An evaluation of slug interference tests for aquifer characterization at the Hanford Site

Conference · Thu Oct 01 00:00:00 EDT 1992

DOI:https://doi.org/10.2172/10139301· OSTI ID:10183086

Spane, Jr, F A; Thorne, P D

Slug interference tests are conducted by instantaneously changing the water level in a well and monitoring the aquifer response at one or more observation wells. The applicability of this method for hydraulic characterization of a high permeability unconfined aquifer at the Hanford Site was evaluated. Analytical techniques were used to predict slug interference responses over a range of aquifer hydraulic conditions and observation well distances. This was followed by a field test of the proposed technique. The results showed that slug interference testing can be used to characterize aquifers having transmissivities up to 10{sup {minus}1} m{sup 2}/s compared to a maximum transmissivity of about 10{sup {minus}3} m{sup 2}/s for single-well slug tests. The amplitude of the pressure response measured at the observation well is primarily determined by aquifer storativity, while the time-lag of the pressure peak is mainly controlled by the transmissivity. Several recommendations are made optimizing the results of slug interference tests in higher permeability, unconfined to semiconfined aquifers.

• Research Organization: Pacific Northwest Lab., Richland, WA (United States)
• Sponsoring Organization: USDOE, Washington, DC (United States)
• DOE Contract Number: AC06-76RL01830
• OSTI ID: 10183086
• Report Number(s): PNL-SA--20978; CONF-920851--78; ON: DE93001308
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

053000
11 NUCLEAR FUEL CYCLE AND FUEL MATERIALS
54 ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCES
540220
540230
AQUIFERS
CHEMICAL WASTES
CHEMICALS MONITORING AND TRANSPORT
ENVIRONMENTAL ASPECTS
ENVIRONMENTAL TRANSPORT
GROUND WATER
HANFORD RESERVATION
HAZARDOUS MATERIALS
HYDRAULIC CONDUCTIVITY
MONITORING
PERMEABILITY
RADIOACTIVE MATERIALS MONITORING AND TRANSPORT
RADIOACTIVE WASTES
WELLS