Pumping Test Design for Characterization of in-Situ Leaching Uranium Mines

摘要

In-situ leaching license applications to the NRC and state agencies require substantial hydrogeologic data, including ore zone transmissivity, storativity, and horizontal anisotropy (or directional transmissivity) and vertical anisotropy, as well as the vertical hydraulic conductivity and storativity of aquitards. Three theories can be combined to design a pumping test capable of providing data on the three-dimensional properties of aquifers and aquitards. These theories pertain to partially penetrating wells, horizontal anisotropy, and aquitard responses to pumping in aquifers. Requirements for the pumping test include a partially penetrating pumping well, three observation wells completed at the top and bottom of the aquifer, and aquitard piezometers completed at the same distances and orientations with respect to the pumping well as the upper and lower observation wells. This type of pumping test will provide most of the data required by the NRC to assess the practicability of aquifer restoration plans. 12 references, 7 figures, 1 table. (ERA citation 09:045494)