Environmental Sequence Stratigraphy

Clients remediating groundwater face significant uncertainty addressing the complexities beneath the surface of their sites. They may have difficulty completing the characterization of the contamination or encounter challenges when implementing a remediation strategy. Often, they have been tasked by a regulatory agency to collect more data.

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Practice Specifics

Environmental Sequence Stratigraphy

Environmental Sequence Stratigraphy (ESS) is an advanced geological approach to define the subsurface “plumbing” that controls how groundwater and contaminants move in the subsurface. Our stratigraphers map subsurface geology to portray permeability and inform smarter remediation.

ESS: A Geology-Based Approach to Strategic Site Management

ESS applies the principles of sequence stratigraphy, depositional systems, and facies models to characterize stratigraphic and hydrogeologically controlled variability in aquifers under contaminated sites. Applying the ESS technology, our stratigraphers employ their understanding of geologic depositional and erosional history by initially using existing data to define the permeability architecture of the subsurface. With this knowledge, we design optimal management strategies tailored to each site.

Build Smarter Groundwater Remediation Projects with ESS

Define groundwater flow paths and preferential contaminant migration pathways
Map and predict contaminant mass transport and storage zones
Identify data gaps to support high-resolution site characterization
Choose locations for monitoring and remediation wells
Design and construct wells, including choosing optimal screened intervals
Remediate and monitor contaminated groundwater more optimally

ESS and PFAS

Because this approach creates a nuanced geological understanding of permeability and groundwater flow, it is uniquely suited to supporting remedial investigation programs involving per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS). This geology-focused approach is a critical step in defining contaminant source and pathways to effectively target sampling locations and groundwater monitoring programs.

Both the United States Air Force and Navy consider ESS to be a best practice for PFAS investigations and remediation because standard step-out “plume chasing” is not practical given the ubiquitous occurrence, low detection limits, high mobility, and stringent drinking water standards of these substances. ESS also helps clients understand whether detected PFAS are likely connected to a source under investigation, or whether they are more likely to be due to alternative sources.