Understanding what lies beneath the surface is essential to the success of any environmental or site development project. From identifying groundwater sources, to evaluating migration and recharge, to identifying potential contamination pathways, hydrogeologic consulting provides the technical insight to evaluate development, reduce risk, ensure regulatory compliance, and support informed decision-making.
What Is Hydrogeologic Consulting?
Hydrogeology is the study of how groundwater interacts with soil, rock, and contaminants. Hydrogeologic consultants use this science to evaluate subsurface conditions that influence everything from site development to environmental remediation.
Typical hydrogeologic services include:
- Identifying and characterizing groundwater resources
- Groundwater flow and contaminant transport modeling
- Aquifer testing to determine hydraulic conductivity and yield
- Monitoring well installation and sampling
- Groundwater quality assessments
- Permitting and regulatory reporting support
- Litigation support and expert witness services
Why It Matters for Environmental Site Investigations
Environmental site investigations often require a deeper understanding of groundwater behavior, particularly when there’s potential for subsurface contamination. Whether during an initial site characterization, Phase II ESA, remedial investigation, or corrective action, hydrogeologic analysis plays a critical role in defining the nature and extent of environmental risk.
Hydrogeologic data informs key decisions, including:
- Availability and quality of groundwater sources
- The number and location of monitoring wells
- Contaminant migration pathways and cleanup strategies
- Timeframes for natural attenuation vs. engineered remediation
- Risk-based closure evaluations under regulatory frameworks
This level of insight is essential for developing accurate conceptual site models (CSMs), selecting appropriate remedial technologies, and communicating effectively with regulators.
When to Engage a Hydrogeologic Consultant
You may need hydrogeologic support if your project involves:
- A confirmed or suspected groundwater contaminant plume
- A site located near a water supply well, river, or sensitive aquifer
- Large-scale earthwork or development requiring subsurface water management
- A regulatory directive to conduct groundwater monitoring or remediation
- Litigation or insurance claims involving groundwater impact
An early hydrogeologic evaluation can save time, reduce risk, and help you define a defensible path forward.
Ensolum’s Hydrogeologic Expertise
At Ensolum, our hydrogeologic consultants are part of a multidisciplinary team that brings together geologists, engineers, and environmental scientists to address complex site challenges. Our team has supported clients across Texas, New Mexico, Colorado, Oklahoma, Louisiana, and beyond on projects involving:
- Brownfield redevelopment
- Risk-based corrective action planning
- Permitting and compliance with state and EPA groundwater standards
- Industrial site dewatering and stormwater planning
- Sensitive receptor evaluation and public water supply protection
Our services are rooted in regulatory awareness, technical precision, and practical application, delivered in a way that supports your project goals and minimizes delays.
Get Subsurface Clarity with Ensolum
Subsurface conditions shouldn’t be a guessing game. Ensolum’s hydrogeologic consulting services are designed to give you the information you need to make confident, compliant decisions at every phase of your project.
Contact Ensolum to learn how our hydrogeologic team can support your investigation, permitting, or remediation needs.