Geology & Hydrogeology Experience
The professional staff at Cirrus has experience in the field of environmental consulting which provides a strong foundation for developing effective project solutions. The following project descriptions provide examples of experience in the environmental field possessed by Cirrus’ professionals. Although these represent only a few of the projects successfully completed, they provide an indication of the diversity of experience available to Cirrus’ clients.
- Sand and Gravel Dredging and Mining Operation, Texas:
- Cirrus conducted a subsurface investigation to provide an estimate of in-situ reserves. Based on the economic feasibility of extracting the available reserves, Cirrus assisted the client in obtaining the necessary permits from the Corps of Engineers, Texas Parks and Wildlife Department, and the TNRCC. Cirrus also assisted in discussions with local municipal authorities in obtaining their approval for the mining operations to begin. A wetlands survey, a gradient-boundary survey and river channel mapping and cross-section development were all required as part of this project.
- Major Petroleum Refinery, Texas:
- Cirrus conducted a computer modeling analysis utilizing a computer model known as PLUME3D.BAS, which was developed by the International Ground Water Modeling Center at Butler University (Indianapolis, Indiana). A three-dimensional model was utilized since the aquifer was stratified with respect to hydraulic conductivity. The upper portion of the aquifer was composed of a fine sand and the lower portion of the aquifer was composed of a highly permeable gravel layer. Based on the results of the computer modeling analysis, several monitor well locations were proposed to the TNRCC. The locations were approved and the client was released from having to install and sample additional wells as initially requested by the TNRCC.
- Oil Field Service Company, Texas:
- Cirrus conducted a hydrogeologic assessment of the property to evaluate the extent of contamination of the uppermost water-bearing zone caused by releases from an underground storage tank. Activities included (1.) conducting a plume delineation investigation by advancing numerous soil borings throughout the site and collecting ground-water samples from each one, (2.) conducting a step-drawdown pumping test to evaluate optimal pumping rates to be utilized during an aquifer pumping test to determine the fluid transmitting properties of the aquifer for purposes of performing computer modeling to design an effective recovery system, and (3.) developing a comprehensive report discussing the results of these activities. Based on the results of these activities, a ground-water recovery system was designed, installed and put into operation at the site using computer modeling as a design tool.
- Paper Mill, Texas:
- Cirrus developed and implemented a groundwater quality assessment plan to evaluate the potential for contamination of the uppermost water-bearing zone from numerous waste disposal units at the plant. The project required negotiations with the TNRCC and numerous letters and reports. The plan was approved and later implemented and quarterly monitoring was conducted.
- Naval Air Station, Texas:
- Cirrus performed a subsurface geophysical survey using a conductivity instrument (Geonics EM-31) to delineate the boundaries of former landfills at seven different suspected sites at the facility. This information was utilized to develop a report for investigating these sites to prevent impact to the shallow unsaturated zone soils and shallow groundwater at the site.