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Ground-water flow and the possible effects of remedial actions at J-Field, Aberdeen Proving Ground, Maryland

Water-Resources Investigations Report 95-4075
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https://doi.org/10.3133/wri954075

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Abstract

J-Field, located in the Edgewood Area of Aberdeen Proving Ground, Md, has been used since World War II to test and dispose of explosives, chemical warfare agents, and industrial chemicals resulting in ground-water, surface-water, and soil contami- nation. The U.S. Geological Survey finite-difference model was used to better understand ground-water flow at the site and to simulate the effects of remedial actions. A surficial aquifer and a confined aquifer were simulated with the model. A confining unit separates these units and is represented by leakance between the layers. The area modeled is 3.65 mi2; the model was constructed with a variably spaced 40 X 38 grid. The horizontal and lower boundaries of the model are all no-flow boundaries. Steady-state conditions were used. Ground water at the areas under investigation flows from disposal pit areas toward discharge areas in adjacent estuaries or wetlands. Simulations indicate that capping disposal areas with an impermeable cover effectively slows advective ground water flow by 0.7 to 0.5 times. Barriers to lateral ground-water flow were simulated and effectively prevented the movement of ground water toward discharge areas. Extraction wells were simulated as a way to contain ground-water contamination and to extract ground water for treatment. Two wells pumping 5 gallons per minute each at the toxic-materials disposal area and a single well pumping 2.5 gallons per minute at the riot-control-agent disposal area effectively contained contamination at these sites. A combi- nation of barriers to horizontal flow east and south of the toxic-materials disposal area, and a single extraction well pumping at 5 gallons per minute can extract contaminated ground water and prevent pumpage of marsh water.

Suggested Citation

Hughes, W., 1995, Ground-water flow and the possible effects of remedial actions at J-Field, Aberdeen Proving Ground, Maryland: U.S. Geological Survey Water-Resources Investigations Report 95-4075, iv, 39 p. :ill., maps ;28 cm., https://doi.org/10.3133/wri954075.

Publication type Report
Publication Subtype USGS Numbered Series
Title Ground-water flow and the possible effects of remedial actions at J-Field, Aberdeen Proving Ground, Maryland
Series title Water-Resources Investigations Report
Series number 95-4075
DOI 10.3133/wri954075
Year Published 1995
Language ENGLISH
Publisher U.S. Geological Survey ; Earth Science Information Center [distributor],
Description iv, 39 p. :ill., maps ;28 cm.
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