Utilization of Cave Data in Hydrogeological Investigations

PanelistsDr. Todd Kincaid, Hazlett-Kincaid, Inc.; Data collection considerations at Wakulla SpringsDr. Steve Worthington, Worthington Groundwater; Modeling issues related to the Mammoth Cave SystemMr. Geary Schindel, Edwards Aquifer Authority (EAA); resource management issues and importance of cavers, cave data and communicationMr. Hal Davis, US Geological Survey; Use of cave data in Wakulla SpringshedMr. Joe Meiman, Mammoth Cave National Park; Resource Management issues and application of data in the Mammoth Cave System.

Discussion topicsCave study template Need for MODFLOW modifications Incorporating cave data in hydrogeological studiesKarst Data Management“VISKA” Very Intensely Studied Karst Area

Data types: Springs WQ Sinkholes Lineaments Dye traces

Reports and presentations repositoryProposal for FGS to maintain data repository

Karst data management: need for centralization and standardization

Tracer methods/types• Contamination/spills• Temperature• Color• Fluorescent, biological (phage), radioactive, microspheres

Input and sample points: Conduits, wells, tubing, homeowner tap Permitting?

• DEP/DOH roles; WQ sampling protocols; coordination to avoid interference• Need for centralized data• Karst Environmental Services protocols – a model• Reporting requirements

– Confidentiality issues (3-5 years?)– Security issues

Proposal: DEP/FGS to maintain statewide map of tracing results• Utilize MOA with organizations?

“VISKA” Very Intensely Studied Karst Area(GW Demonstration Basin/Project)

Desired characteristics Scale/size: 2nd mag springshed or part of 1st mag?, Fan/Man? Subset of Wakulla?,

SRWMD areas Suwannee Farms, Ocala Natl. Forest (i.e. Silver Glenn); SWFWMD: Weeki Wachee?

• Cost factors• Political issues and ”connections”• Conservation easements• CREP program (Mammoth Cave) as cost-share model; NRCS examples

Available historical data Depth <400’ Land-use – ability to modify or implement BMPs and monitor results

“VISKA” Models to consider

• Univ. Arkansas• USF

Conduit characteristics: sat/unsat Good lithostratigraphic and hydrostratigraphic control Need more than one site? Yes!

• Applications Protection of VISKA – public education, signage,

conservation easements

Potential studies within a “VISKA” : SW/GW interaction GW flow model calibration GW dating FAVA validation Contaminant transport Tracer studies BMP issues related to stormwater ponds Speleogenensis Springshed delineation Surface geophysical investigations—WQ, cave detection, lithology BMP demonstration – did the BMPs work? How well? Total Maximum Daily Loads Minimum Flows and Levels

“VISKA”

“VISKA”Outreach/educationFunding approach

Sell idea in the framework of solving a WMD/DEP problem (i.e. TMDL)ID a focus/pilot studyProposal

Initial “Strawman” document – non-site specific, “float” it out for review/reply A steering committee comprised of 5WMD, USGS, FGS, FPS DEP, State Univ., DCA,

Dept. Ag., NSS-CDS, HC, NACD, GUE, Dept. of State:• Hire consultant to initiate and “shepherd” the issue forward• Who’s on first… obtain funding first or select site and/or perform research first, then propose

idea?

VISKA Access• Proposals?• Committee approval?

“VISKA” How to fund?

• Partnerships – Nature Conservancy, Universities, USGS, NSF, NSS, 1000 Friends, DEP/EPA SWAP, USACOE

• Demonstrate successes of applied hydrogeological studies that solve a high-priority environmental problem

– “dark water” origins in Wakulla– SKAs in SWFWMD – retention ponds

• Sell, sell, sell… “Marketing” of idea