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The AAPG/Datapages Combined Publications Database

AAPG Bulletin

Abstract


Volume: 58 (1974)

Issue: 7. (July)

First Page: 1453

Last Page: 1454

Title: Effect of Subsurface Waste-Disposal Practice on Groundwater Resources in Hawaiian Islands: ABSTRACT

Author(s): F. L. Peterson, K. J. Takasaki

Article Type: Meeting abstract

Abstract:

Geologic and hydrologic framework (K. J. Takasaki):
Groundwater in Hawaii is present as basal water, as dike-impounded water, and as perched water. Basal water, the fresher part of it forming a lens-shaped body floating on saline groundwater, is in dike-free volcanic rocks and in sedimentary rocks. Dike-impounded water is confined to volcanic rocks in eruptive zones. Perched water is present in all rocks and at all altitudes.

Most recharge to groundwater is in the wet interior mountains. Therefore, the main areas of recharge are upgradient from developed areas where most wastes are disposed of in the subsurface. This natural deterrent, by position of the recharge area, so far has kept much of the groundwater in its pristine quality state. Deterioration of the groundwater will increase as land developments encroach toward the recharge areas-the degree will depend greatly on the waste-disposal practices.

Most natural discharge of groundwater is along the shore, downgradient from disposal wells. The contamination of the beaches rather than of the water supply is the main concern regarding subsurface disposal of wastes in the low areas under present conditions.

Hydraulic, geochemical, and monitoring aspects of liquid-waste injection under Ghyben-Herzberg equilibrium

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conditions (F. L. Peterson).-The success of injection operations depends primarily on injection capacity and fate of the injected waste. To evaluate these factors properly an understanding must be obtained of local hydrogeologic conditions, hydrodynamics of injection under Ghyben-Herzberg lens conditions, and possible chemical and biologic effects. Hawaiian hydrogeology is understood fairly well, and where adequate information is not available, it usually is possible to collect these data by careful field investigation. Considerable information is available from other parts of the world on the hydrodynamics of waste-water injection. However, much of this information is not directly applicable to injection in the Hawaiian environment. Particularly troublesome are the complications caus d by the extreme heterogeneity of Hawaiian receiving formations and Ghyben-Herzberg lens effects. Likewise, because chemical and biologic reactions depend on the nature of the injected waste, the receiving waters, and the receiving formations, many of the data collected elsewhere are not applicable in Hawaii.

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Copyright 1997 American Association of Petroleum Geologists