The rock core collection, dating back to the 1920's consists of a 2,584 boxes of rock core, representing approximately 51,680 linear feet of core. The boxes are stacked to various heights on plastic pallets, at four different locations. The standard core box contains 20 feet of core; however, some of the older core boxes contain 15 feet of core. Some of the core boxes are in disrepair.
This collection of rock cores is the property of the Massachusetts Water Resources Authority (MWRA) and consists of 2,584 boxes of rock core, representing 51,680 linear feet. The MWRA has collections of geologic samples and associated data that were acquired over an 80-year period during the planning and design of statewide water and sewer related construction projects in Massachusetts.
The collection of rock cores is not at a central location, but spread out at four sites that are not easily accessed; although, the core is stored indoors in buildings with minimum temperature control, some of the sites have moisture problems; some of the older core boxes, dating back to the 1920's are damaged and need to be replaced; in addition, labelling of the core boxes is an area that also needs attention as some of the permanent markings on boxes are fading. For better access electronically, the inventory that is overseen by Mary Lydon, needs to be tied into GBase; if information and data (raw data) in the MWRA collections could be made part of a MassGIS, it could be shared with other government organizations or the general public, to a limited extent.
