HGIS: Hydrogeology and Hydrogeochemistry

Hydrogeology and Hydrogeochemistry

December, 2001

Geology, Hydrogeology and Hydrogeochemistry
Representative Assignments

Project Location Client Description

Landfill Site Evaluation Township of Salford
Ontario David Estrin and Township of Salford Environmental assessment of proposed municipal landfill site. A major portion of the assessment required an evaluation of the Quaternary geology and the impact of the hydrogeology on the site. Preparation of expert environmental materials and testimony for an Ontario Municipal Board Hearing.

Regional Groundwater Geochemistry Markham-Stouffville Claremont
Ontario Regional geochemical study of over 250 domestic water wells in surficial deposits in the Rouge River and Duffin Creek Drainage Basins. Classification of groundwater types and interpretation of groundwater flow regime. Identification of areas susceptible to contamination from near surface and bedrock sources. The study provides baseline hydrochemical data in an area undergoing rural residential development.

Nitrate Modelling Study Palgrave
Ontario Town of Caledon Development of a model to calculate the contaminant loading on groundwater resources resulting from a variety of proposed residential densities. Model was developed from a review of the literature on the nitrogen cycle and groundwater quality, and a consideration of nitrogen sources, sinks an transformations.

Uranium in Groundwater Alberta Design and implementation of a regional geochemical sampling survey of domestic water wells and natural seepage zones for uranium. This was part of a larger uranium exploration program in sandstone formations which included geological mapping, rock and stream sediment geochemistry and interpretation of geophysical borehole legs.

Roseneath Resort Muskoka
Ontario Beaumaries Association Evaluation of the impact of nutrient and hydraulic loading of sewage effluent for a proposed recreational resort. Groundwater recharge was estimated from precipitation and evapotranspiration data and drainage basin areas. Monthly effluent loadings were calculated and the amount of dilution was estimated. Presentation of expert witness testimony and materials to an Ontario Municipal Board Hearing.

Rural Estate Residential Planning Palgrave
Ontario Town of Caledon Natural Environment Assessment component of an Estate Planning Study. Assessment of bedrock and overburden groundwater flow from the study of water well records in each of the study area’s physiographic regions. Identification of recharge areas and recommendations for developing water supplies. Consideration of the impact of development on water quality.

Property Development Palgrave
Ontario Town of Caledon and Allan E. Brass Associates Environmental assessment for proposed rural estate residential development. Evaluation of groundwater resources on the property from investigation of water well records and field monitoring, determination of groundwater flow from measurement of static water levels, and monitoring of groundwater quality.

Property Development Palgrave
Ontario Town of Caledon and Rednex Developments Limited Environmental assessment for proposed rural estate residential development. Evaluation of groundwater resources on the property from investigation of water well records.

Property Development Palgrave
Ontario Town of Caledon and Marshall Macklin Monaghan Environmental assessment for proposed rural estate residential development. Review of geotechnical data and evaluation of groundwater resources on the property from investigation of water well records and impact of future development on groundwater quality.

Grand River Bridge Grand River
Ontario> Wyllie and Ufnal Limited Environmental assessment and alignment selection study for proposed Grand River Bridge in the Six Nations Indian Reserve. Literature review of groundwater conditions and potential impacts.

Prairie Siding Bridge Kent County
Ontario Wyllie and Ufnal Limited Environmental assessment for proposed Prairie Siding Bridge. Consideration of impact on local groundwater conditions due to construction activity and possible remedial action.

Des Joachims Nuclear Generating Station Ottawa
Ontario Ontario Hydro Airphoto interpretation and preliminary site investigation for surficial geology, site drainage and depth of water table. Determination of groundwater flow direction and correlation of groundwater characteristics of the site to major landforms.

Environmental Assessment Alliston
Ontario Paramount Development Corporation Includes a land drainage study, agricultural crop inventory, land-use inventory, agricultural soil inventory, groundwater hydrology, storm runoff calculations and aquifer recharge assessment.

Town Planning Markham
Ontario Town of Markham Resource inventory, impact and planning for Official Plan preparation. Storm water runoff and groundwater recharge calculation, and proposals for retention ponds and storm water management.

Water Supply and Septic Effluent Disposal King Township
Ontario Project Planning Associates Limited Assessment of soil capabilities for septic effluent disposal.

Mally Reservoir Sudbury
Ontario Hough Stanbury and Associates Resource inventory, hydrogeological calculations and environmental impact assessment.

Big Trout Lake Causeway Big Trout Lake
Ontario Department of Indian Affairs and Northern Development
Canada Description of water currents around Post Island. Relationship of water circulation to sewage effluent outfalls and water supply, investigation of sewage lagoon and outfall effects on public health, review of soil conditions and recommendations for location and design of a causeway to link Post Island to the mainland.

Douglas Drainage Basin Study Christian Island Ontario R.J. Burnside and Associates Airphoto study including existing land use, topographic slopes, soil types, depths of overburden, and conclusions and recommendations for water supply in the area, including potential locations for drilled wells.

Coastal Conservation Project Barbados Ministry of Housing and Land
Barbados A comprehensive coastal zone study to determine the extent and causes of beach erosion. The study included a literature review of the hydrogeology, water balance calculations for various hydrogeological units, evaluation of aquifers in karst topography, groundwater/sea water interaction, groundwater chemistry, carbonate mineral stability and impact of groundwater quality on nearshore beach environment.

Kitts-Michelin Uranium Mine Labrador British Newfoundland Exploration Limited Participation in an Environmental Assessment Process Plan for mine development. Investigation of surface water and groundwater chemistry and the identification of chemical processes affecting water chemistry.

Tobique Indian Reserve New Brunswick Indian Affairs and Northern Development Canada Investigation by airphoto interpretation methods of possible sources of groundwater to supply the residents of the Tobique Indian reserve.

Cheltenham Brickworks Redevelopment Palgrave Ontario Town of Caledon Evaluation and assessment of environmental and hydrogeological impacts of proposed redevelopment of brickworks.

Gravel Pit Development Palgrave
Ontario Town of Caledon Evaluation and assessment of environmental and hydrogeological impacts of proposed redevelopment of gravel pit.

Ataratiri Project Toronto
Ontario City of Toronto Conversion of borehole stratigraphy and borehole contaminant information to RDBMS/GIS format to permit querying and graphic plotting to visualize the comprehensive database information.

Property Development Region of Peel Palgrave
Ontario Bruno Farms Estate Residential Development Environmental and hydrogeological assessment for proposed rural estate residential development applications. Review and analysis of geotechnical data and storm water management plans, and Site Plan preparation. Analysis of groundwater resources and impact of future development on groundwater quantity and quality. Planning and monitoring recommendations, and preparation of compliance letters to Draft Plan Conditions.

Property Development Region of Peel Palgrave
Ontario Palgrave Estates Residential Development Environmental and hydrogeological assessment for proposed rural estate residential development application. Groundwater monitoring and implementation of septic nitrate dilution model. Municipal production well interference analysis. Planning and monitoring recommendations, and preparation of compliance letters to Draft Plan Conditions.

Golf Course Development Region of Peel
Caledon
Ontario Town of Caledon Environmental and hydrogeological assessment of the Osprey Valley Golf Course development and operations. Review and analysis of geotechnical and groundwater monitoring data. Analysis of groundwater interference and preparation of pre and post construction water table contours. Preparation of geological cross section and lineament interpretation.. Evaluation of fertilizer and pesticide impacts on groundwater quality. Water balance calculations and review of Permits To Take Water. Planning and monitoring recommendations.

Ontario Water Well Records Ontario Development of software to process large Ontario water well record databases, including base map elevational look ups, stratigraphic plotting, and aquifer modelling directly from digital water well, water quality, and other databases.

Caledon Rural Service Centre Study Town of Caledon
Ontario Town of Caledon Identification of the technical hydrogeological opportunities and constraints of selected rural settlements within the Town of Caledon. Evaluation of potential site development, lot size and densities.
Preparation of a comprehensive hydrological and hydrogeological GIS information database. This database allows Hunter to efficiently and accurately determine groundwater recharge/discharge, determine historical trends in groundwater quality and water use, and analyze linkages between groundwater and surface water flows. This information, and previously prepared parcel mapping linked to tax assessment information, is being incorporated into the Municipality’s land use planning process.

Oak Ridges Moraine Hydrogeology Study Greater Toronto Area, including Peel, York and Durham Regions Ministry of Natural Resources Identification, characterization and delineation of the key hydrogeological features of the Oak Ridges Moraine area and the provision of recommendations to assist in the development of a strategy for managing the water resources of the Moraine Area on an ecologically sustainable basis.
In support of the hydrogeological analyses of the Moraine area, a comprehensive and integrated GIS approach was employed. Primary GIS spatial databases (water well, hydrogeochemistry, etc.) were constructed in vector topological format, georeferenced to the 1:10,000 scale digital Ontario Basic Mapping (OBM) coordinate system (115 map sheets in total). These databases were developed from a diverse variety of sources and are presented in both spatial and tabular relational format in easily translatable database formats.
Specialized software application routines were developed for database modelling, queries and graphic presentation. Standard GIS data structures were employed to permit bi-directional data transfer with study participants and future users of the database.

Oak Ridges Moraine Hydrogeological Model Research Greater Toronto Area, York Region Geological Survey of Canada Research and compilation of aquifer parameter data for preparation of a hydrogeological model, hydrostratigraphic units, and system boundaries and stresses. Review, compilation and organization of municipal, industrial, golf course and other high capacity and deep water well hydrogeological reports from MOE and Region of York libraries.

Project	Location	Client	Description
Landfill Site Evaluation	Township of Salford Ontario	David Estrin and Township of Salford	Environmental assessment of proposed municipal landfill site. A major portion of the assessment required an evaluation of the Quaternary geology and the impact of the hydrogeology on the site. Preparation of expert environmental materials and testimony for an Ontario Municipal Board Hearing.

Regional Groundwater Geochemistry	Markham-Stouffville Claremont Ontario		Regional geochemical study of over 250 domestic water wells in surficial deposits in the Rouge River and Duffin Creek Drainage Basins. Classification of groundwater types and interpretation of groundwater flow regime. Identification of areas susceptible to contamination from near surface and bedrock sources. The study provides baseline hydrochemical data in an area undergoing rural residential development.

Nitrate Modelling Study	Palgrave Ontario	Town of Caledon	Development of a model to calculate the contaminant loading on groundwater resources resulting from a variety of proposed residential densities. Model was developed from a review of the literature on the nitrogen cycle and groundwater quality, and a consideration of nitrogen sources, sinks an transformations.

Uranium in Groundwater	Alberta		Design and implementation of a regional geochemical sampling survey of domestic water wells and natural seepage zones for uranium. This was part of a larger uranium exploration program in sandstone formations which included geological mapping, rock and stream sediment geochemistry and interpretation of geophysical borehole legs.

Roseneath Resort	Muskoka Ontario	Beaumaries Association	Evaluation of the impact of nutrient and hydraulic loading of sewage effluent for a proposed recreational resort. Groundwater recharge was estimated from precipitation and evapotranspiration data and drainage basin areas. Monthly effluent loadings were calculated and the amount of dilution was estimated. Presentation of expert witness testimony and materials to an Ontario Municipal Board Hearing.

Rural Estate Residential Planning	Palgrave Ontario	Town of Caledon	Natural Environment Assessment component of an Estate Planning Study. Assessment of bedrock and overburden groundwater flow from the study of water well records in each of the study area’s physiographic regions. Identification of recharge areas and recommendations for developing water supplies. Consideration of the impact of development on water quality.

Property Development	Palgrave Ontario	Town of Caledon and Allan E. Brass Associates	Environmental assessment for proposed rural estate residential development. Evaluation of groundwater resources on the property from investigation of water well records and field monitoring, determination of groundwater flow from measurement of static water levels, and monitoring of groundwater quality.

Property Development	Palgrave Ontario	Town of Caledon and Rednex Developments Limited	Environmental assessment for proposed rural estate residential development. Evaluation of groundwater resources on the property from investigation of water well records.

Property Development	Palgrave Ontario	Town of Caledon and Marshall Macklin Monaghan	Environmental assessment for proposed rural estate residential development. Review of geotechnical data and evaluation of groundwater resources on the property from investigation of water well records and impact of future development on groundwater quality.

Grand River Bridge	Grand River Ontario>	Wyllie and Ufnal Limited	Environmental assessment and alignment selection study for proposed Grand River Bridge in the Six Nations Indian Reserve. Literature review of groundwater conditions and potential impacts.

Prairie Siding Bridge	Kent County Ontario	Wyllie and Ufnal Limited	Environmental assessment for proposed Prairie Siding Bridge. Consideration of impact on local groundwater conditions due to construction activity and possible remedial action.

Des Joachims Nuclear Generating Station	Ottawa Ontario	Ontario Hydro	Airphoto interpretation and preliminary site investigation for surficial geology, site drainage and depth of water table. Determination of groundwater flow direction and correlation of groundwater characteristics of the site to major landforms.

Environmental Assessment	Alliston Ontario	Paramount Development Corporation	Includes a land drainage study, agricultural crop inventory, land-use inventory, agricultural soil inventory, groundwater hydrology, storm runoff calculations and aquifer recharge assessment.

Town Planning	Markham Ontario	Town of Markham	Resource inventory, impact and planning for Official Plan preparation. Storm water runoff and groundwater recharge calculation, and proposals for retention ponds and storm water management.

Water Supply and Septic Effluent Disposal	King Township Ontario	Project Planning Associates Limited	Assessment of soil capabilities for septic effluent disposal.

Mally Reservoir	Sudbury Ontario	Hough Stanbury and Associates	Resource inventory, hydrogeological calculations and environmental impact assessment.

Big Trout Lake Causeway	Big Trout Lake Ontario	Department of Indian Affairs and Northern Development Canada	Description of water currents around Post Island. Relationship of water circulation to sewage effluent outfalls and water supply, investigation of sewage lagoon and outfall effects on public health, review of soil conditions and recommendations for location and design of a causeway to link Post Island to the mainland.

Douglas Drainage Basin Study	Christian Island Ontario	R.J. Burnside and Associates	Airphoto study including existing land use, topographic slopes, soil types, depths of overburden, and conclusions and recommendations for water supply in the area, including potential locations for drilled wells.

Coastal Conservation Project	Barbados	Ministry of Housing and Land Barbados	A comprehensive coastal zone study to determine the extent and causes of beach erosion. The study included a literature review of the hydrogeology, water balance calculations for various hydrogeological units, evaluation of aquifers in karst topography, groundwater/sea water interaction, groundwater chemistry, carbonate mineral stability and impact of groundwater quality on nearshore beach environment.

Kitts-Michelin Uranium Mine	Labrador	British Newfoundland Exploration Limited	Participation in an Environmental Assessment Process Plan for mine development. Investigation of surface water and groundwater chemistry and the identification of chemical processes affecting water chemistry.

Tobique Indian Reserve	New Brunswick	Indian Affairs and Northern Development Canada	Investigation by airphoto interpretation methods of possible sources of groundwater to supply the residents of the Tobique Indian reserve.

Cheltenham Brickworks Redevelopment	Palgrave Ontario	Town of Caledon	Evaluation and assessment of environmental and hydrogeological impacts of proposed redevelopment of brickworks.

Gravel Pit Development	Palgrave Ontario	Town of Caledon	Evaluation and assessment of environmental and hydrogeological impacts of proposed redevelopment of gravel pit.

Ataratiri Project	Toronto Ontario	City of Toronto	Conversion of borehole stratigraphy and borehole contaminant information to RDBMS/GIS format to permit querying and graphic plotting to visualize the comprehensive database information.

Property Development	Region of Peel Palgrave Ontario	Bruno Farms Estate Residential Development	Environmental and hydrogeological assessment for proposed rural estate residential development applications. Review and analysis of geotechnical data and storm water management plans, and Site Plan preparation. Analysis of groundwater resources and impact of future development on groundwater quantity and quality. Planning and monitoring recommendations, and preparation of compliance letters to Draft Plan Conditions.

Property Development	Region of Peel Palgrave Ontario	Palgrave Estates Residential Development	Environmental and hydrogeological assessment for proposed rural estate residential development application. Groundwater monitoring and implementation of septic nitrate dilution model. Municipal production well interference analysis. Planning and monitoring recommendations, and preparation of compliance letters to Draft Plan Conditions.

Golf Course Development	Region of Peel Caledon Ontario	Town of Caledon	Environmental and hydrogeological assessment of the Osprey Valley Golf Course development and operations. Review and analysis of geotechnical and groundwater monitoring data. Analysis of groundwater interference and preparation of pre and post construction water table contours. Preparation of geological cross section and lineament interpretation.. Evaluation of fertilizer and pesticide impacts on groundwater quality. Water balance calculations and review of Permits To Take Water. Planning and monitoring recommendations.

Ontario Water Well Records	Ontario		Development of software to process large Ontario water well record databases, including base map elevational look ups, stratigraphic plotting, and aquifer modelling directly from digital water well, water quality, and other databases.

Caledon Rural Service Centre Study	Town of Caledon Ontario	Town of Caledon	Identification of the technical hydrogeological opportunities and constraints of selected rural settlements within the Town of Caledon. Evaluation of potential site development, lot size and densities. Preparation of a comprehensive hydrological and hydrogeological GIS information database. This database allows Hunter to efficiently and accurately determine groundwater recharge/discharge, determine historical trends in groundwater quality and water use, and analyze linkages between groundwater and surface water flows. This information, and previously prepared parcel mapping linked to tax assessment information, is being incorporated into the Municipality’s land use planning process.

Oak Ridges Moraine Hydrogeology Study	Greater Toronto Area, including Peel, York and Durham Regions	Ministry of Natural Resources	Identification, characterization and delineation of the key hydrogeological features of the Oak Ridges Moraine area and the provision of recommendations to assist in the development of a strategy for managing the water resources of the Moraine Area on an ecologically sustainable basis. In support of the hydrogeological analyses of the Moraine area, a comprehensive and integrated GIS approach was employed. Primary GIS spatial databases (water well, hydrogeochemistry, etc.) were constructed in vector topological format, georeferenced to the 1:10,000 scale digital Ontario Basic Mapping (OBM) coordinate system (115 map sheets in total). These databases were developed from a diverse variety of sources and are presented in both spatial and tabular relational format in easily translatable database formats. Specialized software application routines were developed for database modelling, queries and graphic presentation. Standard GIS data structures were employed to permit bi-directional data transfer with study participants and future users of the database.

Oak Ridges Moraine Hydrogeological Model Research	Greater Toronto Area, York Region	Geological Survey of Canada	Research and compilation of aquifer parameter data for preparation of a hydrogeological model, hydrostratigraphic units, and system boundaries and stresses. Review, compilation and organization of municipal, industrial, golf course and other high capacity and deep water well hydrogeological reports from MOE and Region of York libraries.