Investigation of a nitrate fines landfill

Approach

Electromagnetic (EM) and electrical resistivity tomography (ERT) data were acquired to assist in determining the lateral and vertical extent of the nitrate landfill, and to map surrounding areas of elevated terrain conductivity that may indicate salinity impacted soil or seepage of impacted groundwater.

Results

The geophysical results were useful in optimizing a supplemental intrusive investigation, resulting in a highly efficient, cost-effective landfill delineation program. The EM and ERT surveys were able to accurately delineate the nitrate landfill extents and differentiate areas within the landfill containing the highest nutrient concentrations, as later confirmed by intrusive investigations.