GGI completes Sediment Sampling in Los Alamos Canyon

GGI has completed sediment sampling in Los Alamos Canyon for Los Alamos National Laboratory (LANL). If you are unfamiliar with sediment sampling  and why we do it, here is my sediment sampling 101.  Stream sediments (referred to as fluvial deposits) form layers on earth surface typically composed of clay, silt, sand, and gravel, transported and deposited by water. Stream-transported sediments located outside the main stream channel are deposited during flood events. At LANL, we perform sediment sampling to calculate an inventory of contaminants within a watershed for monitoring contaminants and contaminant transport as part of the Environmental Restoration Program.

What’s interesting is we can determine the age of the sediment by calculating the age of the trees growing on the sediment. Rule of the thumb – age of sediment is older than the trees growing on top of a deposit and younger than the trees growing below a deposit. How do we determine the age of a tree? It is possible to determine the age of a tree by using dendrochronology techniques such as tree core analysis.

Now let’s take a look at a real time case study. In the figure below, the sediment should be older than the age of the Ponderosa Pine above the deposit (1969) and younger than the age of the tree growing below the sediment (1934). Therefore it can be safely concluded that the sediment was deposited between 1934 and 1969.

As part of Los Alamos Canyon sediment sampling project, sample locations were selected based on description of sediments, analysis of tree cores (dendrochronology) collected from flood-damaged trees or from trees buried by, or growing on sediment deposits.  The extent of remediation required for this site will be determined based on GGI’s detailed site investigation, including GGI’s geomorphic map of the area and the thickness of post-laboratory sediments as determined by GGI, working in conjunction with LANL.

GGI surveyed in all sample locations using a total station on 8/6/09.  Control points were also surveyed, which will allow for completion of a detailed geomorphic map, calculation of unit areas, and determination of the volume of sediments comprising each geomorphic unit.

GGI has completed several sediment sampling and contaminant transport, geomorphic mapping and soil stratigraphic studies in support of numerous environmental, archeological, water rights, spring inventory, geologic mapping and paleontological investigations. For more information please check our Geomorphology and Soils Investigations section on our website.

If you want to know more about sediment sampling and contaminant transport or want to discuss your geomorphology projects please contact me at drakos@glorietageo.com or at 505 983 5446 Ext. 108.

About GGI

Founded in 1979 in Santa Fe, NM, GGI has been providing quality professional consulting services in groundwater development, water rights, geomorphology, dairy regulatory compliance and environmental sciences. GGI serves federal, state, and municipal entities, tribal governments, private corporations, and individuals. We pride ourselves in our ability to listen to our clients’ goals and help turn these goals into successes. For more information please visit our website at www.glorietageo.com

Final EPA Region 6 CAFO General Permit for New Mexico issued today!

The notice for Final EPA Region 6 CAFO General Permit for New Mexico appeared in today’s Federal Register (8/4/2009).  Federal Register Notice, Final Permit, Response to Comments and Final Fact Sheet are posted on EPA’s website.

The question is: Do you need a CAFO permit? The answer varies depending on your dairy/CAFO’s potential to discharge to the Waters of the US and several other factors. The key is to make a wise decision on whether your dairy/CAFO needs coverage under the Region 6 CAFO General Permit. We understand that making this decision is complicated, since lot of factors specific to your individual dairy need to be carefully evaluated during this period of low milk prices.

However, if you decide you need a CAFO Permit, GGI can assist you with the whole CAFO permit application process involving preparation of Notice of Intent (NOI) and Nutrient Management Plan (NMP). If you already have a NRCS Comprehensive Nutrient Management Plan (CNMP) and would like to build on it to prepare an NMP, please check out our Hoards Dairyman publication that details the differences between a CNMP and an NMP. Using your existing CNMP for the preparation of your NMP can save, you quite a bit of money on NMP preparation costs. For more information check out our Dairy/CAFO compliance services.

If you have specific questions on whether you need a CAFO permit or on the Permit itself, please contact me at lazarus@glorietageo.com or at 505 983 5446 Ext 111.

About GGI

Founded in 1979 in Santa Fe, NM, GGI has been providing quality professional consulting services in groundwater development, water rights, geomorphology, dairy regulatory compliance and environmental sciences. GGI serves federal, state, and municipal entities, tribal governments, private corporations, and individuals. We pride ourselves in our ability to listen to our clients’ goals and help turn these goals into successes. For more information please visit our website at www.glorietageo.com