Evaluation of a predictive ground-water solute-transport model at the Idaho National Engineering Laboratory, Idaho

Water-Resources Investigations Report 82-25
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Abstract

Aqueous chemical and radioactive wastes discharged to shallow ponds and to shallow or deep wells on the Idaho National Engineering Laboratory (INEL) since 1952 have affected the quality of the ground water in the underlying Snake River Plain aquifer. The aqueous wastes have created large and laterally dispersed concentration plumes within the aquifer. The waste plumes with the largest areal distribution are those of chloride, tritium, and with high specific conductance values. The data from eight wells drilled near the southern INEL boundary during the summer of 1980 were used to evaluate the accuracy of a predictive modeling study completed in 1973, and to simulate 1980 positions of chloride and tritium plumes. Data interpretation from the drilling program indicates that the hydrogeologic characteristics of the subsurface rocks have marked effects on the regional ground-water flow regimen and, therefore, the movement of aqueous wastes. As expected, the waste plumes projected by the computer model for 1980, extended somewhat further downgradient than indicated by well data due to conservative worst-case assumptions in the model input and inaccurate approximations of subsequent waste discharge and aquifer recharge conditions. (USGS)

Study Area

Publication type Report
Publication Subtype USGS Numbered Series
Title Evaluation of a predictive ground-water solute-transport model at the Idaho National Engineering Laboratory, Idaho
Series title Water-Resources Investigations Report
Series number 82-25
DOI 10.3133/wri8225
Year Published 1982
Language English
Publisher U.S. Geological Survey
Publisher location Reston, VA
Description vi, 71 p.
Country United States
State Idaho
Other Geospatial Idaho National Engineering Laboratory
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