LSPA Western MA May 2024 Membership Meeting

Professor Boutt will introduce the problems associated with groundwater shoaling (i.e. flooding), defined as a short to medium term rise in the water table. To understand the spatial distribution and probability of groundwater rise in Massachusetts, he and his team developed a 3D groundwater flow model for the entire contiguous state. He will detail the new state-wide datasets needed to populate the model including calibration and validation information. This information is aggregated into metrics of water table coupling to the land surface and incorporated into a physically-based groundwater model. Simulation results will be presented and discussed in the context of changes in water storage and water availability. New findings from recent modeling will highlight the impact of combined increases in precipitation and water table rise associated with sea-level rise.

This information will be of interest and importance to LSPs and other practitioners as they conduct the work of site assessment and remediation, while needing to take into account climate change and weather events that will continue to impact groundwater and water table levels and flooding.

5:30 PM – Meeting room opens for networking and light dinner
6:00 PM – Introduction of sponsor(s) and speaker
6:05 PM – Presentation begins
7:05 PM – Presentation ends (meeting room open until 7:30 for more networking)