The importance of capture zone analysis during ground water remediation, particularly for sites requiring containment
Key concepts of capture, such as 'target capture zones' and 'converging lines of evidence'.
Typical errors made in capture zone analysis
In addition, steps associated with a systematic approach for capture zone analysis will be discussed. These steps include the following:
Step 1: Review site data, site conceptual model, and remedy objectives
Step 2: Define site-specific Target Capture Zone(s)
Step 3: Interpret water levels
Potentiometric surface maps (horizontal) and water level difference maps (vertical)
Water level pairs (gradient control points)
Step 4: Perform calculations (as appropriate based on site complexity)
Estimated flow rate calculation
Capture zone width calculation
Modeling (analytical and/or numerical) to simulate water levels, in conjunction with particle tracking and/or transport modeling
Step 5: Evaluate concentration trends
Step 6: Interpret actual capture based on steps 1-5, compare to Target Capture Zone(s), and assess uncertainties and data gaps
Examples will be used to demonstrate key aspects of capture zone analysis.