Project Type: Water

Groundwater Quality Source Evaluation for the Rainbow Springs Group

Water Project

Groundwater Quality Source Evaluation for the Rainbow Springs Group

Southwest Florida Water Management District (SWFWMD) • Marion County, FL

Solution Overview

Two kayakers paddling clear waters near one of the vents along a section of the Rainbow Springs in Marion County, Florida.

Client:

Southwest Florida Water Management District (SWFWMD)

Business Challenge:

  • Minimized stresses which have diminished water quantity and quality observed at the springs, including increased nitrate concentrations in spring discharge

Solution:

  • Used an enhanced solution of water quality problems by streamlining a spatially focused, cost‑effective means for spring protection and source identification

Results:

  • Pilot program demonstrated the surgical approach and economically identified “hot spot” areas in need of further evaluation in a karst environment
  • Program results were provided to the Florida Department of Environmental Protection (FDEP) for consideration as part of their Basin Management Action Plan (BMAP)

Challenge

There are more than 150 springs within the SWFWMD, all of which have become threatened to varying degrees by anthropogenic activities and other factors. The SWFWMD has established a “Springs Team” comprised of in-house experts charged with evaluating and applying a variety of techniques—such as regulation, monitoring, research and development, restoration, and education—to minimize stresses which have diminished water quantity and quality observed at the springs. Of these stresses, increased nitrate concentrations in spring discharge over the last 50 years is paramount.

Traditional approaches to springs protection and restoration have focused on areas proximal to the spring or spring group. While many projects have evaluated the quantity and quality of water discharging from specific springs or spring groups, these efforts have been focused on delineation of the spring sheds and identification of spring protection areas based on proximity to the spring or pre-existing knowledge from dye traces or other site-specific evidence.

Solution

Rather than large scale, “catch-all” approaches of the past, such as delineation of a spring protection zone near the spring, staff with Water Science Associates, an Apex Company—working closely with Dr. Sam Upchurch (University of South Florida emeritus)—evaluated a “surgical” approach to hydrogeologic evaluation and establishment of site‑specific, nutrient-reduction target areas. This approach hopes to provide a solution to water quality problems by streamlining a spatially focused, cost-effective means for spring protection and source identification. SWFWMD data, such as existing monitoring well and spring water-quality data, was utilized to identify the most probable primary source areas of nutrients and related recharge water from within the Rainbow Springs Group spring shed.

The pilot program evaluation method increases in complexity with each step of the evaluation; however, the end result links aqueous geochemical statistics to potential karst features and land uses evaluated during the three 10-year time frames. Like any hydrogeological investigation, the foundation is a sound conceptual site model. This included a regional and site-specific review from a stratigraphic, geomorphic, and karst science perspective. Once potentially relatable karst features were identified, statistical analyses of the SWFWMD water quality data were completed to cluster the water quality data into process-related factors. Site-specific loadings of water quality data to process-related factors can be mapped to identify potential sites of interest within a spring shed. The statistical approach included geochemical fingerprinting by pattern recognition and analysis; principal component analyses; and factor analyses. These geostatistical/geochemical analyses along with the karst hydrogeological evaluation allowed for the identification of potential “hot spots”.

Aqueous geochemical analyses aid in sorting out chemical variables related to hydrogeologic processes beyond strict lithologic controls. In this study, the technique improved the conceptual model for recharge to the Upper Floridan aquifer and included: (1) confirming that recharge rates and pathways are related to topographic regions; (2) identifying possible fracture traces that influence recharge and groundwater movement; and (3) delineating areas in the vicinity of the Rainbow Springs Group where groundwater is impacted by artificial recharge from urban and agriculture sources.

Results

Water Science Associates used principal component analyses and factor analyses as means of identifying sources and processes of groundwater quality in a spring shed. The analysis was constrained in such a way as to force inclusion of analytes related to rock-water interactions into a single factor. The remaining two factors reflected analytes related to phosphate mining, fertilization and, possibly, soil amendment application.

Depending on the amount of available information, this pilot program demonstrated the applicability of the surgical approach and economically identified “hot spot” areas in need of further evaluation in a karst environment. The pilot program and results were provided to the FDEP for consideration as part of their BMAP.

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Coastal and Heartland National Estuary Restoration

Water Project

Coastal and Heartland National Estuary Restoration

Coastal and Heartland National Estuary • Charlotte County and Lee County, FL

Solution Overview

Client:

Coastal and Heartland National Estuary (CHNEP)

Business Challenge:

  • CHNEP identified watershed issues creating environmental damage within the Charlotte Flatwoods area

Solution:

  • Water Science Associates, an Apex company, moved water stored in the upper watershed to the lower watershed

Results:

  • Restored wetland hydroperiods generated more balanced flows to tidal areas and improved spawning habitat for game fish

Challenge

Working on behalf of multiple stakeholders including South Florida Water Management District (SFWMD), Southwest Florida Water Management District (SWFWMD), Florida Fish & Game, Charlotte County, Lee County, and the City of Cape Coral, the CHNEP identified watershed issues within the Charlotte Flatwoods area including excess water in the upland portions of the watershed. The excess water had caused environmental damage to existing flora and fauna, and blockage of historic flow-ways by a major railroad grade, US 41, I-75, and the berming of private properties for agricultural, mining, and residential development, created water deficits in the downstream areas of the watershed. CHNEP hired Water Science Associates to study the system, develop an integrated groundwater and surface water model, and use that model to evaluate various improvement and restoration options.

Solution

One of the major alternatives was to find a way to move water artificially stored in the upper watershed to the lower watershed. Water Science Associates developed various means to accomplish this, one of which included conversion of a nearly completed mine to a reservoir for seasonal storage of water. However, there was no identified means to pay for that reservoir conversion.

Results

Water Science Associates’ recommended restoration plan improves wetland hydroperiods by storing flooded wetlands in Babcock Webb and delivering the stored water to wetlands in Pens Wildlife Management area. The project also included water storage that was delivered to the public water supply utility in Cape Coral. The restored wetland hydroperiods in Yucca Pens also resulted in more balanced flows to tidal areas of Matlacha Pass, thereby improving spawning habitat for game fish.

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Integrated Water Resource Management

Water Project

Integrated Water Resource Management

City of Cape Coral • Charlotte County and Lee County, FL

Solution Overview

Client:

City of Cape Coral

Business Challenge:

  • The City’s canal system was meeting its water supply capacity each season
  • Water sources flowing between two counties complicated the permitting process

Solution:

  • Converted a mine reservoir into seasonal storage
  • Obtained a water use permit to address jurisdictional issues of moving water between counties

Results:

  • The permit secured 1.6 billion gallons of water supply to the City

Challenge

The City of Cape Coral has a fully integrated water resource management system that involves separation of inside and outside uses of water; inside demands are met by desalination of brackish groundwater and outside demands are met by full usage of the City’s generated municipal wastewater which is supplemented by use of the City’s vast canal network for stormwater harvesting. While that system has worked well for nearly 30 years, growth in the City caused the canal system to experience its limits on at least a seasonal basis. A mining pit near Babcock Webb Wildlife Management Area was converted to an off-line reservoir for use by the City to augment its water supply. The storage area also provided storage to relieve flooding of Babcock Webb. Conditions which complicated the permitting process included the water source originating in the South Florida Water Management District (SFWMD), flowing into Southwest Florida Water Management District (SWFWMD), and flowing back into SFWMD. Additionally, the water, which originated and was stored in Charlotte County, was used by Cape Coral, located in Lee County. These factors necessitated extensive community outreach efforts to communicate the benefits of the project to concerned stakeholders.

Solution

The converted mine reservoir was seen as a potential seasonal source and the City’s user rate structure provided the funds needed to acquire and convert the mine into an effective seasonal storage and conveyance operation. Water Science Associates, an Apex company, designed the mine conversion and obtained a water use permit for the reservoir which addressed jurisdictional issues of moving water between two State Water Management Districts and two counties.

Results

The permit enabled the City to secure 1.6 billion gallons of water supply for the City of Cape Coral while providing a section of conveyance needed to deliver water from the flooded Babcock Webb Wildlife Management Area to the drained Yucca Pens Wildlife Management Area.

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Water, Environmental, and Infrastructure Support

Water Project

Water, Environmental, and Infrastructure Support

Military Housing Provider • Nationwide

Solution Overview

Lift water station pumps involved in Apex's infrastructure support project.

Client:

Military Housing Provider

Business Challenge:

  • Environmental liability and risk characterization during due diligence of a $1B+ multi-family housing portfolio
  • Asset management support needs across industrial hygiene, water and infrastructure

Solution:

  • Provide immersive support, rapid mobilization, and flexibility to address ongoing and emerging client needs

Results:

  • An over 20-year partnership that has expanded across functional and geographic areas.

Challenge

A confidential multi-family residential management firm was exploring new opportunities associated with privatization of Navy and Marine Corps family housing. The firm needed high-level and sophisticated environmental risk management experience to identify, quantify, and properly manage diverse risk associated with historical environmental impairment, as well as initial and ongoing support associated with managing wastewater, drinking water, and stormwater infrastructure for more than 30K residential units at 60 military family housing communities across the nation. Post-closing of the 50- and 100-year management deals, the client had to fast transition from due diligence to asset management.

Solution

Apex began by providing portfolio-level environmental due diligence reviews as well as site investigations and remediation activities. As the client’s needs evolved into more asset management, our team then worked to offer ongoing industrial hygiene (primarily asbestos, lead paint, and moisture intrusion services) along with comprehensive inspection, maintenance, and repair of wastewater, drinking water, and stormwater infrastructure associated with the housing communities. That transition required a response that was fast, nimble, economical, and delivered exceptional customer service. Among our early successes was negotiating an operation and maintenance (O&M) contract for an entire housing community’s wet utilities as well as opening and fully staffing a new divisional office—in two weeks!

Apex’s partnership with the client continues to be strong and ever evolving. Over the past few years, Apex has performed moisture intrusion and abatement surveys for more than 3K units as part of the client’s commitment to safe military family housing, along with pre-framing and delivery inspections of more than 10K private-sector units constructed by a housing partner. We currently support 22 Marine Corps Family Housing communities located on-base in the San Diego area, as well as communities in Coleville, California, Albany, Georgia, and Belton, Missouri.

Results

Our client’s business focuses on comprehensive military housing management and relies on a strategic partnership with Apex to provide a diverse array of specialized water, environmental, industrial hygiene, and utility infrastructure services. The diversity of services and 20+ year relationship requires consistent focus by Apex professionals across different disciplines and the ability of this key team to maintain focus, deliver consistently strong technical performance, and identify opportunities for continuous improvement, such as mapping our clients’ wet utility infrastructure assets using ARTEMIS®, Apex’s propriety environmental management information system. This client-centric philosophy continues to be the core of Apex’s successful partnership and has resulted in developing new markets delivering similar services to the clients’ private-sector projects across various geographies.

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Water Quality Study and Professional Engineering Services

Water Project

Water Quality Study and Professional Engineering Services

Town of Medfield • Medfield, MA

Solution Overview

Client:

Town of Medfield

Business Challenge:

  • The municipality wanted to take a proactive and holistic approach to water quality management while keeping an eye on the emerging contaminant of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS)

Solution:

  • Chemical pre-treatment
  • Peak filter loading rate
  • 2.2 million gallons per day (MGD) WTP design
  • Provisions to integrate future PFAS treatment

Results:

  • Initial PFAS screenings completed
  • PFAS concentrations above 10 parts per trillion (ppt) at Wells 1 and 2 and lower levels of PFAS at Wells 3, 4, and 6
  • Approved feasibility study of PFAS treatment at Wells 1, 2, and 6

Challenge

The Town of Medfield needed to conduct water quality studies at several of its public water supplies, and based on results, would likely need professional engineering services for the design and construction phases of a water treatment system in a proactive approach to PFAS management.

Solution

The Town of Medfield engaged Environmental Partners (EP), Apex Companies’ Infrastructure Solutions platform to assist with both a water quality study and engineering services. The study focused on establishing the source water levels of iron and manganese to develop the scope for a pilot treatability study. During the study, it was found that Well 3 had higher source concentrations of iron and manganese. A chemical pre‑treatment of sodium hypochlorite and sodium hydroxide, GreensandPlus, or LayneOx for filter media, and a peak filter loading rate of up to 9 gallons per minute per square foot (gpm/sf) was proposed. Upon acceptance, a design for the 2.2 MGD WTP for Wells 3 and 4 was completed in March of 2021. The layout includes chemical storage rooms, process area for the pressure filter vessels and air scour blower, a below grade filter backwash waste tank, a backwash waste pump system to pump residuals to the municipal sewer system, a laboratory/control room, and electrical/mechanical rooms. Provisions were made to integrate future PFAS treatment, if needed.

Results

In February 2021, the Town of Medfield completed their initial PFAS screenings of Wells 1, 2, 3, 4, and 6. Results indicated PFAS concentrations above 10 ppt at Wells 1 and 2 and lower levels of PFAS at Wells 3, 4, and 6. As the designs for these wells accounted for future PFAS treatment, the Town approved a feasibility study of PFAS treatment at Wells 1, 2, and 6. The findings and recommendations are currently being evaluated by the Town.

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PFAS Preparedness Study and Treatment Design

Water Project

PFAS Preparedness Study and Treatment Design

Town of Easton • Easton, MA

Solution Overview

Client:

Town of Easton

Business Challenge:

  • Six per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) could routinely exceed maximum contaminant level (MCL) at three wells
  • Existing treatment practices were not equipped to remove PFAS

Solution:

  • Retrofit granular activated carbon (GAC) pressure vessels to existing groundwater facilities

Results:

  • Permitting, final design, and construction to be completed in 2023

Challenge

Finished water sampling results suggested that levels of six PFAS compounds routinely exceed the Massachusetts PFAS6 MCL at Wells 1, 2, and 4R in the Town of Easton (the Town). PFAS is not readily removed by the Town’s existing treatment practices, so major upgrades would be required for the Town to continue operating these three key drinking water sources.

Solution

The Town engaged Environmental Partners (EP), Apex Companies’ Infrastructure Solutions platform, to assist with designing, permitting, and overseeing construction of three PFAS removal systems. GAC pressure vessels will be installed at each of the impacted sources as a retrofit to the Town’s existing treatment system. Due to proximity, Wells 2 and 4R will share a backwash drying bed, reducing project costs. Additional space and connection points are provided at each site should removal of iron and manganese be required, and all vessels have the capability to operate with various media types should regulations change in the future.

Results

After completing a preliminary design report and rapid small scale column testing with GAC media, EP completed permitting and final design of the PFAS removal systems. EP also completed pre-procurement of the GAC vessels and media to get ahead of long equipment lead times. Construction bids were submitted in April 2022, with construction of the new treatment facilities scheduled to continue until mid‑2023. While the PFAS treatment construction work is underway, EP is also providing construction phase services for a new treatment plant to remove high levels of iron and manganese from the Town’s Wells 3, 5, and 7, which will include an area reserved for a future PFAS treatment system.

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West Fork Mill Creek Riparian Restoration

Water Project

West Fork Mill Creek Riparian Restoration

Confidential Client • Colerain Township, Hamilton County, OH

Solution Overview

Client:

Confidential client

Business Challenge:

  • Restoration of flood impacted property to rehabilitate native plants and habitat

Solution:

  • Provide engineering and biological consulting services to address restoration activities holistically

Results:

  • Planting of approximately 650 native trees and shrubs
  • Restoration of native habitat and prevention of future flood related losses

Challenge

Apex team members were responsible for the design and implementation of riparian corridor enhancement for three sites along the West Fork Mill Creek in Colerain Township, Hamilton County, Ohio. All three sites included residential lots purchased with federal funds to remove repetitive-loss, flood-damaged homes.

Solution

The project established mixed mesophytic and upland forest, and dry-mesic prairie. An eroding streambank was stabilized with bioengineering techniques using natural materials, such as woody cuttings, prairie plants, and fascines for toe protection.

Prior to planting of native vegetation, honeysuckle eradication was performed. Non-native grasses were also eliminated from the sites, followed by installation of a low-profile prairie seed mix with a seed drill.

Results

Approximately 400 native shrubs and 250 native trees were planted at two of the three project sites. This project was supported with a Clean Ohio Fund grant. Today, the site is thriving and the native species have become well‑established, providing additional habitat to native flora and fauna.

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Beaver Run Riparian Restoration

Water Project

Beaver Run Riparian Restoration

Confidential • Springdale, OH

Solution Overview

Client:

Confidential

Business Challenge:

  • Flash flooding and property damage associated with a degraded riparian corridor

Solution:

  • Bioengineering design to stabilize and enhance the riparian corridor

Results:

  • An enhanced riparian corridor that supports native flora and fauna while enhancing water quality and preventing flooding and erosion

Challenge

A degraded riparian corridor along Beaver Run required stabilization and restoration. Extensive hydromodification had turned Beaver Run, a Mill Creek tributary located at Chamberlain Park in the City of Springdale, Ohio, into a flash flood waterway that was cutting deeper into its streambed, undermining fill materials, eroding streambanks, sending sediments downstream, and collecting discarded items, especially shopping carts. If left unrestored, Beaver Run and its tributary could have ultimately caused costly problems for nearby infrastructure (e.g., I-275) and commercial land uses (e.g., Tri-County Mall). Also at risk were the backyards of several streamside houses.

Solution

Apex Companies team members developed bioengineering design and specifications and conducted construction oversight to stabilize and enhance the degraded riparian corridor along Beaver Run.

Streambanks were stabilized with soil encapsulated lifts, coir logs, coir matting, woody cuttings, prairie plants, upland and mixed-mesophytic forest buffer. A plunge pool was also constructed to reduce water velocity and increase storage.

Results

This project enhanced the riparian corridor by providing food and cover for terrestrial animal species, improved water quality and reduced erosion. Enhancement of the riparian system provided shading to moderate water temperature and discourage eutrophication. The use of natural materials allowed aesthetic bank stabilization to promote the establishment of hard-mast trees and other tree species useful to wildlife.

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Spill Prevention Control and Countermeasure (SPCC) Inspections

Water Project

Spill Prevention Control and Countermeasure (SPCC) Inspections

Leading Natural Gas and Electric Utility Company • Multiple Sites Throughout Indiana

Solution Overview

Client:

Leading natural gas and electric utility company

Business Challenge:

  • Compliance with SPCC rules under the Clean Water Act (CWA)

Solution:

  • Thorough and effective SPCC plans and consistent inspections

Results:

  • Apex has been able to address any problems and/or issues before they arise, helping the client to achieve compliance excellence

Challenge

Apex Companies team members have been managing and providing monthly SPCC plan inspections for 16 different electric and natural gas substations located throughout Indiana, since 2019. These facilities store more than 1,320 gallons of oil on-site; therefore, they are subject to the oil pollution prevention regulations in 40 CFR Part 112 of the CWA.

Areas of concern associated with the sites include maintenance garages, electrical transformer storage, used oil storage, service center areas, mobile equipment storage and maintenance areas, fleet buildings, and various substation operation areas. Constituents utilized onsite include gasoline, diesel, new and used oil, hydraulic fluid, and transformer oil.

Solution

Apex team members took over monthly inspection obligations of the sites in 2019 which included updating SPCC plans from 2016. Apex communicated any changes or deviations from the 2016 plans immediately upon discovery and assisted in the revision of the associated SPCC plans. Apex identified a number of concerns not previously noted in the SPCC plans and was able to make additional suggestions to the client to improve SPCC compliance.

Results

Apex coordinates with utility staff monthly and mobilizes to the sites to complete inspections in less than one week's time. The 16 sites are located in the northern half of Indiana, spanning the eastern and western borders of the state. Apex files hard copies of monthly SPCC inspections at all 16 facilities. At the conclusion of each inspection, Apex submits electronic copies to give remote facility managers real-time access to observations from the field. Additionally, Apex submits digital copies via a software communication tool the client has developed to track compliance.

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Morses Pond Water Treatment Plant PFAS Treatment

Water Project

Morses Pond Water Treatment Plant PFAS Treatment

Town of Wellesley • Wellesley, MA

Solution Overview

Morses Pond Water Treatment Plant PFAS Treatment

Client:

Town of Wellesley, MA

Business Challenge:

  • Treatment of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) at four public water supply wells
  • PFAS above 20 parts per trillion (ppt) maximum contaminant level

Solution:

  • Develop strategy for interim PFAS treatment

Results:

  • Safeguarding public health
  • Interim PFAS treatment solution allowing the Town to reactivate the public water supply

Challenge

The Town of Wellesley conducted PFAS screening results at all of their water supplies in April 2021, as required by the Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection (MassDEP). The results showed concentrations of PFAS6 greater than the 20 ppt maximum contaminant level at the Morses Pond Water Treatment Plant (WTP) point of entry to the distribution system. In response to these results, the Town proactively took the Morses Pond WTP offline and began utilizing their Massachusetts Water Resources Authority (MWRA) connection at the Hegarty Pump Station to replace the 1.5 million gallons per day (MGD) WTP. The Town retained Environmental Partners (EP), Apex Companies’ Infrastructure Solutions platform, to design an interim treatment solution that would allow the Town to reactivate their largest source.

Solution

The interim treatment solution design by EP was activated on June 17, 2022, following approval by MassDEP. The treatment solution comprises two trailer‑mounted filtration systems for the removal of PFAS. The first trailer includes a bag filter for the removal of solids and two filtration vessels in parallel filled with granular activated carbon to quench influent chlorine. The second trailer includes two filtration vessels in series filled with anion exchange resin for the removal of PFAS6. This system is expected to operate for a minimum of 1.5 years, while the Town evaluates a long‑term solution.

Results

Since activation in June, PFAS concentrations at the Morses Pond WTP point of entry to the distribution system have been non detect. The PFAS treatment system allows the Town to operate the WTP at a reduced capacity of approximately 1 MGD. This additional flow provides critical water supply redundancy during what has turned out to be an exceptionally dry summer in Massachusetts.

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