1. Spatial Analysis of Groundwater
Contamination in Hazard County
for Week 5 of Saint Mary U’s
Advanced Modeling
__________________________________________
Kevin Byrne
October 6, 2009

2. Goal
To visualize groundwater contamination over
time at a Winona (MN) EPA “superfund site” for
the benefit of both GIS analysts and people living
or working near the site.

3. My Methodology-Steps
1. Data were examined and I pondered the problem and its variables.
2. I did a box diagram of the process.
3. Data were assembled, edited, and organized.
4. Features (wells, spots locations) were added as points into a shapefile.
5. A spreadsheet was created of focused data then spatially joined to the shapefile.
6. Spatial Analyst was used to explore the best match of chemical concentrations and
well elevations to IDW terraces and contours. I completed a synthesis of layers,
labels, points and lines, and cartographic hierarchy into time series maps in .PDF.
7. I exported key graphics for import into Photoshop, conducted image-optimization,
exported in .PNG format, then imported files overlays into Google Earth.
8. An EPA superfund site in Winona, MN was located that matched most of the criteria
for this assignment.
9. Within Google Earth I entered a placemark and image overlays to the site to
visualize it via “fly-around” perspectives that might benefit GIS analysts and people
living or working near the site. Results here combined #6 above with .KMZ files.

4. Variables
• site’s contextual backdrop
• feature locations
• elevations
• contamination concentrations
• time factor and corresponding data trends
• implications for people near the site

7. ASSETS & DATA LAYERS ANALYZE SYNTHESIZE GOAL
- chemicals doc ArcMap Spatial Analyst layers, labels,
features > shapefile
- .xls docs - wells points + lines, PDF
- CAD graphics - spots spatial hierarchy and
chem. layers IDW design
join export Visualize groundwater
to contamination over
custom .xls table carto export sequence
shape- time at a superfund
elev. layers CONTOURS graphics from
file edit site in Winona
CAD underlay ArcMap
e.g., 'at or
import to Google
over
Ph'shop, Earth,
query 11,000 ppb'
image edit, KMZ
chemical
contours export
for ES
- superfund site

8. The diagram to the left is a network of modules in EVS-Standard that was
used to produce the figure at the bottom of this page. EVS-Standard is a
truly modular software package in which the user graphically interconnects
modules to produce customized applications to meet any need. This
modular paradigm is the key to the flexibility and power of EVS. The ability
to create custom applications and a host of other powerful modules
separates EVS-Standard from the more limited EVS for ArcView.
This m
od
a gas s el and visua
tation d lization
e o
site wit monstrates th f a benzene
h very p
few sa e power of E lume beneath
mple d
ata loc VS even on a
ations.
The above model shows the trichloroethylene groundwater plume below the Vickers site. Monitoring we ll screens
colored by TCE level are combined with the 40 ppb plume. Transparent surfaces show ground level, the water
table and the bottom of the aquifer. Three-dimensional buildings were added to provide spatial references.
Data courtesy: Missouri Department of Natural Resources Hazardous Waste Program. 1

9. WHAT IS BENZENE?
Benzene is a colorless liquid with a sweet odor. It evaporates into the air very quickly and
dissolves slightly in water. It is highly flammable and is formed from both natural
processes and human activities.
Benzene is widely used in the United States; it ranks in the top 20 chemicals for
production volume. Some industries use benzene to make other chemicals which are used
to make plastics, resins, and nylon and synthetic fibers. Benzene is also used to make
some types of rubbers, lubricants, dyes, detergents, drugs, and pesticides. Natural sources
of benzene include volcanoes and forest fires. Benzene is also a natural part of crude oil,
gasoline, and cigarette smoke.
What happens to benzene when it enters the environment?
• Industrial processes are the main source of benzene in the environment.
• Benzene can pass into the air from water and soil.
• It reacts with other chemicals in the air and breaks down within a few days.
• Benzene in the air can attach to rain or snow and be carried back down to the
ground.
• It breaks down more slowly in water and soil, and can pass through the soil into
underground water.
• Benzene does not build up in plants or animals

10. WHAT IS/ARE TOTAL XYLENES?
Xylene, xylenes, and total xylene are used interchangeably. These different forms are
referred to as isomers. The term total xylenes refers to all three isomers of xylene. Xylene
is also known as xylol or dimethylbenzene. Xylene is primarily a synthetic chemical.
Chemical industries produce xylene from petroleum. Xylene also occurs naturally in
petroleum and coal tar and is formed during forest fires. It is a colorless, flammable
liquid with a sweet odor.
Xylene is one of the top 30 chemicals produced in the United States in terms of volume.
It is used as a solvent (a liquid that can dissolve other substances) in the printing, rubber,
and leather industries. Along with other solvents, xylene is also used as a cleaning agent,
a thinner for paint, and in varnishes. It is found in small amounts in airplane fuel and
gasoline. Xylene is used as a material in the chemical, plastics, and synthetic fiber
industries and as an ingredient in the coating of fabrics and papers. Isomers of xylene are
used in the manufacture of certain polymers, such as plastics.
Xylene evaporates and burns quickly. Xylene does not mix well with water; however, it
does mix with alcohol and many other chemicals. Most people begin to smell xylene in
air at 0.08-3.7 parts per million parts of air (ppm) and begin to taste it in water at 0.53-1.8
ppm.

11. GROUNDWATER CONTAMINANT CONCENTRATIONS
John's Junk Yard
Hoffmann 211
Saint Mary's University of Minnesota, Winona, Minnesota
Total Total
Well Sample Date Benzene Toluene Ethylbenzene Xylenes TMB MTBE Naphthalene
1/1/04 20,000 23,200 4,200 14,100 2,400 2,200 950
3/1/04 18,400 19,700 3,800 12,500 2,000 1,700 710
MW-1
6/1/04 12,300 16,100 3,100 11,000 1,700 1,300 550
9/1/04 9,600 12,900 2,400 9,800 1,100 980 220
1/1/04 <0.25 <0.25 <0.25 <0.75 <1.10 <0.25 <0.25
3/1/04 <0.25 <0.25 <0.25 <0.75 <1.10 <0.25 <0.25
MW-2
6/1/04 <0.25 <0.25 <0.25 <0.75 <1.10 <0.25 <0.25
9/1/04 <0.25 <0.25 <0.25 <0.75 <1.10 <0.25 <0.25
1/1/04 <0.25 <0.25 <0.25 <0.75 <1.10 <0.25 <0.25
3/1/04 <0.25 <0.25 <0.25 <0.75 <1.10 <0.25 <0.25
MW-3
6/1/04 <0.25 <0.25 <0.25 <0.75 <1.10 <0.25 <0.25
9/1/04 <0.25 <0.25 <0.25 <0.75 <1.10 <0.25 <0.25
1/1/04 1,600 3,500 720 1,700 1,300 980 450
3/1/04 1,000 2,700 440 1,300 800 720 330
MW-4
6/1/04 600 1,900 270 880 570 560 280
9/1/04 320 1,000 130 490 320 380 170
1/1/04 2,700 4,100 980 5,200 2,100 2,200 660
3/1/04 2,100 3,500 700 4,800 1,600 1,700 520
MW-5
6/1/04 1,400 2,900 540 3,900 1,000 1,100 410
9/1/04 950 2,000 400 3,000 690 740 300
1/1/04 <0.25 <0.25 <0.25 <0.75 <1.10 <0.25 <0.25
3/1/04 3 30 10 35 7 0.90 0.75
MW-6
6/1/04 40 190 50 490 80 13 9
9/1/04 590 700 240 990 330 80 45
1/1/04 <0.25 <0.25 <0.25 <0.75 <1.10 <0.25 <0.25
3/1/04 0.95 25 8 27 4 0.65 0.45
MW-7
6/1/04 28 170 45 380 65 7 5
9/1/04 510 640 210 800 280 54 30
1/1/04 150 880 250 1,000 140 100 70
3/1/04 210 930 280 1,200 160 140 90
MW-8
6/1/04 250 1,100 310 1,500 190 210 120
9/1/04 140 810 220 950 110 100 55
NR 140 GW Enforcement Standard 5 1,000 700 10,000 480 60 40
NR 140 GW Preventive Action Limit 0.5 200 140 1,000 96 12 8
Notes: All results listed in parts per billion (ppb)
BOLD - Indicates result value exceeds the WI DNR NR 140 Enforcement Standard (ES)
Italics - Indicates result value exceeds the WI DNR NR 140 Preventive Action Limit (PAL)
GW - Groundwater
MTBE - methyl tert-butyl ether
TMB - trimethylbenzene
" < " - Indicates the contaminant could not be detected above the concentration listed (i.e. less than the value shown)

12. GROUNDWATER ELEVATION DATA
John's Junk Yard
Hoffmann 211
Saint Mary's University of Minnesota, Winona, Minnesota
Well # MW-1 Well # MW-2 Well # MW-3
Top of Well / Surface Elevation 678.50 Top of Well / Surface Elevation 681.00 Top of Well / Surface Elevation 679.50
Bottom of Well Screen Elevation 663.50 Bottom of Well Screen Elevation 666.00 Bottom of Well Screen Elevation 669.50
Total Depth of Well 15.00 Total Depth of Well 15.00 Total Depth of Well 10.00
Depth to Depth to Depth to
Measurement Groundwater Measurement Groundwater Measurement Groundwater
Groundwater (from Groundwater (from Groundwater (from
Date Elevation Date Elevation Date Elevation
top of well) top of well) top of well)
1/1/04 5.50 673.00 1/1/04 7.50 673.50 1/1/04 4.50 675.00
3/1/04 5.00 673.50 3/1/04 7.00 674.00 3/1/04 4.00 675.50
6/1/04 4.50 674.00 6/1/04 6.50 674.50 6/1/04 3.50 676.00
9/1/04 6.00 672.50 9/1/04 8.00 673.00 9/1/04 5.00 674.50
Well # MW-4 Well # MW-5 Well # MW-6
Top of Well / Surface Elevation 677.50 Top of Well / Surface Elevation 676.50 Top of Well / Surface Elevation 675.00
Bottom of Well Screen Elevation 662.50 Bottom of Well Screen Elevation 661.50 Bottom of Well Screen Elevation 660.00
Total Depth of Well 15.00 Total Depth of Well 15.00 Total Depth of Well 15.00
Depth to Depth to Depth to
Measurement Groundwater Measurement Groundwater Measurement Groundwater
Groundwater (from Groundwater (from Groundwater (from
Date Elevation Date Elevation Date Elevation
top of well) top of well) top of well)
1/1/04 5.00 672.50 1/1/04 6.00 670.50 1/1/04 8.50 666.50
3/1/04 4.50 673.00 3/1/04 5.50 671.00 3/1/04 8.00 667.00
6/1/04 4.00 673.50 6/1/04 5.00 671.50 6/1/04 7.50 667.50
9/1/04 5.50 672.00 9/1/04 6.50 670.00 9/1/04 9.00 666.00
Well # MW-7 Well # MW-8
Top of Well / Surface Elevation 674.00 Top of Well / Surface Elevation 669.00
Bottom of Well Screen Elevation 659.00 Bottom of Well Screen Elevation 649.00
Total Depth of Well 15.00 Total Depth of Well 20.00
Depth to Depth to
Measurement Groundwater Measurement Groundwater
Groundwater (from Groundwater (from
Date Elevation Date Elevation
top of well) top of well)
1/1/04 6.00 668.00 1/1/04 6.50 662.50
3/1/04 5.50 668.50 3/1/04 6.00 663.00
6/1/04 5.00 669.00 6/1/04 5.50 663.50
9/1/04 6.50 667.50 9/1/04 7.00 662.00
Notes: All measurement are reported in feet above mean sea level (MSL)

15. 681 684
681
666
678 679
679.5 680
675
677
675 676.5 677.5
665 678
674
676
671 674
676
Legend
668
669
surface elevation
in feet
683 - 684
673 681 - 682
679 - 680
677 - 678
674 - 676
672 - 673
670 - 671
668 - 669
665 - 667

16. 15 F G
00 50
0 500
MW2
10
50
00
A 2000
0
10
00
2500
1500
500 3500
5000650
1000
0 105 0 500
00 00 00
E
0
4500 12000
8 5 500
00
500
50
1 000
1 6 H
60
1 MW1 MW3 I
50
4500
155
0
40
00
00
75
25 1100
00 0
00
550
150
00
300 0 70
0
0
2000
B 50
0 J
MW6 MW5 MW4
0
50
C K
500
MW7
L
D M
500
N
Legend
benzene Jan. 1
500
O
benzene June 1
MW8 surface elevation
in feet
683 - 684
681 - 682
P
679 - 680
677 - 678
674 - 676
672 - 673
670 - 671
668 - 669
665 - 667

17. F 50 G
0
0 0
10 MW2
15
00
50
A 2000
0
2500
1500
500 3500
5000 650
0
500
155
0
4500
E 500
00
12 00
50
0 0
0
H
85
60
00
MW1 MW3 I
40
105
0
0
9500
75
0
0
0
550
0
300 0 7000
0
B 50
0
500
J
MW6 MW5 MW4
0
50
C K
500
MW7
1000
L
D M
N
Hazard Co. Groundwater
Contamination Plumes
O
benzene (ppm) on Jan. 1
MW8 surface elevation
in feet
683 - 684
681 - 682
P
679 - 680
677 - 678
674 - 676
672 - 673
670 - 671
668 - 669
665 - 667

18. F G
0
0 10
30
0
60
200
20
40
10
0
500
0
70
MW2
0
0
0
10
200
200
A 900
60
1000
700
0
1500 1300
100 200 2200 2400 0
30
800
0 4000 40
10 0
1600
0
31 0
6200
0
40
0
E
00
20
0
23
180
700
H
20
0 I
3200
100
560
5400
100
17
0
0
21 3 30
0
00
00 300 00
73
0
46
110
120 19 700
20 00 2
0
0 0
100 1400
100 0
100 30
400 0
200
J
MW5 MW4 20
0
200
MW6
40
200
0
C 30 K
100
500
200
MW7
L
10
0
300
D M
400
0
10
N
Hazard Co. Groundwater
Contamination Plumes
100
300
O
benzene (ppm) on Sep. 1
surface elevation
0
MW8
10
in feet
683 - 684
681 - 682
P
679 - 680
677 - 678
674 - 676
672 - 673
670 - 671
668 - 669
665 - 667

19. F G
10 MW2
00
A 2000
4000
8000 1000
E 13000
600
100 00
H
00
70
MW1 MW3 I
0
50
90
11000
0
0
0
0
300
0
B
J
MW6 MW5 MW4
C K
MW7
1000
L
D M
N
Hazard Co. Groundwater
Contamination Plumes
O
xylene (ppm) on Jan. 1
MW8 surface elevation
in feet
683 - 684
P
681 - 682
679 - 680
677 - 678
674 - 676
672 - 673
670 - 671
668 - 669
665 - 667

20. F G
MW2
A
2000
6000
1000
E H
300
8000 0
0
I
50
MW3
0 400
10
700
0 00
0
0
B
J
MW6 MW5 MW4
C K
MW7
L
D M
N
Hazard Co. Groundwater
Contamination Plumes
O
xylene (ppm) on June 1
surface elevation
0
MW8
100
in feet
683 - 684
P
681 - 682
679 - 680
677 - 678
674 - 676
672 - 673
670 - 671
668 - 669
665 - 667

21. F G
10 MW2
00
A 2000
4000
8000 1000
E 13000
600
100 0
H
0
00
70
MW1 MW3 I
0
50
90
11000
0
0
0
0
300
0
B
J
MW6 MW5 MW4
C K
MW7
1000
L
D M
Hazard Co. Groundwater
Contamination Plumes
N
only xylene > enf. std. on Jan. 1
O all xylene on Jan. 1 (pts. per billion)
MW8
surface elevation
in feet
683 - 684
681 - 682
P
679 - 680
677 - 678
674 - 676
672 - 673
670 - 671
668 - 669
665 - 667

22. F G
1335
136 2
13
1341
MW2 1365
1355
6
133
1337
1
13
4
34
6
13 1363
13
6
3
6
2
133
5 0
2
1361
13
13
134
39 5 5
3
1340 13 13
8
44 E H
1343 13 I
13
MW1 MW3
5 9
13 1358
B 5 7
13 J
4 0 MW6 MW5 MW4
134
9
13
C
13
K
1332
42
33
13
13
5 6
5
9
3
133
1341 MW7
L
13
5
D M
4
13
4 6
13
13 134 13 4 5
42 3 4 4 13
4 9 N
13 13
133 4 4
133 8 13 1 7
13 40
7 39
13
48
O
13
5
MW8
0
13
5 1
P
Hazard Co. Contaminated
Groundwater Assessment
surface elevation

23. F G
MW2
A
E H
MW1 MW3 I
B
J
MW6 MW5 MW4
C K
MW7
L
D M
N
Hazard Co. Groundwater
Contamination Plumes
O
surface elevation
MW8 xylene on Jan. 1
in parts per million
0.000166546 - 1,564.815903
P
1,564.815904 - 3,129.63164
3,129.631641 - 4,694.447377
4,694.447378 - 6,259.263113
6,259.263114 - 7,824.07885
7,824.078851 - 9,388.894587
9,388.894588 - 10,953.71032
Hazard Co. Groundwater
10,953.71033 - 12,518.52606
Contamination -Plumes
12,518.52607 14,083.3418

24. F G
MW2
A
E H
MW1 MW3 I
B
J
MW6 MW5 MW4
C K
MW7
L
D M
N
Hazard Co. Groundwater
Contamination Plumes
O
surface elevation
MW8 xylene on June 1
in parts per million
0.000436245 - 1,220.772957
P
1,220.772958 - 2,441.545478
2,441.545479 - 3,662.317999
3,662.318 - 4,883.09052
4,883.090521 - 6,103.863041
6,103.863042 - 7,324.635562
7,324.635563 - 8,545.408083
Hazard Co. Groundwater
8,545.408084 - 9,766.180604
Contamination -Plumes
9,766.180605 10,986.95313

25. F G
MW2
A
E H
MW1 MW3 I
B
J
MW6 MW5 MW4
C K
MW7
L
D M
N
Hazard Co. Contaminated
O Groundwater Assessment
MW8 surface elevation
benzene on Jan. 1
parts per million
P 17388.889 - 19500
15277.778 - 17388.889
13166.667 - 15277.778
11055.556 - 13166.667
8944.444 - 11055.556
6833.333 - 8944.444
4722.222 - 6833.333
2611.111 - 4722.222
500 - 2611.111

26. F G
MW2
A
E H
MW1 MW3 I
B
J
MW6 MW5 MW4
C K
MW7
L
D M
N
Hazard Co. Contaminated
O Groundwater Assessment
MW8 surface elevation
benzene on Sep. 1
parts per million
P 8455.556 - 9500
7411.111 - 8455.556
6366.667 - 7411.111
5322.222 - 6366.667
4277.778 - 5322.222
3233.333 - 4277.778
2188.889 - 3233.333
1144.444 - 2188.889
100 - 1144.444

28. GROUNDWATER ELEVATION DATA
John's Junk Yard
Hoffmann 211
Saint Mary's University of Minnesota, Winona, Minnesota
Well # MW-1 Well # MW-2 Well # MW-3
Top of Well / Surface Elevation 678.50 Top of Well / Surface Elevation 681.00 Top of Well / Surface Elevation 679.50
Bottom of Well Screen Elevation 663.50 Bottom of Well Screen Elevation 666.00 Bottom of Well Screen Elevation 669.50
Total Depth of Well 15.00 Total Depth of Well 15.00 Total Depth of Well 10.00
Depth to Depth to Depth to
Measurement Groundwater Measurement Groundwater Measurement Groundwater
Groundwater (from Groundwater (from Groundwater (from
Date Elevation Date Elevation Date Elevation
top of well) top of well) top of well)
1/1/04 5.50 673.00 1/1/04 7.50 673.50 1/1/04 4.50 675.00
3/1/04 5.00 673.50 3/1/04 7.00 674.00 3/1/04 4.00 675.50
6/1/04 4.50 674.00 6/1/04 6.50 674.50 6/1/04 3.50 676.00
9/1/04 6.00 672.50 9/1/04 8.00 673.00 9/1/04 5.00 674.50
Well # MW-4 Well # MW-5 Well # MW-6
Top of Well / Surface Elevation 677.50 Top of Well / Surface Elevation 676.50 Top of Well / Surface Elevation 675.00
Bottom of Well Screen Elevation 662.50 Bottom of Well Screen Elevation 661.50 Bottom of Well Screen Elevation 660.00
Total Depth of Well 15.00 Total Depth of Well 15.00 Total Depth of Well 15.00
Depth to Depth to Depth to
Measurement Groundwater Measurement Groundwater Measurement Groundwater
Groundwater (from Groundwater (from Groundwater (from
Date Elevation Date Elevation Date Elevation
top of well) top of well) top of well)
1/1/04 5.00 672.50 1/1/04 6.00 670.50 1/1/04 8.50 666.50
3/1/04 4.50 673.00 3/1/04 5.50 671.00 3/1/04 8.00 667.00
6/1/04 4.00 673.50 6/1/04 5.00 671.50 6/1/04 7.50 667.50
9/1/04 5.50 672.00 9/1/04 6.50 670.00 9/1/04 9.00 666.00
Well # MW-7 Well # MW-8
Top of Well / Surface Elevation 674.00 Top of Well / Surface Elevation 669.00
Bottom of Well Screen Elevation 659.00 Bottom of Well Screen Elevation 649.00
Total Depth of Well 15.00 Total Depth of Well 20.00
Depth to Depth to
Measurement Groundwater Measurement Groundwater
Groundwater (from Groundwater (from
Date Elevation Date Elevation
top of well) top of well)
1/1/04 6.00 668.00 1/1/04 6.50 662.50
3/1/04 5.50 668.50 3/1/04 6.00 663.00
6/1/04 5.00 669.00 6/1/04 5.50 663.50
9/1/04 6.50 667.50 9/1/04 7.00 662.00
Notes: All measurement are reported in feet above mean sea level (MSL)

41.
Software and Data Sources
• Environmental Visualization System report
• Professor John Ebert
• Omnigraffle
• ArcMap
• EPA Superfund Sites web URL
• Google Earth Pro
• Adobe Acrobat Pro