Application of a step-wise, integrated method of characterizing hydrologic systems using GIS: A site specific case study at an NPL site near Cheyenne, Wyoming

A step-wise, integrated method for the conceptualization and characterization of a hydrologic system was applied to a site at an Environmental Protection Agency listed NPL site near Cheyenne, Wyoming. The site consists of contaminated soils and groundwater in an area of approximately 187 000 square yards (156 350 m2). ep-wise, integrated method incorporated standard geologic analysis techniques and statistical techniques within a GIS environment to create the primary and interpreted data bases that were used to formulate the conceptual model of the site, and to characterize site parameters. Statistical methods were incorporated into the characterization of site properties to improve upon the discretization and distribution of site parameters. FO was used as a tool: (1) to manage and integrate diverse data types during the development of the primary and interpreted data bases; (2) to analyze primary and interpreted data bases during surface and subsurface parameter characterization; (3) for interpretation and parameter characterization during hydrogeologic framework and hydrologic system development (incorporating contouring, attribution tables and statistical analysis); and (4) for numerical model design and parameter discretization.