Characterization of the Hydrogeologic Framework, Groundwater-Flow System, Geochemistry, and Aquifer Hydraulic Properties of the Shallow Groundwater System in the Wilcox and Lorraine Process Areas of the Wilcox Oil Company Superfund Site Near Bristow, Oklahoma, 2022

Scientific Investigations Report 2025-5042
Prepared in cooperation with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
By: , and 

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  • Data Release: USGS Data Release - Data used for the characterization of the hydrogeologic framework, groundwater-flow system, geochemistry, and aquifer hydraulic conductivity of the shallow groundwater system in the Wilcox and Lorraine process areas of the Wilcox Oil Company Superfund site near Bristow, Oklahoma, 2022
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Abstract

The Wilcox Oil Company Superfund site (hereinafter referred to as “the site”) was formerly an oil refinery northeast of Bristow in Creek County, Oklahoma. Historical refinery operations contaminated the soil, surface water, streambed sediments, alluvium, and groundwater with refined and stored products at the site. The Wilcox and Lorraine process areas are where the highest concentrations of volatile organic compounds, semivolatile organic compounds, polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, and trace elements (including metals) (collectively hereinafter referred to as “contaminants”) were measured in a local shallow perched groundwater system within the alluvium (hereinafter referred to as the “alluvial aquifer”) at the site during previous site assessments. In order to understand the potential migration of contaminants through the soil and groundwater in these areas, the U.S. Geological Survey, in cooperation with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, investigated aquifer characteristics of the alluvial aquifer in the Wilcox and Lorraine process areas of the site to (1) document hydraulic conductivity and other aquifer characteristics of the alluvial aquifer that govern contaminant fate and transport, (2) describe the geospatial extent and concentration of the contaminants in the alluvial aquifer in the Wilcox and Lorraine process areas, and (3) describe the geochemical controls pertaining to oxidation and reduction governing the fate and transport and the degradation potential of contaminants in the groundwater. Various data were compiled and collected to evaluate the aquifer characteristics at the site including the hydrogeologic framework, groundwater-flow system, geochemistry, and hydraulic properties of the aquifer. A total of 20 new (2022) groundwater monitoring wells were installed at the site to collect data used to supplement groundwater-level altitude and groundwater-quality data collected from older, existing groundwater monitoring wells and piezometers. Data compiled and collected for the study were used to evaluate the characteristics of the alluvial aquifer at the site. These aquifer characteristics are defined by the hydrogeologic framework, groundwater-flow system, geochemistry, and hydraulic properties of the aquifer.

Suggested Citation

Teeple, A.P., Lucena, Z., Braun, C.L., Fetkovich, E.J., Dale, I.A., and Mashburn, S.L., 2025, Characterization of the hydrogeologic framework, groundwater-flow system, geochemistry, and aquifer hydraulic properties of the shallow groundwater system in the Wilcox and Lorraine process areas of the Wilcox Oil Company Superfund site near Bristow, Oklahoma, 2022: U.S. Geological Survey Scientific Investigations Report 2025–5042, 62 p., https://doi.org/10.3133/sir20255042.

ISSN: 2328-0328 (online)

Study Area

Table of Contents

  • Acknowledgments
  • Abstract
  • Introduction
  • Data Compilation, Collection, and Analysis Methods
  • Characterization of the Alluvial Aquifer
  • Summary
  • References Cited
Publication type Report
Publication Subtype USGS Numbered Series
Title Characterization of the hydrogeologic framework, groundwater-flow system, geochemistry, and aquifer hydraulic properties of the shallow groundwater system in the Wilcox and Lorraine process areas of the Wilcox Oil Company Superfund site near Bristow, Oklahoma, 2022
Series title Scientific Investigations Report
Series number 2025-5042
DOI 10.3133/sir20255042
Publication Date June 26, 2025
Year Published 2025
Language English
Publisher U.S. Geological Survey
Publisher location Reston, VA
Contributing office(s) Oklahoma-Texas Water Science Center
Description Report: xii, 62 p.; Data Release
Country United States
State Oklahoma
City Bristow
Other Geospatial Wilcox Oil Company Superfund site
Online Only (Y/N) Y
Additional publication details