Protection of ground water from oil pollution

Abstract

A study of the protection of ground water from oil pollution, conducted by CONCAWE, showed that for neither preventive nor remedial measures is it possible to lay down rules that can be applied to all cases. The technical data required includes a knowledge of the nature of the subsoil, aquifer characteristics, the depth of the ground-water surface, the aquifer velocity and the direction of ground-water flow, and the location of any water extraction points likely to be affected. Pumping tests, drawdown formulas, and mathematical models will assist in the selection of the correct locations of points for recovery of oil and in the selection of pumps of adequate capacity. The principal methods which can be used for preventing the uncontrolled migration of free oil on the groundwater surface, and of dissolved oil and partially degraded compounds carried into the body of the ground water, include trenches, walls, and wells to modify the slope of the ground water using hydrodynamic control. The recovery of oil and water from a trench or well point can be done using one or two pumps. The two-pump system is preferred since it minimizes the subsequent treatment of contaminated water. The mathematical modeling of the migrationmore » of oil spilled on the ground, well boring techniques, and other related topics are also discussed.« less