C003813 USGS Watkins Glen

The United States Geologic (USGS) will compile existing data from geologic literature and previous academic research, from the NYS Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) on water wells, and prior research done by USGS on wells on unconsolidated and bedrock aquifers, to build a localized hydrogeologic framework of the park. This framework will aid in locating two new monitoring wells to be installed in or near Watkins Glen State Park (WGSP). In addition, surface geophysical data will also be acquired to fill in data gaps on the nature of the subsurface (including passive seismic data to determine depth to bedrock, and electrical resistivity tomography (ERT) and transient electromagnetic (TEM) surveys) to help characterize unconsolidated sediment saturation and lithology. Surface geophysical surveys will be conducted prior to well site selection to aid in the selection process, and borehole geophysical logs (gamma and electromagnetic induction) will be collected from the completed wells. Contracting for well drilling and installation will be managed directly by NYS Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation (OPRHP). The USGS will work with OPRHP and WGSP to select well sites, and USGS will be on site during well drilling and installation. USGS will conduct geophysical borehole logging, slug testing, and instrumentation of wells with continuous-recording groundwater monitoring sensors after well installation is complete. The USGS will also assist WGSP staff with the installation of a rain gage at WGSP.