Geochemistry

Geochemistry Solutions

SSP&A’s geochemistry group, comprising post-doctoral level organic-inorganic geochemists supported by several MS-level geochemists, has developed a leadership role in PFAS constituent evaluations, as exemplified by providing expert testimony in PFAS-related lawsuits, participation in the Interstate Technology and Regulatory Council’s (ITRC) PFAS team and National Groundwater Association’s (NGWA) PFAS working group, and co leading NGWA’s PFAS forensics white paper.

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PFAS and Emerging Contaminants

SSP&A stays on the leading edge of issues related to PFAS and numerous other emerging contaminants in order to provide technical expertise for our clients.

Solutions

SSP&A experts are ready to guide you through any of your PFAS and emerging contaminant issues from start to finish, including problem definition, investigation, forensics, development of conceptual site models (CSMs), water treatment and remediation, and expert testimony.

Stable & Radiogenic Isotopes

Both stable and radioactive isotopes have various applications in the field of environmental hydrology, from age dating, determination of biogeochemical transformations and geochemical fingerprinting.

Solutions

We perform a variety of isotope analyses to support your environmental investigation and project needs, including: sulfate source evaluation, nitrogen source and fate, perchlorate degradation, recharge rates, uranium transport, dating sediment cores, and aquifer sustainability.

Geochemical Statistics

SSP&A has a creative group of geostatisticians who use statistical methods in novel ways to solve complex environmental problems. Our subject-matter experts (SMEs) perform analyses to help confirm compliance within various regulatory frameworks and track the success of chosen remedies.

Solutions

We perform high-level geostatistics applied to a variety of environmental applications, such as: RCRA compliance, regulatory compliance, determining background levels, principal component analysis (PCA), and environmental forensics.

Organic & Inorganic Contaminants

SSP&A pioneered the application of geochemistry to the field of hydrogeology. Our geochemists are recognized experts in the field of environmental forensics, and provide services to address the fate and transport of organic and inorganic chemicals in the environment.

Solutions

Environmental contamination evaluations, including: polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs); polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs); chlorinated solvents; oil & gas; acid mine drainage; hexavalent chromium; sulfate, nitrate, and perchlorate; and allocation of remedial costs.

Monitored Natural Attenuation

MNA remedies require routine assessment and monitoring to ensure they achieve the desired results. SSP&A has the experience to assess MNA remedies and provide any necessary guidance and remedy support.

Solutions

SSP&A staff assess and monitor the success of the selected remedy by offering analyses for: plume stability, temporal trends, and plume mass/center of mass.

Geochemical and Reactive Transport Modeling

SSP&A provides leadership in modeling techniques and software development – we 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.

Solutions

SSP&A applies modeling codes and techniques enhanced by knowledge gained from experience on more than 300 investigations. Our in-house modeling experts assist clients on a wide variety of model applications, including: contaminant fate & transport, natural arsenic attenuation in groundwater, aquifer storage and recovery (ASR), managed aquifer recharge (MAR), indirect potable reuse (IPR), total dissolved solids (TDS) source, and geochemical characterization.