Eastern Snake River Plain Aquifer Model design objectives.

The Eastern Snake River Plain Aquifer Model is being jointly developed by agencies and institutions represented by the Eastern Snake Hydrologic Modeling Committee (ESHMC). The model is being developed for the purpose of assisting in aquifer management, with an emphasis on interrelationship between the aquifer and the Snake River. This effort will build upon the existing model, employing new data and technologies to improve model credibility and reliability. Any numerical model represents a simplification of a complex physical system. It should be noted that even after model modifications, uncertainties will still exist in model predictions. This document identifies the intended uses and some of the limitations of the proposed model. The document is intended to guide the model design and inform interested parties of the expected model capabilities. The Eastern Snake River Plain Aquifer Model is being designed to do or address the following: (1) predict changes in Snake River gains and losses, (2) predict changes in aquifer water level, (3) increase confidence in model results, (4) evaluate current development conditions, (5) provide data on aquifer characteristics, (6) include contributions from tributarty basin, (7) be defensible in litigation, (8) Integration with surface water models, (9) provide a basis for future contaminant transport models, (10) make results accessible and usable, and (11) be a reliable model