-Hydrogeology is the study of groundwater. Groundwater often becomes contaminated
as a result of historical activities on or adjacent to the subject property.
Since groundwater is in a state of constant movement, it is the major
transport mechanism to move contaminants from one location to another.
It is not uncommon to have a contaminant leach into the groundwater on
one property, and migrate to a property several hundred meters hydraulically
downgradient, contaminating the downgradient property unbeknownst to either
property owner.
Owners of the property where the groundwater contamination originated
are obligated by law in Ontario to remediate the groundwater if it migrates
beyond the host site property boundary. Contaminating an adjacent property
creates several perceived and actual liabilities for the owner, leaser,
or tenant of the property where the contaminate originated from. These
liabilities include:
Possible litigation from
adjacent affected property owners,
Regulatory clean-up orders,
fines, jail terms for owners as imposed by government and judicial bodies,
and
Negative public perception
of company causing groundwater contamination, often resulting in poor
sales, boycotts, civil law suits, etc.
What is involved in a Hydrogeological Investigation?
Hydrogeological Investigations typically involve the installation of several
boreholes and groundwater observation wells, advanced into the water bearing
zones across the subject site, and possibly adjacent properties. The depths,
and number of observation wells is site dependant, and is typically based
on the types of contaminants to be investigated. This is usually followed
by extensive chemical analysis of the groundwater observed in the various
observation wells. Groundwater flow patterns are measured/calculated,
and used to determine chemical contaminant distribution across the investigation
area. Recommendations and remedial options are then presented. Hydrogeological
Investigations are extensive in scope, and typically require significant
capital investment.
Who can undertake hydrogeological investigations?
Hydrogeological investigations are typically undertaken by Professional
Geoscientists licensed to practice in Ontario, who have completed some
type of postgraduate education in hydrogeology. Engineering firms, and
environmental consulting firms who have professionals with these qualifications
on staff, will be suitably qualified to undertake contaminant hydrogeological
investigations.
Who to contact for more information?
If you require any further information or need to undertake a
hydrogeological investigation, please contact:
Environmental Consulting & Occupational Health (ECOH) Management
Inc.
6130 Tomken Rd.,
Mississauga, ON, L5T 1X7
(905) 795-2800
Att. Mr. John Lewis
Principal