Hydrogeology of a low-level radioactive-waste disposal site near Sheffield, Illinois

Foster, J. B.; Erickson, J. R.; Healy, R. W.

Abstract:

The Sheffield low-level radioactive-waste facility is located on 20 acres of rolling terrain 3 miles southwest of Sheffield, Illinois. The shallow hydrogeologic system is composed of glacial sediments. Pennsylvania shale and mudstone bedrock isolate the regional aquifers below from the hydrogeologic system in the overlying glacial deposits. Pebbly sand underlies 67 percent of the site. Two ground-water flow paths were identified. The primary path conveys ground water from the site to the east through the pebbly-sand unit; a secondary path conveys ground water to the south and east through less permeable material. The pebbly-sand unit provides an underdrain that eliminates the risk of water rising into the trenches. Digital computer model results indicate that the pebbly-sand unit controls ground-water movement. Tritium found migrating in ground water in the southeast corner of the site travels approximately 25 feet per year. A group of water samples from wells which contained the highest tritium concentrations had specific conductivities, alkalinities, hardness, and chloride, sulfate, calcium, and magnesium contents higher than normal for local shallow ground water. (USGS)

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USGS Numbered Series

ProdID:

27149

Citation Author:

Foster, J. B.; Erickson, J. R.; Healy, R. W.

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ENGLISH

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viii, 83 p. :ill., maps ;28 cm.

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U.S. Geological Survey,

Citation Series:

Water-Resources Investigations Report

Citation Series Code:

WRI

Citation Series Number:

83-4125

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Hydrogeology of a low-level radioactive-waste disposal site near Sheffield, Illinois; 1984; WRI; 83-4125; Foster, J. B.; Erickson, J. R.; Healy, R. W.

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1984

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citation/reference

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Hydrogeology of a low-level radioactive-waste disposal site near Sheffield, Illinois; 1984; WRI; 83-4125; Foster, J. B.; Erickson, J. R.; Healy, R. W.