ENVS 150

Hanford Groundwater Analysis

 

Use the following link to access the document: http://groundwater.pnl.gov/reports/gwrep04/html/start04.htm. Use the section called “Overview...”

 

For this activity, you will be using excerpts from the Hanford Groundwater Monitoring Report 2004.

 

  1. Read the overview.
    1. What are RCRA and CERCLA?  Describe what these pieces of legislation were designed to do.  How do they apply to Hanford?
    2. Describe in your own words what the uppermost aquifer and Hanford consists of.  Are there any other aquifers on the site?  If so, describe them.
    3. In your estimation, does the geology at Hanford promote the spread of contaminants or inhibit them?  Defend your answer.

 

  1. Examine Table 2.1-3 (it is continued on the back, where there is also a key to abbreviations.)
    1. What contaminants are found in the highest concentrations? 
    2. What contaminants exceed there DWS by the greatest amount?
    3. Table 2.1-4 shows remediation (cleanup) projects at Hanford.  What treatment systems (in which areas) were most effective at removing the contamination in 2004? (include what contaminant they are removing.)  What systems have removed the most contamination since their startup?

 

  1. Figures 2.1-2 and 2.1-3 show groundwater monitoring wells and a groundwater contour map of the site.
    1. Describe the general flow of groundwater across the site.
    2. Where does groundwater move the fastest?  Where does most groundwater go?
    3. Examine the contaminant concentration maps.  What areas show the greatest contamination.
    4. Compare the concentration maps with the groundwater map.  Are there any areas of high contamination that are also areas of fast groundwater flow?
    5. What areas pose the greatest danger of contamination entering the Columbia River?  Explain.
    6. Given extended periods of time, is there a danger of contamination from the worst areas reaching the Columbia if it is not cleaned up?

 

  1. In your opinion, is the DOE doing everything it should to address the problems at Hanford.  What do you think should be the DOE’s priorities in the next 20 years?