A 3D assessment of urban aquifer vulnerability using geological and buried asset models : a case study from Knowsley Industrial Park, NW England
2008
Knowsley Industrial Park, NW England and its buried sewerage network presents a potential source of pollution
to the underlying Triassic Sherwood Sandstone aquifer. Weakly permeable superficial deposits beneath
the site may provide a barrier to potential pollution of groundwater in the aquifer. The aim of the study was
to develop and apply a 3D model of the superficial deposits beneath the park to a qualitative assessment of the
vulnerability of the underlying aquifer to potential pollution. The study also aimed to devise a method for the
integration of the 3D geological model of the shallow sub-surface with the buried utility network.
The 3D model revealed 8 superficial units. Glacial till, comprising clay and silt, was the only weakly permeable
deposit identified. Other deposits were interpreted as permeable. The underground utility network was
integrated in 3D with the geological model. Those utilities overlying less than 2.5 m of till were interpreted to
represent the most vulnerable parts of the underlying aquifer. The greatest relative vulnerability to the aquifer
occurred in the south and south-west of the project area.
The study identified a novel method for the integration of a 3D geological model and a buried sewerage network.
The identification of these utilities prioritised the areas of highest relative vulnerability of the Sherwood
Sandstone aquifer to potential pollution from utility leakage. This approach enabled the development of a hazard
identification and prioritisation scheme for future improvements to the buried sewerage network serving
Knowsley Industrial Park.
Keywords:
- Correction
- Source
- Cite
- Save
- Machine Reading By IdeaReader
0
References
6
Citations
NaN
KQI