Free 1-Day Classroom Training: LNAPLTransmissivity Testing Methods

Free 1-Day Classroom Training

Light Nonaqueous-Phase Liquids: Transmissivity Testing Methods

 

May 13, 2015

 

West St. Paul, MN

 

Can you determine groundwater production by just measuring the thickness of water in a well? Of course not! You need to quantify how the aquifer transmits water. Transmissivity is used to describe the ease at which groundwater moves across aquifers because it incorporates aquifer thickness and aquifer soil properties as well as physical water parameters.

 

The concept of transmissivity applies to all liquids in aquifers. Recently there has been an increased focus on LNAPL transmissivity measurement and it is quickly becoming standard practice at LNAPL-impacted sites to perform LNAPL transmissivity assessments. LNAPL transmissivity is analogous to groundwater transmissivity in that it provides a quantifiable method to measure LNAPL recoverability, which cannot be determined from LNAPL thicknesses in monitoring wells alone. LNAPL transmissivity incorporates aquifer properties, thickness of mobile LNAPL, LNAPL physical properties, and the magnitude of impacts over the mobile LNAPL interval, to provide a single metric that is comparable.

 

Several states, including Minnesota, have issued new guidance on LNAPL that have changed the regulatory focus from how much LNAPL thickness is present in wells to a more holistic assessment of LNAPL risk, mobility, and recoverability. LNAPL transmissivity has been used in Minnesota to support assessment and closure of petroleum-contaminated sites. LNAPL transmissivity is referenced in LNAPL guidance in Virginia and Michigan and in technical guidance published by the Interstate Technology and Regulatory Council.

 

This training will provide classroom instruction on LNAPL transmissivity measurement methods based upon lessons learned from comparative study of LNAPL methods and field conditions. The event will be held on May 13, 2015 (9 am to 5 pm) at the Dakota Lodge, 1200 Stassen Lane, West St. Paul, MN

 

Topics that will be covered include:

• LNAPL Transmissivity Overview
• Comparison of LNAPL Transmissivity Measurement Methodologies
• Hands-On Use of the API LNAPL Transmissivity Workbook
• Identifying Confined and Perched LNAPL using Baildown Tests
• Using LNAPL Transmissivity to Identify Recovery Endpoints
• Applied Field Application of Skimming & Recovery Tests

 

This free training is sponsored by the MPCA and BP as part of on-going research at the National Crude Oil Spill Fate and Natural Attenuation Research Site near Bemidji, Minnesota. Site owners, environmental professionals, and regulators are welcome to attend.

 

The class size is limited and registration is required to participate. Please register by sending an email to Jim McCann of MPCA indicating your desire to attend and whether you will join us for the field component of the class.

 

jim.mccann@state.mn.us

 

It is recommended that you bring a laptop computer to the session so that you directly participate in the hands-on data analysis exercises. The API LNAPL Transmissivity Workbook uses Microsoft Excel. Example workbooks will be provided at the training. The API workbook is free and can be downloaded from:

 

http://www.api.org/environment-health-and-safety/clean-water/ground-water/lnapl/lnpl-trans.aspx

 

For more information on course content contact:

 

Brad Koons

ARCADIS

Phone: (612) 339-9434

brad.koons@arcadis-us.com

 

Joel Thompson

Stantec

Phone: (651) 255-3961 joel.thompson@stantec.com

 

Andrew Kirkman

BP Corporation North America, Inc.

Phone: (630) 420-5128

andrew.kirkman@bp.com