Installation of Hyporheic Sampling Points (HSPs) in the 100-BC Area
EAS was awarded the CHPRC contract to build and install 22 hyporheic sampling points in the Columbia River near the 100-BC-5 Area of the Hanford Site. The purpose of the project was to better define the level of hexavalent chromium in the river substrate, describe changes in concentrations under varying river stages, and assess potential effects to aquatic receptors.
EAS provided CHPRC an unparalleled understanding of the intricacies of performing all the work detailed in their statement of work. Given our experience in using the liquid-tip Trident probe to confirm the presence of groundwater upwelling in the Columbia riverbed, we were uniquely suited to determine the in-situ pore water pump rates and the likelihood of installing HSPs to the target riverbed depths. Collaborating with the liquid tip Trident probe’s inventors, EAS was instrumental in tailoring the probe specific for the Columbia River and its complexities and integrating river stage-specified field deployment techniques.
With the necessary laboratory space, equipment storage space, established waste streams for Trident probe calibration solutions, and equipment loading docks for our vessels in Richland, Washington, EAS could rapidly mobilize and execute all elements of the project.
Our commitment included providing CHPRC all the necessary vehicles, vessels, and equipment specified in the statement of work as well as a technical resource team of experienced liquid-tip Trident probe and driving frame operators, boat captains, deck-hands, and hydrogeologists to safely and effectively support the implementation of all project activities.
Notably, EAS was the only subcontractor capable of ensuring that varying river stages would not affect the planned approach or schedule to install the 14 shallow hyporheic sampling points. Additionally, EAS’s approach provided CHPRC real-time in-situ upwelling verification and pump rate determinations during the installation process. Other conventional approaches would not allow in-situ real-time monitoring. EAS successfully performed the HSP installations on time and within budget with zero safety incidents.
