Automated Well Permitting via GIS Geoprocessing Tools

In this paper we describe a GIS-based system for automated well permitting. The system involves the integration of a calibrated MODFLOW groundwater model into an ArcGIS geodatabase using the Simulation feature dataset in the Arc Hydro Groundwater data model. The model is then used as a baseline for the analysis of candidate wells. Each candidate well is added to the model and the model is run to determine the impact of the well on streamflow, drawdown, etc. The entire process is implemented using a series of connected, low-level geoprocessing tools resulting in a simple automated process. The automation serves to reduce error and increase efficiency. The outputs include tables and GIS maps. The process, evaluation criteria, and products can be customized on an agency-by-agency basis. We illustrate the process using case studies from Virginia and Florida.