Groundwater Flow and Transport Modeling

SynTerra simulations enhance understanding of complex interconnected systems.

Solutions to groundwater-related environmental challenges often require more than monitoring of wells. Data from monitoring can be used to create flow and transport models that enhance understanding of complex, interconnected systems. Flow and transport simulations enable teams to identify critical data gaps, forecast future conditions, and support remedial alternatives.

Groundwater flow and transport modeling can deliver details about past, present, and future conditions that basic monitoring data cannot provide. SynTerra developed groundwater modeling as a specialty service to support clients in diverse sectors. For more than two decades, SynTerra modeling experts have helped stakeholders gain key information about the evolution of systems, and in turn, identify promising remedial alternatives.

The SynTerra modeling team uses the latest software and has strong connections with leading practitioners in the field. With its expertise, SynTerra is ideally suited to deliver timely, cost-effective modeling solutions that enhance understanding of complex interconnected systems.

Flow and Transport Modeling Applications

Site Understanding

Identify data gaps and provide guidance for additional data collection.
Refine the conceptual site model by revealing internal inconsistencies.
Identify source areas and predicted plume migration.

Site closure/exit strategy

Identify plume stability.
Determine when monitored natural attenuation (MNA) is appropriate.
Establish alternative cleanup goals.

Resource development

Assess the amount of groundwater resources available.
Assess the effectiveness of groundwater extraction methods.
Evaluate the sustainability of groundwater resources.
Predict the combined effects of anthropogenic and natural stresses on groundwater reserves.
Evaluate aquifer vulnerability.

Remediation

Develop remediation goals protective of receptors.
Evaluate remediation strategies based on costs and effectiveness.
Optimize remedial monitoring systems based on costs and duration.

Geotechnical and landfill design

Predict post-construction water levels.
Estimate dewatering flow rates and final groundwater elevations.
Evaluate the effects of capping systems and liners.

Kathy Webb, P.G.

Senior Market Leader | Principal

Kathy, a founder of SynTerra (previously The Fletcher Group) in 1992, has completed remedial investigations and regulatory compliance projects associated with Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA) facilities, state and federal Superfund sites, solid waste landfills, brownfield redevelopment, utility coal combustion residual (CCR) management units, and regulated industrial facilities. She has supported litigation as an expert witness related to chlorinated solvents, metals, and polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs). Kathy is known for her practical assessment strategy with the perspective of the client’s business objectives. She routinely evaluates groundwater corrective action systems for effectiveness and progress toward achieving compliance objectives. She has also co-authored a trade journal paper with case studies of low-impact remedial strategies. Kathy is a licensed Professional Geologist in North and South Carolina.

Mark Taylor, P.G.

Principal

Mark has worked more than 40 years in natural-resource based industries. His expertise includes mine geology and mine engineering, hydrogeologic and geotechnical investigations, solid and hazardous waste management, and regulatory negotiations. He has published peer-reviewed papers about coal geology, ore geochemistry, mineralogy, and solid waste management. He is a leading expert in mining and environmental permitting for litigation support.

Mark is licensed as a Professional Geologist in South Carolina, Alabama, Arkansas, Georgia, Kentucky, Mississippi, North Carolina, and Washington. He serves on the boards of the Upstate Red Cross and Upstate Forever. He served on the South Carolina Board of Registration for Geologists for six years. Mark holds a Master’s degree in Geological Sciences from The University of Michigan and a Bachelor’s degree in Geological Science from Harvard University.

Andrea Kehn, P.E.

Vice President of Engineering | Principal

Andrea, leader of our Civil & Environmental Engineering Business Unit, has 28 years of experience in chemical manufacturing and environmental consulting. She leads and supervises staff professionals on multidisciplinary projects for a variety of industrial clients. Andrea’s vast experience and expertise includes: air quality construction and operating permitting; air quality modeling; air permit record-keeping and reporting; Oil Spill Prevention Control and Countermeasures (SPCC) and Storm Water Pollution Prevention Plans (SWPPP); NPDES Permitting; water quality modeling; process safety management; risk management compliance and auditing; and RCRA compliance.

Andrea is registered as a Professional Engineer in South Carolina. She holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Chemical Engineering from Michigan Technological University.

Ruth Albright, P.E.

Vice President | Principal

Ruth has led projects for major industrial facilities throughout the Southeast and beyond. She built her knowledge of environmental regulations and their application to manufacturing operations while working for the second largest chemical manufacturing company in the United States. At SynTerra, she has expanded both her knowledge and reputation working for chemical manufacturing operations of all sizes. She has also worked extensively with other manufacturing operations, including pulp and paper, industrial equipment, pharmaceuticals, food, and automotive parts and assembly. Her experience includes air and wastewater permit compliance, solid and hazardous waste management, solid waste construction permitting, hazardous materials transportation, wastewater treatment systems, air pollution control equipment operations and maintenance, and ambient air monitoring systems.

Ruth is a professional engineer registered in South Carolina, North Carolina, Georgia, Florida, Virginia, Mississippi, Oklahoma, Michigan, Arkansas, and Kentucky. She is an active member of the South Carolina Chamber of Commerce Environmental Technical Committee and serves as the chair of the water subcommittee. She has previously served as the program and committee chair for the Greater Greenville Chamber of Commerce Environmental Affairs committee. She has a Bachelor’s degree in Chemical Engineering from Clemson University.