Adoption of a Rapid, Direct Measure Device to Measure Specific Discharge from Earthen-Lined Waste Storage Ponds

The purpose of this award is for the grantee to adopt and utilize a device that rapidly and directly measures pond seepage rates. NTH Consultants will adopt a rapid, direct measure devise to measure specific discharge from earthen-lined waste storage ponds. Implementation of a device used to directly measure waste storage pond seepage rates will allow producers to demonstrate equivalency to seepage rate standards. The device can be used on earthen-lined waste storage ponds where construction documentation does not exist and the liner adequacy has come into question. The device is a simple and inexpensive alternative to current methods used for testing. The device employs a mirror on a fulcrum, which is used to measure changes in the pond water level. Differences in the projected image of a staff gauge are read from the mirror with a telescope. Previous studies have demonstrated that the device can measure changes in water level to within 10-microns. For the waste storage ponds identified as not meeting specified seepage rates, groundwater quality in rural areas can be improved and protected from nutrient and pathogen transport by installing a more adequate liner.