The uncertainty of mass discharge measurements using pumping methods under simplified conditions

Mass discharge measurements at contaminated sites have been used to assist with site management decisions, and can be divided into two broad categories: point-scale measurement techniques and pumping methods. Pumping methods can be sub-divided based on the pumping procedures used into sequential, concurrent, and tandem circulating well categories. Recent work has investigated the uncertainty of point measurement methods, and to a lesser extent, pumping methods. However, the focus of this study was a direct comparison of uncertainty between the various pumping method approaches that have been used, as well as a comparison of uncertainty between pumping and point measurement methods. Mass discharge measurement error was investigated using a Monte Carlo modeling analysis as a function of the contaminant plume position and width, and as a function of the pumping conditions used in the different pumping tests. Results indicated that for the conditions investigated, uncertainty in mass discharge estimates based on pumping methods was 1.3 to 16 times less than point measurement method uncertainty, and that a sequential pumping approach resulted in 5 to 12 times less uncertainty than the concurrent pumping or tandem circulating well approaches. Uncertainty was also investigated as a function of the plume width relative to well spacing. For a given well spacing, uncertainty decreased for all methods as the plume width increased, and comparable levels of uncertainty between point measurement and pumping methods were obtained when three wells were distributed across the plume. A hybrid pumping technique in which alternate wells were pumped concurrently in two separate campaigns yielded similar uncertainty to the sequential pumping approach. This suggests that the hybrid approach can be used to capitalize on the advantages of sequential pumping yet minimize the overall test duration. •Sequential pumping is 5 to 12 times less uncertain than other pumping approaches.•A hybrid technique has similar uncertainty to sequential pumping but takes less time.•Uncertainty is similar for all methods when the plume width to well spacing ratio is >2.