Groundwater protection is one of the most important aspects to any environmental protection program. Once impacted, remediation of groundwater can be a significant challenge and expense. Once depleted, groundwater supply aquifers are forever damaged.
For Ontarians, you need only mention “Walkerton” to recall the profound and long-lasting negative impact of failing to adequately protect groundwater.
More recently, the Ministry of Environment and Climate Change Canada (MOECC) has focused on the permit to take water – PTTW (both surface and groundwater). As my colleagues can attest as they assisted a client recently with a PTTW, the MOECC has a far more restrictive approach to water taking.
Groundwater Insights from Senior Hydrogeologists
With the focus on groundwater, I wanted to take a moment and “tap” two of our senior groundwater experts’ knowledge on groundwater issues.
Groundwater “insights” from Mike Sklash and Chris Pare
Michael Sklash, Ph.D., P. Eng. is recognized across North America for his knowledge and expertise in understanding groundwater. In one Canadian journal, he was referred to as “the father” of the field in understanding the role of groundwater in storm runoff. Mike has been with Dragun since 1988 and has provided litigation support in Canada and the US.
Christopher Paré, P.Geo. is a senior hydrogeologist and has worked on complex groundwater projects in Canada and the United States. Chris was a student of Mike’s at the University of Windsor and has worked at Dragun since 1992. Chris has also provided litigation support on groundwater-related projects.
What was the most challenging groundwater assessment project you have worked on in your career?
Sklash: We are currently working on a former Strategic Air Command base in Kansas. The geology is complex, and there are 11 large, mostly TCE, groundwater plumes that are migrating towards the city groundwater supply wells. We have identified sources, delineated soil and groundwater impacts in overburden and bedrock, and just finished an array of field pilot tests for evaluating remedial options. We did all of this in less than three years.
Paré: A project in northern Michigan. We had several aquifers that were impacted by chlorinated solvents. We uncovered information that identified multiple responsible parties that used the same chemicals. Using our research information and existing subsurface information from several sources, we built a geological/hydrogeological database. Using the database, we built a robust conceptual site model and conducted computer modelling to show how the chemicals migrated from several sources. This project ended up in the State Supreme Court and a favourable decision for our client.
What do you see as the most significant challenge in groundwater assessment/protection (nationally or internationally)?
Sklash: Two things I learned long ago in school: first, you can’t un-ring the bell (easily or inexpensively). We need to be proactive in selecting locations for development, protecting critical areas from development, and understanding the groundwater and surface water consequences of our development actions. Second, this (our groundwater and surface water resources) is all we have, and it is our legacy to our children and their children … do not assume there will be a technological fix to mistakes we make today.
Paré: The challenge is to stick with your basics, don’t overthink your data and information, and build a robust site conceptual model that makes your groundwater assessment accepted by your peers and understandable to non-technical people.
What advice would you offer a young hydrogeologist hoping to make a career in groundwater assessment/protection?
Sklash: First – learn, understand, and remember the basics of hydrogeology; then, add as many other tools as you can to (1) stand out from the crowd and (2) increase your probability of getting things right the first time. Remember that the subsurface is far more complicated than we think. Second, – hone your communication skills (writing and speaking), and remember who your audience is.
Paré: Research the companies you are submitting resumes to. Check out their project summaries or case studies. If hired, you will already have an idea of the type of project work you could be involved with.
To learn more about groundwater and groundwater protection, see Environment and Climate Change Canada’s website on Groundwater and the National Groundwater Association’s website.
For those interested in learning more about groundwater and groundwater remediation, you might be interested our Keys to Environmental Remediation.
If you have any questions for Mike (msklash@dragun.com) or Chris (cpare@dragun.com), you can reach them at 519-979-7300.