Basin Analysis and Aquifer Characterization

Project: Beaver Dam Wash Hydrogeologic Investigation
Client: Williams Energy
c/o Littlefield Energy, LLC
Littlefield, AZ

Converse performed at detailed hydrogeologic investigation in support of a proposed power generation plant. It was estimated that the plant would require approximately 10,000 acre-feet of groundwater per year for cooling purposes. Converse was asked to investigate the potential effect on surface water flows in the Beaver Dam Wash and Virgin River, and if necessary, offer mitigation strategies. Converse performed hydrogeologic investigations, which included a detailed hydrographic basin analysis, evaluation of existing wells, development of a groundwater model, and recommendations for optimum use of existing and proposed well fields. As part of this project, Converse was also tasked with siting, designing and testing production and observation wells on the Utah side of the Beaver Dam Wash. This exploration well program involved lithologic logging, construction oversight and aquifer testing of wells completed in a complex multi-aquifer 'nested' configuration.

Project: PUBLIC WATER SUPPLY DEVELOPMENT
Client: Monument Water Association
c/o Liberty Twp Board of Supervisors
Beech Creek, PA

The Community of Monument sought to develop a new, sanitary water supply source with financial and project administration assistance from the Susquehanna Economic Development Agency - Council of Governments (SEDA-COG) and the Centre County Water Authority. Converse conducted a wellhead protection survey, and obtained PADEP approval of two (2) candidate wellsites that had been identified by a previous water resources study. The Two (2) wellsites were drilled and test-pumping indicated that both wellsites encountered highly-mineralized water at a shallow distance below the water table.

Converse conducted an assessment of groundwater resources in the vicinity of Monument and identified nine (9) candidate well well areas. Converse coordinated with the project sponsor, project Engineer, and PADEP to select the most-desirable well development area, which is located along Monument Run to the northeast of the Community of Monument. Converse conducted a wellhead protection survey, obtained PADEP sanitary survey approval of the wellsites, assessed potential impacts of groundwater withdrawal upon Monument Run, and obtained a PNDI search for proximal threatened/endangered species or habitat. Converse procured a well drilling contractor, supervised drilling, directed well construction, conducted pumping tests, obtained water quality analyses, and wrote a Hydrogeologic Report for Public Water Supply Permit Application for the new source well.

In the Fall of 2003 a natural gas company indicated their intention to drill exploratory wells in the vicinity of the new water supply well. Converse requested a meeting with the gas company and PADEP to assess potential impacts of the drilling activity upon the new water supply well and to negotiate precautionary measures. Converse's recommendation for the use of low-energy drilling techniques to protect the water supply aquifer was incorporated by PADEP in the permit conditions for the gas wells, and Converse conducted water quality monitoring at the water supply well.

Project: Inventory and Assessment of Industrial and Municipal Wastes
Client: Meteorolgy and Environmental Protection Administration, Kingdom of Saudia Arabia

The objective of this project was to assess the generation, treatment, and disposal practices for municipal and industrial wastes at the City of Riyadh, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. The project, sponsored by the Meteorology and Environmental Protection Administration (MEPA), focused upon the assessment of municipal and industrial wastewater discharges and groundwater and surface water quality.

Converse and Rashid Geotechnical and Materials Engineering (RGME, Riyadh) utilized a list of 762 industries in the City of Riyadh and in the 2nd Industrial City of Riyadh to assess a subset of industries with an apparent potential for industrial wastewater pollution. Twenty-eight (28) industries were identified at which thirty-four (34) wastewater discharge samples were collected and analyzed. Wastewater discharge samples were also collected and analyzed at nine (9) municipal wastewater treatment plants.

Twenty-one (21) groundwater monitoring wells were constructed at locations within the City of Riyadh, and groundwater quality samples were collected and analyzed. Water quality samples were collected at twenty-one (21) locations within and near the City of Riyadh, primarily within the channel and impoundments of the Wadi Hanifa and its tributaries.

Converse's work included the evaluation of:

• Groundwater quality in and near the City of Riyadh
• Surface water quality in streams and impoundments
• Impacts of industrial wastewater disposal practices
• Sanitary wastewater treatment plant operations
• Measures to address identified problems
• Future assessment activities

Production Well Engineering

Project: High Capacity Production Well
Client: Nevada Power Company
Clark County, Nevada

Converse has provided services to Nevada Power for siting critical water supply wells for the planned Harry Allen Power Plant northeast of Las Vegas, Nevada. Project requirements had necessitated siting targets capable of producing in excess of 2,000 gpm and required analysis of the local carbonate aquifer in southern Nevada. This work included geologic and hydrogeologic mapping, compilation, and review of existing data, well siting, and preparations of bid specifications for drilling of a high capacity well in Coyote Spring Valley. Currently, SNWA is planning to connect this well to the Moapa Valley Water District Pipeline for future uses. Other services related to well siting for Nevada Power have included preparation of an environmental assessment (EA) for the drill sites on BLM land.

Project: High Capacity Municipal Supply Wells
Client: Las Vegas Valley Water District
Clark County, Nevada

Converse provided construction management, drilling oversight, well logging and sampling, geophysical log interpretation, recommendations for well construction, well development, and aquifer testing for over 40 large capacity municipal production wells throughout the Las Vegas Valley. Following development and testing, these wells each produced between 500 and 3,000 gpm for potable supply.

Resources Management

Project: Rainbow Gardens Weir W-3.5- Grade Control Structure, Las Vegas Wash
Client: Southern Nevada Water Authority
Clark County, Nevada

The project included a grade control structure downstream of the east valley lateral tunnel crossing of the Las Vegas Wash. The grade control structure was constructed up to 30 feet high above the ultimate scoured wash bottom in order to control erosion in the wash, and create a wetlands by impounding water and soil deposits.

Converse services included geologic reference search, field geologic reconnaissance (including mapping of surface soils and geologic features such as faults or areas of instability, which could have an impact on the project), oversight of seismic tomography survey by subconsultant, continuous core borings to 200 feet in depth, detailed rock mechanics laboratory testing, engineering analysis, and preparation of the discussion of the findings from the geologic studies. This project required extensive aquifer testing for design of a comprehensive dewatering system, which required a groundwater modeling analysis and the design of a temporary diversion channel.

Project: Potter Township Water Resources Study
Client: Potter Township Board of Supervisors

Potter Township, Centre County, is located to the southeast of State College, Pennsylvania, and is experiencing growth and development pressures from the large, urbanized Centre Region municipalities. The Township sought to exercise its powers under the amended 2000 PA Municipalities Code to assure a safe, reliable supply of water to township residents. Specific concerns that were addressed by the Water Resources Study included past, present and future impacts of:

• Residential, commercial, and industrial subdivision.
• On-lot septic systems and water supply wells.
• Agricultural and waste management practices.
• Planned, new-build PennDOT transportation projects.
• Source Water Protection for public water supplies.
• Regional aquifer protection measures.
• Implementation of stormwater management ordinances.

Converse conducted a water level survey, obtained water quality analyses, and developed mapping of water resource features. Potential, high-yield wellfield areas for future development were addressed. Recommendations were developed for management of Township water resources, including:

• Utilization of "low-impact development" techniques for subdivisions and transportation projects.
• Septage management regulations.
• Well construction standards.
• Identification of water resource "sensitive areas" within the Township.
• Management of agricultural practices.
• Source Water Protection and aquifer protection measures.
• Public education and awareness efforts.

Project: Wellhead Protection - Investigation and Aquifer Protection Programs (Groundwater Modeling)
Client: Various (throughout rural Nevada)

Converse has developed (and is in the process of developing) wellhead protection programs for several communities in northern Nevada. As part of the process of delineating protection areas, Converse uses groundwater models to predict hydrologic impacts from various sources within each basin. The models are also used to develop capture zones, which is a critical step in delineation of protection zones.

Project: Saline Shallow Aquifer Research and Development
Client: Southern Nevada Water Authority
Clark County, Nevada

Groundwater Modeling / GIS Technology
This project consisted of performing hydrogeologic investigations to support SNWA's efforts to develop the saline shallow aquifer in Las Vegas Valley. Development of the shallow aquifer is expected to consist of extraction through vertical or horizontal well systems, membrane treatment to potable standards, and piping the treated water into the existing water transmission lines in the Valley to meet peak service demand.

Converse performed hydrogeologic investigations which included selecting potential sites for pilot testing based on hydrogeology, determining expected sustained yield, drawdown, water quality, best extraction methods, groundwater modeling, and environmental issues including potential for contamination and wetland impacts at each site. For this project, Converse recently completed a monitoring well and oversaw the installation of a production well for a pilot test located at the City of Las Vegas Water Pollution Control Facility.

Project: Eureka County Water Resources Plan
Client: Eureka County Department of Natural Resources
Eureka County, Nevada

Converse provided hydrogeologic consulting and data acquisition for each of 17 groundwater basins in Eureka County, Nevada. The purpose of the project was to document the hydrologic conditions of groundwater basins within the County. The objectives of the project were to: (1) compile, and summarize existing hydrogeologic information for groundwater basins that influence Eureka County, (2) develop and present basic conceptual models of groundwater flow in and between groundwater basins, and (3) evaluate future needs related to nuclear waste transport and groundwater resource development. Converse evaluated over 10,000 data points and developed a comprehensive web-based data set for all groundwater related information. The website is currently presented through Eureka County and can be viewed at: http://www.co.eureka.nv.us/county/natural.htm