Modeling
  
SSP&A is probably best known for its work in modeling. Since the company was established
in 1979, SSP&A has applied modeling codes
and techniques to over 300 investigations of
varying complexity. In the process, groundwater flow and solute transport modeling has become
SSP&A's trademark. Whereas running a model
and producing results are performed by many environmental firms, SSP&A recognizes that modeling is a tool that must be applied
correctly and only with a clear understanding
of the hydrologic system in order to produce meaningful results.

SSP&A's modeling services include:

Groundwater

• Simulation of groundwater flow;

• Assessment of the effects of developing a groundwater resource;

• Identification of the optimal design of groundwater development schemes;

• Management of aquifer systems;

• Evaluation of the impacts of waste disposal and mining activities on aquifer systems over time;

• Evaluation of the use of aquifers as reservoirs for heat energy storage and for groundwater recharge.

Surface Water

• Conjunctive use evaluations;

• Simulation and analysis of storm-flow;

• Evaluation of river/aquifer interaction in riparian zones;

• Assessment of basin-scale river allocation;

• Development of agricultural water-budgets;

• Analysis of tidal mixing.

Solute Transport

• Simulation of contaminant flow and transport;

• Evaluation of the movement and fate of dissolved and/or immiscible contaminants;

• Dissolved organic and inorganic chemical interaction;

• Assessment of the efficacy and response over time of aquifer remediation schemes;

• Simulation of in-situ leaching;

• Assessment of saltwater intrusion into coastal aquifers.

Beyond the application of models, SSP&A provides leadership in modeling techniques and software development. SSP&A literally wrote the book on solute transport simulation (Applied Contaminant Transport Modeling – Theory & Practice). SSP&A developed and distributes the latest versions of the most widely used solute transport simulator in the world, MT3D. With its expertise in model development, SSP&A can modify codes to fit the needs of a particular site or problem. SSP&A is also involved in the continuing development of PEST, a robust and comprehensive parameter estimation software program.  Moreover, to promote the understanding and correct application of numerical modeling, SSP&A periodically provides training courses in numerical modeling to experienced environmental professionals.