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Restoring Clearbrook: GIS-Driven Groundwater Remediation Plan

Restoring Clearbrook: GIS-Driven Groundwater Remediation Plan

Project Summary

Clearbrook, a small Midwestern community, faced significant groundwater contamination due to decades of industrial activity.
Dominique’s GIS analysis played a crucial role in identifying contamination hotspots, tracking plume movement, and supporting remediation efforts to protect local ecosystems and drinking water sources.

Full Project Write-Up

Background
The Clearbrook site was once home to multiple manufacturing facilities that left behind a legacy of soil and groundwater contamination, primarily involving volatile organic compounds (VOCs). Community concerns about well water quality prompted a comprehensive investigation led by environmental consultants and local agencies.

Objectives

  1. Map contamination plumes using field sampling data.
  2. Identify high-risk zones near residential and agricultural wells.
  3. Provide actionable insights for remediation teams and regulatory reporting.
  4. Track long-term changes in groundwater quality over time.

Methodology

  • Data Collection:
    Field crews collected over 300 groundwater samples using GPS-enabled devices to ensure spatial accuracy.
  • GIS Integration:
    • Layers included well locations, plume data, soil composition, and historical land use.
    • Heatmaps were generated to visualize contamination intensity.
  • Analysis:
    • Buffer zones were created around public wells to determine potential exposure risk.
    • Time-series maps tracked contamination movement over a 12-month period.

Results

  • Identified three major VOC contamination plumes, one extending beneath a residential area.
  • Provided local officials with clear maps and dashboards for decision-making.
  • Supported the installation of four new monitoring wells and a targeted soil vapor extraction system.

Impact
The project reduced uncertainty for residents and accelerated the remediation timeline by six months.
GIS-driven insights are now part of Clearbrook’s ongoing environmental management plan, ensuring sustainable groundwater protection for years to come.