Alpha Geoscience conducted a geologic and hydrogeologic investigation to gain an understanding of the hydrogeologic system in the area of the former Retsof Salt Mine in Livingston County, New York. The Retsof Salt Mine flooded after a collapse in 1994. Alpha developed and implemented a remedial plan to control rising brine from the salt mine. Alpha’s scope of responsibilites includes monitoring brine movement, technical analysis, negotiation and coordination with federal, state, and county agencies and municipalities. The brine is being pumped from a series of production wells in the aquifers above the mine and desalinated using a 3-effect vacuum distillation process. 

Alpha Geoscience President, Sam Gowan, was an expert witness in the Love Canal trial in 1991 during the punitive damage case against Occidental Chemical Company (successor to Hooker Chemical Company) and Occidental’s counter claims.  Dr. Gowan documented the history of the canal on behalf of Occidental based on the interpretation of air photographs.

Alpha Geoscience performed the initial geologic and hydrogeologic characterization for the salt mine shafts for a new mine at Hampton Corners, New York.  Alpha logged rock core; interpreted geophysical logs, and pressure tested rock core holes to identify water-bearing and gas-bearing zones.  The investigation identified a hazardous gas production zone in the Marcellus shale.  The investigation also included an assessment of the hydrogeology and potential ground water impacts from the proposed salt mine.

Alpha Geoscience provided hydrogeologic analysis of a 3500 ft long MTBE plume in the surficial sand aquifer on Long Island.  An expert report was prepared and the case subsequently settled before trial.

Alpha Geoscience was subcontracted to characterize the geology and hydrogeology surrounding active butane and active propane storage caverns near St. Louis, Missouri. The objective of the investigation was to evaluate the integrity and tightness of the cavern host rock formations. Alpha provided drilling oversight, logged rock core, and conducted hydraulic pressure testing in the bedrock.