Hydrogeologic characteristics of the Lee Acres Landfill Area, San Juan County, New Mexico

Water-Resources Investigations Report 87-4246
By: , and 

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Abstract

Identification of the presence of volatile organic compounds in liquid-waste lagoons in New Mexico at the Lee Acres landfill, beneath a refinery south of the landfill, and in nearby residential wells has led to an hydrologic investigation of the area. The alluvium underlying an arroyo adjacent to the landfill mostly consists of fine to coarse quartz sand with some silt, gravel, and clay zones. Thickness of the alluvium measured in 12 drill holes ranged from 13.7 to 61.5 ft. A seismic survey indicates that buried channels are incised as much as 26 ft into the bedrock surface in some areas. The depth to water in seven piezometers ranged from 26.6 to 34.9 ft. The configuration of the water table in the alluvium indicates that groundwater flow is controlled by unidentified recharge north of the landfill, recharge from a pond southeast of the landfill, discharge to pumping wells, discharge to the alluvium of the San Juan River south of the study area, and hydraulic conductivity of the alluvial material. There also may be additional recharge to or discharge from the underlying Nacimiento Formation and recharge from runoff in the arroyo. Terrain-conductivity measurements indicate that the water in the alluvium southwest of the landfill may be more conductive than water in the underlying sandstone. (USGS)
Publication type Report
Publication Subtype USGS Numbered Series
Title Hydrogeologic characteristics of the Lee Acres Landfill Area, San Juan County, New Mexico
Series title Water-Resources Investigations Report
Series number 87-4246
DOI 10.3133/wri874246
Edition -
Year Published 1987
Language ENGLISH
Publisher U.S. Geological Survey,
Description v, 69 p. :ill., maps ;28 cm.
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