HYDROGEOLOGY

AQUIFER CHARACTERIZATION

The characterization of surface granular or fractured sedimentary rock aquifers consists of all activities required for the collection, documentation, interpretation, and presentation of hydrogeological information in the form of cartographic documents. It allows delimiting and characterizing aquifer formation, evaluating recharging, and establishing the level of vulnerability of groundwater. All these characterization steps allow collecting necessary information for the inventory of the groundwater resource and classifying ground waters for local interveners involved in the implementation of a groundwater management program.

LCL Environment realises local and regional hydrogeologic mapping projects, allowing collecting information from various private or public organisations. The integration of this information is used to prepare cartographic documents as well as a hydrogeological information system with spatial reference.

HYDROGEOLOGIC MODELING

LCL Environment realises, through partnerships, Hydrogeologic Modeling Assessments. Hydrogeologic Modeling is used in environmental remediation projects by integrating geological and hydrogeological data, obtained from the field and from the laboratory, in order to verify hypotheses of ground water run-off and transportation of contaminants. It constitutes a computerized tool that simulates the flow of ground water and the migration of contaminants to various soil types and under different hydrologic conditions. This tool is useful in the conception of treatment systems for soils and ground waters contaminated with different types of hydrocarbons. It also helps in the characterization of watersheds and/or aquifers.

IRON OCHRE

LCL Environment has developed an innovative approach to determine the precipitation potential of iron ochre at a place of a property. Water dissolves iron present in the soil. Iron gets oxidized when it enters the drain, thus forming iron hydroxide sludge (hematite - Fe2O3), which progressively blocks the drain.

By measuring the depth of the groundwater and the granulometry of soil, as well as the concentrations of ferrous iron, pH, temperature, dissolved oxygen, redox potential, and the type and number of ferruginous bacteria (Gallionella, Leptothrix and/or Sphaerotilus spp.) in groundwater, LCL Environment can determine the precipitation potential of iron ochre at the location of outlet pipes and will propose corrective actions, if applicable.

DRAINAGE ASSESSMENT

Drainage Assessments are conducted prior to or in the midst of a water accumulation problem at a place of a property. These problems often occur as a result of a poor drainage system. LCL Environment conducts a hydrologic assessment at the place of the property in order to characterize the level of the water table and the aquifer’s permeability, to make conclusions based on the water balance of the property and, if applicable, to make recommendations on the implementation of an efficient draining system.

OTHER SERVICES

LCL Environment also offers other environmental services such as:

• Stream Bank Management.