Groundwater Wells and Aquifer Management

Engineering faculty receives funding for Memphis Regional Megasite hydrogeologic studies to monitor, understand and protect our groundwater.

The Memphis Regional Megasite (MRM), also known as “The Megasite” or West Tennessee Megasite, spans 4,000 acres south of Stanton in West Tennessee, aimed at creating a large-scale industrial park to attract major projects and foster economic growth, including regional job opportunities. In 2021, Ford Motor Company announced plans to build BlueOval City, one of the largest battery and vehicle manufacturing campuses in the U.S., at the MRM.

The site's scale and location raise concerns about the sustainability and vulnerability of local resources, particularly groundwater. Rapid industrial development at BlueOval City poses potential risks to the Memphis aquifer, crucial for public supply and agriculture in the region. Increased water demand and potential contamination underscore the need for rigorous management and protective measures.

In 2023, the Megasite Authority of West Tennessee and SSOE Group engaged the Center for Applied Earth Science and Engineering Research (CAESER) to develop a Wellhead Protection Plan (WHPP) for MRM groundwater wells. Dr. Brian Waldron, CAESER director, appointed Rodrigo Villalpando-Vizcaino to lead the project. Following successful completion, proposed recommendations resulted in further investigation into water production concerns and the integrity of the protective clay layer above the aquifer.

This proactive approach led to ongoing dialogue and collaboration between the Megasite Authority and Rodrigo Villalpando-Vizcaino, as they understand the importance and value of our groundwater resources. Their efforts resulted in several proposals awarded this year for a total of almost $550,000 dollars, including an enhanced WHPP exceeding regulatory standards, a document that highlights best practices for aquifer management, and a multi-year hydrogeological study of the MRM groundwater system. Plans include establishing a monitoring network to detect water quality changes, understand groundwater flow, current and future stresses, and serve as a contamination alert system.

Rodrigo Villalpando-Vizcaino, with a background in environmental engineering and a master's in civil engineering focused on water resources, currently pursuing a PhD in Earth Sciences with a specialization in hydrogeology, brings expertise in project management, numerical modeling, water sampling, GIS, impaired stream surveys, water balance investigations, geophysical tools, and wellhead protection among others. His team at CAESER aims to leverage comprehensive tools and knowledge to advance understanding, protection, and management of the Memphis aquifer, vital for regional drinking water resources.

For more information on these efforts, contact Villalpando-Vizcaino at rvlllpnd@memphis.edu.