SEDL / STP / STP1282-EB / STP16570S

Use of Petrographic Analysis in Environmental Site Investigations: A Case Study

Mason, JM
Project Hydrogeologist, Earth Sciences, O'Brien & Gere Engineers, Inc., Syracuse, New York

Gabriel, WJ
Managing Hydrogeologist, Earth Sciences, O'Brien & Gere Engineers, Inc., Syracuse, New York

Pages: 15    Published: Jan 1996

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Abstract

Geologists conducting environmental site investigations in compliance with Federal and State regulations are often forced to rely on limited site and/or region specific geologic and hydrogeologic data. These sites are often located in industrial areas where surficial geologic features are obscured. The purpose of this paper is to describe the use of a simple, economical petrographic analysis method performed in conjunction with an environmental site investigation to better characterize subtle changes in subsurface geology. The method differentiates changes in rock type, classifies the rock samples, and provides detailed geologic descriptions for stratigraphic correlation. The results of the analyses were instrumental to understanding the site geology and ground water transport mechanisms.