Our Expertise
LWS specializes in solving problems for our clients related to water supply planning and development, as well as associated water rights issues. LWS has provided numerous studies to assist with water supply entities planning for future growth through the development of additional water supplies. Given that many entities rely on non-renewable groundwater resources, this planning can also entail the replacement of existing supplies as well as development of future water supplies. In Colorado, all water supply development overlaps with water rights issues, therefore, we also have an experienced team that can provide the technical assistance with every type of water rights issue.
Water supply planning and development can also result in the need for expert testimony in Water Court and Mr. Lytle has testified in numerous State and Federal District Courts, as well as Colorado’s Water Courts. This work can include the adjudication of surface water direct flow rights, alluvial aquifer water rights, nontributary groundwater rights, augmentation plans, exchanges, and changes of use of existing rights.
Numerical groundwater modeling is also a core practice at LWS, including the evaluation of groundwater flow characteristics, as well as modeling the fate and transport of contaminants in groundwater. We have developed steady-state and transient numerical groundwater models to:
evaluate the level of dewatering operations needed to develop a property,
well field production capabilities in an environmentally-impaired basin to assess remediation measures,
inflow and outflow characteristics in a mine pit to effect remedial actions,
evaluate the effectiveness of a slurry wall in maintaining groundwater levels with consideration of tidal fluctuations and future sea level rise, and the effects of pumping on Colorado River flows.
We have also developed a number of 3-dimensional geologic models to assess and visualize contaminant transport to assist the clients with defining remedial actions.
LWS has also conducted a number of mining hydrology studies, from pre-mining baseline studies to post-mining reclamation plans related to surface and groundwater issues. We have designed and installed surface and groundwater monitoring networks for evaluation of hydrologic changes due to mining operations. We have also provided technical assistance with regulatory water quality issues as they arise, during and after the mining period, so appropriate remediation measures can be implemented.
LWS is also assisting industrial clients with water quality issues and environmental permitting related to discharges that exceed regulatory limits. We have designed and installed groundwater monitoring networks to characterize industrial sites and have prepared remedial action plans for the containment and/or treatment of contaminated groundwater so their environmental liability risks can be reduced.