Bear Creek Ranch Groundwater Recharge Planning and Design
Client
La Paloma Mutual Water Company
Services Provided
Groundwater Recharge; Hydrogeological Data Analysis; Permitting and Environmental Compliance; Cost and Budget Estimates; Monitoring Well Siting; Geophysical Survey/tTEM
Location
Atwater, California
Project Practice Areas
Geotechnical
Type of Facility
Wetland Habitats
Project Specifics
Geosyntec planned and designed dual-purpose groundwater-recharge ponds to enhance a wetland habitat on the Pacific Flyway, a network of habitats that supports millions of migratory birds. Bear Creek in Atwater, California, is surrounded by double-cropped farmland, which puts the surrounding area at risk of increased likelihood and intensity of flooding, especially in disadvantaged communities. Following a conservation easement from the United States Fish and Wildlife Services (USFWS), the La Paloma Mutual Water Company looked to foster habitat restoration at this site. The goal of the project is to plan and design the re-establishment of approximately 1,171-acres of irrigated farm ground to floodplains, providing a habitat for migrating waterfowl.
Geosyntec Scope of Services
Geosyntec conducted an initial review of available information, provided permitting support, and helped create strategies for land-access issues. On the construction side, we facilitated the procurement and oversight of well drillers and other subcontractors and coordinated with Stanford University’s towed-transient electromagnetic (tTEM) survey crew.
We also conducted cone penetrometer and infiltration testing, developed a hydrogeologic conceptual model and a 3D geologic model, and assessed water quality and aquifer performance. In addition, we evaluated groundwater and surface-water interactions and prepared a feasibility report that included a preliminary design and estimated infiltration rates for the proposed groundwater-recharge basins.
Notable Accomplishments
Our experience on a similar project in this water basin helped save time and costs during the project’s analysis phases. From both these projects, we also established a strong sense of trust with clients in the area. Geosyntec is currently helping plan and design the re-establishment of 1,700 acres of irrigated farm ground to floodplains, restoring the habitat for native waterfowl. TAs a result of this project, the Merced Subbasin is estimated to receive a net benefit through decreased pumping of 5,400 acre-feet per year.
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