hwbdocuments.env.nm.gov Alamos National Labs...f 1 t I r I I 1 t' t r- J ,- 1 F J. f I I i ~-- I f I I 1 f 1 I 1 I I f l f J I" 1 Los Alamos National Laboratory Hydrogeologic Characterization

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Los Alamos National Laboratory Hydrogeologic Characterization Program

Quarterly Meeting/EAG Semi-Annual Meeting

October 3-5, 2000

f 1 t I r I I 1 t' t r- J ,- 1 F J. f I I i ~-- I f I I 1 f 1 I 1 I I f l f J I" 1

Los Alamos National Laboratory Hydrogeologic Characterization Program

Quarterly Meeting/EAG Semi-Annual Meeting October 3-5, 2000

Agenda

Tuesday, October~ 2000; Cities of Gold Hotel

8:00 Welcome and Introductions (C. Nylander) 8:15 Groundwater Integration Team (GIT) Subcommittee Reports

Information Management (K. Henning) Well Construction (S. Pearson) Geochemistry (B. Newman)

9:45 Break

10:00 Groundwater Integration Team (GIT) Subcommittee Reports Hydrology (D. Rogers/B. Stone) Modeling (B. Robinson)

11:30 Lunch

1:00 Modeling Demonstration (B. Robinson) 2:00 Modeling Workplan (C. Nylander)

2:30 Break

2:45 Detailed Description of Los Alamos-Pueblo Canyon Model (B. Robinson/B. Carey) 3:45 Groundwater Investigation Focus Area (D. Daymon) 4:15 Quality Assurance (A. Gallegos) 4:45 Adjourn 5:15 Discussion session on modeling

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Agenda

Wednesday, October~ 2000; Cities of Gold Casino and Hotel

8:00 FYOO Performance Review (C. Nylander) 8:30 Regulatory Review

9:30 Break

RCRA/HSWA Permit Revisions (A. Barr) Well Construction Issues (D. Broxton)

9:45 Uranium Chemistry Modeling in Los Alamos-Pueblo Canyon (B. Robinson) 10:00 Los Alamos Canyon Low Head Weir Monitoring (G. Bussod) 10:15 Cerro Grande Fire impact on surface water chemistry (B. Gallaher) 10:45 Risk Assessment (D. Hollis)

11:30 Lunch

1:00 EAG/Stakeholder session

3:00 Break

3: 15 LAN L Response to stakeholder concerns 4:45 Adjourn

Thursday, October 5; LATA Conference Room

9:00 Modeling Demonstration (B. Robinson) 9:30 EAG Debriefing for Managers

10:00 Break

10:15 EAG Debriefing for GIT

11:30 Lunch

1:00 EAG Working Session

II 11 1"1 rJ II 11 fl II f1 #J II II II II II II II 11 II

GIT Information Management Subcommittee Status Report

Water Quality Database

October 3rd, 2000

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Primary Efforts in Past Quarter

• Hardware/Infrastructure

• Software Development

• Report Development

• Web Access to Fire Data

• Legacy Data Migration

• Lookup Table Standardization

Hardware/Infrastructure

• Database, Forms & Reports Server Behind the Firewall (Yell ow)

• Database, Forms & Reports Server In Front of the Firewall (Green)

..

..

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... ..

..

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Software Development

• Data Import/Entry Software • Stations/Locations

• Samples Taken

• Data Steward QA/QC Tools

• Lookup Table Maintenance

• Application Security & Infrastructure

• Import Routines for Chemistry and Flow Datafiles

Report Development

• Locations/Stations

• Chemistry- tabular & ESR-style

• Chemistry Results Screening

• Lookup Tables

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Web Access to Fire Data

http://www.esh.lanl.gov/-esh18/teams/CGFire/index.html

Links to Flow Data and Chemistry Data

Legacy Data Migration

• Storm water Locations(~ 60)

• Hydrology Team "All Stations" ( ~ 800)

• Legacy Chemistry - Runoff

• Legacy Chemistry - All Other

• Flow Data- Fire-related stations

.. -

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Lookup Table Standardization

• Chemistry

• Suites, Analytes, Methods

Main Menu

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Data Entry - Locations

Data Entry- Samples Taken

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Report Parameter Form

Report Output - Locations - HTML

Los Alamos National Laboratory ESH-18 Water Ouehty and Hydrology

Water Quality Database

LOCII1ionTj~~e: WLociHon Name Ancho Carr,.on at TA-39 Ancho Canyon near Banda~er National Park. NM Ancho CafYiOn near Bandal1er Net!onal Park, NM Area J AreaL Arr(!oJO de La Delfe neerTA-22 Bum Ground Spnng Canada del Buey above VVhlte Rock. NM Canada del Suey above White Rock. NM Canada del Suey at Wtute Rock, NM Canada del Suey at Wn.te Rock, NM Canada del Suey near TA-46 Canon del Valle above H1~ay 501 near Los Alamos, NM Canon del Valle above H1s;jlway 501 near Los Alamos. t-1>.1 Canon del Valle at Mouth CBnOn del VaNe below MDA-P Chaquehui CarJIOfl South Site ChaQuel"lui CarYfOn Tnbutary DP Cenyon at Mou!h

X Coord 16398994 1641903 2 1641903 2 1636886 6 1640176 3 0 0 1643532 1 1643532 1 1651667 6 1651667 6 1631932 3 1609379 9 1609379 9 0 0 0 0 1637553 4

YCoord 1741412 7 1739815 5 1739815 5 1762333 7 1759475 2 0 0 17587377 17587377 1756389 7 1756389 7 1766734 9 1765350 9 1765350 9 0 0 0 0 1773159

GLBev Locltion Synonym(s) E273 E275 08313275 E221 E223 E2425 S002 E225 08313225 E230 08313230 E218 E253 08313253 E262 E256 E338 E340 E040

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• System In Production on Yell ow and Green

• User Orientation Session( s)

• Continued Software Development

• Continued Report Development

• Continued Data Migration

Question & Answer ... I. I II •

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II II 1111 II II II II 111111 II IJ 11 II II II II 11

Well Construction Subcommittee Report

DebaDaymon

Hydrogeologic Workplan Semi-Annual Meeting

October 3, 2000

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menial resloralion prajecl September_27_0CDO(l) NATIONAL LABORATORY

R-9 .. •Total Depth 771ft

• Drilling Completed 9/29/99

• Well Constructed 10/18/99

• Well Developed 2113/00

•Number of Screens 1

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•Quarterly Sampling 2/28/00 & 9/30/00

•Rig Used T-4/DR-24#1

.. •Geophysics 2111100 (S)

• Pump Installation 8/30/00

•Completion Report 9/28/00

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R-12

• Total Depth

•Drilling Completed

• Well Constructed

• Well Developed

• Number of Screens

886ft

1/10/00

1124/00

216100

3

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R-12 (coot)

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•Quarterly Sampling

•Rig Used

•Geophysics

•Completion Report

3/21/00

9/21100

T-4/DR-24#1

2/8/00 (S)

9/28/00

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• Total Depth 1107 ft



• Well Developed 2/21/00

• Number of Screens 1

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•Quarterly Sampling 2/24/00

•Rig Used DR-24#1

•Geophysics 2/11/00

• Pump Installed 9/30/00


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R-25

• Total Depth

•Drilling Completed


• Well Developed

• Number of Screens

1942 ft

2/24/99

5/25/99

2/1100 & 5/7/00

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1 0/14/98(L ), 4/21/99(S),


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FY01

DR-24#1

9/16/98 (L)

2/10/00 (S)

FY01

~ .. J.~ ------Sept_em_ber __ 27_-0000(-B)------=~=IOIIA=~~=IO~.:..:::A~=.,

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R-31

• Total Depth 1103 ft




•Number of Screens 5

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• West bay Installed


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FY01

DR-24#2

2/9/00 (L) 3/17/00 (S)

FY01

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• Total Depth

• Drilling Completed


• Well Developed

•Number of Screens

323ft

3/9/00

3/11/00

4/7/00

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9/15/00

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3/18/00 (S)

9/28/00

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R-19 .. • Total Depth 1903 ft - • Drilling Completed 3/12/00



• Number of Screens 7

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•Rig Used DR-24#1

•Geophysics 3114/00 (L) 3/16/00 (S)


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•Current Depth

R-22

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1800 ft

9/08/00

846ft

FYOl

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STATUS REPORT FOR THE GEOCHEMISTRY SUBCOMMITTEE, GROUNDWATER INTEGRATION TEAM

BY

PATRICK LONGMIRE1, BRENT NEWMAN2

, DALE COUNCE1,

ROBERT HULL3, RANDALL RYTI4

, AND FRASER GOFF1

OCTOBER 3, 2000

1. EES-1, 2. EES-15, LOS ALAMOS NATIONAL LABORATORY, 3. LATA, AND 4. NEPTUNE AND COMPANY

ENVIRONMENTAL RESTORATION PROJECT

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OBJECTIVE OF PRESENTATION

Present a status report for the geochemistry subcommittee for the fourth quarter of FV2000.

Topics of interest include:

» R-19, residual EZMUD and total organic carbon,

» LANL background hydrochemistry investigation,

» TA-16 Investigations,

» R-15, Completion Report, and

»Surface water and groundwater, Post Cerro Grande Fire.


J I I t t 1· f J l J f 1 I I I I' t I f I I J t 1 I 'I t' 1 f J f I I I I I f ,.

EZMUD CHEMISTRY

EZMUD consists of a long-chain polymer containing many functional groups, which include polyacrylamide/polyacrylate {PHPA) copolymer and hydrocarbon molecules.

Some molecules tentatively identified in EZMUD include undecane {C11 H24), 2,6-dimethyl-undecane {C13H28), 2-methyl-decane {C11 H24),

tridecane {C13H28), and tetradecane {C14H30).

EZMUD adsorbs onto aquifer material to enhance borehole stability.

EZMUD has a negative charge density of 30o/o (0.3 mol per mol of polymer), which may enhance the polymer's ability to adsorb cations {Sr2+, Pu02

1+, U022+, and AmC03

1+).


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EZMUD CHEMISTRY

EZMUD is strongly hydrophobic {high molecular weight polymer), which probably has the ability to adsorb organic compounds such as RDX, HMX, and TNT.

EZMUD has a low aqueous solubility under near-neutral pH conditions. Nitric acid {pH1 ), sulfuric acid {pH1 ), and sodium hypochlorite {bleach) {oxidizing agent, electron acceptor) can be used to break down EZMUD.

Aggressive well development helps dissociate EZMUD without adding additional chemicals to the well.


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TIME VERSUS TOTAL ORGANIC CARBON CONCENTRATION FOR R-19, SCREEN SEVEN (1,830-1,840 FT).

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JUNE 20, 2000 (HOUR)

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TOTAL ORGANIC CARBON (MGC/L) VERSUS EZ MUD CONCENTRATION (PARTS PER THOUSAND) FOR R-19, SCREEN SEVEN {1,830 -1,840 FT) AND TAP WATER. WATER SAMPLES COLLECTED ON 06/20-21/00.

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TOTAL ORGANIC CARBON (MGC/L)

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EZMUD CHEMISTRY-RECOMMENDATIONS AND SUMMARY OF RESULTS

Remove EZMUD from borehole(s) during well development prior to Westbay installation.

Measure pH, turbidity, and TOC and perform polymer titration to evaluate dissociation of EZMUD polymer.

Minimize use EZMUD in boreholes where chemical and hydrologic data and information are collected in contaminated canyons.

Small amounts (1 o-s to 1 o-4) of EZMUD remain in R-19 and residual TOC

concentrations are generally less than 10 mgC/L. Residual amounts of EZMUD should breakdown (biodegrade) over time.

R-19 and CDV-15 shall be monitored for EZMUD, TOC, and other analytes.


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LANL BACKGROUND HYDROGEOCHEMISTRY INVESTIGATION

TOPICS OF INTEREST FOR FY2000

I. DATA QUALITY OBJECTIVES

II. QUALITY ASSURANCE AND DATA VALIDATION

Ill. STATISTICAL ANALYSES

IV. HYDROGEOLOGIC SETTING

V. GENERAL HYDROCHEMICAL TRENDS


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Well LAO-B, upper Los Alamos Canyon

Apache Spring, west of 1 Spring 1, White Rock Canyon, San lldefonso Laboratory

Seven Springs, Jemez Mountains Water Canyon Gallery, west of Lahnr!3tnru Upper Canon de Valle Spring, west of Lahnr~tnru

Pine Spring, north of Laborato Well LAOI-1.1, Los Alamos Canvon Doe Spring, White Rock Ca Spring 98, White Rock c Spring 4A (Pajarito Spring), White Rock c

Sacred Spring, north of lower Los Alamos Canyon, San lldefonso La Mesita Spring, White Rock Canyon, San lldefonso

Water Supply Well 0-4, Los Alamos Canyon

Water Supply Well G-5, Guaje Canyon north of


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FY2000 WORK ACTIVITIES-LANL BACKGROUND HYDROGEOCHEMISTRY INVESTIGATION

Validate groundwater data for major ions, trace elements; trace metals, radionuclides, and DOC fractionation.

Identify additional data needs {ICPMS) for selected trace elements and trace metals {Sb, Be, Cd, Pb, Tl, and U).

Perform additional groundwater sampling in FV2000 {pre and post Cerro Grande fire, Sierra de los Valles springs).

Perform statistical analyses on groundwater samples.

Prepare draft LANL background hydrochemistry report in FV2000.


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ANAL YTES OF INTEREST FOR LANL BACKGROUND HYDROCHEMISTRY INVESTIGATION

Major ions, trace elements, and trace metals.

Dissolved organic carbon fractionation (naturally occurring organic compounds).

Radionuclides

(234u 2asu 2aa u 2aaP 239,24oP 241A 9os 1a1c d aH) , , , u, u, m, r, s, an .

Stable isotopes (H, 0, and N).


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RESULTS OF TA-16 INVESTIGATIONS

Temporal and spatial variability in contaminant concentrations and other geochemical parameters/species are observed.

Barium concentrations in groundwater and surface water are controlled by mineral solubility with BaS04 (oversaturation) and BaC03 (saturation).

Precipitation and dissolution could be controlled by evapotranspiration.

Variation of high explosive concentrations in the subsurface are controlled by fractures and high permeable units such as surge beds.

Variations in nitrogen isotope ratios within Canon de Valle suggest that there are multiple sources of nitrogen species.


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ANALYTE

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SUMMARY

Geochemistry subcommittee members analyzed and interpreted data and information collected from TA-16, R-15, R-19, CDV-15, and background groundwater stations.

Background hydrochemical data and information are collected for regulatory purposes and applied scientific investigations. A final report shall be released in FY2001.

Based on available water chemistry data, the Cerro Grande fire did not impact most of the springs discharging in the Sierra del los Valles, excluding Pine Spring.

Since the fire, elevated concentrations of manganese, iron, bicarbonate, TDS, major ions, and trace elements are associated with surface water and shallow groundwater.


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Water quality data

Sample handling (filtered/ nonfiltered)

Analytes

Analytical methods

Analyses of groundwater samples are available from Laboratory surveillance program, ER Project, NMED-OB studies, National Uranium Resource Evaluation (NURE) Project, consultant reports, and the US Geoloaical Su Existing data from filtered samples are adequate for use. However, non-filtered samples that have been collected by other programs have cation-anion charge balance greater errors than ± 1 0%; therefore not of Assessment of the existing data set (of 55 filtered samples) showed good agreement between cation sum and anion sum. Ten samples had laboratory duplicates and the laboratory variation is less than 20% relative standard deviation. Therefore this data can be used in the establishing background. However, most of the major cations and anions are frequently detected, but many of the trace elements have low detection rates. Samples analyzed by SW 846 methods are acceptable for use in determining background

Analyses of additional groundwater samples representing each mode of groundwater occurrence.

Analyses of filtered and non-filtered samples (low turbidity), except for total suspended solids, which requires a non-filtered sample.

Major cations (Ca, Mg, Na, K); major anions (HC03, Cl, S04); trace elements (Ag, AI, As, B, Ba, Be, Br, Cd, Cl03, Co, Cr, Cs, Cu, F, Fe, Hg, I, Li, Mn, Mo, NH4, Ni, N02, Pb, P04, Rb, Sb, Se, S20 3, Sn, Sr, Ti, Tl, U, V, Zn); Si02; total dissolved solids, fallout radionuclides e41 Am, 1a1Cs, 2asPu, 239,24opu, gosr, aH, 2a4U, 2asu, and 2asU); dissolved organic carbon, and stable isotopes cso/1so, 1sNf14N, and D/H).

SW 846 methods by ICPES, ICPMS, CVAA, ETVAA, AA, SIE, IC, colorimetry, and MS. Analysis of fall-out radionuclides by alpha spectrometry, gamma spectrometry, liquid scintillation, gases proportional counting, electrolytic enrichment/gas proportional counting. Field parameters include temperature, pH,

turbiditv. carbonate alkalin

II II II fJ II fl II II II fl fill fl fill II II II II

FIGURE 13.1-1. PINE SPRING (PUYE FORMATION AND LAVAS OF POLVADERA GROUP, GARCIA CANYON).

200

--o--- Ca

150

:I: c. a: 0

~·--------------· ~ ' / ' . ' / ' . ' / ' . . / ' . . / '· /. ' / ·, -·-- /. ·, . ..-·"" ----- /. ·, . ..-·"" ------ ,/· ·, .,.·"" --Ill(

' ..-· ' ..-· ...

········0···· .... Cl

----0---- HC03

----6---- K

---·--- Mg

-·-·•-·-· Na

------- pH

z 0 -- "ii-- S04

j::: <C 100 --+--- TDS a: 1-z w 0 z 0 0

50

.... ...-------0 . .a.. _.o........ __ /

--------------- ············.... --------------- ·-............ 0/ a······ ·· ..... o__.- -

----------..... _... ....... ..,.., ..................... ------------ -~----~ ....... ~ . ------• .... •-.r=---=-

• ........... ··"'=.'"r"~ :.·::.::--

0 MAY, 1997 AUGUST, 1997 FEBRUARY, 1998 JULY, 1998 JULY, 1998 (SOURCE) JUNE, 2000

DATE OF SAMPLING

I I f I I I I I I I I I I 1 I J f I I I I 1 f I I I I I I I I I I 1 I I f I

-:!: Q. Q. -z 0 i= < ~ 1-z w 0 z 0 0

FIGURE 13.1-2. PINE SPRING {PUYE FORMATION AND LAVAS OF POLVADERA GROUP, GARCIA CANYON).

10~~~------~------.--------.-------.-------.--~

1

0.1

0.01

0.001

<Y/ __ ... -···-··'/ ... /--~·-········-···-·····-··············0\\

\ l·~., __ A----------------1'...____ \ I ·····-~···.... p --.......... \ I .. .;:

•••• ; I : 0 ~------------~~-, --~--A---... ~--------~-----------!'":_,, \ I / ·. ' .

\':. ,:'/

. . . . .

\j . . . . . . . . . . .

. . . . . ... .O······ ... ········ ... a.

o-····-··· .. ---··"' ········... 6

. . . ······.... . ... -· .... --···.

··o···

.

MAY, 1997 AUGUST, 1997 FEBRUARY, 1998 JULY, 1998 JULY, 1998 (SOURCE) JUNE, 2000

DATE OF SAMPLING

-D- AI

········0······ .. Fe

····0···· Mn

----6.---- Sr

fl 11 fJ 11 fJ fJ 11 IJ 1111 II II II 11111111 II II

10000

-...J 0 1000

Cl :2:

a: 0

:2: a. a. -z 0 1-c:( a: 1-z w 0 z

100

MAJOR ION CHEMISTRY AND TOTAL ORGANIC CARBON FOR PRE-CERRO GRANDE FIRE (03/27/97) AND POST-CERRO GRANDE FIRE (06/28/00 AND 07/12/00), PAJARITO CANYON, LOS ALAMOS, NM.

[J UPPER PAJARITO CANYON (03/27197)

D UPPER PAJARITO CANYON (07/12100)

• LOWER PAJARITO CANYON (06/28/00)

0 10 t"...........J:::::: 0

1 TOC Ca Cl C03 HC03 K Mg Na 5102 504 TD5

ANALYTE

IJ II IJ 1111 fl 11 II 111111 II II II II 11111111

10

~

I t~~~~~l 1

-::2: D. D. -z 0 1- 0.1 < a: 1-z w 0 z 0 0

0.01

0.001 AI

TRACE ELEMENT (SOLUTE) CHEMISTRY FOR PRE-CERRO GRANDE FIRE (03/27/97) AND POST -CERRO GRANDE FIRE (06/28/00 AND 07/12/00), PAJARITO CANYON, LOS ALAMOS, NM.

r-!;] UPPER PAJARITO CANYON (03/27/97)

D . UPPER PAJARITO CANYON (07/12/00)

• LOWER PAJARITO CANYON (06/28/00)

B Ba F Fe Mn Sr

ANALYTE

u

II II 1111 II 11 II II 1111 II II II 1111 II 1111 II

z 0 -1-::J m -a: 1-CJ) -c 1-

RESULTS OF SPECIATION CALCULATIONS USING MINTEQA2 FOR SURFACE WATER, PAJARITO CANYON, LOS ALAMOS, NM. 100

1 I I ~ I j ~ I I I ~~ I EJ UPPER PAJARITO CANYON (03/2797) (U = 1 PPB, Sr =59 PPB, HC03 = 32.6 PPM)

90 ~~ [] UPPER PAJARITO CANYON (07/12/00) (U = 2.1 PPB, Sr = 290 PPB, HC03 = 233 PPM)

Ill LOWER PAJARITO CANYON (06/28/00) (U = 9 PPB, Sr = 950 PPB, HC03 = 483 PPM) 80 r:-

70

60

50

z w 40 0 a: w a. 30

20

10

0 0 N ~ ,... 0 ,... N 0 I I I I + < N C") C") < C") ... < C") - - - N £ U'J ~ 0 C") C") ::z:: - 0 0 0 0 0 ::z:: 0 U'J 0 0 - 0 - ... N - - C") - N U'J 0 N N 0 N 0 ::l 0 0 0 0 ::l ::l ::l N ::l -N

0 2

SPECIES

111111 II II 11 II II II II II 11111111111111 II

RESULTS OF SATURATION INDEX CALCULATIONS USING MINTEQA2 FOR PAJARITO CANYON, LOS ALAMOS, NM. 3 ~--~------~------~------~------~------~------~------~------~--.

2

---~ 1 Q.

<C -0 ,... CJ 0 0 -I ->< -1 w c z

z -2 0 -1-<C a: :J -3 1-<C en

-4

-5

y

• ... t"'\ - -----------

0

o:t 0 tJ) ftl

r:n

0

(")

0 0 ftl 0

y

-...I " ~ 8 u;

0

• y

UPPER PAJARITO CANYON (03/27/97)

UPPER PAJARITO CANYON (07/12/00)

LOWER PAJARITO CANYON (06/28/00)

SATURATION (EQUILIBRIUM)

0

y

i=' D.

~ N 0 u;

•

0

(")

0 0 ftl r:n

SOLID PHASE

•

0

8 ~ tJ)

y

•

o:t 0 ce tJ)

0

'

0 N J: N ~ 0 u; 8 :::J -

0

•

y

0 N J: II)

cwi -II) 0 N u; -N -N 0 :::J «a 0

11 r1 II fl II. II II II II rl 11 rl II II II 11 fl 11 II

Groundwater Integration Team Subcommittee Report

Hydrology

D. Rogers, B. Stone

October 3, 2000

.. -..

-

..

..

..

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..

WELL DEVELOPMENT UNDER THE HYDROGEOLOGIC WORKPLAN

William Stone

DEFINITION

Making a well ready for use by forcing water into and out of the saturated formation through the well screen (and filter pack, if present).

THREE PURPOSES:

1. To remove fines or drilling fluid from behind the screen,

2. To create a stable zone of filtration between the screen and formation and

3. To increase hydraulic conductivity near the well.

DEVELOPMENT METHODS USED TO DATE

Various combinations of four methods:

Jetting -water flowed into screen (by gravity) Bailing -water mechanically lifted from well Airlifting -water blown from well by air pressure Pumping -water removed from well by a

submersible pump

A two- or three-stage protocol is formulated from these methods for each well .

-..

COMPARISON OF METHODS

Method Advantages Disadvantages

Jetting

Bailing

Airlifting

Pumping

Water into formation Screen-specific

Water introduced Must be removed No field parameters Low pressure (ours)

Field parameters Not screen-specific Some surging action

Field parameters Can surge

Field parameters Can pulse

Not screen-specific

Not screen-specific

.11111!1

-

..

..

..

Characterization Well R-19 Completion Report

~-

'· '··~~ '\ .,09 •.

·. ·-_.-:-~(.6'

\ ··-\ 11.~---·.-..

'·· ,... .. .J.·· ......... ..,··

··-··-.. /··-··-··-

0 5000 10,000 It ~,,,,,

0.5 1 m1

Sou!Ce: Purtymun 1984,6513.

/~ / -·· ........ -..

-6200 - Contour for regional water table

c:::J Laboratory boundary

Ephemeral stream

Perennial stream

• Supplywell

~ Stockwell

o Testwell

«\ Spring

RW·2

~

FHI-1/R-19 WELL COMPLETION RPT /081200/ PTM

Figure 1.o-1 . Locations of well R·19 and line of section for Figure 3.0·2

September 2000 2 ER2000-0398

--.. ..

-

----


Predicted Actual

Depth Elevation Depth

_____ s_u_rta_ce_s_te_v. _7060--ft-----2

_7f!lluvium

Elevation

13ft Qbt4

Qbt3 717ft

Qbt2 797ft

Qbt1v 303ft

357ft Qbt1g

Oct 477ft

Qbof

758ft Obo 774ft

Tpf

922ft

Tb 1118 ft

7322ft

Tpf 1418 If

1478ft Tpt

Tsfuv

1900ft

7047ft

6943ft

6869ft

6757ft

Tshirege Member, Bandelier Tuff

Sft

717.5ft

230ft

285ft

6702ft ___________________ 3~ft

380ft 6643ft

Otowi Member, 646ft Bandelier Tuff

6307 ft 6285ft

830ft

Pu~e Formation 840ft

(upper anglomerate facies) 6738ft 925ft

Cerros del Rio Basalt 998ft 7077ft 1063ft 1080ft

5942 ft . _ _ Regions/ Water Table

------------------

5737ft Puye Formation (lower fanglomerate facies)

Puye Formation - :::::- C::::::: (axial facies)

1530ft

Pumiceous 1~1ft 1 Sft

Sedimentary Deposits unassigned)

1690ft 1700ft

Santa Fe Group (upper coarse facies)

5160ft 189Sft

1902.5ft TD

Predicted Geology from the '99 Sitawlde 3-D Geologic Model

' Qbt4""

Qbt3

Qbt2

Qbt1v

Qbt 1g

Tsankswi / Pumice Bed

Qct

Qbof

Qbog,

Tpf

massive flow

Tb 1/:=:J. masstva flow

'b<eccia & sediment&

Tpf

= 7= pumice

= ~= pumiceous sedimentary deposits

putTic8 ~

7057.3ft 7055ft

6942.5 ft

6830(1

6775(1

6414 ft

6230ft 6220ft

6135 ft

5974(1

5882(1

5530ft

5157.5ft

Possible Perched water 834rt-6226ft 840ft 6220ft

894ft ,---,§166ft 912ft -t$148 ft

F3.D-1/A-19 WEll COMPLETION APT /091200/PTM

Figure 3.o-1. Comparison of actual and predicted geologic contacts In R-19

September 2000 8 ER2000·0398

-

--

----..

-


NottoScsle

All depths teet below ground surface

~+---- Abandoned 13.625-in. casing; 113to205ft

--- Bentonite pellets

~~n#1-----~~~k~ (827.2 ft to 843.6 ft) )

20140 sand --5.0 ft -alB sand --46.4 ft

20140 sand --4.0 ft

Screen #2 --=~~--\-~ (893.3 ft to 909.6 ft)

Sc~n#4--------+-+ (1410.2ftto 1417.4ft) l44S.stt-

1475.5ft.__ 1488.7 ft to 1490.5 tt-

1516.6tt-1557.9tt.__

Screen~-----~~ (1582.6 ft to 1589.8 f!) 1606.8 tt-

1627.3 It to 1632.1 ft __!.. 1643.1ft_... 1675.9ft-

1111111-t'·~--Bentonite pellets ............. 20140 sand -5.0 ft

619 sand --52. 7ft

~Bentonite pellets

·;~---Bentonite sluny

r+--- Cement .----Bentonite sluny

}

alB sand --3.7 ft -20140 sand --11 ft

8112 and 619 sand--76ft

, ____ Bentonite pellets

.---Cement __ .,.,__ __ Bentonite pellets

.·14--- Bl12anda/Bsand ,___ Bentonite pellets

Cement ;:z;~== Bentonite pellets ~-- 8/12and619sand ~-- Bentonite pellets

} 20140 sand -24.5 ft

-619 sand -24.4 ft ~-- Bentonite pellets ~--Cement ""---- sono sand ""---- Bentonite pellets

30/lOsand-1.8 ft -619 sand -89.7 ft

8112 sand --12.4 ft mr••J;·i/·--- Bentonite slurry with 20140 sand

-_..!~!!!:=:!:)!~1-f"ff~·~-- Bentonite pellets Screen #7 sono sand ··5.2 ft (1832.4ftto 1839.5ft) --20140sand-7.7ft

30170 sand --7.3 ft (t839.5 to 18J~m~ ~~u~~ite slurry with sand

Note: The screen Intervals fist the footeges of the pipe perforations, not the tops and bottoms of screen joints. F82·11 R-19 WELL COMPLETION APT I 083000 I PTM

Figure 8.2-1. As-built well-completion diagram of well R-19

£R2000-0398 43 September 2000

-----..

-

..

...

R-19 Development Procedure

Equipment Required:

pH meter SC/Temperature meter Turbidity meter TOC meter beakers TOC bottles

Protocol:

1 . Wash/air jet each screen start at the top screen and work down work each screen for 15 minutes no water is discharged, so field parameters cannot be checked

2. Airlift each screen collect an initial sample for polymer titration before further development collect samples for and check field parameters (pH, SC/Temp, turbidity,

TOC) at 15-minute intervals continue process until field parameters acceptable or cannot be improved go to next screen

3. Pump each screen (with packers?) collect sample for and check field parameters at 15-min intervals continue process until field parameters acceptable or cannot be improved cease pumping for 15 minutes then check field parameters again to see if still acceptable repeat this (cease/check process) three times collect final sample for polymer titration go to next screen

Documentation:

Record all times and values for field parameters for each screen in the field book.

As soon as possible after development is completed, use these records back in the office to prepare tables and graphs of all results for each screen (in electronic form) .

.,-.. ., r-. II'""W ..., .,., r"l r'i .., r-'1 C'".. .,.., r' r~ r,-, rl r-, r·-, .-,

Water Quality Stabilization Record

g...,- =:::~~·sf-#3 I.· I =-l"'""""'- TAts+ ~--+- -1 . · f -~ ~~----- -__ Date:- _ _L 6/25100 __ _l __ I I •~- CA __ .i ____ _ Flold .......... __.,_ -- r· ...... G. Goelz! -- . ISignatu.e . ·-. . 1:::::. .... ~::z i . -- : + .. aui<!_>od wa •• L .. ,.,~ ..• ~.,.:...) . L - ~ I -:::_:_ .:.= ::: =-Three Borehole Volumes Calculated (gal): , 21 1 -r-- I ~ 1

--

Flow I P~-Volume -~ __ Parameter Mea_sureme11~ ---+--

Borehole ----;;lsp. Cond.l Temp l DO 1 Turbidity volume (SU) l (uS/em) (C) I (mg/L) ! (NTU)

1- ---· ---Elapsed~ Pump Meter

Time Rate Reading I Gallons (min) (gpm) (gal.)

Time Date Comments

.25 ---

-

LANL ER SOP 6.02 Page 1 of1

--

..

-.. .. ..

..

-


R·19 Water Quality during Pumping Development of Screen #3, 1st Episode

------- 160 50

45

40 ~ =I 140

~ 35

l3o ... 1! 25 E 20 f!! :. 15

10

5

0

~

0

·~

\ \

\--"'-

\ ~

:--...... - - -.....:::. ---~

20 40

-- ___. ---=-------- ---- __.-tl!llr ... •

60 Elapsed time (min)

•

80

• ...

100

120 --

100-E

=f 80 .!:!

U)

60 (.) tJ)

40 --

20 --

0 120

l--11- Borehole volume --A- pH (SU) ~Temp (C) -+-DO (mg/L) __,._Turbidity (NTU) ~ Sp_ Cond. ( S/cm) I

50

45

40

~ 35 l3o ... 1! 25

! 20 :. 15

10

5

0

0

R-19 Water Quality during Pumping Development of Screen #3, 2nd Episode

-

--

..... - -

"'- "'

- • • • • ----A :_ -10 20 30 40 50 60

Elapsed time (min)

--

70

160

140

120

1oo e 80 ~ 60 ~

40

20

0

l--11- Borehole volume --A-- pH (SU) ~Temp (C) -+--DO (mg/L) __,._Turbidity (NTU) ~ Sp. Cond. ( S/cm) I F8.3-l /A-19WELLCOMPLETION APT /091200/PTM

Figure 8.3-1. Results of final development (pumping) for screen #3

ER2000-0398 45 September 2000

• J I I I I r I l I f 1 I I I I I I f l I 1 I I ~''J t I I f t f I f 1 1 I f I

Screen Elapaadnme

' (min)

3 365

. 4 235

5 350

6 240

7 275 - --

: .... ~ '.

~ .. -:: :. f-:

Summary of Final (Pumping) Phase of Development at R-19

Range of Field Parametera8

Water Produced/Rate Specific Conductance Temperature (gpm) pH (uS/em) (C)

91.25 (0.25) 7.86-7.95 130-116 17.6-21.7

1175 {5) N.A.b 117-109 19.4-221.1

3500 (10) 6.85-7.72 130-122 17.8-20.8

2400 (10) 7.76-7.94 126-127 21.10-20.60

5050 (15-20) 7.46-8.09 125-126 17.9-21.6 -~- ----- -~---------- ----· -

8 Values at beginning and end of development; lntennedlate values may be higher than at beginning. b N.A. = not available.

Turbidity (NTU)

45.40-12.90

62.25-4.64

47.4()-4.61

142.10-5.09

27.0D-4.90

-

----

--..

---

DEVELOPMENT PROBLEMS/RECOMMENDATIONS

PROBLEM 1

Development should induce flow not only out of but also into the screened interval, but available methods provide for little or no flow into the formation and are not that aggressive.

Recommendation - The feasibility of surging (with the block on rods not wireline), swabbing (surging plus flushing) or pressure jetting should be investigated.

PROBLEM 2

Available development methods are not screen-specific.

Recommendation - use methods that are more screen specific (surging, swabbing, pumping between packers).

If off-the-shelf assemblies with a pump between two packers are not compatible with current well design, redesign the wells or construct such equipment inhouse.

PROBLEM 3

Pipe base screen is strong, but provides a tortuous path for water in development (and testing).

Recommendation -evaluate use of alternative styles.

------

-----..

-.. ----

I

L

., .. -;---l I

Pressure-) relief hole 1

I I

Figure 15.6. Typical SUI'JIC block consisting of twll leather or rubber discs sandwkhed between three steel or wooden discs. The blocks are constructed so that the outside diameter of the rubber lips is equal to the inside diameter of the screen. The solid part of the block is 1 In (25.4 mm) smaller In diameter than the screen.

Drill Pipe

8w8b Flange

Fipre 14.1. Single-swab developmettt.

Nozzle

Check valve

Figure 15.17. Four-nozzle jetdng tool

Drill Pipe

Swab Flanges

F'IIUrt 14.1. Double-flanged swab without bypass.

------

-------.,. --

PROBLEM 4

When hydrologic testing (after development) indicates poor performance of a screened interval, is it simply due to low permeability or might improper well construction or incomplete well development be to blame?

Recommendation - avoid placing screens in low permeability zones by utilizing all available geologic, geophysical and hydrologic observations.

Facilitate proper well construction by making accurate pipe tallies and possibly enlarging the size of the hole, annulus and tremie to permit more confident placement of annular fill.

Assure complete development by allotting adequate time to do it and using sufficiently vigorous methods.

---

---

--

Fi'l!ure 15.18. The open area of the sereen and the coaflauratJon of the slot openlnp are important factors rn·ntrolllng the effectiveness of developmeot procedures uslna water jetting.

II II II 1'1 II II II 1111 II II f'J II 11 II II fl II f1

GIT Subcommittee Report Modeling

Bruce A. Robinson

Earth and Environmental Sciences Division

Los Alamos National Laboratory

~ ~. Los Alamos ! • JAUif ·--...,;,/ EAG-10~((1) NATIONAL LABORATORY

ronmental restoration project

--..

--

Topics ofDiscussion

• Responses to EAG Comments

• Modeling Accomplishments Regional Aquifer

MDAs and Canyons

TA-16 HE Transport Modeling

Post-Fire Refocusing

r ~ U.A~~ __jt~ -------------------------~-~-,-~--,-,----------------~.=.~,~,o=.~.~.~,.~.~o~.~.~,o~.~ .

rul.,lllll,fljltl

Responses to EAG Comments EAGComment Links belweal b)drologic moddiog IIDd wllcr quality c1aa base less weU esublisbed

It is difficult to evalulle lbe appropriateness, effectivmess,ldequacy, mel efficiency of the modelimr: studies from the brief summaries _given EAG should be provided with the modeling plan so that tbey cm provide~~ at the lllllDin• ..... Clarify bow the modeling results are being relied on to make decisions, and bow modeling interfaces with the DQO process

TA·50 Water Injection Test model EAG questioned the need for more modeling (discrete fracture and dual permeability) given the positive results obtained from the initial modelin~-Geochemical modeling significant progress. but EAG suggests a brief synthesis report to pull to2Ctber the data and other infonnation

Action Plan ProgJCSS is ouwring in this .ea -at this meeting with the EAG we .-c: providing a modeling demoD&trltion to claify tbc links between tbe moddin• and tbe daa bases. To provide more detaiL we will distribute om written repons 10 some or aU memba's of the EAG when the documents ar~vcd for distribution. This is being done, and we will present the plan at thismectin~. This linkage will be covered in our modeling repcuts, and a detailed presentation on one model is at this m«ting that will demonstrate the approach taken in 2e0.eral This will be presented in the detailed modeling

!_presentation at this meeting. Any new modeling will be limited in scope and designed to bolster the conclusions already obtained.

Preparation of a synthesis report is under consideration.

...:. n-.t. r ~ U.A~~ ~ ~~-------------------------~-~-,-~--~----------------~.=.~,~,o=.~.~.~,.~,=o~.~.~,o~.~.

flfirtUIUIIIrttiUIIifl,nitcl

.. -..

..

Overview of the Modeling Plan

• The writeup replaces the original chapter in the Workplan

• The new plan is more detailed and comprehensive

• Schedules are provided for most tasks

~ ON r 4 --------------------------~L~os~A~~~m~~~ ~ -.....,I EAG-10-00(3) NATIONAL LA.aOIIIATDRY

U1'irltlllttltl rnl.,tliu trtjtcl

Modeling Accomplishments Regional Aquifer Model

• Pump test simulations and recommendations for the siting ofR-5

• 2D simulations of stable isotope transport

• Initial modeling of major ion chemistry as influenced by advection, dispersion, and mineral weathering reactions

• Interpretations of permeability data - correlation to long term aquifer water level response to pumping

- Relation between permeability data and geologic model

• Simulation results for HE transport from T A -16 - ongoing

~ r~--------------.-.~,---.,--------~~~~~ON~.~~L~=~~.~~ORY ''tniftrunultlr:::'::i.ttnitcl

--.. -

-..

Modeling Accomplishments MDA and Canyons

• Report on vapor-phase organic transport at MDA L completed (Stauffer et al., 2000, LA-UR-00-2080) - model construction and calibration

- model predictions and recommendations

• Los Alamos Canyon - 2D and 3D Los Alamos Canyon updated flow models completed

- Source term data on U and Sr compiled, geochemical modeling performed

- Initial three-dimensional transport simulations completed

• HE Transport from TA-16

tlli4!;J. r ...... :. ....... d..~ Los Alamos

EAG-10-(10(5) NATIONAL LAIORAHHtY

Probabilistic Approach for Groundwater Risk Assessment

Process-L•v•l Models

, r Los Alamos r ~ ------------------------------~~~~~ ..._,.._ ~ EAG-10-00(8) NATIONAL LAIORATDRY

rnltrllin,nltcl

--

-

-IIIII .. -

... IIIII

-

HE Migration From TA-16

• Probabilistic risk assessment approach accompanied by process-level models

• Process Models - 3D vadose zone model understand HE transport to the regional aquifer

- Transport model for the regional aquifer

Risk assessment model - GoldSim Source term

Simplified vadose zone and regional aquifer models

Pumping well for estimating risk of contamination and uncertainty

Los Alamos EAG-10-00(7) IIIATIO.AL lAaOAATOAY

Regional Aquifer Geology and Refined Grid for Transport Calculations

5000 10000 15000 20000 30000

Bandelier Tuff Chaquehul formation Puye, Totavl Lentil Puye, fanglomerate Deep santa Fe Penasco embayment Ojo C.llente oandstone Ancha formation Santa Fe group, near SF airport Santa Fe group, north Santa Fe group, Pojoaque vicinity Santa Fe group, west santa Fe group, east Agua Fria fault zone Fault zone Tschicoma fonnallon Carras del Rio basatts, southern Cerros del Rio basalts Shallow rocks (fractured Paktozoic/Mesozoic) Paleozoic/Mesozoic Deep basement (Precambrian)

r 4 Los Alamos ___r~---------------------~-~-,~--,-,--------------= •• ~1~10:NA~l~l~AO=O~R~AT:O~RY rUitriiiUIIr.jUI

--

---

Heterogeneous Property Distributions for the

5x vertical

2000m

1750m

Puye Formation #1

Horizontal Axis 11500m-16500m

~ ~ ...;j ---------.. -G-,-...,.-.,-----___.:~=::.C:S=::,o::. •• .::;;~:::,~::::.om::-•• ~~= •• tulrulllul•lr=•lln!tcl

Post-Fire Refocusing ofER Groundwater Modeling

• Los Alamos Canyon modeling effort has been refocused to address fire-related issues - Modeling of ponded conditions in the canyon bottom

- Influence of temporary high infiltration events due to flooding

- Surface contaminant redistribution and the impact on subsurface migration

- Geochemical effects on transport

• Modeling team has participated in planning sessions for possible field efforts - Post-tire, pre-flooding measurements of subsurface contaminant profiles

- Initial planning of instrumented infiltration measurement site

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Background

• NMED sent a letter requesting information on groundwater modeling (3/27 /00)

• Request discussed at the EAG/Managers session at the Annual Meeting (3/30/00)

• Format of deliverable, revision to existing work plan chapter determined at meeting with LANL, DOE, NMED ( 4/26/00)

• Draft Section 3 Hydrogeologic Workplan revision submitted

Hydrogeologic Workplan -Section 3

• Information Management and Interpretation

• Hydrogeologic Characterization and Information Management -Water Quality Database - ER Database

• Hydrogeologic Workplan Modeling Tasks - Geologic Data Model - Geochemical Model -Groundwater Process Models

.. -

-

--

----

---

Modeling Tasks - Introduction

• Groundwater models used to assimilate and interpret data

• Useful for siting and prioritizing wells • Necessary to accomplish goal of HWP: understand

hydrogeologic setting • Geologic Data Model and Geochemical Model

support vadose zone and regional aquifer process models

• Coupled systems model to integrate in probabilistic framework

Geologic Data Model

• 3-D interpretation of geology in the LANL region

• Provides continuous surfaces from discrete data points

• Based on conceptual model of geologic processes, geologic expertise, and numerical procedures

• Updated yearly to incorporate new data

-..

..

..

..

..

.. -

.....

..

.. --

Geochemical Model

• Geochemical modeling to interpret observed trends in groundwater chemistry

• Geochemical conceptual model developed • Analytical geochemical computer codes

used with collected data to test and refine conceptual model

• Determine sources of recharge and quantify geochemical processes along pathways

Groundwater Process Models

• Suite of numerical simulations of subsurface flow and transport

• Based on complex mechanisms of fluid flow and solute advection, dispersion, and chemical reaction.

• Reproduces available hydrologic, geochemical, and contaminant data

• Code: Finite Element Heat and Mass (FEHM)

--------

-

--

-

--

Vadose Zone Process Model

• Modeled processes: capillary suction, gravity-driven flow, diffusion, and dispersion

• Inputs: stratigraphy, boundary conditions, hydrologic properties

• Calibrated by comparing predicted fluid saturation to measured moisture content

Regional Aquifer Model

• Most important inputs: hydrologic properties, recharge, withdrawal

• Outputs: head distribution, fluxes to Rio Grande, pathways and velocities

• Calibrate to measured water levels and outflow to Rio Grande

-------------

--

Coupled Systems Model

• Couples surface water infiltration, vadose zone and regional aquifer flow and transport processes

• Using GoldSim, a probabilistic code

• Framework for incorporating uncertainties

• Outputs are in probability distributions of multiple possible values with different probabilities of occurrence

Schedule: Vadose Zone M':ldi!J F'W99 FVOO f\'01 F\'02 F'fU3 f'«)4 FV05 FW6 Va±&e ll:M!IcpLA UrlllelA ll:M!Icp l.i'kan,Gl BekBe la1e On,al On,almxlel ~ <rdr-D\ ll"'rl1lsWth

mxlel On,almxlel ll"'rl1lsto reNdia; CarPele rega-el ~

Urlller-D\ r-D\Lmxlel EvatBe mxlel ll"'rl1lsas Gmxlel ll"'rl1lsWth I'BE!iSCIY

Iriticie 1k 16 reNdia; EvatBe CarPele mxlel ~ ll"'rl1lsWth ea.pe r-D\PB ll"'rl1lsas reNdia; a:J1arririrt mxlel ll:M!Icp I'BE!iSCIY ~ trill5jXrt

<wtXIlftr ll"'rl1lsas resUts Wth to IRtmrire mltr.D:n RSireTA-16 I'BE!iSCIY ~ <wcErll mxlel mxlel <Q..ifer mxlel fer PWY il1a'TT'Bbe C31')Q"6 SlilJ<mj mxlel to 2lTie mxlel piaity

~

PW'fr-D\ mxlel to

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.. -- Model - Regional

Aquifer

----------

Model Coupled System

--

---

Schedule: Regional Aquifer FY99 I FYOO I FY01 FY02 FY03 FY04 IFYOS IFY06 On annual basis: Final model update/calibration; 1. Recalibrate regional model using new data collected during pathway analysis drilling 2. Use model/data comparisons to re-evaluate conceptual model 3. Provide modeling support to well siting decisions 4. Provide contaminant transport simulations, if requested, to address unexoected issues of concern Preliminary Incorporate Implement probabilistic Evaluate Final model Preliminary monitoring steady- water capabilities; future updatejcali well network design state and chemistry Determine impact of water bration; transient data in flow local recharge on quality and pathway model calibration; pathways and travel quantity in analysis developme develop times regional nt and facies aquifer calibration model for

permeabilit y heterogene itv

Design Evaluate two-well tracer test forced- data; gradient incorporate tracer test results into

model

Schedule: Coupled Systems Model

FY99 FYOO FY01 FY02 FY03 Abstract Abstract MDA Complete Couple Calculate MDA G G and MDA L sensitivity and abstracted cumulative process {mesa) uncertainty regional plume models to process analysis of aquifer model impacts for RIP models into GoldSim mesa into GoldSim priority

GoldSim model canyon and aggregates mesa models using GoldSim

Abstract LA Canyon and Complete Mortandad sensitivity and (canyon) uncertainty vadose zone analysis of model into coupled GoldSim GoldSim

model Complete sensitivity and uncertainty analysis of GoldSim canvon model

I t f 1 f 1· • I I J I t f 1 f \ 1 ' f \ f \ t J ( J f 't f t f .,. f ~} ·( I f I

Detailed Description of the Los Alatnos Canyon Flow and Transport Model

Presentation to External Advisory Group October 3, 2000

Bruce Robinson

Bill Carey

Earth and Environmental Sciences Division

Los Alamos National Laboratory ~ ~ Los Alamos

'a • -· - ......,;;~ LACan~2000 NATIONAL LABORATORY nironmental rntaralian prejecl (1)

• Outline

• Description of model-building process

• Geologic model description

lA • Grid generation

• Data sources - • Model calibration

• Tritium transport

• Impact of Cerro Grande fire

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Modeling Approach

Hydrostratigraphy Numerical Grid

Solute Transport Results Fluid Flow Simulation

-

...

..

Outline of Los Alamos Canyon Models

DMMelDeJilaht

- LANL Tecla Areas 0 Su-.. MedelDem ·

8 Miles

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_2000 ____ ___..:~::;:A';'S;.,:;,ON..:..A~::::.;:,~"""'~:::::A~~ ••

Site-wide Geologic Model for Los Alamos National Laboratory

• A 3-dimensional model of the geology in the Los Alamos area covering 13 8 square miles

• Provides geology at the surface, the water table, and at depth for an area bounded by - the Pajarito fault zone to the west - the Rio Grande to the east - the Guaje Canyon to the north - and Frijoles Canyon to the south

• The geologic model supports drilling efforts, hydrologic modeling, and contaminant transport modeling

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-

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FY99 Geologic Model of the LANL Site

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Construction of the Geologic Model • Integration of 4 elements:

- Source data - Conceptual model - Application of geologic expertise - Numerical modeling

• Source data - Well data - Total station survey data - LANL geologic mapping - Published geologic maps

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-

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Construction (cont.)

• Source data (cont.) - -50,000 data values covering 20 geologic units - All data are subject to a qualification process - Data integrity are maintained in an Oracle database and

organized by fiscal year

• Conceptual model - The geologic model incorporates a conceptual model of

the tectonic (volcanism, faulting) and geomorphologic (alluvial fans, fossil river channels, etc.) events that shape the thickness and extent of geologic units

Source Data for the Base of the Tshirege Member, Bandelier Tuff

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Construction (cont.)

• Application of geologic expertise - Geologists use the conceptual model to guide the creation

of the geologic units - For example, knowledge of the existence of a paleo-canyon

can be used to shape the expected thickness of a lava flow

• Numerical modeling - All of the elements are incorporated into a numerical model

that produces the final 3-dimensional geologic model - 2-dimensional data sources (e.g., map data) are converted

to 3-dimensional data using digital elevation models - The primary numerical tools are gridding processes used in

the commercial GIS system, Arc/Info

~"""'E.~ -------LA-c..;-,•-2000-------=~:::~::.NA.:;;,:~::;:~:::.O~:..::A~=DOY

The Base of the Los Alamos Aquifer Unit

Tsfuv

LAC..,002000 (10)

U.tiOWAl LAIO"ATDRY

-

-.. -.. -..

-

Geologic Model Maintenance

• Each year, the model is updated with new well data and geologic mapping and is modified by improvements in the conceptual model for the region

• All versions of the model and supporting data are stored and archived at LANL with the Facility for Information and Data Management (FIMAD)

~ J ~ -----... c..,..-:zooo ____ ....,:~::::;~~ •• ~::!::'~:::..o'!'~A~~ •• , .. ,,. ..... ,,,, .. ,,,.u: •• ,.(nt {11)

Cross-sections from the FY98 and FY99 Models of LA Canyon

Tolw

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, "'tnirUMIIItlrnftrltltt,nitcl (12)

--

-.. -.. ..

..

--

FY98 Geologic Model of the LANL Site

Geologic Model of the LA Canyon Area

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-

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-... .. ..

.. -...

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Well Data in the LA Canyon Area

Los Alamos Canyon 2D Numerical Grid

• Hydrostratigraphic model is converted directly to a numerical grid

• LANL software is used to generate grids suitable for flow and transport calculations

• 2D and 3D grids were used in the development of the flow model

-

---...

.. -

...

--

Plan View of 3D Grid

340,415 nodes 1,910,348 elements

Boundary of high-resolution

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3D Grid of Los Alamos Canyon

Full View Cut-away View

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-

---..

-

--.. ---• .. -..

Data Sources for Vadose Zone Model

• Boundary Conditions - Infiltration - Gray ( 1997) water budget provides constraints, uncertainty is explored through

sensitivity studies

• Hydrologic Properties - Geologic model is the basis for populating the model with hydrologic properties

- Unsaturated hydrologic property data are taken from compilations of historic data sets (e.g. Rogers and Gallaher, 1995) augmented by recent data

• Contaminant Data - Records of historic releases and measurements in alluvial goundwater

Numerical models enter into the assignment of properties and infiltration rates through the iterative process of simulation, comparison to data, and revision of the range of possible results

Synthesis of Water Budget Studies

Gray ( 1997) prepared a water budget analysis for Los Alamos canyon during 1993-1995 based on the following data sets:

- precipitation and snowpack measurements

- streamflow discharge

- Latent heat energy measurements (for ET estimates)

- Head measurements in alluvial aquifer wells

I = P - R - ET + ~S .-..:._ rN- F Los Alamos ~ .. J..~ --------.... -c-(-,.,,-,..,-------= •• ::n::o•:.:•L:..:L:::Aa:::o•.:.:•::ro::oY

---

-

..

-----.. -

-

Los Alamos Canyon Fluid Infiltration Boundary Condition

Deep Infiltration Along Canyon 1500~,---------------------------~-------------------------.

i1000~;lo--e 50~~~~---!~~~~~~~~~~~:::::::::::::::;::::::::::;j

0 2000 4000 6000 8000 10000 Distance along canyon, m

From Gray ( 1997)

Mesas: estimates range from <0.01 mm/y (Area G) to 1 mrn!y (excluding ponded areas on mesas)

Uncertainty in both mesa and canyon infiltration requires that sensitivity analyses be performed to assess the impact of the uncertainty on travel times, predictions of moisture data, etc.

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Unsaturated Hydraulic Properties

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----.. -..

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Comparison of model results to data

Water content measurements in Well

LADP-3

Otowi Member

Guaje Pumice Bed

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Sensitivity to Hydrologic

properties: Otowi Member

1.&01

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30 -··Well LADP-3 2040 -.-........ ....-----.

2000

2020

2010

2000

~ 111110 c :8 • .. .!! w

19110

1970

1960

1950

1940

o• Oj 02 0~ OA 0~ Vol. Waler Cont.

2040

2030

2020

2010

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1970

1960

1950

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0.0 0.1 0.2 0.3 0.4 0.5

Vol. Waler Coni.

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-

..

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--,. -..

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Sensitivity to Hydrologic

properties: Puye Formation

Reduction of the permeability by one order of magnitude from the base-case value yields a good fit to the water content data in the Puye formation. This value is within the range of measurements compiled in the regional aquifer modeling study.

~.d.~

Comparison of 3D model results to data

Water content measurements in Well

LADP-4

Cerros del Rio Basalt

Old Allu•·ium

Puye Formation

LA~n2000

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1940 ':-";;J 1930

11120

1910

1900

1890

1880

1870 il ~ 1860

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~ 1840

~ 1830

1820

1810

1800

1790

1780

1770

1760

1750 0.0 0.1 0.2 0.3

Vol. Water Coni.

Los Alamos IU.nOWAL LAIOPIATDfllY

!~::--·1.1~.3"11 .... 1840

o.o o t 02 o.J o . .- o.s Vol. Waler Coni .

---..

-.. -

.. ------

3D Model Result- Canyon Versus Mesa Well

The model captures the wetter conditions in Los Alamos canyon through a spatially varying recharge rate. This approach yields a good fit to the water content data in both the canyons and mesas.

3D lladel, Well LADP-3 3D lladel, Well LADP-4 2040 -,--....,..,.....-----,

21130

2010

2000

1870

11160

1950

1940

0.0 0.1 02 0.3 0.4 0.5

Vol. Water Coni.

2150 2140

2130 2120 2110 2100 2090

21180

1= ~= 1 2030 w 2020 •

2010

2000

1990

1980

1870 n~ r::oo==.-=:;-;-;;......, 11160 1950 11140 1830+..>..,.......,..........,.......,......,

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Vol. Water Cont.

~ .. ~~----------------~-~-,v-,-~--------------~~~.?B~,o~ .. ~~~,~~~~~~.~~o~••

Perched Water Conceptual Model Low-permeability barriers at the interfaces of specific hydrostratigraphic units exist that provide barriers to downward migration of fluid. These barriers are such that small percolation fluxes may pass through them, but at high enough rates, local saturation and lateral diversion occurs.

f8 It: ~"-~

Code implementation: a reduction factor to the saturated hydraulic conductivity is specified at unit interfaces defined by the user.

--

2040

:21130

2020 - 21110 - 121100 1111110

= ~ 1980

1870 - 1960

1850

11140

----

--•

Perched Water Model Results

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VoL WalerConl LAc.t,.;.n2000

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Particle Tracking Results - 3D Model

Particle tracking allows the flow patterns and transport times predicted in a model to be revealed and visualized

LAC..,..2000 (30)

Los Alamos NATIONAL L,leOAATD .. Y

--- Particle Tracking Results - 3D Model

No permeability barrier Permeability barrier

-

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--.. Particle Tracking Results - 3D Model

-----..

..

---------..

---

..

Contaminant Source Term Studies

• Use time-varying contaminant concentrations in shallow alluvial aquifer wells as input to model

• Use known release locations to deduce the direction and velocities of subsurface pathways

• Tritium information has been explicitly simulated in 3D, other contaminants to follow

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Tritium Concentrations in Alluvial Groundwater

10 1!1 •• 10 ne. .. ,_. .......... ,,,..,

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-

--------.. --

-

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Simulated Tritium Concentrations: Maximum Surface Concentration

0

Log Tritium concentration, pCi/L

----·,, 1-0 1 2 3 4 5

Simulated Tritium Concentration Distributions: Present Day

,_ 2 3 4 5 0

~ 2 3 4 5

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Simulated Tritium Vadose Zone Input and Output Mass Flux

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0

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100

Time In years Since Jan. 1, 1967

<AC...,...2000 (37)

150

Los Alamos NATIONAL LAIO"ATOAY

Impact of the Cerro Grande Fire Bum Severity

-----.. ---------

--..

Los Alamos Canyon at the Reservoir

Saturation and Tracer Profiles for Enhanced Infiltration Scenarios: 50 m depth

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Time, years

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Near-Surface Saturation and Tracer Profiles Under Ponded Conditions

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0.0002

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~ I :' ... · 1

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Time, years

LAc.n,.;.n2000 (41)

0 0.2 0.4 0.6 0.8 1

Time, years

Los Alamos JIIATJONAL LAaORATORY

Conclusions Process for constructing numerical model involves the synthesis of a variety of data sources:

geologic model

water budget study

moisture content data

hydrologic property data

contaminant transport (tritium)

location of perched zones

Flow model calibration allows the critical properties to be bounded

Tritium travel times of 40 years or less through the vadose zone are explained by the model

Cerro Grande fire may influence subsurface contaminant migration if increased infiltration persists for several years or if ponding occurs

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II II IJ IJ II II II IJ II II IJ II II II II II II It II

Groundwater Investigations Focus Area

Deba Daymon

October 4, 2000

Los Alamos VG<J0-001(1) NATIONAL LABORATORY

II II II 111111 II 111111 II 11111111111111 ft

Field Support Facility Joe Skalski

Field Operations Team Leader

Steve Pearson

Field Implementation Plans Drilling and Field Tests Well Construction and Completion Quarterly Sampling Waste Management

Groundwater Investigation Focus Area Leader

DebaDaymon

Planning & Coordination Team Leader

Ted Ball

Baseline Coordination Procurement and Contracting Financial Tracking IM Coordination Quality Assurance Coordinator Customer Service

Project Administration Johanna Lopez

Financial Analyst Arlene Alvarez

Project Controls Becky Redeker

Regulatory Compliance RoyBohn

Data Steward Bill Hardesty

Technical Advisory Team Leader

Dave Broxton

Hydrology Strategy GIT/EAG Interaction Geological Strategy Well Completion Reports Geochemical Strategy

---....

----------------------

New Drilling Contract

• New task order to ER prime contract

• Awarded August 22,2000 to MK/PMC

• Opportunities for performance based incentives

• Less liability for UC

• More accountability by the SubKor

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FY 0 1 Drilling Plans

• R-5 -7 -8 -13 -22 and-27 ' ' ' ' '

• CDV-R-37-2

• MCOBT -1 and -2

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'UJirtiiiUIIIUt.IUIIill,lljUI

---IIIII

-IIIII

-IIIII

-IIIII

-----IIIII

--------------

R-5

• NWT funded well

• Located in lower Pueblo Canyon between Otowi-1 and the LA County STP

• LA/Pueblo Watershed

• TD approximately 1200 ft

• Multiple screen completion

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R-5 (cont)

• Purpose is to further define the western limit of the intermediate perched zone and provide information about hydraulic head, flow direction, and saturated thickness of this zone.

• Also provides detection of contamination approaching a water supply well.

~ r Los Alamos r ~------------~==~~= - ....,_, VQ-.00..001(4) NAUOWAL LAaORATOfn'

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----------------------------------

R-7

• ER funded well

• Located in upper LA Canyon south ofTA-21




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R-7 (cont)

• Purpose is to monitor for contaminants in the regional aquifer, to verify possible intermediate perched zones, and to identify any additional perched zones above the regional aquifer.

• Located in suspected recharge area and will provide information about stratigraphic and structural controls on infiltration.

~ .. J.~-------VG<X><l0-1(6)-----=~::~= .. .:....:~=~::..:~:.:;::A~= ••

---------------------------------

R-8

• NWT funded well

• Located in LA Canyon near the confluence of DP Canyon (near Otowi-4)




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R-8 (cont)

• Purpose is to monitor for contaminants in the regional aquifer, to verify possible intermediate perched zones, and to identify any additional perched zones above the regional aquifer.

• Also provides detection of contamination approaching a water supply well.

~,:.J.~ -------VG<O<IO-t(!I)------=~:::~:::. •• ~~:::::~::.:~~A~= ••

-

----....

-------------------------

R-13

• ER funded well

• Located in Mortandad Canyon downstream of the TA-50 outfall

• Mortandad Watershed



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R-13 (cont)

• Purpose is to determine the presence and quality of intermediate perched water and the regional aquifer downgradient of theTA-5o outfall.

• Investigate the potential for direct infiltration into the Bandelier Tuff.

~ _f.j; -------v.......,-"-,,-----=~==.~::ONA.:..:~::::~::..:o~:..:::•~=., UtiUIIIIItlt!Utllrttiii,Ujtcl

-------------------------------·----

R-22

• ER funded well

• Located in Pajarito Canyon near theSE Laboratory boundary

• Pajarito Watershed



Los Alamos ~r ...... :. ....... =.:f.~ VG-00-001(11) U.TJOliAL L,UQAATORY

R-22 (cont)

• Purpose is to determine the presence and quality of intermediate perched water and the regional aquifer downgradient of the T A-54 disposal areas.

• Information will support MDA G P A and the TA-54 RFIICMS/CMI.

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----------

----------------

-

R-27

• ER funded well

• Located near the confluence of Water Canyon and Canon de Vaile

• WaterN aile Watershed



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R-27 (cont)

• Purpose is to assess nature and extent of potential GW contamination in intermediate perched zones and the regional aquifer.

• Also will reduce hydrologic uncertainties for this area.

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..

---

----..

CDV-R37-2

• ER funded well

• Located SE ofTA-16-260 in the TA-ll area

• W aterN alle Watershed



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CDV-R37-2 (cont)

• Purpose is to provide contaminant plume, water quality, and water level data for potential intermediate perched zones and for the regional aquifer in a downgradient from the 260 outfall and R-25.

• Data used to model the GW plume .

....:. rN · r ~ Los Alamos ~ ,.::!.,~ -------V0.00.00-1(-10)----..::.~ATI::::::ON~AL :::LAI~OR~ATD~RY

-

-

----

Intermediate Wells

• ER funded wells

• 2 located in Mortandad Canyon

• Mortandad Watershed

• TD approximately 600- 700ft


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Intermediate Wells ( cont)

• Purpose is to identify and characterize intermediate perched zones

• Also looking at the effects ofthe TA-50 RLWTF and its discharges to the canyon

~ ON ~ ~.-----------~L=os~A=m~m~~= ~~=~~ vo-oo-oo1(18) NATIOtliAL LAIO,.ATOfiY

f 1 I I I I I I I) f1 11 J I I\ W 't I 1 rtf I rtf 1 I 1 I 1 f I II

Proposed Well Drilling Schedule FY01

Barber Rig #1

R-22, Regional Well, ER, 1800 ft. ! 114 days Sun 10/1/00

R-7, Regional Well, ER, 1500 fl 265 days Sat 10/14/00

Wall CdV-R-37-2, 1S50 ft 207days Sat 1/6/011 Tue 7/31/01 I

R-13, Regional Well, ER, 1900 ft 200days Sat 3/31/011 Tue 10/16/01 :

Barber Rig #2 409 days i Wed 10/18/00 I Fri 11/30/01

R-27, Regional Well, ER, 1850 ft. 253 days Wed 1 0/1 B/00 I Wed 6/27/01

R-5, Regional Well, DP, 1200 ft 190 days Thu 1/18/011 Thu 7/26/01

MCOBT-1, Intermediate Well, ER, 700ft 129 days Fri 4/6/011 Sun 8/12/01

MCOBT-2, Intermediate Well, EA, 740 It 125 days Thu 5/10/01 i Tua 9/11/01

R-B, Regional Weii,DP, 1300 ft I 176days Wed 6f6f01; Fri 11/30/01

--

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Review of LANL Hydrogeologic Characterization Program

FYOO

Charles Nylander Program Manager

ESH-18

..

,. •

..

Performance Review Outline

• Program Description • Regulatory Framework • FYOO Accomplishments and Issues • FYOO Budget Performance • FYO 1 Proposed Budget

Program Description

• Goal: Develop a refined understanding of the hydrogeologic setting adequate to implement detection monitoring or groundwater monitoring waivers

• Scope: described in the Hydrogeologic Workplan: - 32 regional aquifer wells; 51 alluvial wells -Data management/stakeholder data access - Hydrologic modeling

--

-..

-

-

-

Regulatory Framework

• 1990 EPA/NMED RCRA Operating Permit: Task III, Section A.l requires evaluations of hydrogeologic conditions

• 1995 GWPMP: recognize groundwater issues due to inadequate characterization

• 1995 NMED letters: inadequate characterization and denial of groundwater monitoring waiver

FYOO Accomplishments

• Drilled and constructed four wells (R-19, R-9i, CDV-15, and R-31); completed four wells (R-15, R-25, R-9, R-12); started drilling R-22

• Conducted two rounds of quarterly sampling (R-9, R-9i, R-12, R-15) ~ No CofY11Pf,)t"cW~f>O'*'

• Completed Well Completion Reports for R-9, R-9i, R-12, R-15, R-19

.. --

-.. --

.. --

FYOO Accomplishments (cont.)

• Produced the FY99 Groundwater Protection Program Annual Status Report, published as a LANL Status Report (LA-13710-SR)

• GIT participated in ESH Division Review and the presentation was rated as "outstanding" and received Los Alamos Achievement Award


• Developed a stochastic approach to modeling variations in hydraulic conductivity within the Puye Formation for the regional aquifer model

• Evaluated pump test simulations for possible 0-1/R-5 cross-hole testing in support of R-5 siting decision

• Analyzed site-wide hydraulic conductivity trends using hydraulic conductivity data, water levels and inverse modeling

---... -.. -

.. -.. ...

.. --


• Updated Los Alamos Canyon model, including predicting potential impacts of the Cerro Grande fire

• Completed Area L organic vapor plume study, documented in a written report and web-based presentation.

• Hosted a field trip of characterization activities for the National Groundwater Association

FYOO Accomplishments (cant)

• External Advisory Group produced two reports and Groundwater Integration Team (GIT) responded with two action plans

• GIT Risk-Based Decisions Subcommittee formed

• Underwent a Management Assessment for compliance with ER Project QA Plan

.. --

..

..


• Database runoff flow and chemistry modules available to public at: http://www.esh.lanl.gov I "'esh18/teams/ GCFire/ index.html

• Incorporated DP Monitoring Well Project into ER Project Project Planning and Control System (PP&CS)

• Produced monthly joint DP/ER status reports


• Held GIT bi-weekly meetings, 3 quarterly meetings and the Annual Meeting

• Successfully awarded a task order for ER Project Groundwater Investigation Focus Area field support and drilling

• Underwent an audit for compliance with LIRs by the Project Management Division

-

-

--

.. ---


• Prepared data reports on the mechanical testing of hydrologic properties on samples from R-9, R-12, R-25

• Produced an expanded Hydrogeologic Atlas • Implemented well head protection after

Cerro Grande fire • Developed a proposal for monitoring at Los I?

Alamos Canyon low-head weir lJ "'

Issues

• R-25 Repairs • Cerro Grande Fire • Well Construction Problems • Drilling Subcontract Re-bid • Budget Shortfall • Early FYOO Delayed Start • Quarterly Sampling

---

---.. ---~

-..

----

Issue: R-25 Repairs

• Repair of Screens 3 and 9 and well development completed in September 2000

• Well screens were impacted by bentonite and clay from the Puye Formation

• Schedule impacts of 19 months and cost increase of about $1.5 million

R-25 Repair Issue Resolution

• Micromatrix cement brushed from screens to restore hydrologic connection

• R-25 developed three times to minimize turbidity

• EAG reviewed video log after second development and concurred on well completion

• Actions have been taken to prevent similar incidents

---.. ---

-----------

Issue: Cerro Grande Fire

• Cerro Grande Fire started May 7 and closed the Laboratory for 2 weeks; field operations finally resumed June 1.

• Work in canyons can not be scheduled during rainy season (July-September)

• Chemical changes in runoff may affect groundwater

• Engineered flood control structures may affect hydrogeologic system

Cerro Grande Fire Issue Resolution

• Re-schedule wells in canyons for nonrainy season (Exchanged R-22 for R-7 in FYOO)

• Modeling used to assess potential effects of changes in runoff chemistry

• Installed well head flood protection structures

-

...

--

..

--

-----

Cerro Grande Fire Issue Resolution

Planned instrumented wells to be installed near flood control structures to quantify effects on hydrogeology

Issue: Well Construction Problems

• R-19: packer assembly dropped down the well and required two weeks to retrieve. Video log showed no damage

• CDV-15: Filter pack/bentonite seals offset 10 feet. Bentonite against some portions of screened intervals.

• NMED expressed concerns regarding usability of data from R-25 and CDV-15

------

--

------

Well Construction Problem Issue Resolution

• Drilling Company paid for time to recover packer

• Bentonite is not expected to interfere with HE, so CDV-15 and R-25 are usable for monitoring HE

• New drilling contract anticipated to increase quality of well drilling and installation

• Develop response to N M ED concerns

Issue: Drilling Contract Re-Bid

• RFP for field support services, well drilling, and well installation released in ER Project contractors in December 1999

• Task Order awarded 9 months later, resulting in insufficient time to plan FYOl activities in FYOO

• Intended to provide services of multiple drilling companies

---------

---

--

Re-Bid Drilling Contract Issue Resolution

• Work with management and BUS for more timely task order award process

• Allow for innovative ideas and approaches in proposals

• Consider future re-bid of drilling contract

• Implement lessons learned from this task order process

Issue: Budget Shortfall

• NW Program allocated $300,000 less budget for FYOO

• R-25 required about $1.5 million more than expected

• R-5 had to be pushed into FYOl • NW Program closed cost codes because MWIP

was over-run • Modeling activities were delayed in last quarter • ER funding for wells diverted to fire recovery

--------..

--

-

Budget Shortfall Issue Resolution

• Utilize the ER Project PP&CS to estimate annual DP funding needs

• NW Program allocations should based on budget requests that reflect estimated cost of annual work

• Continue to provide cost efficiencies in program execution

• Improve planning for contingencies

Issue: Early FYOO Delayed Start

• Planning for FYOO activities had not been accomplished in FY99 because of decision in October not to drill with mud rotary

• Procurement paperwork delays prevent prompt utilization of subcontractors

• Long-lead time drilling materials ordered in FYOO • New well drilling did not begin until the second

quarter • Impacted the program accomplishments for FYOO

--------.. -

----

----

Early FYOO Delayed Schedule Issue Resolution

• ER Project reorganized and established a Groundwater Investigations Focus Area

• Funding for planning of next year activities has been added to the ER Project baseline

• New field support/drilling task order is in place

• Drilling materials ordered six months ahead of time when budget allows

• Recognize the need for orderly transition between fiscal years

Issue: Quarterly Sampling

• Quarterly sampling began later than expected due to staffing limitations and training delays

• Sampling schedule impacted by Cerro Grande fire

• Decision making regarding regarding SOPs to be used for quarterly sampling also delayed the start of sampling

.. -.. -..

-..

-

Quarterly Sampling Issue Resolution

• Quarterly sampling team in place and two quarterly sampling events have occurred

• New Field Support/Drilling contractor will have responsibility for quarterly sampling - improved consistency

• ER SOPs are used to comply with ER QA plan

IJ II II IJ II II IJ II II 1111111111111111 II f1

Regulatory Review

RCRA/HSWA Groundwater Monitoring Requirements Overviews (A. Barr)

HSWA Permit Revisions and Well Construction Issues (D. Broxton)

LANL Hydrogeologic Annual Meeting Wednesday, October 4, 2000

-

-... ...

-------... -------

Overview

Over the past year LANL and NMED have worked in a cooperative manner to improve the language of the LANL's Hazardous Waste Facility Permit. This talk deals specifically with attempts to clarify permit requirements for drilling and well construction.

The permit was prepared at a time when groundwater investigations focused mostly on perched alluvial groundwater conditions.

Construction of intermediate-depth and regional aquifer wells as part of the Hydrogeologic Workplan requires reassessment of permit language.

-------------------------

LANL's Hazardous Waste Facility Permit (1994)

• Guidance for Borehole and Well Construction for Groundwater Investigations is covered in Special Permit Conditions under Module VIII ofLANL's Hazardous Waste Facility Permit. The sections applicable to well construction are:

Section 1. Perched Water Monitoring, and Section 4. Protection of the Main Aquifer

• Section 1 of Special Permit Conditions required the Laboratory to install 14 observation wells to monitor water quality in perched saturated alluvium in seven canyon systems.

• The permit language for well construction was designed specifically for these 14 new observation wells, but the permit language is such that it becomes the guidance for any new monitoring well, including intermediate-depth and regional wells.

----------------------------

From Module VIII ofLANL's Hazardous Waste Facility Permit

Current Permit Language Section C.l.Perched Zone Monitoring

"The boreholes for casings and screens shall be a minimum of six (6) inches greater in diameter than the well casing or screen outer diameter. "

Proposed Replacement Language

The casings and screens shall be two (2) to six ( 6) inches in outside diameter (O.D.) with a minimum of two (2) inches annular space in the borehole.

-------------------------------


"Well screen lengths shall be no more than (1 0) ten feet in length."


Well screen lengths shall be a minimum of five ( 5) feet in length and shall not be more that sixty (60) feet in length, excluding joints.

---------------------------------


"The filter pack shall extend not more than (2) two feet above the top of the screen and shall not cross any clay layers which may act as aquitards."


The filter pack shall extend a minimum of two (2) feet, but not more than five (5) feet, above the top of each screen. The filter pack shall not cross hydraulically separated geologic units.

-------------------------------

Current Permit Language Section C.4.Protection of the Main Aquifer

''Any boring drilled into the main aquifer that encounters perched water shall set conductor pipe to the top of the main aquifer and hydraulically isolate the main aquifer from the perched aquifer. "


During drilling and/or well construction, any boring that penetrates the regional aquifer, and is drilled through perched water, shall extend casing (e.g., advanced drill or conductor) to the top of the regional aquifer.

------------------------------------


"Development procedures shall include purging of the well until contaminants introduced during drilling can be assured of being removed. Development shall also include surging with a surge plug, and either bailing or pumping until the nephelometric turbidity units (NT. U) can be consistently measured at five (5) or less, if possible. "


Efforts shall be made to remove materials and/ or contaminants introduced during drilling. Development may include any one, or a combination of methods including, but not limited to bailing, pumping, or surging. Particulate levels in the well will be reduced to five (5) nephelometric turbidity units (N.T.U.) or less, if possible.

--------------------------------------

Current Permit Language Section C .l.Perched Zone Monitoring

"Filter pack and screen slot openings shall be sized based on formation grain size and characteristics. "


The filter pack materials will be appropriately sized for the slot size in each screen with consideration of formation grain size and characteristics.

--------------------------------·----


"The monitoring wells installed under this and following sections of this permit shall be constructed using flush-joint, internal upset, threaded (or an equivalent method ofjoining without rivets, screws and glues) casing manufactured from inert materials."


The monitoring wells installed under this and following sections of this permit shall be constructed of materials consistent with those described in appropriate industry-accepted design manuals and guidance documents. Examples include, but are not limited to, the following: "Handbook of Suggested Practices for the Design and Installation of Ground Water Monitoring Wells, 1991" (EPA 160014-891034, March 1991 ).

-----------------------------------

Summary

LANL and NMED are working together to clarify permit requirements for drilling and well construction in the LANL's Hazardous Waste Facility Permit.

There is generally good agreement between LANL and NMED on proposed permit language for installation of intermediate-depth and regional aquifer wells.

Works on permit language continues in several areas, including filter packs dimensions and use of conductor casing to protect the regional aquifer.

t i l .I it ~ " .. l • l " .. .. .. . l i 1 r 11 ~

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GEOCHEMICAL AND REACTIVE TRANSPORT MODELING OF URANIUM IN UPPER LOS ALAMOS CANYON

BY

PATRICK LONGMIRE1, BRUCE ROBINSON2

,

AND DALE COUNCE1

OCTOBER 4, 2000

1. EES-1 and 2. EES-5, LOS ALAMOS NATIONAL LABORATORY,


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OBJECTIVE OF PRESENTATION

'lJ 'lji>"-.. ..

Present a status report on geochemical and transport modeling of uranium in upper Los Alamos Canyon. A more detailed presentation will be provided in March 2001.

We have found uranium in surface sediment, surface water, and alluvial and perched water in Los Alamos Canyon. We need to know how this uranium will move through the environment. We begin with geochemistry and transport models, and use these to guide future data collection efforts.

Topics of interest include:

~ Uranium distributions: How much uranium in what media?

~ Speciation: What are the chemical forms of the uranium?

~ Transport: How will the uranium move in water?


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~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ·:-:-:·:·:·:·:-:·:·:-:·:·:-:-:-::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

:·:·i!i!i'i=iii!i·i:i'i,i.i·i=l' .·.·.·.·.·.·.·.·.·.·.·.·.·.·.·.·.

~ l ~ l ~ l ~ l ~ l ~ l ~ l ~ l ~ l ~ l ~ l ~ l ~ l ~ l ~ l ~ l ~ LA0-4.5C

MONITOR WELL OR BOREHOLE

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R-9 (275FT)

FIGURE 7.3-7. PERCENT URANYL SPECIES IN ALLUVIAL AND BASALT GROUNDWATER, UPPER LOS ALAMOS CANYON, LOS ALAMOS, NEW MEXICO (LAO-B, pH = 6.91, LOG U02 = -9.03 m, ALKALINITY = 30.5 MG/L CaC03; LA0-0.7, pH = 7.4, LOG U02 = -9.26 m, ALKALINITY= 45 MG/L CaC03; LA0-2, pH= 6.6, LOG U02 = -9.38 m, ALKALINITY = 91 MG/L CaC03; LA0-4.5C, pH = 6.9, LOG U02 = -8.55 m, ALKALINITY = 46 MG/L CaC03; BOREHOLE R-9, pH= 8.79, LOG U02 = -6.69 m, ALKALINITY= 97.7 MG/L CaC03).

t ' f J ( ' ,..------- ----

• U02(0H)3-1

(3 (U02)2C03(0H)-1

lSI U02(C03)3-4

0 U02(C03)2-2

D U02C03AQ

f ' •

~ 'i ,. l ,i 1 j a , , • • ,. tit..·~ l •

f \ f } 1 . £ ' t . I '· I J t I r

Surface Complexation of Uranium(VI) Species

... ,-$-·"""'=r.(-·1

- ~- ',£"' .-.,f~;~··~~'t.~~ .... :'.ii:~_ -"" -:, . :~;,~1 ...... ~; --~ 1 .,.._ ~ --,.~- ---,_.n , .• . . < ~/!JC:'.iit-'•. <' • ' .••. ,. ~-'h • .,,.~~-. ·'· . - ·~<~ ••A.,,;·•.• _, _,_,,~, . .._ <\, ' .• .... ~. -·~.,···.'iri': . ·-·~. '4t-;~,f,<,nl,__. -~ -~. -Ht~~~-.. -~ -:, • 'w "-' ·- "''""'·o.~i.'t"oi:'

UOiC03)34-

-~,.- OH .... U022+

Clay -~-t~~": :, ':~~4;4(.Jf ~ ·~·.:;.;.-;~· .

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Fe(OH)3

HFO ''hydrous ferric oxide''

Strong Site

UOiC03)22-

(0- ·· ·· U02)+ Weak Site

U02(C03)3 4-

I i I • f A ,1 ji .. • l i .. • I. L • t L l ''i 'i 't' t J f l

REACTIVE TRANSPORT MODELING (PHREEQC2.2)

~Dissolved uranyl (U022+) in natural and contaminated systems significantly adsorbs onto hydrous ferric oxide (HFO) between pH values 5-8.

~ Dissolved~ranium (VI) species, in the form of uranyl carbonate complexes (U02(COa)22- and U02(COa)a4

·), does not completely adsorb onto HFO. Increasing alkalinity decreases uranium adsorption under alkaline pH (8 and higher) conditions typical of basalt perched zones.

~ Dissolvedcalcium (Ca2+) strongly competes for sorption sites, which decreases uranyl adsorption onto HFO. This effect is more likely to occur within alluvial groundwater than in sodium-rich perched groundwater within the Cerros del Rio basalt.


• •. •"".,.' ., • ~< I • l li. .. l ' t i 1 I' r 'f, t ' r ~

REACTIVE TRANSPORT MODELING (PHREEQC2.2)

~ Results of modeling simulations suggest that uranyl sorption onto HFO results in formation of colloids, which do not adsorb and move more readily than non-colloidal uranium especially in fractured tuff and basalt.

~The amount of adsorption of uranium onto HFO {and other adsorbents) is an important component of transport modeling.


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100000

10000

1000

I. i. l ' I 1

' " .. ft

- CALCULATED URANYL DISTRIBUTION COEFFICIENT

' i l f ( t "' B ~ ' '( J f

100 I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I

3 4 5 6 7 8 pH

FIGURE 7.4-3. CALCULATED DISTRIBUTION COEFFICIENTS FOR URANYL ADSORPTION ONTO HYDROUS FERRIC OXIDE (1.46 GIL) IN THE PRESENCE OF CALCIUM (2.91 PPM) AT BOREHOLE R-9 (275FT ZONE) (TOTAL DISSOLVED URANYL= 0.054 PPM, 25 C).

9 10

l

I J I Jl l 1 I J • _, t 11 r. .• • • t. .. J l , , 1 t , : I J t , t 1 t J r 1

SUMMARY

Members of the Geochemistry and Modeling Subcommittees have developed models for simulating the transport of uranium in upper Los Alamos Canyon.

Dissolved species of uranium (VI) are mobile in groundwater, under alkaline pH conditions, and do not completely adsorb onto HFO. Characterization (Los Alamos Canyon weir site) and monitoring at R-9i shall provide additional geochemical data and information.

Transport of uranyl species under fracture flow conditions is a viable process, based on results of model simulations. Colloid transport is possible in which the uranyl cation (U02

2+) adsorbs onto HFO under nearneutral pH conditions.

Additional characterization of HFO and other adsorbents (clay minerals) is warranted to further validate model simulations.


--

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THE RETARDATION EQUATION

At R-9, Kd is related to the transport velocity of the adsorbate to that of water by determining the retardation factor, Rt.

The retardation equation is:

Rt = 1 + pKd n

Where p = bulk density (2.5 g/cm3), effective Kd = 1.31 em 3/g {field measured at R-9), and n =effective porosity (0.30 VvoidiVtotal){assumed value).

Rt = 1 + 2.5g/cm3(1.31 em 3/g) 0.30

Rt = 12. Uranium is predicted to migrate 1/12 (0.08) the rate of average groundwater flow at R-9.

I• i _. l ~ &1 li. J l • 11o ~ L" L ~ l. t;. l l ' _t ( , l~ , ( t f 1 ( '

SURFACE COMPLEXATION MODELING OF R-9 GROUND WATER: DIFFUSE LAYER MODEL

The diffuse-layer adsorption model considers solution speciation and aqueous ion activities. The model uses the electric double-layer {EDL) theory. EDL theory assumes that the+ or- surface charge of a sorbent in contact with solution generates an electrostatic potential that declines rapidly away from the sorbent surface. The potential is the same at the zero {sorbent surface) and d {solution) planes.

The concentration of hydrous ferric oxide {HFO) at 275 ft is 1.46 g/L.

The specific surface area of HFO is 600 m2/g.

Model uranyl sorption with one surface containing two sites, high energy {s) (8.2 x 1 o-s mol active site HFO/L) and low energy {w) {0.003 mol active site HFO/L). The estimated intrinsic constants for uranyl sorption {Langmuir, 1997) include:

Fe50H + U022+ = Fe5 0HU02

2+ {log K 1 = 5.2) and

FewoH + U022+- H+ = FewOU02+ {log K2 = 2.8).

l j l " l • l Jl '!J. j ~ ..

.. . . l . 1 i I i l . ) f ll " ... ' i. l. i' I' I. I . !'(l

SURFACE COMPLEXATION MODELING OF R-9 GROUND WATER: DIFFUSE LAYER MODEL

The DLM predicts that 112 ppb total uranium {nitric acid digestion) in the 275 ft perched zone at pH 9.0 occurs as:

57.5 percent uranyl bound as S02U02+(64 ppb sorbed U),

5.1 percent uranyl bound as U02{C03) 2 2- {7 ppb dissolved U), and

36.6 percent uranyl bound as U02{C03) 34-{41 ppb dissolved U) {calculated

total dissolved U is 48 ppb, measured dissolved U is 48.4 ppb).

The Kd, based on the DLM, is

{U sorbed M)/{U dissolved M) X {1 03mg/g)/{1.46 mg/ml),

(1 o-6·57 M)/{1 o-6

·70 M) X {1 03mg/g)/(1.46 mg/ml),

Kd<oLM> = 926 ml/g. This calculated Kd value is very large and invokes colloid transport of HFO with adsorbed uranyl cation.

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90

80

70

60

50

40

30

20

10

0 3

\ \ \

\ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \

\ \

\ \

<l, 0-,_~,,

·,·~~

0 ' ' ' ' '

- =S02U02+ 1 (ADSORBED) -........ f:1........ U02(C03)3-4

····V···· U02(C03)2-2

----{;>---- U02C03 AQ

---o--- U02F+

-·-·¢-·-· U02F2AQ

---<1--- U02+2

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L...-----------t"Z.--1 .... -~;z .. ·:··~·:·~·: .. ·V·-·· .. r7 ,----· ~ ·-- ~ - -+-- U02(0H)3-1

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4 5 6 7 8 9 pH

FIGURE 7.4-2. CALCULATED DISTRIBUTIONS OF ADSORBED AND DISSOLVED URANYL SPECIES FOR R-9 (275FT ZONE) (HYDROUS FERRIC OXIDE = 1.46 GRAMS PER LITER AND TOTAL DISSOLVED URANYL = 0.054 PPM, 25 C).

10

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-5 I I

TOTAL DISSOLVED URANIUM

.................... Hfo_wOU02+1 (ADSORBED)

-6 ._

- ..... - ... ····-·············•······-··•··········•···········•···········•········-·•···········•···········•···········•····-··-+··········•

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10 15

PORE VOLUME

Figure 7.4-6. Results of advective transport modeling using PHREEQC2.2 to simulate adsorption of the uranyl cation onto hydrous ferric oxide (Hfo) (1.46 giL). (Time step= 1.33e08 seconds, recharge rate= 0.2 m/yr, and fracture porosity estimated at 0.01).

-

20

'

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-> -:E ::) -z <C a: ::)

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-5 I I I

-6 t- ·····----·············· .... ··-····· ... ··--···•··-·······•··········· ... ··········•···········•·····-····•··········+···-······•········-·•···········•······-···•·····-····•·······-··•·-········•·····-··+

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PORE VOLUME

TOTAL DISSOLVED URANIUM(VI)

.................... Hfo_wOU02+1 (ADSORBED)

I

15

-

-

-

20

Figure 7.4-5. Results of transport modeling using PHREEQC2.2 to simulate adsorption of the uranyl cation onto hydrous ferric oxide (Hfo) (1.46 giL). (Dispersivity = 0.10 m2/sec, time step= 1.33e08 seconds, recharge rate= 0.2 rn/yr, and fracture porosity is estimated at 0.01).

--

-

-

-

-

AQUEOUS GEOCHEMISTRY INVESTIGATIONS AND MODELING, UPPER LOS ALAMOS CANYON, LOS ALAMOS, NEW MEXICO

By

Patrick Longmire EES-1, MS D469

Los Alamos National Laboratory Los Alamos, New Mexico 87545

plongmire@ lanl.gov

ABSTRACT

Hydrochemical characterization of alluvial and perched groundwater systems and the regional aquifer within upper Los Alamos Canyon, Los Alamos, New Mexico is required for environmental investigations. The groundwater pathway is one of the primary mechanisms for migration of solutes, including uranium, 90Sr, tritium, nitrate, and other solutes. Prior to the Cerro Grande fire, alluvial groundwater varied from native calcium-sodium-bicarbonate to sodium-calcium-bicarbonatechloride ionic composition, with increasing uranium, 90Sr, bicarbonate, and other solute concentrations occurring downgradient of facility discharges. Since the fire, increasing concentrations of calcium, potassium, bicarbonate, manganese, Iron, uranium, dissolved organic carbon, and other solutes have been observed in surface water and alluvial groundwater. Calcium carbonate has precipitated within the ash as a result of the oxidation of CaC20 4 evolving CO gas. Rock-water interactions, including precipitation/dissolution reactions of reactive silicates and silica glass, partially control major-ion chemistry for the silica-rich solutions. Hydrolysis of volcanic glass containing silica, aluminum, and calcium, may result in the formation of amorphous AI(OH)a, kaolinite, and smectite over long periods of time.

Uranium and 90Sr are partially removed from solution through adsorption processes, including cation exchange and surface complexation. Hydrous ferric oxide (HFO) and hematite are stable under oxidizing conditions characteristic of alluvial and perched groundwater zones and provide active sorption sites for uranium and possibly 90Sr. Smectite, kaolinite, and solid organic matter provide active surface sites for cation exchange of 90Sr2+ with other divalent metals. Sorption coefficient (Kd) values for strontium measured on Los Alamos Canyon soils and channel sediments range from 15.8 to 67.7 ml/g and from 8.8 to 41.3 ml/g, respectively, suggesting that this cation is a non-conservative solute. This solute is partially removed from solution through cation exchange and surface complexation onto HFO. Distribution coefficients for strontium measured on the Bandelier Tuff, ranging from 12.3 to 34.8 ml/g, were lower than those measured

-

----

,.,

-

,--

on surficial material due to smaller amounts of solid organic carbon. Calcium (Ca2+), however, effectively competes for adsorption sites present on smectite and HFO, potentially decreasing the amount of 90Sr2+ and uranium(VI) species available for adsorption.

Results of geochemical modeling using the computer program MINTEQA2 suggest that alluvial groundwater is undersaturated with respect to SrC03 and SrS04 and precipitation of these two minerals is unlikely from a thermodynamic basis. The isotope 90Sr is considered likely to be the most important radionuclide for risk assessment in Los Alamos Canyon because of its widespread distribution in the alluvium in upper Los Alamos Canyon. Uranium(VI) species, in the forms of U02(C03)/" and U02(C04)t, are semisorbing under alkaline pH conditions typical of alluvial and perched groundwater systems in upper Los Alamos Canyon. Elevated concentrations of dissolved uranium (48.4 flg/L) were observed in the lower perched zone (275ft-depth) within the Cerros del Rio basalt at R-9. This groundwater is characterized by a sodium-bicarbonate composition and has a pH of 8.8.

Adsorption of U022+ onto HFO was evaluated using the computer programs

MINTEQA2 and PHREEQC2.2 and applying the diffuse layer model (DLM) to the lower perched zone encountered at R-9. Approximately 57.5% (64.4 ppb) of uranium(VI), in the form of U02

2+, is predicted to adsorb onto HFO at pH9.0, which is in excellent agreement with measured suspended uranium concentrations (63.6 ppb). Dissolved uranium concentrations (47.6 flg/L) predicted by the model simulations were in very close agreement with measured uranium concentrations. Movement of uranium(Vl) through a simulated column was evaluated by one-dimensional (advective and dispersive) transport modeling using PHREEQC2.2. Model results suggest that uranium(Vl), in the forms of U02(C03)/" and U02(C04) 3

4- complexes, is capable of migrating 83 m depth to

the lower perched zone within 8.3 yr under fracture flow conditions in the basalt. The results for this time step are in close agreement with suspended (adsorbed fraction) and dissolved uranium concentrations observed at borehole R-9. Colloidal transport of uranium(VI) is a viable hypothesis to explain observed distributions of uranium and its adsorption onto HFO at R-9.

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Water Quality of Post-fire Storm water

Bruce Gallaher and Ken Mullen

Water Quality and Hydrology Group

Rich Koch

Science Applications, Inc.

Hydrogeologic Characterization Quarterly Meeting, Oct.2000

--,.... IIIII ---illllll -----illllll

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Cerro Grande Fire Burn Severity Boundaries / ) '-..-/

CZSZJ Drainage

I2SZJ Major Road

[ZSZJ LANL Boundary

BURN SEVERITY (May 27)

D Burn Severity, Low/Unburned

[;:ti,f;~1 Burn Severity, Moderate

lfj Burn Severity, High

Fire Severity Data Provided by Burned Area Emergency Rehabilitation (BAER) Team

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Gaging Stations at Los Alamos National Laboratory

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1983 North American Datum ProjeCtion and Grid Ticks: New MexicO State Plane Coordinate System, Cenhal Zone (Transverse Mercator)

NOtice: Information on this map Is provisional and has not been checl<ec:t for accuracy.

Produced by Belinda Schaber

FIMAD G106084 31 Jan 00

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Key Trends Seen Through mid-August

• Not Detected So Far in Runoff

- High Explosives, mercury, dioxins and furans, benzo(a)pyrene, hexachlorobenze, PCBs

• Few Organic Chemicals

• Metals and Minerals Elevated - for example: Mn, Ca, K, P , SOL.\

• Radioactivity Dissolved in Water Comparable to Pre-fire

• Radioactivity in Sediments Elevated - Pu-239,240, Pu-238, Cs-137

• Cyanide detected

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f I I I I .I I & I J I 1 I_.\ ,. I • I ~I .1

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Beta Activities in Pajarito Canyon Runoff 6/28/00

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Above SR-501

TA-22 TA-18 culvert

• Suspended Sediment D Dissolved

Pump Station

Above SR-4

SR-4 Culvert

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Cesium-137 in Stream Sediments Above LANL

1996 1997 1998 1999 2000

• Water at SR-501

• Canon de Valle at SR-501

D Pajarito at SR-501

D Guaje at SR-502

~Average Post-fire Muck Above LANL

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1 , 1 1 'a 1 1 1 1 '1 II It 1( ·~ II 11 IJ I 1 I• 1. 1,. IM

Cyanide

• Widespread detection - Sediment/ash

-Runoff

- Below NM groundwater standards

• Source Under Study -Fire Retardant, Natural Combustion

- NotLANL

• Is it persistent and biologically available?

-------------

---

----

Los Alamos National Laboratory

Total Cyanide O Cone. (ppb) Not Detected

0 0 - 24 0 < Acute Levels Q 25 _ 49 for Fisheries

0 0 Potential Acute 50 - 7 4 Levels for

0>75 [2SZ] Drainage

IN I Major Road

IRJ LANL Boundary

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Fisheries

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FIMAD G109217 14 Sep 00

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Risk Evaluation

• All data will be reviewed by multi -agency Flood Risk Assessment Team - NM Environment Dept., NM Department of

Health, LANL with help from pueblos and other agencies

• NM Environment Dept. DOE Oversight Bureau - Has hired outside contractor

" II II I J I J I j I~ I. I I l ·a •1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 It II!

Unknowns

• Changes over time - Literature says likely several years of recovery

- Will monitor shallow groundwater and runoff • Water levels

• Contaminants

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