Contaminants in groundwater near former Navy bases in southeastern Pennsylvania Active
Latest Packer Test Report
Results of 2018–19 Water-Quality and Hydraulic Characterization of Aquifer Intervals Using Packer Tests and Preliminary Geophysical-Log Correlations for Selected Boreholes at and Near the Former Naval Air Warfare Center Warminster, PA
Latest Borehole Logging Report
Geophysical and video logs of selected wells at and near the former Naval Air Warfare Center Warminster
Exposed Sedimentary Rocks of Newark Basin
Flow and transport are in dipping sedimentary beds of alternating lithology and fractures within the sandstones, mudstones, and shales
Regional Flow Paths from Possible PFAS Sources
USGS used data on well withdrawals, recharge rates, aquifer properties, groundwater levels, and stream base flow to simulate flow paths, 1999-2017
Surface-Water Data in Study Area
Can be used with water quality data to evaluate the mass of contaminants transported by streams, and evaluate groundwater contributions
USGS has investigated groundwater flow and contaminant transport in the vicinity of former Navy bases in Bucks and Montgomery Counties, southeastern Pennsylvania, in cooperation with the U.S. Navy. Additional cooperative support for these investigations has been provided by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection, Bucks and Montgomery counties, and local government agencies.
Highlights
- The latest report (see Publications) describes results of packer tests and other vertical profiling methods in 15 boreholes in fractured sedimentary bedrock in Northampton, Warminster, and Warwick Townships.
- Regional groundwater-flow paths from possible PFAS source locations at and near Willow Grove and Warminster bases terminate at streams and pumping wells with a few miles of the bases.
- Industrial chemical contaminants have migrated in fractured-rock aquifers in the vicinity of former Navy bases.
- Newark Basin aquifers of the Brunswick Group and the Lockatong and Stockton Formations have been used for industrial and drinking-water supply.
- Field testing characterized the highly heterogeneous and anisotropic strata showing the predominant role of bed-oriented fractures in contaminant migration.
- Measured water levels in wells were used to construct water-level maps, and aquifer testing revealed high-permeability hydraulic connections between wells.
Recent & Ongoing Studies
- USGS is conducting borehole geophysical and packer testing to help characterize the area hydrogeology and design groundwater monitoring systems.
- Groundwater-flow modeling was used to synthesize field-test results using a 3D hydrogeologic framework of dipping shale, mudstone, and sandstone strata.
- Modeling was used to show how changes in pumping over time have changed flow paths from possible contaminant source areas, providing scientific information for characterization, monitoring, and remediation activities.
- Areas contributing recharge to groundwater that then discharges to streams or water-supply wells were mapped using groundwater-flow modeling; as groundwater withdrawals in the area have decreased, a higher proportion of local recharge ultimately discharges to streams.
Streamflow Monitoring
USGS provides streamflow information in the study area that can be used in conjunction with water quality data to evaluate the mass of contaminants transported by streams and the relations between concentrations and flow conditions. Other applications may include evaluating groundwater/surface water interactions and transient effects of point discharges from wastewater treatment plants.
Data Access
- Stream gage data in the study area is Tabulated Here.
- Find these and other surface-water data using the National Water Information System (NWIS) Mapper.
For reports, datasets, and maps collated by location see
Below are other science projects associated with this project.
Related data
Links to USGS surface water data in the study area is provided on the 'Overview' tab.
Or, find USGS data using NWIS mapper for Pennsylvania.
Geohydrology and ground-water quality of Warwick Township, Bucks County, Pennsylvania
Results of borehole geophysical logging and hydraulic tests conducted in Area D supply wells, former U.S. Naval Air Warfare Center, Warminster, Pennsylvania
Geohydrology and distribution of volatile organic compounds in ground water in the Casey Village area, Bucks County, Pennsylvania
Identification of water-bearing zones by the use of geophysical logs and borehole television surveys, collected February to September 1997, at the Former Naval Air Warfare Center, Warminster, Bucks County, Pennsylvania
Southeastern Pennsylvania ground water protected area
Results of borehole geophysical logging and aquifer-isolation tests conducted in the John Wagner and Sons, Inc. former production well, Ivyland, Pennsylvania
Evaluation of geophysical logs, Phase I, at Willow Grove Naval Air Station, Montgomery County, Pennsylvania
Maps of difference between ground-water contributions to base flow for the various recurrence intervals and ground-water withdrawals in the Neshaminy Creek basin, Pennsylvania
Water-use analysis program for the Neshaminy Creek basin, Bucks and Montgomery counties, Pennsylvania
Geohydrology of the Stockton Formation and cross-contamination through open boreholes, Hatboro Borough and Warminster Township, Pennsylvania
Geohydrology and vertical distribution of volatile organic compounds in ground water, Fischer and Porter Company Superfund Site, Warminster, Bucks County, Pennsylvania
Below are news stories associated with this project.
Below are partners associated with this project.
- Overview
USGS has investigated groundwater flow and contaminant transport in the vicinity of former Navy bases in Bucks and Montgomery Counties, southeastern Pennsylvania, in cooperation with the U.S. Navy. Additional cooperative support for these investigations has been provided by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection, Bucks and Montgomery counties, and local government agencies.
Highlights
- The latest report (see Publications) describes results of packer tests and other vertical profiling methods in 15 boreholes in fractured sedimentary bedrock in Northampton, Warminster, and Warwick Townships.
- Regional groundwater-flow paths from possible PFAS source locations at and near Willow Grove and Warminster bases terminate at streams and pumping wells with a few miles of the bases.
- Industrial chemical contaminants have migrated in fractured-rock aquifers in the vicinity of former Navy bases.
- Newark Basin aquifers of the Brunswick Group and the Lockatong and Stockton Formations have been used for industrial and drinking-water supply.
- Field testing characterized the highly heterogeneous and anisotropic strata showing the predominant role of bed-oriented fractures in contaminant migration.
- Measured water levels in wells were used to construct water-level maps, and aquifer testing revealed high-permeability hydraulic connections between wells.
Recent & Ongoing Studies
- USGS is conducting borehole geophysical and packer testing to help characterize the area hydrogeology and design groundwater monitoring systems.
- Groundwater-flow modeling was used to synthesize field-test results using a 3D hydrogeologic framework of dipping shale, mudstone, and sandstone strata.
- Modeling was used to show how changes in pumping over time have changed flow paths from possible contaminant source areas, providing scientific information for characterization, monitoring, and remediation activities.
- Areas contributing recharge to groundwater that then discharges to streams or water-supply wells were mapped using groundwater-flow modeling; as groundwater withdrawals in the area have decreased, a higher proportion of local recharge ultimately discharges to streams.
Streamflow Monitoring
USGS provides streamflow information in the study area that can be used in conjunction with water quality data to evaluate the mass of contaminants transported by streams and the relations between concentrations and flow conditions. Other applications may include evaluating groundwater/surface water interactions and transient effects of point discharges from wastewater treatment plants.
Data Access
- Stream gage data in the study area is Tabulated Here.
- Find these and other surface-water data using the National Water Information System (NWIS) Mapper.
For reports, datasets, and maps collated by location see
- Science
Below are other science projects associated with this project.
- Data
Related data
Links to USGS surface water data in the study area is provided on the 'Overview' tab.
Or, find USGS data using NWIS mapper for Pennsylvania.
- Publications
Filter Total Items: 26
Geohydrology and ground-water quality of Warwick Township, Bucks County, Pennsylvania
No abstract available.AuthorsP.H. BirdResults of borehole geophysical logging and hydraulic tests conducted in Area D supply wells, former U.S. Naval Air Warfare Center, Warminster, Pennsylvania
Borehole geophysical logging, aquifer tests, and aquifer-isolation (packer) tests were conducted in four supply wells at the former U.S. Naval Air Warfare Center (NAWC) in Warminster, PA, to identify the depth and yield of water-bearing zones, occurrence of borehole flow, and effect of pumping on nearby wells. The study was conducted as part of an ongoing evaluation of ground-water contamination aAuthorsRonald A. Sloto, Kevin E. GrazulGeohydrology and distribution of volatile organic compounds in ground water in the Casey Village area, Bucks County, Pennsylvania
Casey Village and the adjoining part of the U.S. Naval Air Warfare Center (NAWC) are underlain by the Late Triassic-age Stockton Formation, which consists of a dipping series of siltstones and sandstones.The direction of vertical ground-water gradients in the Stockton Formation varies among well locations and sometimes with time. Vertical gradients can be substantial; the difference in water levelAuthorsRonald A. Sloto, Randall W. Conger, Kevin E. GrazulIdentification of water-bearing zones by the use of geophysical logs and borehole television surveys, collected February to September 1997, at the Former Naval Air Warfare Center, Warminster, Bucks County, Pennsylvania
Between February 1997 and September 1997, 10 monitor wells were drilled near the site of the former Naval Air Warfare Center, Warminster, Bucks County, Pa., to monitor water levels and sample ground-water contaminants in the shallow, intermediate, and deep water-bearing zones. The sampling will determine the horizontal and vertical distribution of contaminated ground water migrating from known orAuthorsRandall W. CongerSoutheastern Pennsylvania ground water protected area
Geographical Information System data sets were developed by the U.S. Geological Survey in cooperation with the Delaware River Basin Commission (DRBC). These data are related to groundwater resources for the DRBC's Southeastern Pennsylvania Groundwater Protected Area.AuthorsResults of borehole geophysical logging and aquifer-isolation tests conducted in the John Wagner and Sons, Inc. former production well, Ivyland, Pennsylvania
A suite of borehole geophysical logs and heat-pulse-flowmeter measurements run in the former production well at the John Wagner and Sons, Inc. plant indicate two zones of borehole flow. In the upper part of the well, water enters the borehole through a fracture at 90 ft (feet) below floor level, moves upward, and exits the borehole through a fracture at 72 ft below floor level. Water also enters tAuthorsRonald A. SlotoEvaluation of geophysical logs, Phase I, at Willow Grove Naval Air Station, Montgomery County, Pennsylvania
Between April and June 1997, the U.S. Navy contracted Brown and Root Environmental, Inc., to drill 20 monitor wells at the Willow Grove Naval Air Station in Horsham Township, Montgomery County, Pa. The wells were installed to monitor water levels and allow collection of water samples from shallow, intermediate, and deep water-bearing zones. Analysis of the samples will determine the horizontal andAuthorsR.W. CongerMaps of difference between ground-water contributions to base flow for the various recurrence intervals and ground-water withdrawals in the Neshaminy Creek basin, Pennsylvania
No abstract available.AuthorsC.L. Schreffler, P.H. BirdWater-use analysis program for the Neshaminy Creek basin, Bucks and Montgomery counties, Pennsylvania
A water-use analysis computer program was developed for the Neshaminy Creek Basin to assist in managing and allocating water resources in the basin. The program was developed for IBM-compatible personal computers. Basin analysis and the methodologies developed for the Neshaminy Creek Basin can be transferred to other watersheds. The development and structure of the water-use analysis program is doAuthorsCurtis L. SchrefflerGeohydrology of the Stockton Formation and cross-contamination through open boreholes, Hatboro Borough and Warminster Township, Pennsylvania
The study area consists of a 9-square-mile area underlain by sedimentary rocks of the middle arkose member of the Stockton Formation of Upper Triassic age. In the Hatboro area, the Stockton Formation strikes approximately N. 65 degrees E. and dps approximately 9 degrees NW. The rocks are chiefly arkosic sandstone and siltstone. Rocks of the Stocton Formation form a complex, heterogeneous, multiaquAuthorsRonald A. Sloto, Paola Macchiaroli, Michael T. TowleGeohydrology and vertical distribution of volatile organic compounds in ground water, Fischer and Porter Company Superfund Site, Warminster, Bucks County, Pennsylvania
The Fischer and Porter Company Superfund Site is underlain by sedimentary rocks of the Upper Triassic Stockton Formation, which consists of interbedded siltstone, very-fine grained to coarse-grained sandstone, and conglomerate in crudely defined, upward fining cycles. These rocks form a complex, heterogeneous, leaky, multiaquifer system comprised of a series of gently dipping lithologic units withAuthorsRonald A. Sloto, Paola Macchiaroli, Randall W. Conger - News
Below are news stories associated with this project.
- Partners
Below are partners associated with this project.