Mitigation of Non-Point Source Pollution Impacts on Groundwater Aquifers: A Case Study

Sela, Erez; ,

Mitigation of Non-Point Source Pollution Impacts on Groundwater Aquifers: A Case Study

by Erez Sela, (M.ASCE), Parsons Brinckerhoff, Princeton, United States,

Document Type: Proceeding Paper

Part of: Water Policy and Management: Solving the Problems

Abstract:

This paper presents methodologies applied to a regional-scale project to study the potential impacts of storm runoff on groundwater aquifers that store sole source water supplies in Morris and Somerset counties, New Jersey. This study focused on the application of mitigation measures. To minimize impacts associated with discharge of runoff from a 14-mile-long highway widening, this study delineated areas of various degrees of groundwater sensitivity to pollution originating on highways and provided safeguards to minimize groundwater quality impacts. The physical conditions at outfalls and overland runoff flow areas were identified. Best management practices (BMP) for storm runoff protection considered potential non-structural and structural measures and proposed mitigation measures were selected based on hydrologic, hydrogeologic and environmental engineering studies. The application of graphical methods to identify areas of high groundwater sensitivity and aquifer pollution potential and to select mitigation measures may be of interest to water supply and environmental agencies and consultants.

Return to search