EWC Ewers Water Consultants Inc.
                             160 Redwood Drive
                             Richmond, KY 40475
                             859-623-8464 E-mail:  ewc@mis.net
 

 KARST AQUIFER SPECIALISTS

 

 

 EWC is a groundwater consulting firm specializing in limestone (karst) aquifer investigations.  Our staff regularly engages in aquifer analyses leading to:

 

       - Groundwater monitoring plans
       - Contaminant transport predictions
       - Groundwater remediation schemes
       - Aquifer protection strategies
       - Aquifer development plans
       - Environmental site assessments.

 

In addition, we undertake geologic and hydrogeologic research studies and design and operate groundwater instrumentation systems.

 

SERVICES OFFERED

 

 Among the site investigation, analytical, and technical support services we offer are:

 

  - Groundwater Tracer Studies
       Contamination site analysis
       Groundwater basin analysis
       Wellhead & springhead protection studies
       Point to point tracing
       Time of travel studies

 

  - Analysis For Fluorescent Groundwater Tracer Dyes
       Analysis of water samples
       Analysis of passive dye detectors

 

  - Assistance In Tracer Test Design And Analysis

 

  - Groundwater Tracing Supplies And Equipment
       Fluorescent tracer dyes
       Passive dye detectors
       Sampling equipment
       Flow-through and submersible fluorometers

 

  - Groundwater Instrumentation.

 

TRACER STUDIES

 

    Tracer studies are essential in preparing karst aquifer protection or remediation strategies.  They provide the only unequivocal information regarding the speed and direction of groundwater movement in these aquifers.  They are necessary in determining the most appropriate groundwater monitoring points with the least likelihood of confusion from external contamination sources.  EWC staff regularly utilize these studies in limestone aquifer investigations relating to hazardous waste facilities, landfills, manufacturing and chemical storage areas, spills, and groundwater withdrawal points.  We can provide a complete service from reconnaissance to report, or we can assist your staff in conducting the tracer study.
 

ANALYSES & TRACING MATERIALS

 

    EWC maintains the most up-to-date analytical instrumentation that is available for the detection and quantification of the fluorescent tracer dyes used in groundwater work.  We routinely provide spectrofluorometric documentation of dye concentrations in groundwater at a part per trillion.  EWC staff can perform these analyses on water samples and dye detectors delivered to us.  In addition, we can provide assistance in designing and interpreting tracer studies and supply the tracers in appropriate quantities, the passive dye detectors, and sampling and monitoring equipment especially designed for detecting and quantifying tracer arrival times and concentrations.  This equipment includes dye-concentrating samplers, flow-through fluorometers, and self contained submersible fluorometers.
 

ASSISTANCE IN TRACER TEST DESIGN & ANALYSIS

 

    EWC regularly acts as a subcontractor to geotechnical and engineering firms as well as government agencies.  Frequently we provide guidance and assistance to the staff of these firms and agencies in conducting karst aquifer investigations.
 

GROUNDWATER INSTRUMENTATION

 

    EWC has developed electronic groundwater monitoring packages specifically for karst aquifers.  These units reveal the recharge and transfer mechanisms of karst aquifers and are helpful in predicting the arrival times and concentrations of potential contaminants.  We can prepare and install these units for your monitoring requirements.

 

STAFF

 

    EWC staff has research and consulting experience in 15 states and 10 foreign countries.  Our clients include fortune 500 companies; federal, state, and local government agencies; and smaller firms.  Key members of the staff include the following.

Ralph O. Ewers Ph.D., President and Senior Hydrogeologist-
Dr. Ralph Ewers' karst aquifer experience is worldwide, including most of eastern North America, western Canada, Mexico, the Caribbean, central and western Europe, and the British Isles.  He is Professor of Geology and Director of the Groundwater Research Laboratory at Eastern Kentucky University.  His publication list includes more than 50 titles relating to carbonate aquifer studies.  Dr. Ewers was recently given the Burwell Award for outstanding contributions to engineering geology by the Geological Society of America.  This award recognized his contributions to the problems of contaminant monitoring in Karst aquifers.  He serves on several state and local advisory boards dealing with groundwater regulation and is an instructor for the National Groundwater Association and E3 short-courses entitled, Karst Hydrogeology, With Emphasis on Groundwater Monitoring.  Dr. Ewers personally oversees all EWCprojects.

 

Lynda M. Ewers Ph.D., Limnologist / Environmental Health Scientist-
Dr. Lynda  Ewers received her degree in industrial hygiene from the College of Medicine  at the University of Cincinnati and her freshwater biological training at several leading centers in North America; these include the Kellogg Biological Station of Michigan State University and the Canada Centre for Inland Waters.  She is a former professor in the Department of Environmental Health at Eastern Kentucky University, is certified in  hazardous materials management, and is an industrial hygienist.  Her present research interests include sources of heavy-metal contamination and the bioavailability of lead.  This research has been done in cooperation with University of Cincinnati's Kettering Laboratory and the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health..  Lynda Ewers oversees projects involving existing contamination.  Her expertise is utilized in assessments of impacts of discharges to surface and subsurface streams.

 

Peter J. Idstein M.S., Hydrogeologist-
Mr. Idstein, a former graduate student of Ralph Ewers, has developed a variety of new sensors designed for monitoring groundwater and has implemented computer based groundwater monitoring systems especially designed for karst aquifers.  Mr. Idstein also has extensive experience in dye tracing karst aquifers and in sinkhole analysis and remediation.