Representatives from DOWL HKM presented to the Nikiski Community Council on November 3 detailing the initial steps of gathering Nikiski groundwater data.
Dowl HKM Public Involvement Manager Rachel Steer…
Steer: “So we’re looking to survey wells in the area to get data on ground water levels, so we’re looking to get the information on the water depth, the flow and the direction in this project study area.”
She said they will not be taking any water samples or even touching the water in this initial step to collect data.
Steer: “Before any additional research on contamination or additional groundwater flow work can be done this first level of analysis needs to be done.”
DOWL HKM’s Environmental Specialist Zach Huff detailed what brought the process about.
Huff : “It’s based off of a request from the borough who received a grant from the State to determine how this works in this area. There have been historical issues of contamination and they essentially want to map the flow of the contamination, so our model will help them get an idea of what directions contaminates are moving.”
DOWL HKM is requesting anyone in the specified area who would like to grant access to their well for mapping to contact them at 907-562-2000.
The mapping process involving landowners’ wells on their property takes approximately 20 minutes according to Huff.
