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Geohydrologic reconnaissance of a ground-water contamination problem in the Argonne Road area near Spokane, Washington

Water-Resources Investigations Report 86-4173
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https://doi.org/10.3133/wri864173

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Abstract

Three domestic wells that withdraw groundwater from an alluvium-filled trough cut into granite were found to be contaminated with the organic solvents tetrachloroethene, trichloroethene, 1,1,1-trichloroethane, and 1 ,2-trans-dichloroethene. The suspected source of contamination is a nearby septic-tank sludge disposal area. There is concern that the affected aquifer is tributary to the Spokane aquifer, which has been accorded ' sole source ' status by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. Preliminary estimates suggest that groundwater in the area is moving toward the Spokane aquifer and that the transit time may range from 2.5 to 25 years. Because of longitudinal dispersion, however, the plume of contaminants may move at a faster rate than the ambient groundwater and may arrive at given destinations more quickly than calculated above. A literature search has indicated that the dissolved solute phase of the contaminants will not be significantly affected by sorption, volatilization, chemical activity, or biodegradation. Because of the preliminary nature of the investigation, many questions relating to the extent of contamination remain unanswered. A list of suggested additional studies to answer those questions and to refine and confirm the findings of this investigation is presented. (Author 's abstract)
Publication type Report
Publication Subtype USGS Numbered Series
Title Geohydrologic reconnaissance of a ground-water contamination problem in the Argonne Road area near Spokane, Washington
Series title Water-Resources Investigations Report
Series number 86-4173
DOI 10.3133/wri864173
Edition -
Year Published 1987
Language ENGLISH
Publisher U.S. Geological Survey,
Description v, 37 p. :ill., maps ;28 cm.
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