Laserfiche WebLink
the documented well construction problems at MW-3,a significant concern over well integrity <br /> becomes warranted. <br /> 5.0 Discussion,Summary,and Conclusions <br /> It should be noted that the results of a single round of sampling results do not necessarily constitute <br /> a reliable indication of groundwater conditions. It is well documented that constituent <br /> concentrations in groundwater fluctuate with seasonal changes and that there are inherent <br /> uncertainties introduced during sample collection and laboratory analysis. In fact,USEPA standard <br /> methodology requires that a minimum of 16 independent groundwater samples be collected(usually <br /> as quarterly samples from 4 wells during a period of one year) and statistical analysis be conducted <br /> before any legally defensible conclusions regarding groundwater quality can be established. <br /> The direction of groundwater flow is indicated to be toward the west, and MW-3 is located <br /> immediately south of the wastewater pond. It could be suggested that MW-3 does not represent <br /> down-gradient groundwater conditions from the wastewater pond. However, it is contended that <br /> any seepage from the waste water pond,while traveling 100 feet down to the groundwater table, <br /> would necessarily be dispersed such that well MW-3 can be considered to be directly beneath the <br /> wastewater pond from a hydrogeologic perspective. Additionally,published maps of groundwater <br /> elevation from the San Joaquin County Flood Control and Water Conservation District indicate that <br /> the site is situated near a groundwater divide and that groundwater flow has been toward the south <br /> at different times during recent years. This situation indicates that the direction of groundwater flow <br /> in the area is variable and that MW-3 and MW-4 may be directly down-gradient of the wastewater <br /> pond at certain times during the season. The variable direction of groundwater flow in the area <br /> may, in part,be the result of production well withdrawal. <br /> Well construction at MW-3 encountered problems which ultimately raise questions concerning well <br /> integrity. Samples from the well display unusually high pH and specific conductance, and the silt <br /> accumulates in the well at an excessive rate. Replacement of MW-3 with a new well should be <br /> considered. <br /> 8 <br />