At complex nuclear sites like the Hanford Site, there is a need for cost-effective and innovative methods to support site characterization, remedy implementation, and monitor performance. Current technologies to support these objectives rely on borehole drilling and sampling. The information provided by these technologies is high-resolution and high-quality but sparsely distributed in space—thus, interpolation is required to fill gaps between boreholes, creating significant uncertainty. This case study focuses on the use of geophysical technologies to supplement borehole information on the Hanford Site by imaging between these locations and thereby reducing uncertainty. The Hanford Site has a decades-long history of using geophysical methods to support a variety of site objectives, including environmental management. Our presenters will provide a historical perspective on the use of geophysics on the Hanford Site, how borehole geophysics has played a role in development of the site conceptual model, and finally on recent geophysical applications in field and laboratory settings. The aims of this case study are to (1) introduce and share novel ways that geophysical technologies are being used at the Hanford Site to supplement borehole information, and (2) demonstrate technology developments that could benefit characterization of other complex remediation sites around the globe.

► Watch the Hanford Site Case Study video and find the presentations here.