Advanced Wastewater Treatment Plant Using 3D Electrical Resistivity

Our client was initially tasked with the geotechnical engineering for a proposed major expansion of operations at an advanced waste water treatment plant in Valrico, Florida. Before any of that work could commence, SEI was contracted with the task of locating geologic features consistent with buried sinkholes, soil cavities, and raveling soil pipes that might adversely affect ground stability. This portion of the project began in April of 2005 and consisted of thirteen (13) three-dimensional electrical resistivity imaging (ERI) surveys. Each survey was between one half and a full acre in size and accurately characterized the subsurface to depths greater than 60 feet.  

Roughly one year later the client was then tasked with another expansion on the same site. This expansion would consist of the creation of a cooling pond roughly nine (9) acres in size. SEI determined three dimensional electrical resistivity imaging surveys would provide the client with the greatest data at depth considering the known soil types on the site. Twelve (12) 3D-ERI surveys were performed over the designated site. The collected data was able to aid the client in positioning borings in areas with potential karst activity.