Course Catalogue.

After participating in this course, you will be able to:

• Understand the context, regulatory framework and guidelines of hydrogeological investigation in urban land development
• Understand basic principles of hydrogeology, soil and aquifer hydraulic properties, groundwater flow and physiography and groundwater flow characterization
• Understand the fieldwork methodologies for the completion of the hydrogeological investigation, including but not limited to monitoring wells and hydraulic conductivity tests
• Understand and apply water balance calculation methodologies to pre and post-development scenarios
• Understand and develop short-term and long-term dewatering scenarios and calculations
• Understand the concept and methodologies of water taking and regulatory requirements of Permit To Take Water

Description
In general, the main objective of a hydrogeological study/investigation is to evaluate whether the proposed application (i.e. land development) is likely to result in adverse/negative impacts on the aquifer, existing groundwater users or natural functions of the ecosystem relying on groundwater.

The expected content of a hydrogeological assessment is broken out into three sections:

• Existing Conditions;
• Impact Assessment; and

Any hydrogeological study/investigation will require both a desktop review of information and data and field work for baseline characterization of the subsurface environment, such as groundwater flow and aquifer hydraulic properties and infiltration.

The fieldwork will include the installation of monitoring wells, groundwater elevation measurements, as hydraulic conductivity testing (e.g. slug test). Upon completion of the existing condition characterization, the impact of the proposed development on the aquifer, surrounding groundwater uses and other environmental components interacting with the subject aquifer is determined.

Water balance in pre and post-development conditions is also calculated, and deficiencies in water infiltration and aquifer recharge are calculated.

Construction and long-term dewatering of groundwater will also be reviewed in accordance with applicable regulatory frameworks.

This course will provide the participants with a comprehensive understanding of the concept and requirements of hydrogeological study/investigation, applicable guidelines and regulatory framework (in Ontario), planning the field work and preparing a hydrogeological report. An example case will also be reviewed.

Who Should Attend
Engineering Consultants • Hydrogeologists • Hydrologists (Stormwater Management) and Environmental Consultants • Planners • Construction Project Managers • Architects • Landscape Architects

Course Syllabus

Day 1

Session 1:

• Overview of Hydrogeological Investigation
• Regulatory Frameworks and Guidelines

Session 2:

• Basic Principles of Hydrogeology, Physiography and Hydrology
• Soil And Infiltration Characterization
• Aquifer and Groundwater Characterization

Session 3:

• Field Work
  1. Monitoring wells
  2. Groundwater elevation measurement
  3. Hydraulic conductivity tests
     1. Slug test explained

Session 4:

• Understanding Water Balance (infiltration, runoff, evapotranspiration)
• Pre and Post-Development Water Balance Calculation Methodology

Day 2

Session 1

• Concept of Dewatering
  1. Short-term (construction) dewatering
  2. Long-term (permanent) dewatering
  3. Calculation methodologies
  4. Regulatory frameworks and guidelines

Session 2

• Permit to Take Water
  1. Required information for submission
     1. Short-term and long-term dewatering applications
  2. Relevant discharge policies (such as foundation drainage policy (e.g. City of Toronto)

Session 3

• Impact Assessment of the Development on
  1. Groundwater/aquifer, infiltration rates and recharge
  2. Surrounding groundwater users
  3. Other water bodies interacting with the subject groundwater
• Mitigation Measures
  1. Introduction to Low Impact Developments (general description)

Session 4

• Case Example and Discussions