Lead Staff and Qualifications

Douglas A. Canavello

Senior Scientist/Geophysicist

Geophysicist with twenty two years experience in applied geophysics and geology. He has participated in regional geophysical and geologic investigations throughout the United States and has experience in designing geophysical, geochemical and geological surveys.

Mr. Canavello has experience in the design and implementation of extensive geophysical programs for hazardous waste sites. He designed and supervised site specific geophysical programs for seven major sites within the EPA's REM III program. Geophysical techniques conducted at the sites included total earth magnetic field surveys, terrain conductivity surveys, ground penetrating radar, DC resistivity, seismic refraction and electronic metal detection systems. These studies included detailed analyses of site aerial photography to provide comprehensive and historical perspectives on these remedial investigations

He has been involved in the development of several geophysical techniques to detect groundwater contamination. Using field trials, experimental lab work and computer modeling techniques, he has pursued various electromagnetic methods, including ground penetrating radar, electromagnetic conductivity, and DC resistivity to identify and define organic and inorganic contamination. These efforts have resulted in the ability to map contamination plumes on several hazardous waste sites.

He designed and implemented a site specific geophysical assessment of a jet fuel tank farm at the NASA Wallops Island facility. Using a combination of electromagnetic terrain conductivity and ground penetrating radar techniques, this comprehensive site investigation provided essential information needed to estimate costs of a remediation program. Significant information on the location and extent of a contaminant plume associated with the tanks was also provided by this program.

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Client: United States Environmental Protection Agency
Project: Warwick County Landfill
Techniques used: Electromagnetic induction (EM), magnetometer and ground penetrating radar
Purpose: Determine vertical and lateral extent of landfill

Client: United States Nuclear Regulatory Commission
Project: Turkey Point
Techniques used: Ground penetrating radar (GPR), Electromagnetic induction (EM), magnetometry, seismic refraction, down-hole shear wave
Purpose: Determine lithological variations on site; locate karst features

Client: United States Environmental Protection Agency
Project: Brick Township Landfill
Techniques used: Resistivity, Electromagnetic induction (EM)
Purpose: Determine depths of rock layers beneath landfill; help locate contaminant plume

Client: National Aeronautics and Space Administration
Project: Langley Airforce Base - Landfill
Techniques used: Magnetometer, Electromagnetic induction (EM)
Purpose: Determine lateral and vertical extent and contents of landfill

Client: Interpower, Inc.
Project: Half-moon Cogeneration Plant
Techniques used: Seismic refraction
Purpose: Determination of depth to basement, and lithology of overburden

Client: EG & G Rocky Flats
Project: Rocky Flats Environmental Restoration Program
Techniques used: High resolution seismic reflection
Purpose: Determine lithological variation and potential routes of contaminant flow

Client: United States Environmental Protection Agency
Project: Preferred Plating
Techniques used: Ground penetrating radar (GPR), Electromagnetic induction (EM)
Purpose: Location of possible contaminant plumes

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