An Integrated Ground Water Monitoring Program Using Multilevel Gas‐Driven Samplers and Conventional Monitoring Wells

Abstract

AbstractHydrogeologic and ground water quality data obtained from a gas‐driven multilevel sampler system and a polyvinyl chloride (PVC) monitoring well nest with the same aquifer communication intervals are compared. All monitoring points are in close proximity to each other.The study was conducted at an eight‐acre uncontrolled hazardous waste site. The site is located in an alluvial valley composed of approximately 40 feet of alluvium overlying shale bedrock. The ground water at the site is contaminated with various organic constituents.A ground water monitoring network consisting of 26 conventional monitoring wells, nine observation well points, and six multilevel gas‐driven samplers was established to characterize the hydrogeologic regime and define the vertical and horizontal extent of contamination in the vicinity of the abandoned chemical plant. As part of this study, a multilevel monitoring system was installed adjacent to a well nest. The communication zones of the multilevel samplers were placed at the same elevation as the sand packs of the well nest. The multilevel sampler system and well nest are located in a contaminated area directly downgradient of the site. A comparison of the vertical head distribution and ground water quality was performed between the well nest and the multilevel sampling system.The gas‐driven multilevel sampling system consists of three gas‐driven samplers that monitor separate intervals in the unconsolidated materials. The well nest, composed of two PVC monitoring wells in separate boreholes, has the same communication interval as the other two gas‐driven samplers.Hydraulic head information for each multilevel sampler was obtained using capillary tubing. This was compared with heads obtained from the well nest utilizing an electric water level indicator.Chemical analyses from the PVC and multilevel sampler wells were performed and compared with one another. The analyses included organic acids, base neutrals, pesticides, PCBs, metals, volatile organics, TOX, TOC, CN, pH and specific conductance.