Interpretation of the convergent-flow tracer tests conducted in the Culebra dolomite at the H-3 and H-4 hydropads at the Waste Isolation Pilot Plant (WIPP) site

Tracer tests utilizing conservative organic tracers have been conducted in the Culebra Dolomite Member of the Rustler Formation at the locations of the H-2, H-3, H-4,and H-6 hydropads. The objective of this report is to present a quantitative evaluation of the physical solute-transport parameters of the Culebra dolomite at the H-3 and H-4 hydropad locations from interpretation of the tracer-test data. The tracer-test configurations consisted of a pumping well and two tracer-addition wells arranged in approximate equilateral triangles with 30-m sides. The transport of organic tracers from the tracer-addition wells to the pumping wells was analyzed using the finite-difference model SWIFT II, which is capable of simulating single- and double-porosity flow and transport. 75 refs., 17 tabs