Data Quality Over Quantity: Improving the Value of Legacy Data and Right-sizing Resolution Using Modern Methods

Date and Time: Monday, March 8, 2021, 1 PM - 3 PM
Location: GoToWebinar

Presenters: 

Robert J. Stuetzle, M.A.Sc., P.Geo., Environmental Remediation Manager and Hydrogeologist, Dow Chemical Company

Mark A. Higgins, M.S., Ph.D. Candidate, Department of Geosciences, University of Connecticut

Continuing Education Credits:

NOTE: This is a new course and it is the first time being offered. The CT State Board of Examiners of Environmental Professionals (LEP Board) has approved this course/webinar for 2.0 hours of continuing education credits (CTLEP-517W).

Fees: 

• EPOC Members: $100
• Non-members: $200 (consider joining EPOC at this time to receive the member rate for this program)
• Gov't Employee/Students: $50

Course Description:

As methods for data collection, storage, and analysis evolve, legacy datasets often become under-utilized or eliminated entirely from conceptual site models. This is not necessarily because the data are obsolete, but rather that there is a lack of understanding around how to integrate data of varying resolutions. Spatial and temporal data resolution requirements are site specific, depending on factors such as geology, land-use, the nature of the contaminants and their distribution in the subsurface. Furthermore, those resolution requirements change throughout the lifecycle of a site, from the characterization stage, to performance assessment of a remedy, through to long-term monitoring.

This course presents common challenges associated with managing data and right-sizing resolution across modern and legacy datasets. Real-world case studies and interactive exercises are used to demonstrate the concepts of data density and coverage in the context of resolution. Special attention will be paid to gathering new insights from legacy data using modern methods. Appropriate selection of visualization methods as tools for interpretation and communication will be discussed. Attendees will come away from this course with new considerations for maximizing data-usability throughout the project lifecycle.

Course Agenda:

• 12:45 PM - Login to GoToWebinar
• 1:00 - 1:10: Introduction
• 1:10 - 1:30: Hydrogeology - Then and Now: Data Collection and Analysis Methods Through Time
• 1:30 – 1:55: Right-sizing Resolution Throughout the Project Lifecycle
• 1:55 – 2:10: Data Visualization: Tools for Effective Interpretation and Communication
• 2:10 – 2:25: Context is Key: Using Modern Methods to Constrain and Maximize Data Quality
• 2:25 – 2:50: Legacy Data Challenges and Opportunities
• 2:50 – 3:00: Wrap-up and Discussion

Presenters Bios:

Robert J. Stuetzle, M.A.Sc., P.Geo.

Robert J. Stuetzle is a Contaminant Hydrogeologist at The Dow Chemical Company, managing a large portfolio of remediation sites across the US, Canada and Mexico. His area of scientific expertise is in understanding subsurface processes for effective site characterization, remedial design and performance monitoring. He earned his M.A.Sc in Water Resources Engineering supervised by Dr. Beth Parker and Dr. John Cherry, from the University of Guelph and a B.Sc. in Science and Business: Hydrogeology Specialization from the University of Waterloo. He has over a decade of experience in his field; is a registered Professional Geoscientist (P.Geo./PG) in Ontario, Canada, in Ireland and in Texas, USA; and is a European Geologist (EurGeol) certified by the European Federation of Geologists.

Mark A. Higgins, Ph.D. Candidate, Department of Geosciences, University of Connecticut

Mark is currently a Ph.D. Candidate supervised by Gary Robbins in the Department of Geosciences at the University of Connecticut. Prior to pursuing his Ph.D. in 2017, he spent six years working for Flexible Liner Underground Technologies (FLUTe). As the East Coast Field Manager, he focused on novel high-resolution downhole flow profiling methods and multi-level sampling systems design and implementation. Mark’s former work involved environmental site characterizations across the USA, Canada, Caribbean, and Europe. His current research involves investigating arsenic and road salt contamination issues in Connecticut soil and groundwater, implementing bacteria as novel groundwater tracers, and developing analytical models to improve groundwater sampling practices.