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DOE has one of the largest ground water contamination problems and subsequent
cleanup responsibilities for a single entity in the world, in terms of the sheer
volume of affected groundwater, number of plumes, range of hydrogeologic settings,
and diversity of contaminant types. The Groundwater Database was developed to
provide a centralized location for information relating to groundwater flow,
contamination, and remedial approaches across the DOE complex. The database
provides DOE management and other interested parties with an easily accessible,
high level understanding of the type of contamination, magnitude of contamination,
and dynamics of groundwater systems at DOE sites. It also identifies remedial
approaches, exit strategies, long-term stewardship requirements, regulatory
drivers, and any significant problems, issues, concerns, and/or site specific features.
Sites with similar settings, contamination, or remedial approaches can easily be
identified, resulting in the sharing of technologies and lessons learned between sites.
The data
- serve as a resource to respond to internal and external data requests-therefore minimizing impacts to the field;
- assist in prioritizing cleanup operations/decisions; and
- provide the technical input to conduct analyses and evaluations.
 Groundwater Database Reports
Field Definitions
- Format
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- General Information
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Identifies contaminated groundwater at DOE sites by distinct plumes. Distinct plumes are defined as contaminated groundwater that can be delineated independently from other contaminated groundwater and generally results from single or multiple environmental releases within a given area. Commingled plumes that cannot be easily segregated into individual plumes are designated as single plumes.
- Contaminants
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Lists plume contaminants and concentration/activity levels.
- Hydrogeologys
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Provides depths to plume, groundwater velocity, and flow mechanics.
- Plume Information
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States if contaminant sources for the plume are present, status of the sources, and estimated contaminated area.
- Ground Water Uses
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Lists if ground water is potable and if the contaminated aquifer is a sole
source aquifer.
- Exit Strategies
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States status and basis of exit strategy.
- Environmental Indicators
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States if groundwater migration is under control and if current human exposure is acceptable.
- Regulatory
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Identifies regulatory drivers, lead regulatory agencies, and formal agreements.
- Comments
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Includes comments that assist in understanding groundwater characteristics,
contamination, and remedial approaches for the plume and site. These comments may
include issues and concerns, potential complications, specialized site conditions,
entries that require additional clarification, and rationale for actions.
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