Gregory Cherry

Education California State University at Chico Bachelor of Science, Geology, 1986  
Professional Work Experience United States Geological Survey, Atlanta, Georgia South Atlantic Water Science Center, Norcross Office Hydrologist, GS-1315-12, 2002-Present

Currently serving as Project Chief for the Brunswick/Glynn County Cooperative Water Program, which monitors saltwater contamination in the Upper Floridan aquifer. The project combines groundwater modeling with annual water-quality sampling to assess saltwater movement near the City of Brunswick. Model development has involved using a regional model and refining into a smaller grid configuration near the area of interest. The modeling work has used optimization techniques (GWM code) to maximize pumping near active production wells while preserving hydraulic head gradients and the mitigate movement of the chloride plume. Provides monthly progress reports for the Water Resource Management Advisory Committee (WRMAC) at meetings held in Brunswick. The WRMAC consists of representatives from local government agencies, industrial facilities, and concerned citizens. Previously, data collected annually was submitted to the WRMAC in a written report, but data is now published as a USGS open-file report and made available on the USGS website. Data and significant findings have been presented at conferences, symposia, and local outreach events.

Project Chief on several small modeling projects in which existing models were used to evaluate increases in pumping and determine effects on the local aquifers. One of these projects used the groundwater model constructed for the Savannah River Site (SRS) and evaluated potential increases in pumping at the Plant Vogtle Electrical Generating Facility. The other project used a regional groundwater model of coastal Georgia and parts of South Carolina and Florida to determine changes in the Upper Floridan aquifer caused by increased pumping at U.S. Army Fort Stewart and Hunter Army Airfield. The work for the U.S. Army had very tight schedules and required concurrent reviews to meet project deadlines. Similar studies have been performed for the cities of Pooler, Rincon, and Berwick located in Chatham County, Georgia.

Georgia Association of Water Professionals--Member Georgia Ground Water Association--Vice Chairman 2005 to Present