AQUIFER CHARACTERISTICS AND GROUND-WATER MOVEMENT AT HANFORD

Technical Report · Mon Jun 01 04:00:00 EDT 1959

OSTI ID:4226992

Bierschenk, W H

The hydraulic characteristics of Hanford aquifers were measured and estimated by a variety of established field methods. These include the nonequilibrium type curve solution, the modified nonequilibrium and Theis recovery formulas, estimations from specific capacity and cyclic fluctuation data, and the results of tracer tests. Mutually consistent results show that the permeability of the glaciofluviatile sediments ranges from about 10,000 gpd/ft/ sup 2/ to more than 60,000 gpd/ft/sup 2/, and the permeability of the Ringold deposits ranges from about 100 to 600 gpd/ft/sup 2/.Based on these permeability data, calculations of the average rate of ground-water flow indicate a range from a few inches per day to as much as 160 ft/day. The hydraulic studies show that wastes which reach the water table beneath disposal sites move in a general southeastward and eastward direction some 20 miles to the Columbia River. Average rates of ground-water flow indicate that travel along this estimated mean lateral path of groundwater contamination could be completed in an average time in the order of 180 years. Such factors as heterogeneity and anisotropy of the aquifers, and dispersal of wastes in the ground water, however, assume great importance in determining; the path and ultimately the concentration of radioactive wastes in the water. Consequently, much additional information is needed to determine the quantitative effect of these factors in the field. (auth)

• Research Organization: General Electric Co. Hanford Atomic Products Operation, Richland, Wash.
• DOE Contract Number: W-31-109-ENG-52
• NSA Number: NSA-13-022987
• OSTI ID: 4226992
• Report Number(s): HW-60601
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

ANISOTROPY
DEPOSITS
DIFFUSION
GROUND WATER
HYDRAULICS
MATHEMATICS
MEASURED VALUES
RADIOACTIVE WASTE
TRACER TECHNIQUES
WASTE DISPOSAL