Environmental Overview Brochure

1ENVIRONMENTALwww.willowstick.com2ENVIRONMENTAL OVERVIEwRisk to the exposure of contaminated groundwater is generally related to contaminant transport; however, understanding the location of transport pathways has been notoriously difficult. Willowstick has a unique ability to accurately map groundwater preferential flow paths in complex hydrogeologic systems. This information is critical to understand the distribution of contaminated groundwater at a site. Having reliable intelligence as to where contaminant transport is occurring and how groundwater is influencing it leads to better decisions regarding the location of subsequent monitoring wells and remediation strategies. A better conceptual site model can lead to targeted remediations strategies and the cost savings could be significant. Applications for Willowstick’s imaging include:• Mapping contaminant transport pathways• Identifying vertical transport through aquitards• Validating groundwater fate and transport models• Mapping flow in karst and fractured bedrock• Locating monitoring wells on flow paths• Targeting cut-off wall installations“The main reason we wanted to use willowstick was an insurance policy early in an investigation to enable us to say that we know there are no preferential escape pathways.” – Gabe Gabrielson –Senior Program Engineer, URS3The Willowstick method is a quick and nonintrusive way to identify, map and model preferential groundwater flow paths. Like an Angiogram that enables medical personnel to “see” blood vessels inside the human body, the Willowstick method is able to render either 2D maps or 3D models of groundwater flow paths. Understanding how this technology works and how it relates to other geophysical techniques helps one to appreciate how it fits into the groundwater characterization toolkit. The technology works by establishing a signature electric circuit within the groundwater of interest. The distribution and flow of subsurface electric current is then revealed by measuring the signature magnetic field at the surface. Measured data is processed and compared to the predicted magnetic field from a theoretical homogeneous earth model to highlight the deviations from the “uniform” model. Finally, 2D maps and 3D models are generated and interpreted in conjunction with other hydrogeologic data to provide enhanced definition of preferential groundwater flow paths. This unique technology provides the following advantages for mapping groundwater:• Capitalizes upon the conductive nature of groundwater• Directly energizes the groundwater of interest at depth• The signature magnetic field is not impacted by conductive overburden • Preferential electric current flow paths are indicators of higher transport porosityFor more information, please visit www.willowstick.comTEchNOLOgy OVERVIEw43D Inversion ModelThe above 3D model shows prominent leakage pathways through and under a clay liner of an evaporative pond. Willowstick’s own unique modeling software predicts electrical current distribution in the subsurface using a robust mathematical inversion algorithm.5Managers, hydrogeologists, geologists and engineers charged with groundwater characterization often experience frustration from wasted time and money associated with a drilling campaign that failed to adequately portray complex groundwater issues. A more practical approach is to combine data from a minimal number of strategically placed observation wells with data from a Willowstick geophysical investigation. This approach allows for an comprehensive conceptual model of preferential groundwater flow paths that provides sufficient detail to properly evaluate the area between wells. If subsequent wells, cut-off walls, grout curtains, etc. are required, they can be properly positioned the first time.Indeed, the early application of a Willowstick geophysical investigation—designed specifically to characterize groundwater flow paths—can save large amounts of time and money by allocating resources effectively. why wILLOwsTIck?“I have seen willowsticksuccessfully used to map groundwater on many projects. This is a very valuable technology.”– Dr. Don Bruce –President, Geosystems, LP6Willowstick is a leading provider of groundwater imaging technologies. Willowstick’s technology and services provide clients with a degree of insight unrivaled by traditional methodologies.Founded in 2004, Willowstick has completed over 150 projects worldwide. Willowstick’s customers include many large consultancies and companies in a variety of industries including Dams, Mining, Environmental and Oil & Gas. Willowstick’s cutting edge technologies and superior service set it apart as a leading groundwater characterization provider. There are many applications where Willowstick can help:• Dams, dikes, levees and canals• Contaminant transport pathways• Karst and fractured bedrock• Integrity of pond liners• Heap leach piles - mining• Landfill leachate• Locating production wells• Geothermal • Mine groundwater infiltration/exfiltrationcOMpANy OVERVIEwwww.willowstick.com