC) to evaluate design options necessary for the construction, operation, optimization, maintenance, and monitoring of a groundwater extraction and treatment cleanup plan selected in a December 2019 Amended Record of Decision by the NYSDEC to comprehensively address these plumes.
Consequently, the NYSDEC began a cooperative study with the U.S. Geological Survey in 2020 to better understand the local hydrogeologic framework using two independent approaches to characterize aquifer heterogeneity and update an existing regional groundwater-flow model to provide transient boundary conditions for new inset groundwater-flow models of the plume area. We developed these detailed inset models for the two independent aquifer characterizations using history-matching techniques coupled with a novel approach to risk-based management optimization of the remedial design. We also used the updated regional model to assess this optimized groundwater extraction and treatment design for potential saltwater intrusion.
The ensembles of parameters resulting from history matching provided a platform with which to evaluate capture by water-supply and remedial wells using particle-tracking techniques. Using the ensemble to select a risk stance, we performed multiobjective optimization to identify various configurations of remedial pumping that are consistent with external constraints and that favor potentially competing objectives. Multiple solutions provide tradeoffs that NYSDEC can consider. In general, pumping redistribution may help to prevent further contamination migration downgradient. These and other study results are intended to support decisions for the remedial design focused on the local area encompassing the full extent of the Navy Grumman groundwater plume.
Suggested Citation
Fienen, M.N., Corson-Dosch, N., Stumm, F., Misut, P.E., Jahn, K., Troyer, J., Schubert, C.E., Walter, D.A., Finkelstein, J.S., Monti, J., Jr., St. Germain, D.J., Williams, J.H., and Woda, J.C., 2024, Analysis of factors affecting plume remediation in a sole-source aquifer system, southeastern Nassau County, New York: U.S. Geological Survey Scientific Investigations Report 2024–5086, 92 p., https://doi.org/10.3133/sir20245086.
ISSN: 2328-0328 (online)
Study Area
Table of Contents
- Acknowledgments
- Abstract
- Introduction
- Hydrogeologic Framework
- Simulation of Monthly Changes in Regional Groundwater Pumping and Recharge
- Plume-Focused Inset Model for Decision Support
- Simulation of the Effects of Remedial Pumping and Recharge on the Freshwater/Saltwater Interface
- Summary and Conclusions
- References Cited
| Publication type | Report |
|---|---|
| Publication Subtype | USGS Numbered Series |
| Title | Analysis of factors affecting plume remediation in a sole-source aquifer system, southeastern Nassau County, New York |
| Series title | Scientific Investigations Report |
| Series number | 2024-5086 |
| DOI | 10.3133/sir20245086 |
| Year Published | 2024 |
| Language | English |
| Publisher | U.S. Geological Survey |
| Publisher location | Reston, VA |
| Contributing office(s) | Upper Midwest Water Science Center |
| Description | Report: xii, 92 p.; 1 Dataset; 2 Data Releases |
| Country | United States |
| State | New York |
| County | Nassau County |
| Online Only (Y/N) | Y |
| Additional Online Files (Y/N) | N |
| Google Analytic Metrics | Metrics page |