The Pensacola Dam impedes flow of the Neosho and Spring rivers to form Grand Lake O' the Cherokees ( Grand Lake ) in northeastern Oklahoma . This dam, constructed in 1940, is the largest multiple-arch dam in the world and is used for hydro-electric power generation by the Grand River Dam Authority (GRDA) headquartered in Vinita , Oklahoma . Grand lake covers 46,500 surface acres with a storage capacity of 1,672,000 acre-feet of water.

The growing popularity of Grand Lake has resulted in extensive shoreline development. This development has led to many onsite wastewater treatment systems (septic tanks) being located near the waterline. This is important because the lake supplies raw and drinking water to lake residents and several local municipalities. Malfunctioning, inadequate, and poorly sited septic system effluent has the potential to release nutrients, which accelerates the eutrophication process, and harmful bacteria into the lake.

The primary objectives of the study are to 1) Review records associated with residential subdivisions and commercial developments near the shoreline 2) Classify these subdivisions and other developments by age 3) Utilize infrared technology via helicopter to locate effluent discharge from failing septic systems or pipes that discharge directly into the lake.