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Long Term Environmental Monitoring and O&M Services

Naval Aviation Facilities Command  NAVFAC Southeast, Jacksonville, FL

Long Term Monitoring and O&M Services Former Naval Training Center, Orlando, Florida

 BFA is performing long term monitoring and O&M services at the former Naval Training Facility in Orlando, Florida.  BFA is sampling 658 groundwater monitoring wells per year at 10 sites for a complex list of analytes.  The sampling utilizes advanced near real time electronic capture and reporting of data in the field.  There are also requirements for detailed field analytical work. BFA also provides water level gauging on several hundred wells annually.  BFA staff members prepare all field reports and Work Plans, including Filed Sampling, Quality Assurance, Health and Safety plans, annual reports and assist with fact sheets for public dissemination. There are also Electronic Data Exchange requirements for all of these sites.   BFA performed these services for a five-year period.

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The Warren County PCB Landfill – North Carolina

Department of Environment, Health and Natural Resources PCB Landfill – Warren County, North Carolina

The infamous Warren County PCB landfill is recognized as birthplace of the Environmental Justice movement and as having the single largest civil disobedience protest since the Civil Rights era. Over 500 citizens were placed in jail for protesting the land filling operations.  The site was selected by the state, against the wishes of the community, as a CERCLA remedy to dispose of PCB tainted soil purposely discharged along 210 miles of road shoulders throughout North Carolina.

In 1982, feeling the tremendous pressure of the community, the Governor promised that the site would be detoxified (remediated) when technology to do so was available.  Subsequently, in 1995, after $1 million was awarded to the community, the Joint Warren County State PCB Landfill Working Group retained Patrick A. Barnes, P.G. and Barnes, Ferland and Associates, Inc. as one of two science advisors.   BFA assisted the community in a community led evaluation of detoxification feasibility and assessment of the overall integrity of the facility. BFA ensured that the needs of the community were met at every step in the process including job training and employment of area companies and local residents.

Over a seven-year period, BFA was responsible for the development and implementation of detailed environmental impact assessment for that PCB landfill as well as performing community outreach services.   The facility which had been in existence for more than 15 years had never had a comprehensive evaluation performed. That evaluation assessed the hydrogeological setting and determined the best locations for environmental samples to accurately characterize the current integrity of the facility and to lay the groundwork for the remediation.  During the assessment, hundreds of environmental samples were collected under the watch full eyes of the EPA, State and Community. BFA worked with all stakeholders particularly and the Joint State Warren County PCB Landfill Working Group.

Subsequently BFA with MACTEC as a subcontractor was selected as the remedial design and community construction management contractor. The project was implemented with oversight from EPA Region IV. The selected remedy included state-of-the-art detoxification technology, such as Base Catalyzed Decomposition (BCD), and thermal desorption. BFA design was incorporated into a design-build criteria package and BFA provided construction oversight on behalf of the Community.

The remediation was concluded in 2003 by excavating and thermally desorbing then redisposing of over 60,000 tons of PCB impacted soil, at a cost of 13.6 million dollars. BFA and MACTEC developed all project work plans and the specifications necessary to successfully bid the site detoxification.  The work plans included as part of the design were:  Final Detoxification Design; Community Outreach and Involvement; Health and Safety; Emergency Response; Site Operations Performance Demonstration; Construction Quality Assurance; Air Monitoring; Final Verification/Confirmation Sampling Design Plans and Specifications.

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Ormond Beach – Engineering & Hydrogeological Services

Continuing Engineering & Hydrogeological Services – City of Ormond Beach, Florida

Barnes, Ferland and Associates has been providing environmental engineering and hydrogeological services to the City of Ormond Beach since 1994.  BFA has been a partner with the City in helping to permit, develop and manage the City’s water resources.  Over the years we have provided a wide range of services and projects including:

  • Contamination Assessment Plans and Reports for Four Fueling Facilities and the Nova Road Landfill
  • Division Avenue Wellfield Well Relocation & Rehabilitation
  • Vulnerability Analysis & RMP/PSM Audit
  • Water Supply System Evaluation and Hydraulic Analysis of the Raw Water Transmission
  • 20-year CUP Renewal including groundwater flow modeling, wetlands impact assessment and well evaluations and replacement
  • Hudson and Rima Ridge Wellfield Wetlands Monitoring Program
  • Breakaway Trails Stormwater Supply Irrigation System
  • Tomoka Oaks Golf Course Reclaimed Water Extension / Irrigation Storage and Percolation Ponds
  • Environmental Assessment, closure & replacement of 3 UST’s
  • Effluent Groundwater Monitoring
  • Nova Road Landfill Biennial Monitoring Report
  • Implementation  of New Wetland Monitoring Requirements
  • Rima Ridge Easement Assistance
  • Rima Ridge Wetlands Monitoring Well Replacement
  • Petroleum Cleanup Site Closure Assistance – Sunrise Aviation
  • Petroleum Cleanup Site Closure Assistance – Public Safety and Public Works
  • Installation of Monitoring Wells for Nova Road Landfill Arsenic Monitoring Program
  • Sampling & Reporting for Nova Road Landfill Arsenic Monitoring Program
  • Hydraulic Oil Contamination Assessment
  • Public Works Site – Hydraulic Spill Contamination Assess. & Remediation – Additional Work.
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Continuing Engineering Services – Orange County Florida Utilities

Continuing Engineering Services – Orange County Utilities, Florida

BFA has been providing continuing consulting engineering services to the Orange County Utilities Department since 2001.  BFA was reselected for a fourth time in 2011. The following are some representative projects:

  • CR 535 Water Supply Wells – Design and well construction services for two 1,800 GPM wells and one 1,000 GPM to supply the CR 535 Water Treatment Facility.
  • South Water Reclamation Facility Influent Pump Station and Pretreatment Facilities Rehabilitation – Design and construction services for rehabilitation of the influent pump station, pretreatment structure, aeration basins, and 54-inch influent mains at the 43 MGD South Water Reclamation Facility.
  • South Water Reclamation Facility Supplemental Air System – Study to evaluate and recommend improvements to the aeration system at the southeast basins at the 43 MGD South Water Reclamation Facility.
  • Golfway Blvd. Force Main Replacement – Design and construction services to for 5,100 feet of 12-inch force main by directional drill.
  • B. McLeod Transfer Station Leachate Collection and Pumping System – Upgrade and replacement of the leachate pumping and piping systems for this solid waste transfer station.
  • Conway Hills Water Distribution System Improvements – Design and construction services for 15,900 feet of water main and 3,700 feet of 12-inch force main.
  • Harbor East Pump Station and Force Main – Design and construction services for a new triplex 30 Hp wastewater pumping station including odor control and standby generator, 13,400 feet of 12-inch force main and 1,000 feet of 8-inch and 10-inch sewer.
  • Riverside Acres Water Distribution System Improvements – Design and construction services for 16,500 feet of water main replacement.
  • Constructability Review for the Phase 2B expansion of the Eastern Regional Water Supply Facility Expansion
  • Cypress Springs Wastewater Pump Station Replacement and Force Main Improvements – Design and construction services for rehabilitation of a duplex 20 Hp 660 GPM wastewater pumping station and 2,500 feet of 12-inch force main.
  • Groves Mobile Home Park Wastewater Force Main – Design and construction services for manhole rehabilitation and 1,400 feet of 6-inch force main.
  • Ginn Master Pump Station (Master Pump Station F3067) – Design and construction services for a new triplex 1,700 GPM wastewater pumping station including odor control and standby generator
  • Holden Heights Phase 3 STAG Assistance – Administration of a $450,000 STAG grant for the Holden Heights wastewater system improvements.
  • Lake Lawn Gravity Sewer Rehabilitation – Design and construction services for evaluation and rehabilitation of 9,500 feet of sewer within an existing subdivision.
  • Long Lake/Lake Shores/Wekiva Manor Water Distribution System Improvements – Design and construction services for 9,700 feet of water main replacement.
  • Windermere Area Wastewater Service Study – Study to determine the improvements and cost to retrofit approximately 1,200 existing homes and businesses on septic tank to central sewer.
  • Tangled Oaks Reclaimed Water Main – Design and construction services for 1,000 feet of 12-inch reclaimed water main.
  • Hastings St./Powers Dr./West SR 50 Area Wastewater Service Study – Study to determine the improvements and cost to retrofit existing homes and businesses on septic tank to central sewer.
  • Daetwyler Shores Water Main – Design and construction services for replacement of 1,000 feet of 8-inch water main.
  • Clearview Heights and Westmont Subdivisions Water Distribution Improvements – Design and construction services for 16,200 feet of water main replacement.
  • Summerlake Water Booster Pump Station – Design and construction services for a 4,500 GPM water booster pumping station to address peak demands and fire flows in the County’s Southeast Service Area.
  • NW Water Reclamation Facility Administration Building Masonry Coating System – Evaluate existing failing coating system on the administration building and provide design and construction services for the recoating.
  • Kirby Smith Road Reclaimed Water Main – Design and construction services for 4,300 feet of 12-inch reclaimed water main.
  • Sand Lake Road Wastewater Utilities Relocation – Design and construction services for replacement of 4,000 feet of 30-inch wastewater force main due to conflicts with the road widening.
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City of Titusville – Hydrogeologic and Engineering Consultant

Hydrogeologic and Engineering Consultant – City of Titusville, Florida

Since 1989 BFA staff has provided professional hydrogeologic and engineering services for several projects related to water supply planning, permitting and well field rehabilitation under contract with the City of Titusville.  These services continued after the establishment of BFA in 1994. The services include water resources/water supply, water production, wastewater treatment, water distribution, sewer collection system, and force main, lift and pump station design.

Future Water Development and Implementation Plan – Because of the limited sustainable yield of the Area II & III Well Fields and the anticipated growth, the City recognized alternative supply sources would eventually need to be developed.  BFA evaluated several supplemental water supply options to meet the projected water needs of the City through 2020.  Three technical memorandums and a final report were prepared that recommend future water supply options for the near and long term. Evaluations included existing potable and reclaimed water facilities, hydrogeologic and saline water conditions, historical and projected water use and several alternative water sources.  Fresh groundwater from northern Brevard County (Area IV Well Field) was recommended as the primary supplemental water supply option, based on technical, economic and environmental feasibility.

Hydrogeologic Investigation for Siting a New Well Field in Northwest Brevard County – Siting a new well field area involves many considerations, however the water quality and potential yield are the primary factors.  BFA designed and implemented an extensive drilling and testing program in northern Brevard County to determine the water quality profile, hydraulic characteristics, aquifer thickness and potential for well field development within the Upper Floridan aquifer. BFA provided well construction management, field observation and testing services for both surficial and Floridan aquifer exploratory type wells.  Analyses generally included aquifer performance tests, geophysical logging, packer testing, water quality testing and groundwater flow modeling.  These data were compiled into a detailed report that was used as a primary supporting document for well field permitting.

Consumptive Use Permitting of Area IV Well Field – As recommended by BFA in the previous studies, the City is pursuing development of a 2.75 mgd well field in northwestern Brevard County as a supplemental long-term supply source.  Many utilities throughout Florida, that have limited local sources, eventually seek well fields outside of their service areas.  BFA prepared a Consumptive Use Permit application that involved developing groundwater flow and saline water upconing models a well field operation plan, artificial recharge plan and wetlands and saline monitoring plans.  Several supporting documents were prepared throughout the rigorous permitting process.  The SJRWMD is in favor of permitting this facility, however, the permit is being challenged by an adjacent property owner through an administrative hearing process.  BFA has provided expert witness testimony and developed numerous trial exhibits for this hearing process.

Area II Well Field Refurbishment Program – The Area II Well Field has been a reliable and inexpensive supply source for the City since the 1960’s. However by the 1990’s many wells needed replacement due to capacity reduction from biofouling and encrustation or saline water upconing.  BFA has worked closely with City staff to replace wells or identify new well locations to enhance well field capacity.  The area surrounding the Parkland Wetland System was determined to be the thickest area of the fresh water lens because of its recharge effect. During 1995 & 2001, BFA prepared contract documents and design specifications for the replacement, rehabilitation and abandonment of 20 surficial aquifer screened supply wells in Area II Well Field.  BFA also performed bidding, well construction management, field observation and testing services.

Area II & III Well Field Management Plan – The City’s existing well fields are prone to encroachment of brackish water and well screen bio-fouling and/or encrustation has been a chronic problem acting to decrease well efficiencies. In order to optimize water production and quality, BFA evaluated the City’s historical water quality and well yield records and made recommendations for a well treatment/rehabilitation program, an enhanced monitoring program, construction of eight new/replacement wells, an operational schedule and artificial recharge projects.  Newer well screen products/designs and drilling methods have been developed and will be used for construction of these wells.

Area III Well Field Artificial Recharge Feasibility Assessment – The City has an interest in utilizing artificial recharge to potentially enhance well field production and reliability in addition to restoration of groundwater levels and quality.  It may be feasible to capture water using horizontal wells installed along canals and distribute water into infiltration basins, exfiltration trenches, ponds or wetlands at the Area III Well Field.  BFA conducted a desktop feasibility assessment and made recommendations to further investigate site specific soil conditions and pilot testing a horizontal well system. BFA prepared a report summarizing the existing well field conditions, locations of potential recharge sites and sources of recharge water, permitting requirements, conceptual designs, estimated costs and flooding potential.

Phase I Drilling Program at Area II and III Well Fields – The City recognizes that fastest and most inexpensive way to increase yields is to maintain and enhance their existing infrastructure or local supply sources.  BFA is currently working with the City to identify the best locations for new supply wells and a well rehabilitation program to remove encrustation and biofouling from screens through chemical and mechanical methods. Soil borings and monitor wells have recently been completed to identify the best locations for new supply wells.  The feasibility of the above Area II and III Well Field projects depends greatly on the surficial aquifer soil texture/permeability and groundwater quality conditions.  Results of the Phase I program will be used for selection of locations and design of 8 new supply wells.

Assistance with City Well Field Ordinance – The City recognizes the limitations of local water resources and existing well fields and has adopted several protective ordinances to ensure their preservation.  BFA has occasionally worked with the City and developers in evaluating

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South Florida Water Management District

BFA Environmental, (aka Barnes, Ferland and Associates Inc.) was retained by the South Florida Water Management District (SFWMD) to provide professional services in improvement and uncertainty analysis of index-velocity ratings. This work is directly related and significantly overlaps with similar efforts USACE, Jacksonville District range of hydrology and hydraulic services.

The SFWMD is responsible for managing and protecting the water resources of South Florida, including the Everglades, the Kissimmee River and its floodplain, Lake Okeechobee and South Florida’s coastal estuaries. For flow monitoring purposes, the SFWMD maintains and operates over thirty index-velocity sites that are instrumented with Doppler-type acoustic index-velocity meters. These index-velocity sites are located upstream of tidally affected spillways, uncontrolled culverts, and open-channel inland stations, where other approaches for estimating flows are inadequate.

Real-time flows at index-velocity sites are indirectly estimated from site-specific ratings that depend on the characteristics of the monitoring site, monitoring equipment, equipment and techniques for direct flow measurements, and types of flows that can occur at the site. Each rating is established using quality-assured mean flow, stage and index-velocity data concurrently measured at the site. These quantities have associated measurement uncertainties that propagate into the rating and the flow estimates. The SFWMD is developing methodologies for propagation of uncertainties from fundamental errors into a result, to assess the overall uncertainty of rating equations and the mean values and time mean estimates that are stored in the SFWMD flow records.

BFA’s scope of services involved the following tasks:

  • Analysis and improvement of procedures for developing index-velocity rating equations.
  • Development and improvement of index-velocity rating equations.
  • Analysis of outlier detection and processing methods for QA/QC of index-velocity data and mean flow time series.
  • Development of methodology and tools for computing the uncertainty of mean flows derived from index-velocity ratings.

During the course of this project, BFA successfully:

  • Created an Atlas of index-velocity sites with information for 17 flow monitoring stations, including velocity and flow measurements and rating analyses
  • Performed flow measurements with 600 and 1200 kHz Acoustic Doppler Current Profilers (ADCP) at index-velocity sites.
  • Analyzed Acoustic Doppler Velocimeter (ADV) pointvelocity measurements with WinADV software; Side Looker (SL) velocity data with ViewArgonaut software, and ADCP stream gauging data with WinRiver software.
  • Performed QA/QC of existing data collected with velocity and flow Doppler meters and time-of-travel/ultrasonic velocity meters (UVM);
  • Revisited the procedures for index-velocity rating development, evaluating different theoretical expressions, and applying multiple regression methods and test of significance.
  • Established that index-velocity ratings can be improved by considering stage and water surface slope, especially for unsteady flows.
  • Reviewed and evaluated accuracy of existing index-velocity ratings.
  • Proposed new index-velocity ratings for tidal and inland sites.
  • Evaluated algorithms for outlier detection and estimation of precision uncertainty;
  • Created a tool for outlier detection based on the modified z-score test and used it for analyzing time series of flow, index-velocity data, and signal quality parameters collected at index-velocity sites.
  • Computed bias and random errors in field mean-flow (ADCP data), stage, and index-velocity data (ADV, SL and UVM).
  • Analyzed the application of the First Order Variance Method to propagate elemental errors into the total uncertainty of index-velocity ratings and mean flows derived from these ratings.
  • Developed and applied tools for estimating the uncertainty of index-velocity ratings and mean flows derived from index-velocity ratings as well as the uncertainty of time average flow estimates.