Summary of hydraulic tests and hydrologic data for holes UE16d and UE16f, Syncline Ridge area, Nevada test site

Technical Report · Sat Sep 01 04:00:00 EDT 1979

OSTI ID:59612

Dinwiddie, G A; Weir, Jr, J E

Argillite in the Eleana Formation of the Syncline Ridge area was investigated to determine its suitability for storing radioactive waste. Two exploratory holes were drilled during fiscal year 1977; this report summarizes geohydrologic information obtained from these holes. Dual-string, reverse-circulation drilling in the lower part of hole UE16f did not solve all problems associated with drilling argillite; however, more experience with this technique may be helpful in drilling holes that will be more suitable for hydraulic testing in argillite and other fine-grained rock. The Tippipah Limestone, which overlies the Eleana Formation at hole UE16d, is highly transmissive--more than 300 square meters per day for a 24-hour pumping test at a rate of 3,100 cubic meters per day, (about 36 liter per second). The argillite and unfractured quartzite of the Eleana Formation have extremely low permeabilities. Hydraulic heads increase markedly with depth, indicating a potential for upward flow. For example, the lowest hydraulic potential in UE16d was 230 meters below land surface for the interval 316-465 meters in depth, and the highest potential was less than 116 meters below land surface for the interval 645-914 meters in depth. Analyses of five water samples obtined from the holes indicate, in general, that water from the Eleana Formation is predominantly sodium bicarbonate, and water from the Tippipah Limestone is predominantly calcium-magnesium bicarbonate. The age of the water, uncorrected, was determined to be 14,000-16,000 yrs for water from the Tippapah Limestone, and as much as 21,000 years for water from the Eleana Formation. 10 figures, 2 tables.

• Research Organization: Geological Survey, Denver, CO (United States)
• DOE Contract Number: EW-78-I-08-1543
• OSTI ID: 59612
• Report Number(s): USGS--1543-3
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

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