Decision Analysis in Contaminant
Geohydrology
Dr. George F. Pinder
College of Engineering and Mathematical Sciences
University of Vermont
Date:
Time:
Location:
367 Votey
Abstract
While significant effort has
been and continues to be expended in the development of more physically
representative mathematical models of the subsurface, comparatively little work
has been done in developing the
computational tools needed to effectively use these models to facilitate
and enhance groundwater remediation management decisions.
Since the greatest return on
investment for groundwater modeling research occurs when limited resources
targeted for remediation are used more cost-effectively through the use of
models, current budgetary constraints and the concomitant demand for
accountability in scientific research suggest that investment in the effective
use of models may be now more critical than the further development of modeling
capability in and of itself.
Demonstrable effectiveness in
cost reduction in the field has been achieved using models in combination with
mathematical methods adopted and adapted from areas of science, mathematics and
engineering heretofore virtually untapped by the groundwater community. To
introduce these concepts we first consider the problem of NAPL source
identification. Next, using field examples, we demonstrate 1) the least cost
design of an inward-gradient constrained pump and treat system, 2) the least
cost design of a risk (concentration) constrained pump and treat system, 3) the
definition of a plume boundary using minimal water-quality sampling, and 4)
long-term monitoring using the least possible number of water-quality samples.