Installation and sampling of observation wells and analyses of water from the shallow aquifer at selected waste-disposal sites in the Memphis area, Tennessee

Observation wells were installed and sampled at six abandoned waste-disposal sites in the Memphis area that have been identified as having received unknown quantities and types of industrial waste. Ten wells were installed adjacent to and downgradient from these sites in the shallow water-table aquifer. Water samples were collected from these 10 wells and from two other wells in the shallow water-table aquifer. Most wells were sampled twice -- initially in the early summer when water levels were high and again in the fall when water levels were low. Other wells were sampled only once in either the summer or fall. The water was analyzed for common constituents, selected trace constituents, and selected organic compounds. (USGS)