Detection of Non-Aqueous Phase Liquids by High Accuracy, Multi-mode, Multi-resolution System

This proposal describes the feasibility and design study of a system for detection and imaging light and dense non aqueous phase liquids (so called LNAPLs and DNAPOLs) that have contaminated soils and aquifers. The system will make use of several modalities to improve combined spatial resolution and selectivity for detecting and imaging aquifers, LNAPLs and DNAPOLs. To accomplish a broader spectrum of characterization needs, the proposed approach will use various imaging and sampling techniques for three stages of interrogation range and spatial resolution. A first stage will be noninvasive and maximally safe and will use surface seismic and surface electromagnetic imaging methods for planning the second stage soil penetration. A second stage will use both seismic and electromagnetic imaging methods integrated into a cone penetrometer system. THe penetrometer will avoid penetration of the aquifer by using aquifer depth information obtained form the first stage proceedure. A third stage of analysis will use an integrated cone mounted radar and sonar look ahead systems and a laser fluorscense material identification subsystem. Plase I work will include studies of these systems, computer modeling of the seismic and electromagnetic imaging subsystems and initial laboratory studies using a 64 electrode electromagnetic resistivity imaging system.