COBLE GEOPHYSICAL SERVICES

Providing essential groundwater technical services involves a wide range of skills built up over a career.  CGS was first provided a foundation of training in the Kansas Geological Survey Foley Geohydrology Center, followed by a numerical modeling consulting career centered on collection of parameters in the field through pumping tests and other means, working directly in the field with numerous drilling firms and picking up information that affects aquifer performance through well design. 

 

In the end, CGS has become a valuable field resource for reliable groundwater development in rural Alaska where mobilization costs are extreme and success ranks among the most rewarding experiences of our company.

 

CGS provides a full range of groundwater services for water service providers in all regions of Alaska since 1994.  Groundwater services include 1) background data analyses, 2) exploratory drilling, 3) hydrogeologic surveys of aquifers, 4) groundwater well services, and 5) research focused on improving water quality.

 

Background analyses are important to narrow the scope of many projects and information is gleaned from many sources to determine groundwater parameters necessary for optimal development.

 

Exploratory drilling is typically the next stage, and CGS partners with many Alaskan drilling firms to provide detailed well-logging services by a hydrogeologist.  This service includes parsing out aquifers which can be isolated and drastically degrade water quality by providing field chemistry during well logging.  The geology is also considered including aquifer particulate analyses for field well screen design to obtain optimal well performance.

 

Exploration can include an entire community to determine a more optimum groundwater source to improve water quality and quantity.  CGS provides watershed exploratory analyses including well log research, well sampling and measurement, groundwater elevation surveys and groundwater mapping, and routinely works with engineering firms to account for infrastructure needs and requirements.  CGS studies often include an exploratory drilling budget to augment gaps in a resulting area of interest and provide the best possible exploratory production location(s).

 

Existing groundwater production well services are a common service provided by CGS.  Groundwater production rate recommendations are frequently needed when a community grows and requires an increase in groundwater production.  Water Treatment Plants require reliable long-term groundwater production rate data, and CGS performs a variety of carefully planned groundwater tests to determine these parameters by considering geologic, hydrologic and atmospheric boundary conditions.  These tests also require a variety of portable test pump equipment and instruments for remote location work.

 

CGS provides groundwater well video inspection, and a full range of groundwater chemical analyses.  Occasionally well rehabilitation techniques need to be applied to reclaim well performance; CGS performs both mechanical and chemical rehabilitation depending on the situation.

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CGS also provides solutions to difficult and remote water quality issues using groundwater exploration, in situ and ex situ approaches.  Research and application in these areas with the University of Washington is ongoing and a current focus of effort.  CGS also provides studies to assess the impacts of resource extraction and development on water supplies.