Authors / CoAuthors
Lawrie, K. | Brodie, R.S. | Dillon, P | Tan, K.P. | Gibson, D.
Abstract
In the southern half of Australia, recent droughts and predictions of a drier future under a number of climate change scenarios have led to the search for innovative strategies to identify more secure water supplies for regional communities and industries. This study was commissioned to investigate groundwater options for increasing the drought security for the city of Broken Hill. Investigations involved the assessment of a number of aquifers across a broad region, followed by the rapid mapping and assessment of potential MAR and/or groundwater extraction sites over a large data-poor area (>7,500 km2), of the Darling floodplain. Data acquisition included an airborne electromagnetics (AEM) survey (31,834 line km), a 7.5 km drilling program (100 sonic and rotary mud holes), and complementary field and laboratory measurements. Integrated studies found that surface infiltration approaches were not viable MAR options in this area due to the ubiquitous presence of thick near-surface aquitards. However, 3D mapping validated by drilling and complementary hydrogeological investigations identified >30 potential Aquifer Storage and Recovery (ASR) targets where Pliocene aquifers contain significant volumes of fresh groundwater and are sandwiched between confining aquitards. A pre-commissioning semi-quantitative residual risk assessment was carried out for a priority site (Jimargil), located within 20 km of existing power and surface water infrastructure at Menindee. Using national MAR guidelines, assessment of 12 hazard types included hydrogeological modelling, laboratory column clogging studies and geochemical assessment to identify source water treatment requirements. The study found that the residual scientific/technical risks for ASR at Jimargil are low. Key to project success was the development of new rapid mapping and assessment methodologies and workflows. It is our understanding that this is the first use of AEM as part of multi-disciplinary mapping and assessment of MAR targets. The investigations in this study also completely revised our understanding of the age, stratigraphy, structure and mode of deposition of the Darling floodplain sediments, with practical implications for the hydrogeological conceptual model underpinning the assessment of groundwater resources and MAR options.
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nonGeographicDataset
eCat Id
75732
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Cnr Jerrabomberra Ave and Hindmarsh Dr GPO Box 378
Canberra
ACT
2601
Australia
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- External PublicationAbstract
- Australian and New Zealand Standard Research Classification (ANZSRC)
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- Geology
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- Published_Internal
Publication Date
2013-01-01T00:00:00
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geoscientificInformation
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Abstract prepared for submission to the International Association of Hydrogeologists (IAH).
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