Sept. 16 Seminar: Using Borehole Geophysics to Solve Environmental Problems

Wednesday, Sept. 16, 2009, 4:15 PM, SSN 191

Using Borehole Geophysics to Solve Environmental Problems
Ron Sloto, United States Geological Survey

Abstract: The water-supply wells at the Willow Grove Naval Air Station in Montgomery County, PA are contaminated with the solvent polychloroethylene (PCE). After several years and several studies, Navy consultants were not able to find a source for the PCE. The U.S. Geological Survey was then asked to conduct a study. Using a combination of borehole geophysical techniques and aquifer-isolation (packer) testing, a potential source area was pinpointed. Follow-up testing by the Navy consultants found high concentrations of PCE in the suspected source area.

{The Department of Geology and Astronomy seminars take place every Wed. during the fall semester in Schmuker Science Hall North, 730 N. Church St., West Chester PA, 19383, room 191. Refreshments are served at 4:00 pm, and thee discussion period begin promptly at 4:15 pm. Students, visitors, faculty and staff are strongly encouraged to attend. A campus is available here.}