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Adapted from: http://www.epa.gov/epaoswer/hotline/training/gwm.pdf

Whenever there are solid waste landfills, hazardous waste sites or petroleum storage tanks, there is always the risk that contaminants might seep through the soil layer and into the groundwater below.  Early detection of these occurrences is critical to minimizing their impact.  This is accomplished by using monitoring wells that provide samples for periodic testing.

If there is a problem, the contaminants typically form a plume that moves with groundwater flow.  Because the monitoring wells are drilled to various depths, they allow us to measure the extent of the plume and the levels of contaminants within the plume.  Groundwater samples are then collected and analyzed for a variety of constituents.  The results are evaluated and reported to regulatory agencies, with appropriate follow-up activities.