Representative Projects

The following projects have been selected to provide a representative description of specific services completed by MMA.  References provided upon request.

Water Resources Evaluation

Paris, Maine, Wellhead Protection Area Delineation and Hydrogeologic Consultation -- MMA conducted a study to predict the wellhead protection area for a municipal well field located in a highly productive sand and gravel aquifer along the Little Androscoggin River in Paris, Maine.  The project involved extensive data collection and construction of three-dimensional ground-water flow and particle tracking models.  The models were used to evaluate the extent of capture zones for three municipal wells for a wide range of pumping scenarios.  The models were also used to determine a pumping strategy that would minimize the possibility of drawing ground water from the vicinity of a municipal landfill near the well field.  MMA has also consulted for the town on ground-water contamination issues relating to the municipal landfill.

Fly-Ash Landfill, Putnam, Connecticut –- On behalf of Waste Management, Inc., MMA identified a ground-water supply source for the Putnam, Connecticut fly-ash landfill facility in the stratified-drift aquifer.  MMA performed fracture-trace analysis, production well siting, and oversight of drilling and well completion. 

Oxford, Connecticut, Level A Mapping Study, Bridgeport Hydraulic Company Well Field -- The Level A contributing areas for municipal supply wells in Oxford, Connecticut that are part of the Bridgeport Hydraulic Company system were delineated by MMA using three-dimensional ground water flow and particle tracking models.  The models were constructed and calibrated using information obtained from test drilling, pump tests, stream gaging and ground water level measurements.  Of special concern were the possible effects of pumping on nearby surface water resources and the aquatic habitat.  The final report has been submitted to the Connecticut Department of Environmental Protection for approval. 

Southwest Florida Water Management District, Florida -- MMA participated on a review team that advised the Southwest Florida Water Management District on the construction and use of ground-water flow models.  A regional flow model was used to characterize the ground-water flow system, and sub-regional models were used to evaluate specific issues near pumping centers.  The models were developed to determine the amount of water that could be pumped from the carbonate Floridan aquifer without causing unacceptable impacts to surface-water resources, wetlands or existing users in an area of more than 1,800 square miles where agriculture uses 570 mgd and municipal supply uses 320 mgd of water.  The effects of pumping on the movement of the salt water/fresh water interface was evaluated also.

Wheelabrator Environmental Systems, Alabama, New York, Water Supply for a Regional Waste Incinerator -- MMA conducted studies to locate a one-million gallon per day water supply for a proposed regional waste incineration facility.  The work included field mapping, test drilling, production well installation and pump testing.  A ten-day pump test was conducted to determine production well yields and to show the effects that pumping would have on nearby wells.

West Coast Regional Water Supply Authority - Tampa, Florida -- Member of an advisory team that  provided technical services to this major water supply utility in western Florida.  The project involved construction of a regional three-dimensional ground water flow model to determine the effects of pumping in the Floridan aquifer on ground-water levels in the Floridan and surficial aquifers.  Sub-regional models were used within the regional model to address local issues.  The modeling efforts involved effects of pumping increases on long-term changes in shallow ground water levels and on the water levels in lakes and wetland areas and effects on saltwater intrusion.  The model will be used to quantify the effects of pumping on the surrounding area and to refine the area of impact attributed to specific pumping stresses.

Sierra Pacific Power Company (Westpac Utilities), Reno, Nevada -- A three-dimensional ground-water flow model was constructed to determine the effects of proposed pumping on ground-water and surface-water resources in the Truckee Meadows area near Reno, Nevada.  The ground-water flow system is contained in alluvium, semi-consolidated sedimentary rocks and fractured volcanic rocks.  The model represented the complex interaction of the ground-water system and the surface-water system, which consist of drainage canals, irrigation canals and the Truckee River.  The model was used to develop contributing areas for supply wells and to evaluate possible changes in ground-water levels and surface-water flows that could result from increased pumping.  The study incorporated all existing data for the aquifer in a comprehensive database that includes information on aquifer structure, hydraulic properties and recharge/discharge relationships.  A report was prepared describing the conceptual ground-water flow system, the flow model and results of simulations.

Wheelabrator Environmental Systems, Lisbon, Connecticut, Water Supply Development and Diversion Permitting for a Municipal Waste Incinerator --  MMA served as principal investigator and project manager for a hydrogeologic investigation that involved the identification and development of a ground water supply for the Wheelabrator Environmental Systems municipal waste incinerator in Lisbon, Connecticut.  The project included all aspects of water supply development including geologic mapping, test drilling, pump testing, stream gaging, ground-water flow and solute transport modeling and extensive testimony at public hearings and meetings.  The ground-water flow model utilized for the study was MODFLOW, the advective transport model MODPATH/MODPLOT was used for particle tracking.  The model analysis was utilized to delineate the capture zones for the proposed supply wells, to determine the effect of the wells on flow in the Shetucket River and to analyze the possible migration of contaminated ground water near the well field.  The diversion permit was obtained from the Connecticut DEP and the wells now supply water to the facility.

Virginia Eastern Shore, Accomack County Virginia, Ground-Water Flow Modeling for Wellhead Protection Area Delineation, 1991 --  Mr. Morrissey constructed a cross-sectional model of ground water flow for the Eastern Shore of Virginia.  The model was used to investigate the effects of partial well penetration and vertical anisotropy on capture zones for high-yield wells at various locations on the peninsula.  The final results of the modeling were incorporated into a wellhead protection plan for the area

Englewood, Ohio, Wellhead Protection Delineation -- MMA developed ground water flow and particle tracking models to determine capture zones for municipal supply wells in Englewood, Ohio.  The models were used to estimate the effects of pumping from an unconfined aquifer on nearby surface water and to estimate sources of water to the supply wells.

Towns of Franklin, Holliston, and Yarmouth, Massachusetts and East Conway, New Hampshire -- MMA used analytical solutions and ground-water flow models to evaluate ground-water mounding and quality by proposed septic waste disposal systems.    

Contaminant Hydrogeology

Aberdeen Proving Ground - Aberdeen, Maryland -- Aberdeen Proving Ground includes several areas where ground-water contamination has resulted from landfills and shallow waste lagoons in unconsolidated sedimentary deposits on Chesapeake Bay.  Several shallow, high-yield county and municipal water-supply wells are close to the site and may be endangered by the migration of contaminants.  A three-dimensional numerical model was constructed to simulate regional ground- water flow.  The regional model will serve as the basis for more detailed models of individual waste site remediation efforts.  Also was technical advisor to the Corps of Engineers for continued modeling activities on the base.

Bofors-Nobel Superfund Site - Muskegon, Michigan -- Developed three-dimensional ground-water flow and advective transport models of the Bofors-Nobel Superfund site in Muskegon, Michigan.  The Bofors site used a system of extraction wells to maintain a capture zone down-gradient of abandoned waste lagoons.  The models were used to determine the efficiency of the existing purge system and to evaluate new designs.  In addition, the models were used to evaluate possible contamination from a landfill that was to be constructed as part of the remedial design and placement of extraction wells near the site. 

DuPont Corporation -- Developed a package for MODFLOW to represent the effects of a horizontal well on the ground-water flow system.  In the early 1990's techniques were devised to install horizontal wells.  Such wells were thought to be cost effective in intercepting contaminated water.  A methodology and computer code were developed and tested to permit representation of such horizontal wells.

Wake, Chatham, and Richmond Counties, North Carolina, Evaluation of Proposed Low-Level Radioactive Waste Disposal Sites -- Provided consulting services in the development, construction and calibration of ground-water flow models at the two proposed low-level radioactive waste disposal sites in North Carolina.  One of the sites is located in coastal plain deposits near the border with South Carolina and the other is in a Triassic sandstone/mudstone basin in the central part of the state.  The site that is ultimately chosen will be the low-level waste repository for a compact of eight states in the southeastern United States.  Flow models constructed for each site utilized the MODFLOW computer code and are designed to predict critical ground-water flow paths away from the planned facility.  Model results will ultimately be used to calculate radioactive isotope concentrations at the property boundary for hypothetical leak scenarios and to design monitoring networks.  

Agrico Chemical Superfund Site Pensacola, Florida -- Developed three-dimensional ground-water flow and transport models to facilitate analysis of remediation alternatives and to support risk assessment activities at the AGRICO Superfund site.   Codes were used for advective flow, particle-tracking analysis and solute transport in ground water near the site.  The models were used to predict directions of ground-water flow and solute transport for historical pumping conditions and projections were made for expected future conditions.  Model results allowed evaluation of complicated ground-water/surface-water interactions near the site and analysis of several possible remediation scenarios.   

Refinery Site, Beaumont, Texas -- Three-dimensional ground water flow and advective transport models were prepared to assist in the design of a remediation system in multi-layered, unconsolidated coastal plain deposits.  The site included several contaminant plumes that required testing of various remediation strategies.  Model results were used to determine locations for remediation wells and to estimate pumping rates necessary to prevent the plumes from discharging off site.

Town of Randolph, Vermont -- Ground- water flow and solute transport modeling studies were completed in support of the hydrogeologic analyses required by the Vermont Department of Conservation for the Randolph, Vermont municipal landfill.  A three-dimensional ground- water flow model was constructed and calibrated with hydrogeologic data collected for the study.  The solute transport analyses involved simulation of a series of hypothetical scenarios in which the landfill liner was assumed to leak.  The transport analyses were then used to predict the possible effect of the landfill on nearby ground- and surface-water quality.    

Lake County Landfill , Ohio -- Constructed ground-water flow model  to estimate the hydrogeologic effects of stream rerouting near a landfill borrow area in northeastern Ohio.  The model was also used to determine the effects of the proposed stream rerouting on water levels in private wells near the landfill.

Putney Paper Company, Putney, Vermont -- MMA conducted ground-water and solute transport modeling to evaluate effects of a landfill expansion at the Putney facility.  The models were used to evaluate possible effects of the landfill on ground-water resources and on the Connecticut River which is adjacent to the property.  Results of these studies were used to obtain permits from the Vermont Department of Environmental Conservation. 

Dow Elanco Corporation, Evaluation of Herbicide Transport in Ground Water, Central Wisconsin -- MMA developed ground-water flow and solute transport models to evaluate the fate and transport of a herbicide in an unconfined aquifer in central Wisconsin.  The models were calibrated with an extensive set of field observations and used to predict downgradient concentrations in ground water. 

Expert Technical and Negotiation Support

Confidential Client Southwestern United States -- Analyzed ground-water flow and transport from an industrial site to establish extent of migration of ground water contaminated by volatile organic compounds.  Prepared expert report describing information sources and rationale for mathematical models.  Provided consultation in support of litigation.  Evaluated and advised on analyses prepared by experts for plaintiffs and other defendants.

Confidential Client Caribbean Area -- Studied ground-water flow and transport in an urban area affected by solutes from industrial plants, gasoline stations and dry cleaning establishments.  Assessed information available to simulate migration of TCE, BTEX and MTBE.

Cinnaminson Landfill Superfund Site, New Jersey -- MMA prepared a three-dimensional ground-water flow and advective solute transport models in support of ongoing litigation at a Landfill Superfund Site in southwest New Jersey.  Ground-water modeling evaluated potential long-term up-gradient sources to a proposed ground-water remediation system.

Stepan Chemical Company, New Jersey -- MMA provided hydrogeologic analyses and expert testimony for Stepan Chemical Company in a case involving ground-water contamination at several sites in New Jersey including the Ewan and D’Imperio Superfund sites.  Ground-water contamination included organic and inorganic chemicals. 

Cascade Corporation, Portland -- Provided assistance and review for the development of a three-dimensional ground water flow model in semi-consolidated rocks and alluvium along the Columbia River in Portland, Oregon.  The issue involved understanding the movement of contaminants in ground water near several industrial sites in relation to nearby city wells.  The results of the investigation were used to support litigation.

Lowry Landfill Superfund Site, Denver, Colorado –- MMA provided hydrogeologic analysis and expert testimony for Adolph Coors Company in a case involving contamination of ground water with volatile organic compounds at the Lowry landfill.  Specific issues included the extent and timing of ground-water contamination at the site.

Textron Corporation, New Hampshire -- MMA provided hydrogeologic analysis and expert testimony  for Davidson Rubber Company, a division of Textron, for insurance recovery litigation associated with contamination of ground water with volatile organic compounds at several sites in New Hampshire.  The sites included the Dover Landfill, Cardinal Landfill, Silresim site, Keefe site, Ottadi and Goss site, the Charles George site, and the Davidson Company plant site.

Mining Hydrogeology and Impact Assessment

Pipeline Tunneling Impact Assessment, Columbus, Ohio -- MMA assisted Eagon and Associates, Inc. in the development of a ground water flow model to assess the affect de-watering associated with interstate pipeline tunneling.  

Barrick Goldstrike Mines Inc., Elko, Nevada -- Barrick Goldstrike Mines Inc. owns and operates the largest open-pit gold mine in North America northwest of Carlin Nevada.  Nearby, Barrick also operates an underground gold mine.  The ground-water flow system is in fractured and solutioned carbonate rocks, fractured volcanic rocks and alluvium.  Ground-water levels must be lowered about 1,600 feet below pre-mining levels to keep the two mines dry for mining.  Barrick developed a ground-water flow model prior to the start of pumping and has re-calibrated the model each year as new data were acquired.  Currently, the model is used to establish pumping rates for the desired amount of water-level lowering at the mines, management of pumped water and possible depletion of base flow of nearby mountain streams.  A technical review of the existing model was conducted and recommendations were made as to needed model testing, evaluation, improvement and documentation.  A report was prepared on the conceptual ground-water flow system.  Technical guidance was provided to the client for the testing and evaluation of the current flow model and prepared a report documenting the flow model. 

Proposed Zinc and Copper Mine, Crandon, Wisconsin -- Provided review of ground- water modeling completed by the Crandon Mining Company in support of their application to create a Zinc and Copper Mine in Crandon, Wisconsin.  Prior to receiving a permit, the mining company was required to establish that water in all surface-water bodies would be preserved at levels that protect specific commercial and recreational uses and that ground water moving from the mine site meet water quality standards set by the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources. 

Proposed Coal Strip Mine, Castle Valley, Utah –- Conducted a study to determine the effects of a proposed coal strip mine on ground-water levels in the Ferron Sandstone Aquifer near Emery, Utah.  The work involved an extensive data collection effort that included test-drilling, aquifer testing, borehole geophysics, stream gaging and development of a three-dimensional flow model to predict effects of the proposed mine on ground-water levels the sandstone aquifer.  

Training

For more than 15 years MMA has conducted training courses in ground water flow simulation.  While a hydrologist with the USGS, Mr. McDonald developed and taught courses at the USGS National Training Center in Denver, Colorado.  MMA has developed and taught numerous courses on modeling under the auspices of the National Ground Water Association, environmental consultants, and other organizations and universities in both the United States and Australia.   

The URL for this webpage is http://www.mcdonaldmorrissey.com/projects.htm