Reconnaissance hydrogeologic investigation of the Defense Waste Processing Facility and vicinity, Savannah River Plant, South Carolina

Dennehy, K. F.; Prowell, D. C.; McMahon, P. B.

Abstract:

The hydrogeologic framework of the area around the Savannah River Plant, South Carolina consists of 2 to 3 separate water bearing units. In the northern half of the study area, the Barnwell and underlying McBean aquifers are considered one aquifer owing to the absence of the tan clay-confining unit between them. In the southern half of the study area they are separated by the tan clay into two aquifers. Underlying these aquifers, and separated from them by the green clay-confining unit, is the Congaree aquifer. Hydraulic conductivities of the aquifers range from 0.00000001 to 0.0001 ft/sec. Directions of groundwater flow in the Barnwell and McBean aquifers are to the north, with a component of flow directed downward across the green clay and into the Congaree aquifer. The direction of flow in the Congaree aquifer is to the northwest. Water in these aquifers evolves from an acidic (pH < 6.5) mixed-cation type in the Barnwell aquifer to an alkaline (pH > 8) calcium bicarbonate water in the Congaree aquifer. Laboratory experiments indicate that reactions between sediments of the Barnwell aquifer and a salt-solution waste to be stored at the study area would significantly reduce the permeability of the sediment, thereby limiting the movement of the waste in groundwater at the site. (USGS)

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USGS Numbered Series

ProdID:

26791

Citation Author:

Dennehy, K. F.; Prowell, D. C.; McMahon, P. B.

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ENGLISH

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v, 74 p. :ill. ;28 cm.

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Dept. of the Interior, U.S. Geological Survey ; Books and Open-File Reports [distributor],

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Water-Resources Investigations Report

Citation Series Code:

WRI

Citation Series Number:

88-4221

Citation Search Results Text:

Reconnaissance hydrogeologic investigation of the Defense Waste Processing Facility and vicinity, Savannah River Plant, South Carolina; 1989; WRI; 88-4221; Dennehy, K. F.; Prowell, D. C.; McMahon, P. B.