Jackson Hole Airport Groundwater Study Active
2008-2009 Baseline Study
2010-2013 Results
In 2008 the U.S. Geological Survey, in cooperation with the Jackson Hole Airport Board and Teton Conservation District, began a study designed to characterize the alluvial aquifer at the Jackson Hole Airport. The purpose of this study was to determine the direction of groundwater flow, calculate hydraulic gradients, and characterize groundwater quality both upgradient and downgradient of airport activities and facilities that could affect shallow groundwater quality.
During the baseline study conducted during water years 2008 and 2009 low oxygen (reduced-oxygen) conditions were found at 2 of the 7 wells sampled. These reduced-oxygen conditions in the groundwater can indicate an upgradient source of carbon, such as the aircraft deicing/anti-icing fluids. Studies of groundwater quality near other airports in the United States and Norway have found components of aircraft deicing/anti-icing fluids were associated with reduced dissolved-oxygen conditions.
Additional sampling was conducted during water years 2011 and 2012. Triazoles - anthropogenic compounds often used as an additive in deicing and anti-icing fluids as a corrosion inhibitor - were detected at low concentrations in groundwater at 7 of the 10 wells sampled.
Groundwater-quality data and groundwater-level data continue to be collected at the Jackson Hole Airport and are available through the U.S. Geological Survey National Water Information System.
Below are other science projects associated with this project.
Evaluating the impacts of aircraft deicers in runoff from General Mitchell International Airport, Milwaukee, Wis.
- Overview
In 2008 the U.S. Geological Survey, in cooperation with the Jackson Hole Airport Board and Teton Conservation District, began a study designed to characterize the alluvial aquifer at the Jackson Hole Airport. The purpose of this study was to determine the direction of groundwater flow, calculate hydraulic gradients, and characterize groundwater quality both upgradient and downgradient of airport activities and facilities that could affect shallow groundwater quality.
During the baseline study conducted during water years 2008 and 2009 low oxygen (reduced-oxygen) conditions were found at 2 of the 7 wells sampled. These reduced-oxygen conditions in the groundwater can indicate an upgradient source of carbon, such as the aircraft deicing/anti-icing fluids. Studies of groundwater quality near other airports in the United States and Norway have found components of aircraft deicing/anti-icing fluids were associated with reduced dissolved-oxygen conditions.
Additional sampling was conducted during water years 2011 and 2012. Triazoles - anthropogenic compounds often used as an additive in deicing and anti-icing fluids as a corrosion inhibitor - were detected at low concentrations in groundwater at 7 of the 10 wells sampled.
Groundwater-quality data and groundwater-level data continue to be collected at the Jackson Hole Airport and are available through the U.S. Geological Survey National Water Information System.
Sources/Usage: Public Domain. View Media DetailsJackson Hole Airport groundwater study area map - Science
Below are other science projects associated with this project.
Evaluating the impacts of aircraft deicers in runoff from General Mitchell International Airport, Milwaukee, Wis.
Chemicals used to deice planes at General Mitchell International Airport in Milwaukee may be entering nearby streams in concentrations that may be harmful to aquatic life. This project will investigate the toxicity of decing chemicals, evaluate their impact on receiving streams, and assess changes in water quality in response to the implementation of deicer management at General Mitchell Airport. - Publications
- Partners