Saturated Rock Fill Tracer Study and Hydrogeological Investigation

project overview

Integrated Sustainability conducted a comprehensive hydrogeological field study to evaluate Saturated Rock Fill (SRF) as a semi-passive treatment system for selenium and nitrate in mine contact water. Through tracer testing and geophysical surveying, we assessed groundwater flow paths, hydraulic connectivity, and the physical geometry of the SRF. This work advanced the SRF toward full-scale implementation and provided the data foundation for pilot-scale treatment planning.

project deliverables

• Executed multi-season bromide tracer tests by injecting water from the Sediment Pond into the Saturated Rock Fill (SRF) and monitoring tracer migration across more than 20 groundwater and seepage monitoring locations.
• Installed and maintained a network of monitoring wells to track tracer distribution patterns and groundwater quality variations over time.
• Analyzed tracer breakthrough curves to calculate groundwater velocities, identify preferential flow pathways, and estimate travel times between injection points and downgradient seeps and monitoring wells.
• Performed full-scale geophysical investigations using seismic refraction tomography to delineate bedrock topography and refine estimates of SRF geometry and saturated storage volume.
• Developed a conceptual groundwater flow model and mass balance assessment demonstrating containment performance, seepage behaviour, and saturation dynamics using field-collected and historical mine datasets.
• Prepared a detailed hydrogeological investigation report with recommendations supporting advancement of the SRF system to pilot-scale and full-scale implementation.