Poster presented at the 2024 Battelle Chlorinated Conference
Lead Author: Matthew Spurlin, PG, CPG (Noblis)
Co-Authors: Caitlin Cisco (BB&E) and David Profusek (Arcadis)
Introduction
- Estimation of hydraulic conductivity (K) from grain size distribution curves is well established with environmental practitioners as beneficial starting point for hydrogeological investigations.
- Developed automated procedure for Excel-based program, HydrogeoSieveXL™ (Figure 3), to streamline the calculation of K estimates in support of two-dimensional (2D) Stratigraphic Flux evaluations for multiple U.S. Air Force PFAS remedial investigations (RIs).
- Conventional approach requires up to 10 minutes per sample to manually format, import, and evaluate grain size results (Figures 3 and 4).
- The new tool extends analysis to include 16 methods to provide better indication of the statistically supported range of K that might apply.
- Primary objectives of new automation are to refine data ingestion, significantly reduce time required for data processing and evaluation and elimination of costs associated with labor.