The Technical Services Section of the Groundwater Branch provides technical groundwater expertise to federal, state and local agencies, and to organizations and the general public for assistance with groundwater and water well problems.

Technical assistance includes assessment, analysis and field investigations for state emergency responses to hazardous materials spills, wellhead protection area delineations, water supply regulation and nonpoint source pollution studies. The section maintains expertise in karst groundwater-tracer investigations and assists numerous county health departments in testing and identifying failed septic systems and evaluating sinkholes.

Groundwater studies conducted by the Technical Services Section follow strict protocols so that data collected throughout the state are comparable. Most of the studies concentrate on groundwater quality in a particular area, such as a watershed, or focus on particular pollutants of concern, such as pesticides or nitrates.

Groundwater and Geological Issues
The hydrogeologists and geologists working in the Technical Services Section of the Groundwater Branch can provide information and assistance on groundwater and geology in Kentucky.

Groundwater Contamination Issues
The Technical Services Section of the Groundwater Branch deals with a variety of groundwater contamination issues throughout the state, such as leaking underground storage tanks, and can either assist you with these issues or direct you to the appropriate personnel responsible for site-specific investigations.

Karst Hydrological Issues
Karst terranes are underlain by weathered soluble rocks such as limestone or dolomite. Well-developed karst is typically characterized by sinkholes (closed depressions), sinking and losing streams, subterranean drainage, caves and large springs.

Septic Systems and Onsite Disposal Issues
The design and installation of on-site disposal and septic systems is an issue faced by many Kentuckians. 

Underground Injection
The Technical Services Section of the Groundwater Branch is familiar with the issues involved in underground injection; however, at this time, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Region IV, Atlanta, has primacy over this program.

Water Well Related Concerns
Private water wells are an important source of water for domestic use, livestock and irrigation. Water quality and its effect on human health, livestock and crops is a major concern. 

Well Drillers Program
The Technical Services Section of the Groundwater Branch coordinates the Well Drillers Certification Program for water well and monitoring well drillers in accordance with 401 KAR 6:320. 

For More Information Contact:
Jim Webb
14 Reilly Road
Frankfort, KY 40601
Phone: 502-564-3410
Fax: 502-564-9899
E-mail: jim.webb@ky.gov