Hydrogeologic information in the Great Lakes basin, United States, and application of a geographic information system to public supply wells and hazardous-waste sites

Abstract

A computerized data base has been established to facilitate analysis and interpretation of potential for groundwater contamination in the Great Lakes basin. The computerized data base is being used in conjunction with a geographic information system (CIS). Locations of public-supply wells were obtained from Federal and State agencies and stored in the system. Well locations are displayed using the Albers equal-area projection. A CIS was used to create a map of public-supply wells and a map of combined waste sites and public-supply wells. A comprehensive bibliography of 1,114 references, published during the period 1960-86, pertaining to hydrogeologic studies in the Great Lakes basin and geographic information systems, has been compiled using a relational database program. Where possible, references are indexed by State and county to assist in determining areas where additional study is necessary. In 1984, the Groundwater Contamination Task Force was established by the Science Advisory Board to construct a proposal outlining the strategy needed to determine the extent and potential effects of groundwater contamination on the Great Lakes. That proposal recommends that all existing reports, data, and maps for the basin be compiled. The maps would consist of, but not be limited to, the following: composition of surficial materials and depth to bedrock, bedrock geology, permeability of surficial materials, groundwater flow characteristics, aquifer use, land use, and locations of point sources of groundwater and surface-water contamination. In 1987, the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) initiated a project to achieve two of the goals stated above. The work effort involved the listing of existing reports, theses, dissertations, and ongoing activities; and the development of maps locating the potential point sources of groundwater contamination in the eight States adjacent to the Great Lakes. Purpose and Scope This report describes the development of a bibliographic listing and the potential sources of groundwater contamination in the Great Lakes basin, gathered from academic researchers and State and Federal agencies in the eight States adjacent to the Great Lakes. Basinwide maps were developed showing the location of public-supply wells and waste sites. The sites include all known contaminated sites as of 1986.