Representative Projects »
Water Supply Development
Project: Water Supply Study
Client: Whatcom Public Utility District
Location: Whatcom County, Washington
The Whatcom PUD is currently assessing the feasibility of developing
a small water supply in its service area. NLW was hired to evaluate
the well and aquifer characteristics. Approximately 70 well logs
were reviewed and analyzed to estimate potential yields, which were
then plotted on a site map.
Project: Production Well Rehabilitation
Client: City of Lacey
Location: Thurston County, Washington
NLW is currently assisting the City of Lacey with rehabilitation
efforts for its Production Well 7. To identify the source of a possible
bacteria problem, this project has involved characterizing water
quality, both at the wellhead and at points along the City’s
treatment and distribution system. The investigation has focused
on:
 Identifying
the types and concentrations of bacteria present at various locations
Characterizing
the chemical conditions that these organisms favor
Designing
and implementing strategies — both long-term and short-term
— for correcting biofouling problems
Project: Aquifer Testing and
Evaluation
Client: City of Lacey Department of Public Works
Location: Thurston County, Washington
Jim Mathieu managed field investigations — drilling, well
construction, and aquifer testing — for many City of Lacey
groundwater studies. His work on these projects included designing
a groundwater exploration program that led to the development of
the East Lacey aquifer, a prolific water source that yields up to
5 mgd. The exploration program involved constructing monitoring
wells and instrumenting them with transducers and data loggers.
These monitoring stations provide the data required to characterize
the natural hydrologic conditions and evaluate the long-term effects
of groundwater development.
One of Jim’s recent projects for Lacey entailed conducting
aquifer tests at the Links site and analyzing the test results to
assess hydraulic properties. The City planned to construct a subsurface
utility vault below the water table, requiring dewatering. As part
of the pre-design work, Jim supervised the drilling and construction
of monitoring wells. The wells were tested using standard slug-test
methods and electronic water-level equipment. The test results provided
the data required to site the utility vault and evaluate preliminary
dewatering options for the well field.
Project: Island Groundwater
Development
Client: Land Alternatives, Camp Nor’wester
Location: San Juan County, Washington
Jim Mathieu was instrumental in developing water supplies on Henry
and Johns Islands, where saltwater intrusion constrained groundwater
development. He developed field reconnaissance maps, reviewed the
hydrogeologic literature, and then conducted well and aquifer tests
near shorelines. Jim also monitored water quality and collected
the hydraulic data required to estimate sustainable yield. Based
on these investigations and testing, he applied analytical models
to estimate the potential for marine water intrusion.
Jim also participated in discussions about water issues at the
public hearing for the Johns Island project. Working under tight
deadlines, he prepared public documents and exhibits for the hearing
examiner. Jim successfully responded to cross-examination from project
opponents and direct inquiries from the examiner.
The project deliverables included recommendations for monitoring
pumping, aquifer levels, and water quality parameters. Most importantly,
this work resulted in successful water supplies.
Project: Water Supply Investigations
Client: City of Olympia
Location: Thurston County, Washington
The City of Olympia needed to evaluate the feasibility of withdrawing
12.5 million gallons per day (mgd) from the McAllister Springs area
to meet its future water demands. Jim Mathieu managed field explorations
for this project, drilling and testing wells to provide the data
required to:
Analyze the
potential yield of the site.
Locate and design
multiple supply wells.
Assess the local
groundwater quality.
Project: Comprehensive Water
System Plan
Client: City of Fife
Location: Pierce County, Washington
Jim Mathieu provided valuable input for the City of Fife’s
updated Comprehensive Water System Plan. He analyzed the City’s
existing capacity to supply water and compared this capacity to
current and future projected demands. To help the City meet its
growing water demands, Jim recommended strategies for developing
additional water supplies and obtaining additional water rights
via purchase and/or transfer. The option to develop new groundwater
sources dovetailed with Fife’s ongoing intertie agreements
with Tacoma for water supplies.
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