Kansas Geological Survey, Lawrence, KS
U.S. Department of Energy, Morgantown, WV

Carbon Sequestration & Enhanced Oil Recovery

Prepared all necessary technical documents and project plans in support of an EPA Class VI carbon dioxide injection permit.  Project utilized advanced techniques to characterize the 5,000 feet deep cambrian carbonate reservoir.  Ion composition, molar ratios, biogeochemistry, and isotopic characterization, were used to estimate the competence of the caprock and hydraulic stratification within the injection zone. The biomass concentrations and microbial diversity information was used to validate geochemical findings.

X-Ray Diffraction and Spectral Gamma Ray Analyses (specifically Rhomma-Umma analysis) were utilized for mineralogical characterization of the injection and confining zones. This information was necessary to develop the reaction kinetics for conducting geochemical simulations to establish the sequestration capacity and changes in formation petrophysical properties such as permeability and porosity due to precipitation of minerals.  Helical computerized tomography scans were examined to inspect the texture of the rocks and to detect the presence of minute fractures.  The Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR) and sonic logs were used collectively to estimate the matrix and vuggy porosities.

Conducted multiphase flow and transport simulations using STOMP software to predict the plume size and pressure front.  Carried out geomechanical (poro-elastic) simulations in order to predict land surface deformations in support of (InSAR) satellite based monitoring of pore pressures in the injection zone.  Developed analytical methodologies for predicting the likelihood of inducing earthquakes due to injection.

Worked with U.S. EPA to lower the financial assurance costs, and with re-insurers for obtaining financial coverage in a seismically active area. Established the project Testing and Monitoring Plan and Quality Assurance/Quality Control protocols.  Developed operating plan for safe and efficient injection in order to mitigate operational risks associated with earthquakes and caprock leakage.

St Johns River Water Management District, Palatka, FL

Groundwater Permitting Model

Developed a regional multi-aquifer groundwater model spanning 19 counties in northeast Florida and southeast Georgia. The model simulates complex subsurface hydrodynamics in four aquifers, which extend to 2,500 feet below ground, and contain water quality ranging from fresh to relict-seawater. The model was used as the primary technical tool by the District for Water Supply Needs and Sources Assessment mandated by the Florida legislature for managing water resources over a 25-year planning horizon.

Consoer Townsend Envirodyne Engineers (AECOM), Chicago, IL

Well Dewatering Network Design along I-70/I-54/I-90 Corridor

Constructed groundwater model for designing a dewatering well network to protect interstate highways I-70, I-54, and I-90 from flooding in southeast Illinois. The nineteen million gallon per day well network was designed to maintain safe operating conditions along the highways and associated infrastructure under 500-year flood stage conditions in the Mississippi River.

Paragould City Water Light & Cable, Paragould, AR

Mississippi Embayment Modeling

Developed groundwater flow model of the interconnected alluvial, Memphis, and Wilcox aquifers within the Mississippi embayment aquifer system. Conductive predictive simulations for wellfield design to meet water demand for 25 years, which is expected to triple over current rates.

Quad State Services, Perry, KS

Groundwater Modeling for Design of Collector Wells

Conducted three-dimensional modeling for design of multiple collector wells, each capable of producing in excess of 6 million gallons per day. Transient simulation under normal and dry conditions were conducted in order to assess impacts of pumpage on stream flows, and to determine maximum yield of the high capacity wells.

Taliaferro & Brown, Kansas City, MO

Groundwater Uplift Pressure Analysis for Design of Multistoried Buildings

Develop a multilayered ground-surface water model for simulating flow under 500-year flood conditions along the US Army Corps levee network. The model utilized to determine uplift pressure for design of foundation slab of multistory building and to establish the safe basement depth in close proximity to the levee.

Bethany Water District No.2, Bethany, MO

Paleochannel Analysis for Wellfield Development

Constructed groundwater model of drift-filled pre-glacial valley in northwest Missouri. Model utilized to determine the extent and lithologic framework of the relatively narrow buried channel, identify optimal locations for a proposed wellfield, and to determine aquifer safe yield for a 20-year time horizon.

Jonesboro City Water & Light, Jonesboro, AR

Estimating Wellfield Pumpage Using Water Quality Data

Developed mathematical procedures and methodologies for estimating well field pumpage utilizing pumped water quality data. Solved the highly nonconvex optimization problem within a global framework. Utilizing the software, pumpage in each wells can be determined by simply using water quality data in a well and knowing the cumulative wellfield pumpage.

Daniel B. Stephens & Associates, Albuquerque. NM

Litigation Support

Simulated flow emanating at the surface and traversing through the vadose zone in a highly heterogeneous groundwater reservoir at a contamination site in western United States. The model was utilized to identify parties responsible for hydrocarbon contamination in the area.

Universal Asset Management, Overland, KS

Automated Design of Low Pressure Sewer System

Developed software package to assist in automated design of low pressure sewer networks operated by grinder pumps. Algorithm accounts for variable terrain, utilizes statistics for inferring usage patterns, and is based on retention time analysis to minimize sulfide generation in pipe networks.

HydroGeoLogic, Inc, Reston, VA

Saltwater Intrusion Modeling

Consultant for Lower East Coast saltwater intrusion modeling initiative undertaken by South Florida Water Management District. Developed model conceptualization and implementation plan for project. Examined the role of temperatures in the coastal flow dynamics along the southern tip of the Floridan peninsula.

Quad State Services, Perry, KS

Groundwater Transport Analysis

Developed a mutli-layer hydrologic model for determining safe wellfield yield in close proximity to waste management sites from which volatile organic compounds and metals were leaching in the subsurface. The objective of the study was to establish pumpage patterns that minimize contaminant movement and maintain water quality standards mandated by EPA's Safe Drinking Water Act.

HDR, Inc, Omaha, NE

Integrated Watershed-Groundwater Modeling

Developed an integrated MODFLOW-CROPSIM soil-groundwater stream-aquifer interaction model covering the Lower Platte basin in eastern Nebraska. The model is utilized by the Nebraska Department of Natural Resources to conduct stream depletion analysis for groundwater permitting and management purposes. The model domain covers seventy four watershed basins and accounts for transient evaporation, precipitation, runoff, plant uptake, and irrigation to derive aquifer recharge. Aquifer parameterization was accomplished using the Pilot Point methodology, and the coupled model calibrated with the PEST optimization software.

Archer Engineers, Lee’s Summit, MO

Expert System for Automated Calculation of Pipe Network Costs

Developed mathematical algorithm for estimating sewer pipe network construction costs utilizing site environmental, geologic, and climatic data, along with economic statistics such as regional labor costs and consumer price index trends. Developed a graphical user interface to assist the user in bidding on construction projects using the pricing scheme developed for the project.

St Johns River Water Management District, Palatka, FL

Surficial Impacts Analysis

Developed a multilayer model of the surficial and Floridan aquifer systems in Flagler County, Florida. Model used by the District for conducting vegetation harm analysis and determining optimal sites and pumping rates for new well fields so as to minimize environmental impacts on wetlands.

Layne Christensen Company, St Louis, MO

Coupled Missouri River–Alluvial aquifer Modeling

Designed and conducted multiple aquifer tests to identify anisotropy within a wide oxbow stretch along the Mississippi River in St Louis, Missouri.  Developed an integrated surface-groundwater model and validated the same to historically observed (terrestrial and subsurface) hydrologic conditions.  Model utilized to design a multi-use transportation network along the Mississippi River.