Abstract

Groundwater monitoring is a necessary component in any investigation of subsurface contamination. It can be used to provide information on groundwater flow as well as groundwater quality concerns. Groundwater monitoring utilizes the skills of Civil Engineers, typically those specializing in geotechnical and environmental engineering. It involves the placement of monitoring wells for aquifer applications, and the use of suction lysimters and tensiometers in the unsaturated zone. Key issues involved in the design of monitoring well strategies include: site hydrogeology (flow rate and direction), subsurface material characterization (permeability, porosity, dispersivities, and organic content), contaminant characteristics, and potential remediation schemes. Design decisions include selection of monitoring tools, materials, location (placement), and analytical models for data analysis.