Consultores em Engenharia e Recursos Naturais, Ld.

HYDROGEOLOGICAL STUDY
OF HERDADE DOS TOUCINHOS, ALMODÔVAR

FINAL REPORT

January 2013
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TABLE OF CONTENTS

1 – Introduction ................................................................................................................... 1

2 – Study Objectives and Scope ........................................................................................... 1

3 – Background and Data Review ........................................................................................ 1

4 – Field Work – Regional and Local Geology and Hydrogeology ...................................... 4

4.1 – Conceptual hydrogeological model ....................................................................... 4

4.2 – Groundwater quality ............................................................................................. 8

5 – Field Work – Results ...................................................................................................... 10

5.1 – Tectonics ................................................................................................................ 10

5.2 – Groundwater – Aquifer hydraulic characterization ............................................... 12

6 – Conclusions and Recommendations ............................................................................. 14

6.1 – Geophysical determination ................................................................................... 14

6.2 – New boreholes ....................................................................................................... 14

6.3 – Large well with radial drains .................................................................................. 14

6.4 – Total Water extraction capacity ............................................................................ 15

References ............................................................................................................................ 16

Appendix 1 – Technical specifications for borehole construction and testing

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1. Introduction

CERN, Lda was contracted by Mr. David Graham to undertake a hydrogeological investigation for Herdade
dos Toucinhos farm, predicted for grapes production.

Therefore, the present document reports the hydrogeological conditions in Herdade dos Toucinhos,
Almodôvar, southern Portugal.

2. Study Objectives and Scope

Specifically, the purpose of this hydrogeological investigation is to assess groundwater availability, in order
to support the irrigation of a new vineyard.

3. Background and Data Review

This work consisted essentially in a previous collection of elements available, either geological mapping or
existing data abstraction of groundwater (both boreholes and large-diameter wells).

The purpose of data collection phase is to characterize local physiographic and hydrogeological setting,
including groundwater and surface water features and their mutual potential interference.

The study areas was not limited inside Herdade dos Toucinhos boundaries, since it also focus on the whole
zone surrounded by the maximum predicted area of influence as shown in Figure 1. An iterative approach
was taken for defining the study area.

Due consideration was given to the existence and data of several boreholes, as well as large-diameter wells
and a small earth dam, property of the Águas Públicas do Alentejo E.P., the main distributor of potable
water in the area. Table 1 presents their characteristics, although available data were very scarce. As a
matter of fact, data provided by Águas Públicas do Alentejo consisted only of abstracted annual volumes
(m3/year), while the hydrogeological meaningful data needed to be continuous discharge capacity (m3/s).

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Figure 1 – Herdade dos Toucinhos. Framework Map with Estate Boundaries

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TABLE 1 - HERDADE DOS TOUCINHOS - CHARACTERISTICS OF AVAILABLE ABSTRACTION POINTS

LOCATION DISCHARGE
PRODUCTIVE
NAME ORIGIN DEPTH (m) COMMENTS
LAYER
3
M P HEIGHT L/s m /h

No pump.
Borehole 1 Groundwater 204 586 59 072 308
Groundwater table is at 3 m depth.
In use, but as a reserve.
Well 1 Groundwater 204 516 59 110 299 48
Groundwater table is at surface.
No pump.
Borehole 2N Groundwater 204 558 59 034 301
Groundwater table is at 3 m depth.

Well 2 Groundwater 204 473 58 834 298 52 Used in steady state.

Borehole 2P Groundwater 204 481 58 556 305 70 In use.

Borehole 3 Groundwater 204 217 58 435 315 Off use more than 14 years ago.

Well 3 Groundwater 204 425 58 338 305 In use.

Borehole 4 Groundwater 205 401 59 384 298 60 Private borehole.

Tank/Well Groundwater 203 271 58 676 316 Looks abandoned.

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4. Field Work - Regional and Local Geology and Hydrogeology

4.1 - Conceptual hydrogeological model

A site-specific conceptual hydrogeological model was developed based on published geological and
hydrogeological mapping, supplemented with site-specific geological and hydrogeological information,
obtained during the field work, which took place on the 9th and 10th December 2013.

Specific watershed studies or groundwater studies commonly include pertinent information such as local
recharge rates and surface water base flows. Unfortunately, there are no such studies, neither at regional
scale, nor at a local one.

Field work allowed observations on bedrock exposures. These are generally limited to streambeds and
outcrops exposed by road excavations.

The topographic/geological features are described to an appropriate level of detail, as indicated in Figure 2;
the stratigraphic framework is composed by Palaeozoic schists and greywackes, geochronologically dated
to the Visean, and designated as the Mértola Formation (HMt). In terms of lithology, the Mértola Formation
integrates a metasedimentar series of turbidites, consisting of greywackes, siltstones, mudstones and
conglomerates, affected by intense tectonics.

The fissured rocks occurring in the area show a fracturing feature, characteristic of a medium subjected to
various stages of tectonic deformation (stress-compression), with consequent overlapping of the effects
provided in the zones of weakness. The resulting hydrogeological environment is consequently
heterogeneous, in which flow takes place through crack fissures and faults of varying density. The
movement of groundwater is done, preferably, by the more open discontinuities that easily scale to several
hundred meters, and may exhibit a good hydraulic conductivity.

Therefore, a special attention was given to the tectonic fracturing component, taking into account its
importance in this type of hydrogeological environments, where this rock type, with respect to fracturing,
indicates that fractures are geologically controlled. Effectively, low to very low productivity of such lithology
leads to the need to look for the best hydraulic conditions available, and these occur at fracture-fissure
zones. During field work, a whole set of fractures were identified, as indicated in Figure 3. Two of these
fractures are of great significance (sites Geo1, Figure 4 and Geo12/13, Figure 5). Because large fractures
and faults usually have higher values of hydraulic transmissivity than smaller fractures, thereby controlling
the flow within and the permeability of the rock mass, it is reasonable to assume that a correlation exists
between the fracture aperture-length and hydraulic transmissivity. In these two spots, the fractures that
occur correspond to possible faults, which mean that they are probably located inside areas of greatest
infiltration. This conclusion is in accordance with the regional tectonic, as described in geological maps of
the zone.

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Figure 2 – Map of Regional Geology

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Figure 3 – Local Geotectonics

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Figure 4 - Outcrop with fault on Water Treatment Plant road (N face – 37,49879/-8,08040)

Figure 5 - Folded outcrop on the road to Almodôvar (W face – 37,50483/-8,07068)

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4.2 - Groundwater quality

Groundwater quality, obtained from a regional inventory with more than 200 sampling points in similar
lithology, distributed throughout the Portuguese South Zone, has been described in bibliography (Esteves
Costa, 1994) according to its ionic values, as given by Piper’s diagram (Figure 6):

Figure 6 - Piper’s diagram of “Sul Portuguesa” zone (after Esteves Costa, 1994)

Under ionic projection in Piper’s diagram, sampling is mainly distributed by highlighted fields in Figure 6,
showing that the type of water that prevails can be classified as sodic chlorinated, with no carbonate
alkalinity, and calcium and/or magnesium chlorinated.

This means that, in regional terms, groundwater geochemical quality, as summarized in the previous graph,
is adequate for irrigation purposes.

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Figure 7 summarizes the water quality in terms of drinkability. Although other criteria are presently
assigned, those presented in Scholler-Berkaloff's diagram, show the good quality of occurring groundwater.

Figure 7. Scholler-Berkaloff’s diagram of “Sul Portuguesa” zone (after Esteves Costa, 1994).

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Regarding the suitability of groundwater for irrigation of the South Portuguese Zone, Figure 8 shows the
predominant fields for agricultural use. It appears that more than 50% of the cases the water is in the class
C3-S1 corresponding to the low water alkalizing action and high conductivity. This shows some degree of
water salinity, but not causing threat regarding its use for agricultural purposes.

Figure 8. SAR-Agricultural water use diagram of “Sul Portuguesa” zone (after Esteves Costa, 1994).

5. Field Work – Results

5.1 - Tectonics

Table 2 presents the main tectonical features of all the outcrops observed in the field work (9th and 10th
December 2013).

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TABLE 2 - FRACTURE CHARACTERISTICS OF MÉRTOLA FORMATION GREYWAKES

SAMPLING POINTS
PARAMETERS
FRACTURE SET 1 (*) FRACTURE SET 2 FRACTURE SET 3 FRACTURE SET 4

Orientation N 30-40 W, 20-25 NE N 40-70 E, 50-90 SSW N 65-75 E, 90 N 60-80 W, 60-90 SE

Trace length (m) >5 >1 >1 <1

Spacing (m) >2 1-5 1-3 -

Aperture (cm) 1-2 5 - 7 (qz) 0.5 - 2 1-2

Joint Condition Rough Rough to Irregular Rough Rough

* Fracture Set 1 may be stratigraphic, i.e. originated by layering

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5.2 - Groundwater - aquifer hydraulic characterization

Hydrogeological potential of the zone is rather poor, since the rock underneath it is normally very compact,
allowing no room for water retention.

Locations with rock discontinuities (faults and fractures) constitute an exception, since they can provide
aquifer capability within some extent.

During field work, and in all the groundwater abstractions seen, groundwater level is comprehended
between ground level -3.0 meters in static conditions. Concerning the groundwater movement (gradient) it
seems, as far as we could observe, that the flow assumes a direction of approximately 30-60 NW, and
follows a direction perpendicular to the contour lines of the smooth topography.

Based on all the information gathered, either regional or local, as shown in Figure 9 and in Table 1 & 2, it is
possible to presume that that boreholes constructed in the area can have flowrates ranging from 0.5 to
1.5 L/s, providing they are located on spots affected by tectonic accidents (faults and fractures).

However, it is worth referring that there is an important exception to this. In fact, the large-diameter well
constructed by the Municipality of Almodôvar, in the 1980s, has been reported to produce a discharge rate
of 5.0 L/s. Actually, it is a large well with radial drains, that has been constructed based on an effective
design, with calculated depth and a proper drain positioning. As a result, it is not surprising that it allows
the extraction of higher flow rates.

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Figure 9 – Location of existing wells and boreholes

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6. Conclusions and Recommendations

6.1 - Geophysical determination

Direct observations provide geological/hydrogeological information, whereas geophysical methods provide

information on the distribution of certain physical parameters in the subsurface, which can be linked to the
direct observations.

In face of local tectonics and principal faults, as observed in the outcrops at Herdade dos Toucinhos and
nearby, application of geophysical methods is fully recommended, in order to determine the precise
location of these accidents. Such investigations should be developed prior to construction works and the
investment in them is esteemed to be fully returned by the accuracy of the results.

In the case of Herdade dos Toucinhos and in view of the structural geology observed, it seems appropriate
to implement the geophysical methods of seismic and electromagnetic - VLF.

6.2 - New boreholes

Shortly after geophysical investigation works, 3 or 4 test boreholes could be drilled in order to confirm the
necessary water productivity. These boreholes will be placed nearby the locations indicated in Figure 3 in
annex as Geo 1 and Geo 9/10. After confirmation, these test boreholes will be enlarged in order to
transform them in production wells. We estimate that each one may have a yield of around 1.0 L/s in
steady state (i.e., continuous extraction). The borehole construction specifications for these new water
wells are presented in appendix to this report. It is possible that, according to actual borehole yield,
borehole diameters (drill and casing) have to be adjusted, in order to accommodate the future pumping
equipment.

Although the final solution might come to a large well with drains, test holes will always be availed as levels
and quality monitoring wells, of the water abstracted.

6.3 - Large well with radial drains

Alternatively to borehole construction, one can choose to construct two large wells with radial drains. This
would be a more expensive solution, but the water production would be greater. The proposed locations
are the same – Geo 1 and Geo 9/10 – and detailing is the following:
• No. of wells – 2
• Well diameter – 4 to 5 meter
• Well depth – 35 to 40 meter
• No. of drains in each well – 2 to 3
• Discharge to be expected, by well – 6 to 8 L/s

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6.4 - Total water extraction capacity

Assuming that new borehole strategy is implemented, it is expected that water abstraction capacity will
range from 3 L/s (3 boreholes with 1 L/s each) to 6 L/s (4 boreholes with 1.5 L/s each). This could provide
enough water to irrigate ca. 15 to 30 ha of vineyard.

On the other hand, if the strategy chosen is to construct two large wells with radial drains, one could expect
that their productivity would be 16 L/s at most (2 wells with 8 L/s each), which means that it would provide
water to irrigate a vineyard of 80 ha maximum.

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References

DGHEA, 1984 - Estudo Geológico-Geotécnico do local da Barragem de Monte Clérigos. Lisboa.

ERSA, 1999 - Estudo dos Recursos Hídricos do Alentejo. V2, Tomo II. CCDR Alentejo.

Florida Department of Environmental Protection, 2008 - Monitoring Well Design and Construction
Guidance Manual.

Google Earth, 2013 – Location images.

IGeoE - Cartas Militares n.os 564 e 572.

Instituto Geológico e Mineiro, 1994 - Carta Hidrogeológica e Notícia Explicativa das Folhas 7 e 8, à escala
1:200 000. Coord. de F. Esteves Costa. Lisboa.

Johnson Screens, 2007 - Groundwater and wells, 3rd Edition, by Sterrett R.

Roscoe Moss Company, 1990 - Handbook of Ground Water Development. John Wiley & Sons, Ed. New
York.

Serviços Geológicos de Portugal, 1984 - Carta Geológica de Portugal e Notícia Explicativa da Folha 8, à
escala 1: 200 000. Coord. de J. Tomás de Oliveira. Lisboa.

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APPENDIX 1

TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS FOR BOREHOLE CONSTRUCTION AND TESTING

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APPENDIX 1 - TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS FOR BOREHOLE CONSTRUCTION AND TESTING

1. Well diameter and depth

The diameter of the perforation and consequently of the casing, if needed, for a test well, is generally
selected to accommodate downhole equipment. If final casing is decided, additional casing diameter
selection criteria include:
i. enlargement of initial drilling diameter;
ii. anticipated depth of the well and associated strength requirements;
iii. ease of well development and pumping test.

2. Casing materials

The selection of appropriate materials for a test well casing must take into account several site spe-
cific factors including:
i. geologic environment;
ii. natural geochemical environment;
iii. anticipated well depth;
iv. types and concentrations of discharge parameters; and
v. design life of the test well.

Material that is commonly used for test wells in this project program is PVC.

3. Screen size and length

Screen design must accommodate varying physical and chemical characteristics. Screens with the
following characteristics provide the best service in most geological conditions:

i. Slot openings should be around all the circumference of the screen, permitting maximum ac-
cessibility to the aquifer so that efficient development is possible.

ii. Slot openings should be spaced to provide maximum open area consistent with strength re-
quirements to take advantage of the aquifer hydraulic conductivity.

iii. Screens must be sufficiently strong to withstand stresses normally encountered during and af-
ter installation. In addition, the slot size of the well screen should be determined relative to
the grain size analysis of the stratum interval to be tested and the gradation of the filter pack

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material (gravel pack). This is most commonly done with a sieve analysis. In most circumstanc-
es, the use of a 1.0/2.0 mm slot well screen is acceptable.

Screen length should be adequate to supply enough water to obtain a representative yield. A screen
length of 20.0/25.0 meters below the ground surface and till the bottom of the borehole.

4. Well screen packing – Gravel pack

Once the well is in place, the screen should be surrounded by a siliceous material that are coarser,
have a uniform grain size and have a higher permeability than natural formation material. This allows
groundwater to flow freely into the well from the adjacent formation material, while minimizing or
eliminating the entrance of fine-grained materials.

These purposes can be accomplished by designing the well in such a way that either the natural
coarse-grained formation materials or artificially introduced coarse-grained materials, in conjunction
with appropriately sized well screen openings, retain the fine materials outside the well, while per-
mitting water to enter. Thus, there are two types of wells and well intake designs: (i) naturally devel-
oped wells and (ii) wells with an artificially introduced filter pack.

5. Annular seals

Any annular space that is produced as the result of the installation of well casing in a borehole pro-
vides a channel for vertical movement of water and/or contaminants from the ground, unless the
space is sealed. The seal serves several purposes:
i. to provide protection against infiltration of surface water and potential contaminants;
ii. to seal off production of poor water quality zones; and
iii. to prohibit vertical migration of water.

The annular seal in a test or productive well is placed above the filter pack in the annulus between
the borehole and the well casing. The annular seal may be comprised of several different types of
permanent, stable, low-permeability materials including pelletized, granular or powdered clay, neat
cement grout and combinations of both.

6. Surface Completion and Protective Measures

Two types of surface completions are common for groundwater test and production wells:
i. aboveground completion; and
ii. flush-to-ground surface completion.

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An aboveground completion is preferred whenever practical. The primary purposes of either type of
completion are: (i) to prevent surface runoff from entering and infiltration down the annulus of the
well; and (ii) to protect the well from accidental damage or vandalism.

Whichever type of completion is selected for a well, there should always be a surface seal of neat
cement or concrete surrounding the well casing and filling the annular space between the casing and
the borehole at the surface.

A protective casing is generally installed around the well casing by placing the protective casing into
the cement surface seal while it is still wet and uncured. The protective casing discourages unauthor-
ized entry into the well and prevents damage by contact with vehicles. This outer casing should be
kept locked during exploration. Like the inner well casing, the outer protective casing should be
vented near the top to prevent the accumulation and entrapment of gases and to allow water levels
in the well to respond naturally to barometric pressure changes.

7. Well Development

Well development has two broad objectives:

i. repair damage done to the formation by the drilling operation so that the natural hydraulic
properties are restored; and
ii. alter the basic physical characteristics of the aquifer near the borehole so that water will flow
more freely to the well.

All new wells should be developed before being put into use. In addition, older wells often require
periodic redevelopment.

Effective development procedures should cause reversals of flow through the screen openings that
will agitate the productive formations, remove the finer fraction, and then rearrange the remaining
formation particles. Examples of methods that apply this principle are backwashing and mechanical
surging. Sometimes, compressed air is sufficient.

8. Well hydraulic testing

In order to determine the horizontal hydraulic conductivity of the aquifer or productive formation,
either a pump test or a slug injection or recovery test will need to be performed. Pumping tests are
typically performed in wells within high transmissivity aquifer and in wells with a diameter large
enough to accommodate the pumping equipment. Nearby observation wells are generally required
to measure aquifer response. Conversely, slug injection or recovery tests that add or remove smaller
amounts of water are typically performed in formations with low transmissivity and in a single,
smaller diameter well.

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