Reports
Hydrogeologic data for the Coastal Plain sediments northwest of Ft. Meade, Maryland
2009, Staley, A.W., Bell, S.C., Andreasen, D.C., and Bolton, D.W.
Administrative Report 09-02-04
Abstract
Groundwater withdrawals from the Patuxent aquifer at Fort George G. Meade (Ft. Meade), Anne Arundel County, Maryland, and surrounding areas are expected to increase to meet new demands resulting from growth associated with U.S. Department of Defense Base Realignment and Closure Commission (BRAC) activity. To obtain basic hydrogeologic data to help assess the potential effects of increased groundwater withdrawals, eight test wells were constructed at four sites northwest of Ft. Meade. One test hole at each of the sites penetrated the entire section of Coastal Plain sediments to reach basement rock. All of the test wells were screened in the Patuxent aquifer, which is the predominant aquifer used for water supply in the Ft. Meade area. Water at Ft. Meade itself is supplied by six production wells tapping the Patuxent aquifer. The test-well sites were located to the northwest of the base in order to provide information on the continuity of aquifer layers as they transition from deeper (confined) to shallower (unconfined) settings. An increased understanding of the hydrologic system in this transition zone will provide basic information that will help guide groundwater appropriation policies. The test wells will provide long-term water-level data to help determine the effects of future groundwater withdrawals in the Ft. Meade region and will aid in understanding how withdrawals from the confined part of the Patuxent aquifer affect water levels in the outcrop area.
