Model based impact assessment on groundwater vulnerability during aggregate quarry operation

Abstract

A general methodological approach is proposed for the preliminary assessment of the potential impact on groundwater during the operation of quarries for aggregates. The practical application and effectiveness of this approach are by using a numerical model to predict groundwater and soil contamination during the implementation of a project in the region of Breznik, Western Bulgaria. The spread of highly mobile pollutants in both the unsaturated and saturated zones of the rock complex is simulated after emergency spills and prolonged discharges of contaminated water in the quarry area. The forecast is made for a period of 100 years. The numerical model was compiled using the VS2DI program.