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William Edward Wilson

Publications and source records attributed to William Edward Wilson.

8 recordsLinked to original sources

Estimated effects of projected ground-water withdrawals on movement of the saltwater front in the Floridan aquifer, 1976-2000, west-central Florida

Maps of observed 1976 and simulated 2000 potentiometric surfaces were used to estimate rates of saltwater encroachment and theoretical predevelopment equilibrium positions of the saltwater-freshwater interface in west-central Florida. The observed saltwater front, defined by the 19,000 milligrams-per-liter line of equal chloride concentration in the lower part of the Floridan aquifer, corresponds closely to a theoretical predevelopment equilibrium position of a saltwater-freshwater interface. The interface position was computed by the Ghyben-Herzberg method, using heads from a map of the predevelopment potentiometric surface. In maps of both the observed May 1976 and simulated May 2000 potentiometric surface, the saltwater front was within a large seasonal cone of depression in parts of Hillsborough, Manatee, and Sarasota Counties. Average landward flow rate of the front was computed to be 0.30 foot per day in May 1976 and 0.36 foot per day in May 2000. Seaward potentiometric-surface gradient under simulated October 2000 conditions averaged 8.8 x 10-5 foot per foot less than under observed September 1976 conditions. Regional observation wells are desirable for monitoring potentiometric-level changes in western Hardee County and eastern Manatee County and for monitoring water-quality changes along the saltwater front, on its landward side, from mid-Sarasota County northward to Hillsborough County. Net landward movement of the saltwater front in the lower part of the Floridan aquifer is probably occurring under existing conditions. Pumping during 1976-2000 would probably increase slightly the rate of movement. However, rates are so slow that on a regional basis saltwater encroachment under existing and projected conditions is not presently a threat to the existing freshwater resources. The maximum projected regional landward movement, under 'worst case' conditions, of the saltwater front between 1976 and 2000 is estimated to be about one-half mile. Significant local encroachment could result from (1) ground-water development in the zone of transition and (2) deviations of local hydrogeologic conditions from average regional conditions.

Water Supply Paper↗

Simulated effects of ground-water development on potentiometric surface of the Floridan Aquifer, west-central Florida

A digital model of two-dimensional ground-water flow was used to predict changes in the potentiometric surface of the Floridan aquifer, 1976-2000, in a 5,938-square-mile area of west-central Florida. In 1975, ground water withdrawn from the Floridan aquifer for irrigation, phosphate mines, other industries, and municipal supplies averaged about 649 million gallons per day. Rates are projected to increase to about 840 million gallons per day by 2000. The model was calibrated under steady-state and transient conditions. Input parameters included transmissivity and storage coefficient of the Floridan aquifer; thickness, vertical hydraulic conductivity, and storage coefficient of the upper confining bed; altitudes of the water table and potentiometric surface; and ground-water withdrawals. Simulation of May 1976 to May 2000, using projected combined pumping rates for municipal supplies, irrigation, and industry (including existing and proposed phosphate mines), resulted in a rise in the potentiometric surface of about 10 feet in Polk County, and a decline of about 35 feet in parts of Manatee and Hardee Counties. The lowest predicted potentiometric level was about 30 feet below sea level. Predicted declines for November 1976 to October 2000 were generally 5 to 10 feet less than those for May 1976 to May 2000. (USGS)

Open-File Report↗

Hydrologic data for a subsurface waste-injection site at Mulberry, Florida; 1972-77

Since October 1972, industrial liquid waste has been injected into a brine aquifer of limestone and dolomite in Mulberry, FL., at a depth of more than 4,000 feet below land surface. During 1977, the injection rate was about 8.8 million gallons per month. To determine what effect the injected waste has on the ground-water body, water levels have been measured and water samples collected from two monitor wells that tap different permeable zones above the injection zone, and from a satellite monitor well that taps the injection zone. The monitor wells are in the annulus of the injection well, and the satellite monitor well is 2,291 feet from the injection well. This report updates previous data reports and includes all hydrologic data collected by the U.S. Geological Survey during 1972-77. Included is a table of well-construction data, a graph showing the volume of waste injected each month, and hydrographs of the annulus monitor wells and the satellite monitor well. (Woodard-USGS)

Open-File Report↗

Hydrologic data for a subsurface waste-injection site at Mulberry, Florida, 1972-76

Beginning in October 1972, industrial waste has been injected into a limestone and dolomite brine aquifer 4,000-5,000 feet below land surface. During October 1975 through December 1976, the injection rate was about 8.2 million gallons per month. To determine what effect, if any, the injected waste is having on the ground-water body, water levels have been measured and water samples collected from two monitor wells that tap two different permeable zones above the injection zone, and from a satellite monitor well that taps the injection zone. The two monitor wells are installed in the annulus of the injection well and the satellite monitor well is 2,291 feet distant from the injection well. Water levels in the satellite monitoring well fluctuate in response to changes in the injection rate. Water levels in the monitor wells fluctuate in response to variations in recharge to and discharge from aquifers above the injection interval, from seasonal rainfall and from well discharge. In the shallow annulus monitor well, water levels fluctuate about 25 feet annually compared with about 2 feet in the deep annulus monitor well. Chemical analyses of water samples from all monitor wells show variations in concentration of constituents from time to time but no overall change.

Florida↗

Simulated changes in ground-water levels resulting from proposed phosphate mining, west-central Florida; preliminary results

A digital model of two-dimensional ground-water flow was used to simulate projected changes in the Floridan aquifer potentiometric surface in 1985 and 2000, resulting from proposed ground-water developments by the phosphate mining industry in west-central Florida. The .model was calibrated under steady-state conditions to simulate the September 1975 potentiometric surface. Under one development plan, existing phosphate mines in Polk County would continue to withdraw ground water at 1975 rates, until phased out as the ore is depleted; no new mines would be introduced. Preliminary results indicate that under this plan, maximum simulated recovery of the potentiometric surface is 11.9 feet by 1985 and 36.5 feet by 2000. Under an alternative plan, all proposed mines in Polk, Hardee, DeSoto, Hillsborough and Manatee Counties would begin operations: in addition to the continuation and phasing out of existing mines. Preliminary results indicate that the potentiometric surface would generally recover in Polk County and decline elsewhere in the modeled area. Maximum simulated recovery is 4.5 feet by 1985 and 29.6 feet by 2000; maximum simulated drawdown is 15.1 feet by 1985 and feet by 2000. All results are preliminary and subject to revision as the investigation continues.

Open-File Report↗