Discovering the nature of fluid movement in the subsurface is our specialty. TBirdie Consulting has a highly experienced team of hydrogeologist to address complex issues related to aquifer testing and characterization, aquifer storage and recovery, wellfield design, underground injection control, and integrated surface-groundwater modeling. We specialize in coupling simulation models with optimization algorithms to address a wide range of challenging problems including aquifer parameter estimation, wellfield energy optimization, and developing remediation strategies.
Prudent management of water resources requires construction and application of computer models that accurately represent the hydrologic systems under study.
Ground and surface water modeling is the forte of TBirdie Consulting. Our experience in model calibration, uncertainty analysis, and system optimization has resulted in the development of numerous highly reliable hydrologic models. These models have been used for mitigating wetland impacts, designing optimal wellfields, delineating wellhead protection areas, determining aquifer safe yield, designing effective dewatering systems, conducting contaminant transport studies, and developing remedial strategies.
Individual wells within a wellfield are frequently located without consideration to its optimal location. Additionaly, each well is operated without consideration to minimizing energy cost of operation.
TBirdie Consulting provides a complete range of services for determining optimal well spacing and wellfield layout, designing high yield wells, developing operational strategies to maximize production along with minimizing environmental impacts and energy costs.
The purpose of wellhead protection is to prevent contamination of groundwater extracted for potable consumption. A wellhead protection area (WHPA) is the surface area surrounding a public water supply well from which water and contaminants are likely to reach the well.
Identifying and managing activities within a WHPA minimizes the potential for contamination of drinking water. Whether the hydrogeologic conditions at the site dictate the use of simple Calculated-Fixed-Radius (CFR) method or more complex numerical modeling, we can provide the necessary expertise to accurately delineate WHPA and protect your drinking water supply.
Energy consumption accounts for the majority of operating cost for a wellfield at most municipalities. By developing optimal pumping strategies, substantial cost savings can be realized for extraction and transportation of groundwater.
Energy optimization involves determining the optimal scheduling of pumpage, while satisfying any operating constraints such as minimum system pressure, acceptable water quality, and compliance with permitted withdrawal rates for the wellfield.
Using our global optimization techniques, we can develop dynamic pumping schedules which minimize well interference, minimize well-head and distribution system pressure, account for variable electricity tariff, and allow operation of wells at optimal pump-curve levels. The optimization scheme can be incorporated within a SCADA system or operated independently.
Coastal aquifers around the world are increasingly stressed to meet growing demand for water. This has resulted in saltwater intrusion in coastal aquifers. Once groundwater in these aquifers is contaminated, it is difficult to restore its original quality.
TBirdie Consulting has extensive experience in variable-density modeling of aquifers contaminated by encroaching seawater. The models have been used by regulatory agencies for minimizing the rate of saltwater intrusion by optimizing wellfield operations and to assist in permitting for sustainable growth.
Many engineering construction projects involve excavating into water bearing soil in which it is essential to maintain safe operating conditions during construction by keeping water levels below the bottom of the excavation. Additionally, some structures such as highways in low-lying areas may also be susceptible to flooding and require a permanent dewatering network.
Whether your dewatering needs are of a temporary or permanent nature, TBirdie Consulting has extensive experience in designing optimal and cost-effective dewatering systems under a wide range of operating conditions.
We have the expertise to provide a wide range of consulting services related to watershed and urban hydrology, hydraulic modeling, storm water management, landfill drainage, hydraulic structures, sediment transport, open channel hydraulics, and environmental dispersion processes in streams.