More than 70 years of munitions use and disposal at Camp Edward on the Massachusetts Military Reservation have resulted in the contamination of soils and water by munitions-related compounds.

Several groundwater plumes composed of explosive compounds (RDX and HMX) and perchlorate extend from the central firing ranges, known as the Impact Area, toward the coast. The Army Environmental Center (AEC), which manages the Impact Area Groundwater Study Program for the Massachusetts National Guard, is investigating the extent of soil and groundwater contamination at the site and implementing remediation to clean up the soil and water. Field data, technical analysis, multidisciplinary review, and understanding of the hydrologic system at local and regional levels are needed by AEC to insure that ongoing remediation is effective.

The objective of this study is to provide technical assistance to the Army Environmental Center on the source and fate of groundwater contaminants near the military training site on Camp Edwards at the Massachusetts Military Reservation. The technical assistance helps insure that the cleanup of groundwater and soils is based on sound scientific principles and accurate site-specific geologic, hydrologic, and chemical information.

The assistance provided by the USGS to AEC includes technical reviews, analysis of specific technical problems using USGS models and hydrologic data, and participation in technical workshops and review meetings. Groundwater sampling near ponds, continuous water-level measurements, groundwater age determinations, and other methods are used to improve understanding of the flow system and determine distributions of contaminants.

Existing and new USGS local and regional groundwater-flow models are used to guide field activities and interpret chemical data. Uncertainties in model predictions related to transient recharge, model discretization, and aquifer hydraulic characteristics are evaluated. Results of the USGS investigations are reported in presentations to advisory groups and technical meetings, formal letters of comment, and data releases, and technical reports.