Modeling

SSP&A is best known for its work in modeling. Since the company was established in 1979, SSP&A has applied modeling codes and techniques to over 300 investigations of varying complexity. In the process, groundwater-flow and solute-transport modeling have become SSP&A's trademark.

Whereas running a model and producing results are performed by many environmental firms, SSP&A recognizes that modeling is a tool that must be applied correctly and only with a clear understanding of the hydrologic system in order to produce meaningful results.

SSP&A's modeling services include:

Groundwater Surface Water Solute Transport
  • Simulation of groundwater flow;
  • Assessment of the effects of developing a groundwater resource;
  • Identification of the optimal design of groundwater development schemes;
  • Management of aquifer systems;
  • Evaluation of the impacts of waste disposal and mining activities on aquifer systems over time;
  • Evaluation of the use of aquifers as reservoirs for heat energy storage and for groundwater recharge.
  • Conjunctive use evaluations;
  • Simulation and analysis of storm-flow;
  • Evaluation of river/aquifer interaction in riparian zones;
  • Assessment of basin-scale river allocation;
  • Development of agricultural water-budgets;
  • Analysis of tidal mixing.
  • Simulation of contaminant flow and transport;
  • Evaluation of the movement and fate of dissolved and/or immiscible contaminants;
  • Dissolved organic and inorganic chemical interaction;
  • Assessment of the efficacy and response over time of aquifer remediation;
  • Simulation of in-situ leaching;
  • Assessment of saltwater intrusion into coastal aquifers.

Beyond the application of models, SSP&A provides leadership in modeling techniques and software development. SSP&A literally wrote the book on solute transport simulation (Applied Contaminant Transport Modeling – Theory & Practice). We developed and distribute the latest versions of the most widely used solute transport simulator in the world, MT3D. With this established expertise in model development, SSP&A can modify codes to fit the needs of a particular site or problem. We are also involved in the continuing development of PEST, a robust and comprehensive parameter estimation software program.  Moreover, to promote the understanding and correct application of numerical modeling, SSP&A periodically provides training courses in numerical modeling to experienced environmental professionals.