Posted by rebecca Ward on Thu, Jun 30, 2011 @ 09:12 AM
When implementing the Triad approach, S2C2 Inc. relies upon EarthSoft’s EQuIS, in addition to ESRI’s ArcGIS and Rockware’s RockWorks software to optimize the environmental data management and visualization of large environmental data sets. The Triad approach incorporates the three following components:
- Systematic Planning
- Real-Time Measurements
- Dynamic Work Strategies
The primary goal of this approach is to streamline site characterization.
Successful implementation of the Triad approach should consider the following:
- Contaminated sites are viewed as heterogeneous.
- For systematic planning, the Conceptual Site Model (CSM) provides the foundation for decision making.
- Real-time measurements are utilized and include field screening, geophysical techniques, and direct-sensing technologies.
- Accurate Conceptual Site Models (CSM) are the basis for real time, on-site decisions, and require continuous adaption as more information is obtained in the field.
- Dynamic Work Strategies typically utilizing adaptive sampling procedures allow for real-time decisions based on data generated in the field.
- Adapt field communications and data management strategies are necessary to efficiently organize, display, and present large and complex data sets.
S2C2 works closely with consultants to identify project-specific objectives and select and combine different data collection methods in order to provide real-time measurement technologies that are appropriate for the site.
Managing and visualizing large data sets that are typically associated with Triad programs is a perfect match with EQuIS since it requires well-organized environmental data management combined with a powerful retrieval system, which are key EQuIS features. S2C2 uses EQuIS as the backbone of its data processing engine for management and visualization of data sets as well as for developing and continuously updating CSMs that are delivered to stakeholders in ArcGIS, a common Geographical Information Systems (GIS). All types of field data (i.e., direct-sensing data, GPS data, analytical laboratory data, etc.) are directly exported in electronic data deliverables (EDDs) and uploaded into the EQuIS database where the data can be delivered to a number of third party software packages including: Rockware’s LogPlot and RockWorks and ESRI’s ArcGIS and 3D Analyst.
Field borehole data from direct-sensing probes such as the Membrane Interface Probe (MIP), Fuel Fluorescent Detector (FFD), and conductivity probes as well as standard soil logs are produced as S2C2 formatted logs using EQuIS and LogPlot.
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 A Direct Push track rig enables S2C2 to access difficult terrain and to reduce sampling time and client cost.
 FFD delineates residual and free-phase hydrocarbon impacts up to 200’ per day.
 S2C2 Mobile laboratory analyzes site specific contaminants of concern. Laboratory results are loaded electronically into EQuIS.
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Posted by rebecca Ward on Wed, Jun 15, 2011 @ 10:12 AM
Project Overview
The City of Redmond (City) has several water quality related programs (e.g., Groundwater Monitoring, Drinking Water, and Surface Water) responsible for contributing to the protection, management, and water quality data management of ground and surface water resources. These water quality programs (Programs) have either regulatory responsibility authorized by state or county oversight agencies or, have local authority through ordinances. Each Program has different reporting needs internally, to the public, and for meeting regulatory requirements. Currently, each Program collects, stores, and analyzes data independent of the other Programs to meet their basic operational and regulatory needs. However, the ability to combine data from the Programs in a centralized system would greatly enhance overall watershed management, provide significant efficiencies in reviewing/analyzing data, and help reduce risks.
Solution
In order to provide a central water quality repository, the City implemented the EQuIS Professional (Version 5.3, SQL 2000) software solution in May 2008. The EQuIS software, in conjunction with other technical software (such as ArcGIS) and some custom features, provided the City with water quality data management tools; the city was able to manage, track, store, and report water quality data at the Program level as well as provide a city-wide view of all water quality information that facilitated expanded analysis and water resource protection.
Approach
The City teamed with GeoEngineers, Inc. (GEI), an earth science and technology consulting firm, to implement the EQuIS solution. The City needed to collect historical analytical data (hardcopy reports), water level data (pressure transducers and manual measurements) and map sample locations within ArcGIS.
GEI created a path to add the historical data used through a combination of custom data entry templates and custom electronic data deliverable (EDD) formats. They also complimented the out-of-the-box capabilities of EQuIS with additional custom tools through MS Access and ArcGIS that provided the City with the means to efficiently manage and analyze the City’s data. GEI also provided a method to track the sample data back to a specific hardcopy report by adding a new bibliography table within the EQuIS framework.
Results
As a direct result of the project, the City’s ability to detect contamination and declines in the water table before a supply well is adversely impacted has dramatically improved. The City can also complete public data requests more efficiently and with greater detail than before the EQuIS system was in place.
Facts
The following lists project details as of May 2009:
- Entered analytical and spatial data from nearly 250 environmental reports.
- Approximately 130,000 water level measurements (recorded from manual measurements and data loggers) in EQuIS.
- Over 40,000 analytical records stored in EQuIS and available for analysis.
- Approximately 1,250 sampling locations that stored in EQuIS can now be easily mapped within GIS.