Client: Shelter Valley Aggregates
Shelter Valley Aggregates, owner of a sand and gravel pit operation, retained Cambium to investigate and test a water source to be used for washing aggregate material. Cambium was retained by the client to investigate available groundwater resources and to conduct the necessary hydrogeological testing to obtain a Permit To Take Water.
The hydrogeological investigation included a detailed background review of geological and hydrogeological information from the site and adjacent properties, including historical hydrogeological reports, water well records and surficial geological mapping. Investigation of the underlying groundwater conditions determined that there were two aquifer systems on the subject property; an upper unconfined sand/gravel aquifer and a lower confined sand aquifer. Multiple test wells were installed on the property to determine which aquifer could be utilized for the water source. A long term constant rate hydraulic pumping test was conducted on the supply well completed into the upper aquifer to determine the sustainable aquifer yield.
Variable rate (step) tests conducted on the pumping well determined the approximate yield of the well for the constant rate test. The constant rate test pumps the well for a 72-hour duration to determine the long term, sustainable yield of the aquifer. Water levels in surrounding monitoring wells are observed during the pumping tests to determine the extent of aquifer drawdown and to calculate the zone of influence. Nearby surface water features and surround private residential water wells are also be monitored to ensure that the pumping test do not impact natural features or other water wells users.
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