129-50 Preliminary Joint Survey in the Central New York Appalachian Plateau: Implications for Groundwater Use for Datacenters and the Proposed Constitution Pipeline

Abstract:

Groundwater contamination associated with the proposed Constitution Pipeline and the potential construction of new data centers represents an important environmental concern in central New York. Regional bedrock fracture networks may provide preferential pathways for contaminant transport; therefore, this study aims to characterize joint orientations across the Middle Devonian strata of the Appalachian Plateau to evaluate potential groundwater flow pathways. A primary objective is to distinguish joints controlled by regional paleostress fields from those associated with geomorphic processes, such as karst development, in order to assess whether fractures are localized within the shallow subsurface or extend through multiple stratigraphic units.

Preliminary field mapping was conducted throughout the region bounded by the I-81, I-88, and I-90 corridors in central New York. Joint orientations were measured at roadside, gorge, and stream, outcrops. Preliminary results indicate that joint sets in Chenango County and [KB1] Schoharie County predominantly strike NNE–SSW. In contrast, joint orientations in Otsego County are more variable, with dominant trends ranging from ESE–WNW to SE–NW. Southeast of Syracuse, joint sets primarily strike NE–SW and ENE–WSW, corresponding closely to the approximately 045–050° and 060° orientations of Sets II and III described by Engelder and Geiser (1980). Measurements collected within karst terrain adjacent to Manlius and Jamesville also reveal localized joint sets striking approximately NE–SW and ESE–WNW.

These preliminary results indicate that fracture orientations vary across central New York and likely reflect the combined influence of regional tectonic stresses and local geomorphic processes. Continued mapping will refine the regional fracture network and improve assessments of groundwater vulnerability associated with future infrastructure development.

© Copyright 2026 The Geological Society of America (GSA), all rights reserved.