CLU-IN Technology Innovation News Survey

INDUSTRY GUIDANCE: QUALITATIVE RISK ASSESSMENT FOR LAND CONTAMINATION, INCLUDING RADIOACTIVE CONTAMINATION [General News]

Wed, 1 Feb 2012 14:04:16 GMT

Hesketh, N. and M. Pearl, UKAEA Ltd.
Nuclear Industry Group for Land Quality, 61 pp, Dec 2011

This industry guidance was developed to provide a methodology for qualitative risk assessment of land contamination in the UK. It covers both non-radioactive and radioactive contamination and considers the full range of receptors within applicable regulatory regimes (i.e., people, environment, and property) for land contamination in its current condition or in a planned future condition. The document is aimed mainly at land quality management practitioners in the nuclear industry but also might apply to contaminated sites in other contexts. Revision of the guidance in 2013 is anticipated for incorporation of user feedback. This document was developed on behalf of the Nuclear Industry Group for Land Quality, funded as part of the Nuclear Decommissioning Authority's Direct Research Portfolio. Although representatives of regulatory bodies were consulted during its development, their participation should not be construed as evidence of regulatory endorsement.
http://www.safegrounds.com/pdf/NIGLQ%20Qualitative%20Risk%20Assessment%20Guide%20-%20V1%20Dec11.pdf

PHYTOREMEDIATION OF SOIL TRACE ELEMENTS [General News]

Wed, 1 Feb 2012 14:03:59 GMT

Chaney, R.L., C.L. Broadhurst, and T. Centofanti. Trace Elements in Soils, P. Hooda (ed.). John Wiley and Sons Ltd., ISBN: 978-1-4051-6037-7, p 311-352, 2010

Commercial phytoextraction practices continue to be developed and are being tested in the field. Improved crops will be bred for commercial application, and bioengineered plants will be developed with unique properties. Despite their technical value, bioengineered plants may not be accepted by the public, even for phytoremediation, especially bioengineered strains of food plants. Some phytoextraction can be profitable as a farming/phytomining business on contaminated or mineralized soils. Nickel phytomining offers high profit potential, although the technology has not been fully commercialized. The company that licensed the patents obtained by Chaney, Angle, Li, and Baker (Viridian LLC) has elected to attempt an initial public offering of stock to recover their technology development costs rather than to operate the technology by contracting with farmers to grow Alyssum crops on serpentine soils. The company has contracted with Vale-Inco to test Ni phytomining on smelter-contaminated soils and mine waste deposits, potentially for phytomining on Vale-Inco properties. This strategy has not proceeded beyond the planning phase, frustrating scientists who have considered the technology ready for commercial operation since 2001. Phytostabilization will remain a valid remediation technology for most contaminated sites. Mixed metal contamination can be handled by phytostabilization in most cases, except where food-chain transfer would continue risk to wildlife. Public acceptance of in situ Pb inactivation will aid adoption of phytostabilization of mixed Zn-Pb-Cd contaminated sites, such as the site in Joplin, Missouri, where field testing showed the forage was safe for livestock, and soil feeding tests showed strong reduction in soil Pb bioavailability. Controlled land use after phytostabilization can protect humans and the environment from soil trace element risks. Continued development of phytotechnologies will provide more choices for remediation and demonstrate in the field the value to society these technologies offer. http://ddr.nal.usda.gov/bitstream/10113/45986/1/IND44411047.pdf

PRINCIPLES OF COMBINING ISCO WITH OTHER IN SITU REMEDIAL APPROACHES [General News]

Wed, 1 Feb 2012 14:03:38 GMT

Munakata-Marr, J., K.S. Sorenson, B.G. Petri, and J.B. Cummings.
In Situ Chemical Oxidation for Groundwater Remediation. Springer, New York. ISBN: 978-1-4419-7826-4, SERDP/ESTCP Environmental Remediation Technology: Vol 3, Chapter 7, p 285-317, 2011

In situ chemical oxidation (ISCO) applied in combination with other remedial technologies, particularly when plans are formulated prior to implementing a remedy, can provide significant benefit over ISCO alone. The authors discuss interactions between ISCO and other in situ remediation technologies, and describe optional approaches for coupling ISCO with bioremediation, surfactant/cosolvent flushing, air sparging, or thermal treatment. Enhanced in situ bioremediation and monitored natural attenuation are most frequently combined with ISCO. Oxidation approaches can decrease aerobic and anaerobic microbial abundance and diversity temporarily, but these typically rebound with time. ISCO combined with surfactants or cosolvents can enhance contaminant removal, although chemical compatibility of remedial agents must be considered. Air sparging and thermal methods can interact synergistically with ISCO, whereas in situ chemical reduction acts in opposition to ISCO.

REVIEW: TECHNICAL AND POLICY CHALLENGES IN DEEP VADOSE ZONE REMEDIATION OF METALS AND RADIONUCLIDES [General News]

Wed, 1 Feb 2012 14:03:17 GMT

Dresel, P.E., D.M. Wellman, K.J. Cantrell, and M.J. Truex.
Environmental Science & Technology, Vol 45 No 10, p 4207-4216, 2011

This paper reviews the major processes for deep vadose zone metal and radionuclide remediation that form the practical constraints on remedial actions. Remediation of metal and radionuclide contamination in the deep vadose zone is complicated by heterogeneous contaminant distribution and the saturation-dependent preferential flow in heterogeneous sediments; hence, efforts to remove contaminants generally have been unsuccessful, although partial removal can reduce downward flux. Abiotic and biotic reactions or physical encapsulation have the potential to reduce contaminant mobility, and hydraulic controls can limit aqueous transport. Delivering amendments to the contaminated zone and verifying performance are challenges for remediation.

MERCURY EXTRACTION FROM CONTAMINATED SOILS USING L-CYSTEINE: SPECIES DEPENDENCY AND TRANSFORMATION PROCESSES [Research]

Wed, 1 Feb 2012 14:03:01 GMT

Bollen, A. and H. Biester.
Water, Air, & Soil Pollution, Vol 219 Nos 1-4, p 175-189, 2011

A study was conducted to evaluate the applicability of the amino acid L-cysteine for mobilization of mercury (Hg) from contaminated soils containing different Hg binding forms, such as Hg adsorbed to mineral surfaces, Hg bound to soil organic matter, and Hg sulfide (HgS). Soils were subjected to extraction in batch and column experiments using L-cysteine solutions with S:Hg-molar ratios of 1, 2, 10, 20, 100, and 200. In 24 h-batch experiments, the addition of L-cysteine led to an increase of Hg in the leachates of 42% for soils with Hg bound to mineral surfaces. In column experiments, the maximum Hg removal rate was 75%, whereas leaching with water could only mobilize 1% of inorganically bound Hg, proving the high mobilization potential of L-cysteine. For soils with organically bound Hg or HgS, only 1 to 5% of Hg could be mobilized. Thus, the extraction of Hg from soils with L-cysteine is highly dependent on soil composition and the Hg binding form in the soil. Hg speciation analyses of leachates indicate that Hg-L-cysteine-complexes mainly are easily reducible and labile. Speciation analysis in soil samples using a Hg thermo desorption method revealed that, besides the formation of Hg-L-cysteine-complexes, reduction to elemental mercury takes place at low S:Hg ratios (1 to 10), presumably by microbial activity. At higher S:Hg ratios of 10 and 100, precipitation of stable Hg-S complexes was observed. L-cysteine shows a high mobilization potential for inorganically bound Hg, but Hg species transformation processes and the labile character of Hg-L-cysteine complexes are limitations for considering L-cysteine leaching as a remediation strategy.

MICROBIALLY FACILITATED REMEDIATION OF METALS AND RADIONUCLIDES [Research]

Wed, 1 Feb 2012 14:02:44 GMT

Idaho National Laboratory Research Fact Sheet, 16 Aug 2011

Numerous waste sites across the DOE complex are contaminated with metals and radionuclides, often the primary drivers for remedial activities at these sites. In situ methods for the remediation of metals and radionuclides are currently being developed. Fate and transport of metals and radionuclides can be directly or indirectly affected by the activity of microbes. At Idaho National Laboratory (INL), research has focused on the microbial reduction of Cr(VI) and U(VI), which can lead to nontoxic and immobile forms. In addition, INL researchers have investigated the microbially facilitated precipitation of minerals that can sequester radionuclides such as Sr-90 and U(VI) through coprecipitation. As described in this fact sheet, considerable progress has been made in these two areas. http://www.inl.gov/research/microbially-facilitated-remediation-of-metals-and-radionuclides/

OPAL OFFERS FAST, LASTING REMEDY FOR URANIUM CONTAMINATION AT NUCLEAR SITES, SAY STANFORD RESEARCHERS [Research]

Wed, 1 Feb 2012 14:02:21 GMT

Bergeron, L.
Stanford Report, 1 Dec 2011

A team of researchers led by Stanford geochemist Kate Maher is proposing to imitate nature by using amorphous silica—also known as the precious gemstone opal—to sequester uranium at contaminated sites. Once incorporated into opal, the uranium molecules would be rendered immobile and chemically inert. Opaline silica in deposits across the western United States almost universally contain very high uranium concentrations, and the deposits have been stable, closed systems for hundreds of thousands of years or longer. According to computer modeling studies the researchers have done using their data from natural opal deposits, opaline silica may offer a faster, cheaper, more enduring way to sequester uranium than other current or proposed methods. The sequestering process would involve pumping a solution rich in dissolved silica into the subsurface through injection wells, effectively flooding the contaminated areas. As the solution moves through the soil or rock, chemically interacting with its surroundings, amorphous silica would precipitate out, incorporating the dissolved uranium. Opaline silica is not only a demonstrably long-lasting host, it is also much more welcoming than other potential mineral hosts, such as calcite, which is often precipitated along with the opal. Opaline silica also is stable over a wider range of pH conditions. Silica is relatively inexpensive, making it an affordable method for storing uranium in situ in the subsurface. On top of its striking capacity and stability, opal incorporates uranium into its amorphous form at a relatively rapid rate, according to the researchers' modeling of different sequestration scenarios. Modeling indicates that within 10 years of flooding a contaminated area with sodium silicate, nearly the whole aquifer has been decontaminated to levels far below the maximum contaminant level allowed by federal law, whereas less than half of the aquifer would be beneath that level with traditional pump and treat. Once uranium has been incorporated into opal, almost the only way for it to dis-incorporate would be if fluids containing very low amounts of silica began circulating through the uranium sequestration zone. If the silica content of the fluid was low enough, the amorphous silica would begin dissolving and free the uranium. The researchers' work so far has been focused on sampling and analyzing naturally occurring deposits of opal and using those data to model the reactivity and transport of uranium under different scenarios. They are particularly interested in how iron oxides, commonly present in soil and sediment, might affect the incorporation of uranium into opal. Maher hopes to try the method at the experimental scale in the laboratory in 2011 and then run a trial at a contaminated site. Full story at http://news.stanford.edu/news/2011/december/opal-uranium-sequester-120111.html

DEGRADATION OF PENTACHLOROPHENOL WITH THE PRESENCE OF FERMENTABLE AND NON-FERMENTABLE CO-SUBSTRATES IN A MICROBIAL FUEL CELL [Research]

Wed, 1 Feb 2012 14:02:04 GMT

Huang, L., L. Gan, Q. Zhao, B.E. Logan, H. Lu, and G. Chen.
Bioresource Technology, Vol 102 No 19, p 8762-8768, Oct 2011

The authors investigated a method for improved pentachlorophenol (PCP) degradation via a microbial fuel cell (MFC). An MFC is a device that uses microbes to convert the chemical energy stored in organic and inorganic compounds into electricity, providing a low-cost and low-maintenance reactor in a process that produces very little sludge. While many previous studies showed a wide range of organic substrates can be degraded in an MFC, ranging from easily degradable organics such as acetate to complex wastewaters, there is now great interest in using the process for bioremediation of aquatic sediments and groundwater pollutants. This work showed that PCP degraded more rapidly in acetate and glucose-fed MFCs than in open-circuit controls, with removal rates of 0.12 ± 0.01 mg/L h (14.8 ± 1.0 mg/g-VSS-h) in acetate-fed, and 0.08 ± 0.01 mg/L h (6.9 ± 0.8 mg/g-VSS-h) in glucose-fed MFCs, at an initial PCP concentration of 15 mg/L. A PCP concentration of 15 mg/L had no effect on power generation from acetate, whereas power production decreased with glucose. Coulombic balances indicate the predominant product using acetate was electricity (16.1 ± 0.3%) but lactate (19.8 ± 3.3%) using glucose. Current generation accelerated the removal of PCP and co-substrates as well as the degradation products in both PCP-acetate and PCP-glucose reactors. While 2,3,4,5-tetrachlorophenol was present in both reactors, tetrachlorohydroquinone was only found in PCP-acetate MFCs. These results show that PCP degradation and power production are affected by current generation and the type of electron donor provided. http://gs1.dlut.edu.cn/newVersion/Files/dsxx/441.pdf

TRI-CELL DIRECT MERCURY ANALYSIS: SENSITIVE, FAST, AND ENVIRONMENTALLY CLEAN TECHNIQUE FOR DETERMINATION OF MERCURY WITH A WIDE RANGE OF APPLICATIONS [Research]

Wed, 1 Feb 2012 14:01:42 GMT

Jacobsen, L., Milestone Inc.
Program and Abstracts — ICMGP 2011: The 10th International Conference on Mercury as a Global Pollutant, Halifax, Nova Scotia, July 24-29, 2011

Direct mercury analysis is a well-established technique for determining mercury in a wide range of sample matrices. Compared to more traditional techniques for mercury analysis (i.e., CVAA and ICP-MS), direct mercury analysis requires no sample preparation, generates no sample waste, and has a short turnaround. One challenge with direct mercury analysis has been the difficulty of analyzing samples with very low mercury concentration without first pre-concentrating the system by running several samples, but the Tri-Cell technology now can tie into the DMA-80 direct mercury analyzer. Tri-Cell technology allows samples with low levels of mercury to be analyzed in a single run, opening up the possibility of carrying out low-level Hg work in naphtha, groundwater, and oil. Tri-Cell technology further increases the analytical range to include both high and ultra-trace mercury concentrations in the same instrument. This presentation discusses the new technology and its applications. Additional information is available in a slide presentation by G. Colnaghi at http://58.137.157.252/sac/sac2011_pdf/02_sac2011.pdf

FORMATION OF MERCURY SULFIDE BY PLANETARY BALL MILLING FOR LONG TERM SAFE MANAGEMENT OF MERCURY [Research]

Wed, 1 Feb 2012 14:01:27 GMT

Takaoka, M., N. Fukuda, K. Oshita, T. Mizuno, and K. Shiota, Kyoto University.
Program and Abstracts — ICMGP 2011: The 10th International Conference on Mercury as a Global Pollutant, Halifax, Nova Scotia, July 24-29, 2011

This presentation describes the investigation of a mercury stabilization technology. Elemental mercury and sulfur were mixed using planetary ball milling under different experimental conditions. Results confirmed the synthesis of mercury sulfide. No heat was applied, and no release of mercury to atmosphere was detected during the milling process. The labile intermediate of mercury sulfide, which has relatively high water leachability, was observed in the early stage of milling. At a later stage, the intermediates were pulverized into mercury sulfide powder. These phenomena were influenced significantly by the diameter of the balls (19.04, 9.52, and 4.76 mm) in the 250-mL vessel. The larger diameter (19.04 mm) provided for more effective stabilization of mercury, yielding a Japanese leaching test (JLT-46) value for the synthesized mercury sulfide <0.5 µg/L after 20 min. When the molar ratio of sulfur to mercury was 1.05, both TCLP (Toxicity Characteristic Leaching Procedure) and the JLT-46 values were 0.26 µg/L and 0.059 µg/L respectively, which suggests that mercury leachability is strictly controlled. When the volatility of the synthesized mercury sulfide was evaluated via headspace analysis, Hg headspace concentration was less than 1 µg/Nm<>sup3 at 20°C, equivalent to the level of pure reagent. Compared with other mercury stabilization technologies, the stability of mercury sulfide synthesized by planetary ball mill at optimal conditions was as good or better. The running cost of this technology was estimated to be 13,250 Yen ($160 USD)/ton Hg, which is lower than that of the sulfur polymer stabilization/solidification method.

PHYSICAL IMPACT OF WATERJET-BASED SEDIMENT REMEDIATION ON BENTHIC ORGANISMS [Research]

Wed, 1 Feb 2012 14:01:09 GMT

Harper, G., A.C. Elmore, C. Redell, G. Risley, and J.G. Burken.
Remediation Journal, Vol 21 No 4, p 107-118, 2011

Adding activated carbon to sediments has been shown to be an effective means of reducing the bioavailability of certain contaminants. The current state of the practice is mechanical mixing of activated carbon to a target concentration of 3% at depths of ~30 cm using a rotovator or similar construction equipment. Waterjets have been used to cut hard material with a mixture of water and abrasives. If activated carbon is substituted for abrasive, waterjets have the potential to replace mechanical mixing with surface injection during sediment remediation. A perceived benefit of waterjet-based sediment remediation is a reduced potential for benthic organism mortality related to amendment delivery. A set of waterjet parameters were identified for their potential to achieve amendment placement goals, and a series of waterjet tests were conducted to evaluate the potential impact on the benthic community. The tests included mortality testing using a swimming macroinvertebrate and a burrowing invertebrate; benthic artifacts, such as shells; and craft foam as a surrogate for living organisms. Results indicated that the immediate survivability was typically >50% and empirical relationships between two variables (waterjet nozzle diameter and the water column height between the nozzle and the target) and the depth of cut in the foam could be established. Data are not available in the literature for direct comparison of organism survivability immediately after mechanical mixing, but the results of this study provide motivation for the further evaluation of waterjets on the basis of the low observed mortality rates. Future waterjet work may address field-scale characterization of mixing effectiveness, resuspension potential, technical feasibility, and cost. Additional information on waterjet-based sediment remediation is available in C.J. Redell's 2011 Master's thesis, Waterjet Injection of Powdered Activated Carbon for Sediment Remediation, at http://scholarsmine.mst.edu/thesis/Waterjet_injection_o_09007dcc80923887.html

APPLICATION OF TOOLS TO MEASURE PCB MICROBIAL DECHLORINATION AND FLUX INTO WATER DURING IN-SITU TREATMENT OF SEDIMENTS [Research]

Wed, 1 Feb 2012 13:50:32 GMT

Baker, J., C.-W. Chang, K. Sowers, U. Ghosh, P. Paul, and B. Kjellerup.
Strategic Environmental Research and Development Program (SERDP), Project ER-1502, 148 pp, Aug 2011

Beginning in summer 2006, initial project goals were to examine sediments from representative riverine and estuarine systems with well-characterized PCB contamination histories for use in detailed lab studies of dehalogenation, activated carbon (AC) amendment, and sediment-water exchange. Only sediments with high PCB levels and active populations of dehalogenating microbes were considered suitable for subsequent experiments. Sediment was collected from the several waterways, and sediments from the Grasse River (upstate New York) were deemed the most appropriate freshwater candidates. Results to date compare the PCB levels and bioavailability across the sediment types. Incubations of Grasse River sediments with and without AC addition are under way to assess the dehalogenation activity of the native microbial populations. Molecular techniques have been optimized and applied to characterize the dehalogenating community, proving a link between the observed activity and the putative organisms. In consideration of the likely variable redox conditions in contaminated sites such as the Grasse River, aerobic incubations were conducted to assess the potential for aerobic degradation of PCB congeners. These studies, while still in progress, suggest modest biological degradation of many congeners, which decreases but still continues in the presence of AC. A dynamic sediment-water exchange model of PCB transport has been developed and calibrated that that includes particle coagulation and kinetically limited partitioning. http://www.serdp-estcp.org/content/download/12629/150467/file/ER-1502-FR.pdf

DESIGNING FUNNEL-AND-GATE GROUNDWATER REMEDIATION SYSTEMS NEAR PROPERTY CORNERS [Research]

Wed, 1 Feb 2012 13:50:18 GMT

Hudak, P.F.
Remediation Journal, Vol 21 No 4, p 119-126, 2011

Numerical models were used to simulate alternative funnel-and-gate groundwater remediation structures near property corners in hypothetical homogeneous and heterogeneous unconfined aquifers. Each structure consisted of a highly permeable central gate (hydraulic conductivity = 25 m/d) and soil-bentonite slurry walls (hydraulic conductivity = 0.00009 m/d). Gates were perpendicular to regional groundwater flow and ~5 m from a contaminant plume's leading tip. Funnel segments collinear to the central gate reached property boundaries; additional funnel segments followed property boundaries in the most hydraulically upgradient direction. Structures were 1 m thick and anchored into the base of the aquifer. Two structures were simulated for each aquifer: one with a 3.0-m-long central gate and funnels on either side, and a second one with a 1.5-m-long central gate, funnels on either side, and 0.75-m-long end gates. Funnels were lengthened in successive simulations until a structure contained a contaminant plume. Results suggest that for the same total gate length, one-gate structures can facilitate more rapid remediation (up to 44% less time in trials conducted in this study) than multiple-gate structures constructed near property corners. To contain a plume effectively, however, one-gate structures were up to 46% larger than multiple-gate structures.

FUSION OF TOMOGRAPHY TESTS FOR DNAPL SOURCE ZONE CHARACTERIZATION: TECHNOLOGY DEVELOPMENT AND VALIDATION [Research]

Wed, 1 Feb 2012 13:50:02 GMT

Illman, W. and T.-C.J. Yeh.
Strategic Environmental Research and Development Program (SERDP), Project ER-1365, 449 pp, July 2011

This report presents the modeling and experimental results of a cost-effective technology that images DNAPL source zones in 3-D without extensive invasive sampling. Based on stochastic methods, this new technology assimilates results of hydraulic and partitioning tracer tomography surveys to derive the best estimate of the DNAPL distribution and its uncertainty. Specifically, it first analyzes the information derived from hydraulic tomography to identify the 3-D heterogeneity in hydraulic conductivity (K) and specific storage (S_s) of the aquifer. The knowledge of heterogeneity then is used to design conservative tracer and partitioning tracer tomography tests for accurate depiction of the spatial distribution of DNAPL residual saturation in the source zone. Preliminary calculations suggest that the fused tomography technology becomes markedly more cost effective over conventional characterization approaches at sites with suspected investigation areas larger than 2,500 square ft. The degree of cost savings increases dramatically in conjunction with the increasing size of the area being characterized. While the resolution of the heterogeneity patterns are dependent on the density of the monitoring well network, the developed algorithm still yields improved estimates of K, S_s, and S_N in comparison to traditional interpretive techniques. A draft deployment protocol is provided. http://www.serdp-estcp.org/content/download/12636/150562/file/ER-1365-FR.pdf

PHYTOREMEDIATION FOR THE CONTAINMENT AND TREATMENT OF ENERGETIC AND PROPELLANT MATERIAL RELEASES ON TESTING AND TRAINING RANGES [Research]

Wed, 1 Feb 2012 13:49:44 GMT

Schnoor, J., Univ. of Iowa.
Strategic Environmental Research and Development Program (SERDP), Project ER-1499, 169 pp, June 2011

SERDP Project ER-1499 was conducted to determine (1) whether plants significantly improve biodegradation of explosives; (2) the respective contribution of plants and soil microbes in the process; and (3) whether the aging of explosives affects the biodegradation process. In addition to lab and greenhouse studies, the project included a field study of phytoremediation conducted at Eglin Air Force Base (AFB), consisting of three 0.4-acre plots planted in May 2009 with Bahiagrass (Paspalum notatum) Pensacola with biannual sampling over 18 months. The specific objectives of the field study were to (1) determine if the implementation of phytoremediation significantly improved biodegradation of explosives in soil; (2) determine whether plants could take up and significantly degrade explosives in the field; and (3) compare fate and transport processes in lab studies (using soil from the field study site) against the field demonstration results. In the biodegradation studies, TNT was readily transformed and degraded by microbial communities in native Eglin AFB soils, while RDX and HMX remained recalcitrant under unplanted conditions. Additional biodegradation studies found that the RDX concentration in soil rapidly decreased in the presence of Bahiagrass Pensacola and hybrid poplar. The field study results showed that TNT was transformed in the soil with no apparent treatment benefit in the planted areas, and both RDX and HMX migrated downward through the soil before Bahiagrass Pensacola could treat the compounds effectively. There was some evidence that the application of high carbon content soil in which the Bahiagrass was established slowed the migration of TNT and RDX. While phytoremediation was not effective in treating explosives contamination in the sandy soil at Eglin AFB, it is believed that the treatment can be effective in different soils or using different plant species. This project provides new insights into the mechanisms underlying phytoremediation of explosives and propellants in the field. http://www.serdp-estcp.org/content/download/12633/150512/file/ER-1499-FR.pdf

SOIL VAPOR EXTRACTION PILOT TEST REPORT: WRB REFINING, LP, WOOD RIVER REFINERY, ROXANA, ILLINOIS [Demonstrations]

Wed, 1 Feb 2012 13:49:15 GMT

Illinois Environmental Protection Agency, 179 pp, July 2011

Shell Oil Products US (SOPUS) is currently addressing historical petroleum releases inside the WRB Refining LP Wood River Refinery (WRR). In September 2010, SOPUS submitted a Vapor Intrusion Investigation Work Plan in which the installation of a soil vapor extraction (SVE) system was first proposed. URS Corporation, on behalf of SOPUS, submitted a Soil Vapor Extraction Pilot Test Work Plan, which proposed SVE pilot test activities at two separate locations, the west fenceline area of the WRR and the Village of Roxana Public Works Yard. SVE pilot-test field activities at these sites were initiated on March 14, 2011, and concluded on March 24, 2011. This report describes field activities that took place both prior to and during the pilot test and summarizes the results. Pilot activities at the Public Works location indicate a range of influence of at least 90 ft and demonstrated air flow readings of 65 cfm following the decrease in initial concentrations. Potential air flow and range of influence information could not be obtained at the WRR site due to site conditions. Air flow potential at WRR was measured during testing activities, but unlike the Public Works site, sustained elevated concentrations being pulled into the trailer-mounted internal combustion engine unit did not decrease sufficiently to determine air flow potential under a sustained test. Based on boring logs, data collected at both sites, and the close proximity of the two site locations, assumptions can be made that air flow responses to SVE treatment at both sites should be similar. The information gained from pilot testing is being incorporated into the full-scale SVE design. To locate this pilot test report and other site documents, look under 'Reports' at http://roxanainvestigation.urs-stl.net/

NOTICE OF COMMENCEMENT OF AN ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT: NOVEL AIR SPARGING TO REMEDIATE PETROLEUM HYDROCARBONS, BORDEN, BASE DES FORCES CANADIENNES (ON) [Demonstrations]

Wed, 1 Feb 2012 13:48:36 GMT

Canadian Environmental Assessment Agency, 3 Aug 2011

National Defence is required to ensure that a screening is conducted pursuant to the Canadian Environmental Assessment Act, commencing June 6, 2011, in relation to the project "Novel Air Sparging to Remediate Petroleum Hydrocarbons." An innovative method to remediate groundwater and sediment—in situ biosparging (ISB)—will be tested at Canadian Forces Base Borden. In biosparging, air is injected into a contaminated aquifer and the contaminant removed by volatilization and in situ biodegradation. Supersaturated water injection (SWI) is a technology that potentially can enhance the performance of ISB by introducing oxygen dissolved in water. In 2011, a sheet-piling cell used by Nelson et al. (EA File 1267-0113-02031) will be re-established with residual NAPL (a simulated gasoline), and pulsed ISB will be undertaken, initially using nitrogen gas to minimize (eliminate?) the biological component. Air biosparging then will be undertaken so that bio-enhanced removal can be separated from direct volatilization. Each process will be operated for up to one month. Offgas will be collected, analyzed, and treated with activated carbon before discharge to the atmosphere. The pulsed biosparging field experiment also will serve to develop and test tools for quantifying the contributions of volatilization, biodegradation, and dissolution to in situ remediation. CO₂-SWI has been demonstrated at Borden, in terms of enhancing volatile hydrocarbon removal through volatilization (Nelson et al., 2009). A trial of O₂-SWI is proposed to enhance volatilization and aerobic biotransformation at Borden and to compare its performance with pulsed biosparging. In 2012 the SWI will be undertaken in the same cell as the 2011 pulsed air sparging after it is recharged with additional NAPL of similar chemistry. N₂-SWI will be tried initially for about 2 months, then air-SWI for about 2 months to mimic the 2011 pulsed sparging approach and so facilitate a comparison of the two technologies. A multiphase extraction system will collect water and gases, treat these streams on site using activated carbon, and test and release water to the ground surface and gas to the atmosphere. In fall 2012, the contaminated sand and groundwater remaining in the sheet piling cell will be excavated and taken off site for appropriate disposal, and the cell will be decommissioned. Downgradient monitoring of groundwater will continue for 2 years to ensure it remains uncontaminated. An environmental assessment is required in relation to this project because National Defence is the project proponent and may provide federal lands. http://ceaa.gc.ca/050/details-eng.cfm?evaluation=63172&ForceNOC=Y
Additional information on the earlier field work is available in Leif Carl Nelson's 2007 Master's thesis, Field Trial of Residual LNAPL Recovery Using CO₂-Supersaturated Water Injection in the Borden Aquifer: http://uwspace.uwaterloo.ca/handle/10012/2711

IN SITU DESTRUCTION OF PERCHLORATE AND NITRATE USING GASEOUS ELECTRON DONOR INJECTION TECHNOLOGY [Demonstrations]

Wed, 1 Feb 2012 13:47:46 GMT

Evans, P.J., R.A. Fricke, K. Hopfensperger, and T. Titus.
Ground Water Monitoring & Remediation, Vol 31 No 4, p 103-112, Fall 2011

Gaseous electron donor injection technology (GEDIT) was demonstrated at a site in California affected by both nitrate and perchlorate. A mixture of hydrogen, carbon dioxide, liquefied petroleum gas (LPG), and nitrogen was injected into the vadose zone over a period of 5 months, followed by 3 months of LPG alone. This treatment reduced perchlorate and nitrate plus nitrite nitrogen concentrations by over 90% and was capable of reducing them to non-detectable concentrations. Hydrogen, at concentrations as low as 0.5%, was required for perchlorate destruction but not for nitrate destruction. Hydrogen was an effective electron donor because of its low molecular weight and high diffusivity, which likely promoted its penetration into low-permeability formations. Contaminant destruction was observed in both fine-grained and coarse-grained soils ranging from clay to gravel, as well as in moisture contents ranging from 6.8% to 36%, demonstrating the effectiveness of GEDIT in low- and high-moisture soils. The radius of influence (ROI) for perchlorate destruction was ~3.0 to 4.6 m, while that for nitrate exceeded 17 m. The ROI in this case was limited by use of a single injection location, but use of a grid injection system likely would increase efficiency considerably. This project represents the first demonstration of GEDIT for treatment of contaminants in the vadose zone. Additional information is available in an ESTCP study— http://www.clu-in.org/download/contaminantfocus/perchlorate/Perchlorate-ER-0224-FR.pdf
—and Cost & Performance report: http://www.clu-in.org/download/contaminantfocus/perchlorate/ER-0224-C&P-1.pdf

SUSTAINABLE REMEDIATION OF A FORMER TANK FARM [Cleanup News]

Wed, 1 Feb 2012 13:47:28 GMT

Theriault, P., Golder Associates Ltd.
Federal Contaminated Sites (FCS) Regional Workshop, June 14-15, 2011, Vancouver, British Columbia. Real Property Institute of Canada, Abstract only, 2011

In situ treatment via bioremediation was selected to address petroleum hydrocarbon-impacted soil and groundwater (1,800 m³ and 735 m²) at a former tank farm. The use of the Golder Sustainability Evaluation Tool, GoldSET, to evaluate a variety of scenarios identified bioremediation as the optimal solution from a sustainable development perspective, i.e., for rapid elimination of contaminant impacts on the downstream sewer system and reclamation of the property for eventual residential uses. Additionally, bioremediation consumes little energy and generates limited greenhouse gas emissions, while offering highly positive research and development potential. Bioremediation was implemented via a super-oxygenated water (SOW) injection system, plus injection of oleophilic nutrients. The establishment of an aerobic reactive zone created advantageous conditions for bacterial growth, thus enhancing contaminant biodegradation. This technology is a very cost-effective and efficient oxygen delivery technique. It needs minimal maintenance, involves low construction costs, and has a very high transfer coefficient of oxygen into groundwater. The system produces dissolved oxygen concentrations on the order of 50 to 70 mg/L, which is 5 to 7 times greater than the saturated concentration of oxygen in natural waters. Systems such as air sparging transfer only 2% of the oxygen to groundwater and thus are greater consumers of energy compared to SOW, which has oxygen transfer efficiencies exceeding 90%. SOW system energy requirements are low: a typical pressurized chamber system with an oxygen delivery capacity of 0.87 kg/h (25 scfh) requires a 3-hp compressor and an oxygen generator requiring 120 W/h. The tank farm cleanup system has been in operation for two years. Injected oxygen concentrations vary from 40 to 50 ppm, and the bacteria counts have increased by ~3 to 4 orders of magnitude. The system can be placed in 100% recirculation mode for months at a time to minimize water consumption and operate the system as an in situ plug-flow bioreactor.

IN REMEDIATION, TWO WRONGS CAN MAKE A RIGHT [2] [Cleanup News]

Wed, 1 Feb 2012 13:47:06 GMT

Christensen, B., AMEC.
Pollution Engineering, 1 Feb 2011

At the North Railroad Avenue Plume Superfund site in northern New Mexico, vegetable oil was used for rapid remediation of a large PCE plume that contaminated an aquifer—the sole source of drinking water in the area—and threatened a major river. Emanating from solvents used by a former dry cleaner, the plume extended three-quarters of a mile, was 800 ft wide, and lay as deep as 260 ft below ground surface. It forced the closure of two city supply wells and had moved to within 10 feet of the Rio Grande River. Cleanup involved coordination among the Santa Clara Pueblo, the City of Espanola, the New Mexico Environment Department, and U.S. EPA. Three bioremediation systems were implemented to target the deep-zone aquifer, the area downgradient of the plume near the river, and, in a departure from the initial cleanup plan, the high-concentration source area. The initial plan called for surfactant-enhanced aquifer restoration (SEAR) to flush out and capture the highest concentrations of undissolved contamination in and near the source area. That plan envisioned a confining layer on which PCE downward migration stopped and pooled, but the process of drilling for remediation wells revealed the supposed confining layer to be a low-permeability water-bearing unit that had been penetrated by the PCE. Surfactant flooding, under the existing hydrogeologic conditions, would have taken much longer and cost significantly more than originally estimated. Also, due to the slope of the layer, there was a risk of contaminants mobilized by the surfactants escaping the capture zone of extraction wells and migrating downgradient toward the river. Tests of electron-donor bioamendments confirmed that emulsified vegetable oil best supported the growth of a specific consortium of bacteria that was capable of reductive dechlorination of the PCE to TCE > DCE > VC > ethene. The tests also were used to determine the concentration and frequency of bioamendment injection that would be needed to keep the rate of degradation high. Full-scale operation of the bioremediation system began in May 2008, and by March 2010, sampling confirmed that more than 99% of the site's PCE had been eliminated, as well as more than 95% of all chloroethenes in the source area. With the end of the remedial action, only long-term maintenance was scheduled to continue in 2011. Enhanced bioremediation with an electron-donor substance and nutrient mix enabled rapid cleanup. Current forecasts estimate cleanup completion within the next two years, contrasting with the original cleanup estimate of up to 30 years and costing considerably less than the proposed SEAR remedy. [Note: This article also contains a case study of remediation of nitrate and petroleum hydrocarbon plumes at a site in Manitoba.] http://www.pollutionengineering.com/Articles/Article_Rotation/BNP_GUID_9-5-2006_A_10000000000000994606

IN REMEDIATION, TWO WRONGS CAN MAKE A RIGHT [1] [Cleanup News]

Wed, 1 Feb 2012 13:46:47 GMT

Christensen, B., AMEC.
Pollution Engineering, 1 Feb 2011

A former agricultural-industrial facility in Manitoba was operated as a fertilizer and petroleum storage and distribution facility until the early 2000s. The consultant who conducted an environmental site assessment as part of decommissioning activities identified two contaminant plumes: one involving nitrates from fertilizer and the other petroleum hydrocarbons. The hydrocarbon plume posed the greater short-term environmental risk because it extended onto two residential properties and was migrating in the direction of additional residential properties in the town of Gladstone. The nitrate plume posed little immediate financial or environmental liability, but over time, the dissolved fertilizer concentrations would produce a more extensive plume, with potential future restrictions on groundwater use in the area. The extent of the plumes and the presence of existing infrastructure and landscaping posed remediation challenges. Rather than treat the two plumes in separate remediation efforts, contractors designed a recirculation system (a series of groundwater collection trenches and infiltration galleries) to collect and redistribute nitrate-contaminated groundwater to the hydrocarbon-contaminated area. Nitrate-impacted groundwater was used in one gallery to dissolve residual granular fertilizer in the soil. The resulting nitrate-concentrated water then was pumped to the area affected by petroleum hydrocarbons, where it was released underground through a series of infiltration beds. The nitrate acted as an electron acceptor and the petroleum hydrocarbons as an electron donor, resulting in the rapid stimulation of microbial cell growth. Through a series of biochemical reactions, the microbes transferred the electrons from the carbon-containing electron donor to the electron acceptor. This process worked to transform both contaminants into harmless by-products: the nitrate ions were converted to nitrogen gas and the petroleum hydrocarbons were converted to water and carbon dioxide, rapidly achieving a 98% reduction. Once the hydrocarbon electron-donor source was depleted, other electron donor sources (molasses, high fructose corn syrup, emulsified canola oil) were added to eliminate the nitrate contamination, which decreased by ~98%. The treatment was completed mainly over five May-to-October seasons at a total cost of less than $200,000 Canadian. [Note: This article also contains a second case study of a federal Superfund site in northern New Mexico, where vegetable oil was used for rapid remediation of a large PCE plume.] http://www.pollutionengineering.com/Articles/Article_Rotation/BNP_GUID_9-5-2006_A_10000000000000994606

SURFACTANT-ENHANCED REMEDIATION VIA SHORT-TERM RECIRCULATION PROCESS [Cleanup News]

Wed, 1 Feb 2012 13:46:26 GMT

Timmins, B., ETEC LLC, Portland, OR.
17th Annual Florida Remediation Conference, Orlando, 13-14 October 2011

This presentation discusses case studies of surfactant-enhanced remediation conducted in Florida and in Georgia in 2010 and 2011. These projects involved the injection under pressure of a biodegradable surfactant solution within target remediation zones to mobilize residual sorbed fuel constituents from soil and groundwater and to capture them via extraction. Performed over a period of one to two weeks, the process provided subsurface contact between the surfactant solution and residual sorbed fuel, and subsequently achieved hydrocarbon mobilization and capture. Surfactant-enhanced treatment can accelerate site remediation dramatically whether applied as a stand-alone remedial approach or used with operating remediation systems. In one case study, surfactant-enhanced remediation provided a stand-alone remediation approach, while in the other surfactants were used to enhance the effectiveness of an existing dual-phase extraction system. Remediation results at both sites demonstrate that surfactant-enhanced remediation using a short-term recirculation process is a cost-effective remediation alternative as both a primary remediation approach and as a system enhancement to reach stringent soil and groundwater cleanup standards. Several biosurfactant flushing case studies are available at the bottom of the linked page: http://www.etecllc.com/bioremediation-case-studies.asp

QUANTIFYING THE EFFECTIVENESS OF REMEDIATION AT GAMBONINI MERCURY MINE IN CALIFORNIA COAST RANGE [Cleanup News]

Wed, 1 Feb 2012 13:46:02 GMT

Austin, C., J.W. Kirchner, D.C. Whyte, and A. Myers.
Program and Abstracts: The 10th International Conference on Mercury as a Global Pollutant (ICMGP), Halifax, Nova Scotia, July 24-29, 2011

How effective is site cleanup? Simple before-and-after comparisons of contaminant concentrations or loads can be misleading measures of remediation effectiveness due to factors external to the remediation, including weather. A new analytical method, before-and-after contaminant rating curves, has been developed to correct for variations in external driving forces and thus to clarify remediation effectiveness. Demonstration of the method uses monitoring data from the Gambonini mercury mine in the California Coast Range. Measured mercury loads in a stream draining the mine site were a factor of ~1,000 lower five years after remediation compared to measurements made prior to remediation; however, the post-remediation year also had much lower rainfall, hence lower mercury loads would be expected because most of the mercury comes from erosion of the waste pile. The calculations show that the variation in rainfall would account for a factor of ~60-80 decrease in mercury loads (corresponding to an apparent 98-99% removal efficiency), even without remediation. Results also show that (a) concentrations of mercury in sediment went down (less mine waste in stream sediment) and (b) concentrations of sediment at a given stream flow went down (less sediment mobilized due to greater slope stability); therefore, (c) for a given stream flow, a much smaller load of mercury left the site. By comparing pre- and post-remediation contaminant rating curves, the mine remediation can be shown to have reduced mercury loads by a factor of 10 to 20 (90-95%) on an all-else-equal basis.

SPREADSHEET-BASED MODELING OF ISCO WITH PERMANGANATE [Cleanup News]

Wed, 1 Feb 2012 13:45:45 GMT

Cha, K.Y., T. Simpkin, and R.C. Borden.
Remediation Journal, Vol 22 No 1, p 43-58, 2011

CDISCO, a Microsoft Excel spreadsheet-based model, can be used to assist with the design of in situ chemical oxidation (ISCO) systems that use permanganate (MnO₄^-). The model inputs are the aquifer characteristics (porosity, hydraulic conductivity, effective aquifer thickness, natural oxidant demand, kinetic parameters, contaminant concentrations), injection conditions (permanganate injection concentration, flow rate, duration), and unit costs for reagent, drilling, and labor. Permanganate transport in the aquifer is simulated and used to estimate the effective radius of influence (ROI) and required injection-point spacing. CDISCO then provides a preliminary cost estimate for the selected design conditions. The user can perform multiple runs of CDISCO to optimize the cost of the ISCO design. Comparisons with analytical and numerical models of nonreactive and reactive transport demonstrate that CDISCO accurately simulates permanganate transport and consumption. Comparison of CDISCO results with 3-D heterogeneous simulations show that aquifer volume contact efficiency and contaminant mass treatment efficiency are closely correlated with the ROI overlap factor. The spreadsheet, user's guide, and training video are available on line: http://www4.ncsu.edu/~rcborden/Design_Tool.html

CENTERS FOR SUSTAINABLE MOLECULAR DESIGN [Market/Commercialization]

Wed, 1 Feb 2012 13:45:26 GMT

U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Funding Opportunity EPA-G2012-STAR-C1, 27 Dec 2011

U.S. EPA, as part of its Science to Achieve Results program, is seeking applications for an interdisciplinary center focusing on the sustainable molecular design of chemicals. The aim of the center will be to develop a set of parameters and strategies that will establish design criteria regarding the properties of chemicals, which will lead to the development of intrinsically less hazardous substances when compared to those currently used in society. These newly acquired criteria and design principles will direct researchers toward the generation of novel chemicals that will minimize, and preferably eliminate, associated potential environmental and human health impacts that might occur during that chemical's life cycle. The advent of these novel chemicals and the respective discovery of correlations between a chemical's inherent properties and adverse impacts require the development of improved methods for the design of next-generation chemicals. The closing date for this opportunity is April 25, 2012. http://www.epa.gov/ncer/rfa/2012/2012_star_molecular_design.html

NOVEL DEVICE REMOVES HEAVY METALS FROM WATER [Market/Commercialization]

Wed, 1 Feb 2012 13:44:57 GMT

Brown University Press Release, 16 Dec 2011

A technique variously described as electrowinning, electrolytic removal/recovery, or electroextraction works by using an electrical current to transform positively charged metal ions (cations) in contaminated water into a stable, solid state where they can be easily separated from the water and removed. The main drawback to this technique is that there must be a sufficient concentration of metal cations in the water for it to be effective; if the cation concentration is too low—roughly less than 100 parts per million—the current efficiency becomes too low, and the current acts on more than the heavy metal ions. Metals also can be removed via simple chemistry, using hydroxides and sulfides to precipitate the metal ions from the water in the form of a toxic sludge. Joseph Calo, professor emeritus of engineering, who maintains an active laboratory at Brown University, and co-authors Pengpeng Grimshaw and George Hradil combined the two techniques to form a closed-loop cyclic electrowinning/precipitation (CEP) system that efficiently removes trace heavy metals from water. The technique is scalable and has viable commercial applications, especially in the environmental remediation and metal recovery fields. The CEP system has two main units, one to concentrate the cations and another to turn them into stable, solid-state metals and remove them. In the first stage, the metal-laden water is fed into a tank in which an acid (sulfuric acid) or base (sodium hydroxide) is added to change the water's pH, effectively separating the water molecules from the metal precipitate, which settles at the bottom. The "clear" water is siphoned off, and more contaminated water is brought in. The pH swing is applied again, first re-dissolving the precipitate and then re-precipitating all the metal, increasing the metal concentration each time. This process repeats until the concentration of the metal cations in the solution reaches a point at which electrowinning can be employed efficiently. The solution then is sent to a spouted particulate electrode where the electrowinning takes place, and the metal cations are chemically changed to stable metal solids. The cleaner water is returned to the precipitation tank, where metal ions can be precipitated once again. The supernatant water is sent to another reservoir, where additional processes can be employed to lower the metal ion concentration levels. These processes can be repeated in an automated, cyclic fashion as many times as necessary to achieve the desired performance, such as federal drinking water standard levels. The CEP system's mechanics and results are described in the Chemical Engineering Journal [175:103-109(2011)]. News release at http://news.brown.edu/pressreleases/2011/12/cep

ENERGY DEPARTMENT ANNOUNCES NEW INITIATIVE TO REMOVE BARRIERS FOR INDUSTRY TO WORK WITH NATIONAL LABS, COMMERCIALIZE TECHNOLOGY [Market/Commercialization]

Wed, 1 Feb 2012 13:44:40 GMT

U.S. DOE News Release, 8 Dec 2011

U.S. Deputy Secretary of Energy Daniel Poneman has announced a new pilot initiative to reduce some of the hurdles that prevent innovative companies from working with DOE's national laboratories. The new Agreements for Commercializing Technology (ACT) will help businesses bring job-creating technologies to the market faster by allowing them to work with DOE's national laboratories from start to finish to develop and deliver new clean energy technologies and other innovations. In 2012, this initiative will remove barriers for businesses and startup companies that are interested in accessing the research, facilities, and scientists available at the laboratories, catapulting innovative new products to the marketplace. In October 2011, the President issued a memorandum to executive departments and agencies, directing agencies with federal laboratories to accelerate technology transfer and commercialization of research and to take steps to increase partnerships between businesses and laboratories. The DOE ACT will serve as a vehicle to help accomplish technology transfer and commercialization at DOE laboratories. ACT also complements the goals of the Administration's "Startup America" initiative by supporting high-growth entrepreneurship and startup companies. ACT is part of DOE's broader efforts to unleash American innovation by reducing barriers so industry can work more easily with the national labs. In March 2011, DOE launched "America's Next Top Energy Innovator" Challenge, which gives startup companies access to DOE's thousands of unlicensed patents at greatly reduced cost and paperwork. DOE also recently announced the Rooftop Solar Challenge, which allocates $12 million to support 22 regional teams. The teams compete to spur solar power deployment by cutting red tape—streamlining and standardizing permitting, zoning, metering, and connection processes—and improving finance options to reduce barriers and lower costs for residential and small commercial rooftop solar systems. To view the FAQs on ACT, visit http://technologytransfer.energy.gov/ACTpilotFAQ.html
Full story: http://www.doe.gov/articles/energy-department-announces-new-initiative-remove-barriers-industry-work-national-labs

REMOVING ARSENIC FROM DRINKING WATER [Market/Commercialization]

Wed, 1 Feb 2012 13:44:13 GMT

ScienceDaily, 1 Mar 2011

Pioneering technology by scientists at Queen's University Belfast is now being used to create safer drinking water in the United States. Subterranean Arsenic Removal (SAR)—winner of the 2011 UK Environment and Energy Innovation Award for Remediation Technology—removes arsenic from groundwater without using chemicals. SAR was developed by a team of European and Indian engineers led by Dr. Bhaskar Sen Gupta in Queen's University School of Planning, Architecture and Civil Engineering. Based on the principle of oxidation and filtration processes, the technology is already in use in six plants in West Bengal. In the United States, the technology has been tested successfully in a rural community outside Bellingham, Washington. The Washington State installation team first read about the SAR technology on Wikipedia. Recognizing the advantages and elegance of the SAR approach, they tested it with assistance from Queen's University and Dr. Sen Gupta, who visited Washington State to oversee the system's installation. The SAR test began in January 2011 on an abandoned well with high arsenic levels. After three weeks, arsenic levels had decreased substantially. After seven weeks, arsenic levels were at or below the limit set by U.S. EPA. According to Dr. Sen Gupta, the cost of setting up a plant to produce up to 6,000 liters of water a day averages under $4,000 (even less in the developing world), and the operational cost is ~$20/month. Each plant has an estimated life of about 20 years without any mechanical maintenance. The system is operated simply by the pressing of an electrical switch. The technology has attracted interest from other parts of the United States, and plans have advanced for installation in 2011 of SAR plants in Cambodia, Vietnam, and Mexico. Full story: http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/03/110301091631.htm
Additional information on SAR: http://www.insituarsenic.org/files/SAR%20handout.pdf

NRDA 2012 IMPLEMENTATION GRANTS [Market/Commercialization]

Wed, 1 Feb 2012 13:43:50 GMT

Department of Commerce Funding Opportunity NOAA-NMFS-HCPO-2012-2003241

The principal objective of the Natural Resource Damage Assessment (NRDA) 2012 Multi-Year Implementation Grants is to administer funds for sub-awarded coastal habitat conservation and restoration projects. The funded projects/sub-awards will be selected through NRDA restoration planning processes in response to natural resource injuries and lost use of natural resources due to those injuries. NOAA acts as a trustee on behalf of the public to protect and restore coastal and marine resources. For almost 20 years, NOAA has worked cooperatively with responsible parties (the individuals, companies, or government agencies responsible for an oil spill or hazardous substance release) and trustee councils (teams of state, tribal, and other federal agencies convened to respond to a specific spill, release, or grounding) to implement remedial actions that protect NOAA trust resources from additional harm. Applicants selected through this funding opportunity will be those capable of implementing trustee-selected NRDA restoration projects, or competitively soliciting projects to meet specific restoration goals determined by the trustee council. Projects selected by the trustees can be implemented through a subcontract to a specified organization, or implemented directly by the grantee (requiring significant oversight), provided the trustees determine the applicant has relevant expertise. NOAA anticipates $750,000 to $15,000,000 to fund the awarded cooperative agreements over the life of any selected awards. Funding is expected to be provided on an as-available basis to maintain the grants for up to seven years, and is dependent upon the level of funding made available by trustee councils. Typical awards range from $350,000 to $2,000,000 within the first year. Applications for federal, state, tribal, or local governments will not be considered, due to their potential role as trustee council members. The closing date for this solicitation is February 23, 2012. http://www.grants.gov/search/search.do?mode=VIEW&oppId=137053

RESEARCHERS CREATE LIVING 'NEON SIGNS' COMPOSED OF MILLIONS OF GLOWING BACTERIA [Market/Commercialization]

Wed, 1 Feb 2012 13:43:35 GMT

McDonald, K.
UC San Diego News Center, 18 Dec 2011

Biologists and bioengineers at the University of California at San Diego have created a living neon microfluidic sensor chip composed of millions of bacterial cells that periodically fluoresce in unison like blinking light bulbs. Their achievement is detailed in the journal Nature. Each of the blinking bacterial colonies comprise what the researchers call a "biopixel," an individual point of light much like the pixels on a computer monitor or television screen. The larger microfluidic chips contain about 13,000 biopixels, while the smaller chips contain about 500 pixels. The largest chips contain 50 to 60 million bacterial cells and are about the size of a paper clip or a microscope cover slip. The smaller microfluidic chips, which contain ~2.5 million cells, are about a tenth of the size of the larger chips. The researchers have used the technology to engineer a simple bacterial sensor capable of detecting low levels of arsenic. In this biological sensor, decreases in the frequency of the oscillations of the cells' blinking pattern indicate the presence and amount of arsenic. Because bacteria are sensitive to many kinds of environmental pollutants and organisms, the scientists believe this approach could be also used to design low-cost bacterial biosensors capable of detecting an array of heavy metal pollutants and disease-causing organisms. And because the senor is composed of living organisms, it can respond to changes in the presence or amount of the toxins over time, unlike many chemical sensors. Within about five years, a small hand-held sensor could be developed that would take readings of the oscillations from the bacteria on disposable microfluidic chips to determine the presence and concentrations of various toxic substances and disease-causing organisms in the field. The UC San Diego Technology Transfer Office has filed a patent application on this invention. Anyone with commercial interest in the research or application should contact Eric Gosink, senior licensing officer, at egosink@ucsd.edu. Full story at http://ucsdnews.ucsd.edu/pressreleases/researchers_create_living_neon_signs_composed_of_millions_of_glowing_bacter/

ENVIRONMENTAL SECURITY TECHNOLOGY CERTIFICATION PROGRAM (ESTCP) FY2013 ENVIRONMENTAL TECHNOLOGIES SOLICITATION [Market/Commercialization]

Wed, 1 Feb 2012 13:43:04 GMT

ESTCP Funding Opportunity BAA-12-0003

ESTCP is interested in receiving pre-proposals for innovative environmental technology demonstrations that address DoD requirements as candidates for funding. This notice constitutes a Broad Agency Announcement (BAA). To be eligible for consideration, readers wishing to respond to the BAA must submit a pre-proposal in accordance with the instructions on the website no later than 2:00 p.m. ET, Thursday, March 15, 2012. No electronic mail or faxed proposals will be accepted. Areas of interest for this round of funding include 1) management of contaminated groundwater; 2) characterization, control, and treatment of testing and training range contamination; 3) military munitions detection, classification, and remediation; 4) watershed management models/tools for DoD installation applications; and 5) demonstration and validation of alternatives to cadmium plating in manufacturing and maintenance of weapons systems. http://www.serdp-estcp.org/Funding-Opportunities/ESTCP-Solicitations/Environmental-Technologies-Solicitation

MINE WASTES: CHARACTERIZATION, TREATMENT AND ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACTS, THIRD EDITION [General News]

Fri, 20 Jan 2012 17:16:10 GMT

Lottermoser, B.
Springer, New York. ISBN: 978-3-642-12418-1, 400 pp, 2010

This book serves as an introductory text to explain the scientific principles of problematic mine wastes. It is intended for readers with a preliminary understanding of inorganic chemistry, hydrology, mineralogy, and geochemistry. The author discusses sulfidic mine wastes, mine drainage, tailings, cyanidation wastes of gold-silver ores, radioactive wastes of uranium ores, and wastes of phosphate and potash ores. The book emphasizes characterization, prediction, monitoring, disposal, and treatment, as well as environmental impacts of problematic mine wastes supported by case studies from around the world. End-of-chapter summaries and lists of resource materials are provided for each waste type. This updated third edition has been revised to include major developments and contemporary issues that have gained prominence in the field of mine waste science, new Web resources, case studies, and an updated bibliography.

EARLY WARNING REPORT: USE OF UNAPPROVED ASBESTOS DEMOLITION METHODS MAY THREATEN PUBLIC HEALTH [General News]

Fri, 20 Jan 2012 17:15:46 GMT

U.S. EPA, Office of Inspector General (OIG).
Report No. 12-P-0125, 4 pp, 14 Dec 2011

According to the Asbestos National Emission Standards for Hazardous Air Pollutants (NESHAP), regulated asbestos-containing material (RACM) must be removed by specially trained technicians prior to demolition, except when the building is structurally unsound and in danger of imminent collapse. This method reduces the release of friable asbestos by removing asbestos intact. Beginning in 1999, EPA considered alternative methods to augment the Asbestos NESHAP. These demolition methods, such as the Fort Worth Method and the Alternative Asbestos Control Method (AACM), leave some or all RACM in place. Demolition equipment applies mechanical forces that shred the RACM, potentially releasing asbestos fibers into the environment and endangering public health. Buildings are wetted during demolition in an attempt to limit the release of asbestos fibers; however, EPA has not approved or shown that these "wet" methods are protective of human health. In July 2011, EPA's Office of Research and Development ended its research on the AACM due to technical deficiencies. Preliminary research indicates that unapproved methods currently are being used or considered at multiple sites, such as the Hanford Superfund site, near Richland, Washington, and a gaseous diffusion plant in Paducah, Kentucky. The use of unapproved methods is counter to EPA regulations. The current and proposed use of unapproved methods may jeopardize the public health and safety. For example, settled dust results obtained from testing during AACM demolition experiments at Fort Chaffee, Arkansas, and Fort Worth, Texas, demonstrated asbestos fiber releases. Video footage and photos show government employees and contractors at the demolition sites without personal protective equipment, a possible violation of OSHA asbestos worker protection requirements. Because settled dust results indicate that asbestos escaped the restricted areas, unprotected workers adjacent to the restricted areas and any members of the public in the vicinity of the sites may have been exposed. EPA's OIG recommends that EPA should immediately and clearly communicate NESHAP and OSHA requirements for the demolition of asbestos-containing structures to regional, program, and field offices to prevent potentially hazardous asbestos exposures. http://www.epa.gov/oigearth/reports/2012/20111214-12-P-0125.pdf
Additional information is available in Comparison of the Alternative Asbestos Control Method and the NESHAP Method for Demolition of Asbestos-Containing Buildings (EPA 2008) at http://www.epa.gov/nrmrl/pubs/600r08094/600r08094.html

FUNDAMENTALS OF ISCO USING OZONE [General News]

Fri, 20 Jan 2012 17:15:31 GMT

Clayton, W.S., BG. Petri, and S.G. Huling.
Springer, New York. ISBN: 978-1-4419-7826-4, SERDP/ESTCP Environmental Remediation Technology: Vol 3, p 193-232, 2011

Chapter 5 discusses the chemistry and use of ozone gas for in situ chemical oxidation (ISCO), including reaction mechanisms, oxidant interactions with subsurface media, oxidant transport, and effectiveness for different contaminants of concern. Ozone is a gaseous oxidant that can be delivered into the vadose zone or sparged into groundwater. It is very reactive and short-lived and therefore must be generated on site and injected into the subsurface immediately after generation, requiring an aggressive delivery scheme. Ozone provides direct oxidation, as well as aggressive radical propagation via catalysis by subsurface solids or by addition of activator. It can transform or mineralize a wide variety of organic contaminants, including many hard-to-treat compounds. For ozone sparging, multiphase flow mechanisms and mass transfer limitations dominate ozone delivery. Because it degrades to oxygen, ozone can support aerobic biodegradation. Additional information: http://www.springerlink.com/content/978-1-4419-7826-4#section=861360&page=1

FUNDAMENTALS OF ISCO USING PERSULFATE [General News]

Fri, 20 Jan 2012 17:15:15 GMT

Petri, B.G., R.J. Watts, A. Tsitonaki, M. Crimi, N.R. Thomson, and A.L. Teel.
Springer, New York. ISBN: 978-1-4419-7826-4, SERDP/ESTCP Environmental Remediation Technology: Vol 3, 147-191, 2011

Chapter 4 examines the chemistry and use of persulfate for in situ chemical oxidation of subsurface contaminants, including free radical and other reaction mechanisms, catalysts, subsurface transport, and contaminant treatability. Persulfate reaction chemistry is complex as it can react through direct electron transfer or free radical reactions. Electron transfer reactions are relatively slow and selective. Upon activation, the free radicals generated have non-specific reactivity that allows for the degradation of a wide range of organic contaminants. The radicals that are presently understood to play a major role in reactions are the sulfate radical and the hydroxyl radical, while emerging evidence indicates the potential importance of the superoxide anion and the perhydroxyl radical. Persulfate activation can be achieved by heat, chelated or non-chelated transition metals (especially iron), hydrogen peroxide, and alkaline pH conditions. The efficiency, effectiveness, and reaction products can vary between contaminants, activation methods, and the porous media to be treated. Carbonate, bicarbonate, or chloride ions can act as free radical scavengers and reduce reaction efficiency and effectiveness. The kinetics of reaction between persulfate and target compounds is complex. To simplify, pseudo first-order kinetics are often assumed, but these usually require laboratory estimation because extrapolating between systems is difficult. The interaction of aquifer solids and persulfate is not well understood; although persulfate reacts with aquifer solids, resulting in oxidant consumption, the rate and magnitude of this process are not well characterized. Persistence varies from days to months, depending on conditions. The impact of persulfate on metal mobility also is not well understood. Conceivably, persulfate could affect metal concentrations in groundwater through modification of pH, oxidation of metals, injection of activation amendments, and other mechanisms. Additional information: http://www.springerlink.com/content/978-1-4419-7826-4#section=861360&page=1

FUNDAMENTALS OF ISCO USING PERMANGANATE [General News]

Fri, 20 Jan 2012 17:13:54 GMT

Petri, B.G., N.R. Thomson, and M.A. Urynowicz.
Springer, New York. ISBN: 978-1-4419-7826-4, SERDP/ESTCP Environmental Remediation Technology: Vol 3, p 89-146, 2011

Chapter 3 contains a discussion of the use of permanganate for in situ chemical oxidation (ISCO) of contaminants of concern (COCs) in groundwater, including reactions, kinetic expressions, oxidant interactions with subsurface media, and ISCO effectiveness for common COCs. Permanganate is a selective oxidant and will oxidize only certain types of organic compounds. Sodium permanganate is readily miscible in water, whereas potassium permanganate has a solubility limit of 6.5 wt% at 20°C. For all practical purposes, permanganate reactions occur only in the aqueous phase. Permanganate chemistry is relatively insensitive to pH over a wide range. It is highly reactive with compounds having alkene bonds and less reactive toward compounds with carbon-carbon single bonds (e.g., saturated hydrocarbons). Oxidation reactions follow second-order kinetics overall with respect to the concentration of permanganate and the concentration of target organic compounds. Insoluble manganese dioxides and carbon dioxide are the main by-products of permanganate reactions with organics. Under some conditions, manganese dioxide solids or carbon dioxide gas can reduce formation permeability and interfere with oxidant delivery and treatment efficiency. Permanganate reacts with naturally occurring reduced materials in subsurface porous media, referred to as natural oxidant demand (NOD). Permanganate NOD is a kinetically controlled process, which can interfere significantly with the destruction of the target COC. Permanganate has the potential to affect the mobility of heavy metals through several mechanisms, but based on field experience, this phenomenon is usually transient, and elevated metals concentrations attenuate with time. Additional information: http://www.springerlink.com/content/978-1-4419-7826-4#section=861360&page=1

FUNDAMENTALS OF ISCO USING HYDROGEN PEROXIDE [General News]

Fri, 20 Jan 2012 17:13:18 GMT

Petri, B.G., R.J. Watts, A.L. Teel, S.G. Huling, and R.A. Brown.
Springer, New York. ISBN: 978-1-4419-7826-4, SERDP/ESTCP Environmental Remediation Technology: Vol 3, p 33-88, 2011

Chapter 2 describes the chemistry and use of hydrogen peroxide for in situ chemical oxidation (ISCO) of subsurface contaminants, including free radical and other reaction mechanisms, catalysts, and reactive transport. Hydrogen peroxide reaction chemistry is complex, but potentially capable of degrading a wide range of organic contaminants, depending upon conditions in the subsurface. Ferrous [Fe(II)] and ferric [Fe(III)] iron, iron and manganese soil minerals, and other metals in solution can catalyze hydrogen peroxide to form free radicals. These catalysts can be present naturally in the matrix or added during ISCO to augment the reaction. The pH has a strong effect on hydrogen peroxide chemistry and effectiveness by its influence on catalyst solubility and reactivity toward hydrogen peroxide, as well as the radicals formed and the degradation of target contaminants. Some hydrogen peroxide applications include the injection of amendments (acids or alkalis) to modify pH to an optimal range. Radicals known to play significant roles in hydrogen peroxide chemistry include the hydroxyl radical, superoxide radical, and perhydroxyl radical. Different radicals dominate the reaction under different chemistry conditions and are controlled by parameters such as concentration of the oxidant, catalyst, organic or inorganic solutes, and pH. Some contaminants will degrade only under specific chemistry conditions. Carbonate, bicarbonate, chloride, other inorganic ions, and hydrogen peroxide itself are reactive with radicals, which can affect reaction efficiency and effectiveness. Hydrogen peroxide's fast reaction rate limits its reactive transport and lifetime in the subsurface (generally hours to days). Additional information: http://www.springerlink.com/content/978-1-4419-7826-4#section=861360&page=1

INSIGHTS FROM YEARS OF PERFORMANCE THAT ARE SHAPING INJECTION-BASED REMEDIATION SYSTEMS [General News]

Fri, 20 Jan 2012 17:12:53 GMT

Suthersan, S., J. Horst, D. Nelson, and M. Schnobrich.
Remediation Journal, Vol 21 No 2, p 9-25, 2011

Research and field experience from the past 15 years has allowed remediation professionals to purposefully design injection-based remediation systems with a high potential for success. Industry professionals can now claim achievements that were unthinkable just a few years ago:

• Demonstration that maximum contaminant levels can be achieved for multiple contaminants.

• Successful targeting of DNAPL source zones.

• Expansion of the understanding of injection hydraulics to treat large plumes.

• Collection of sufficient data on rates of treatment to be more predictive regarding outcomes.

The next decade will continue to evolve the design and execution of injection-type treatment systems for application to more complex problems. At this point on the timeline, questions regarding the mechanisms of treatment have largely been addressed, allowing a shift in focus to operational enhancements. Specific operational insights that have arisen from the body of work to date include (1) delivery does not always equal distribution, (2) treatment optimization requires aquifer tuning, and (3) life-cycle costs can be reduced with remedy-optimized investigation. The number of examples that support these concepts and their ramifications to future technology refinement is steadily increasing, demonstrating how the refinements that can be made around these areas of focus will enhance the ability of remediation professionals to tackle larger and more complicated plumes with maximum efficiency.

QUANTITATIVE ANALYSIS OF REMEDIAL APPROACHES, COSTS, AND TIME REQUIRED TO REMEDIATE DRY CLEANER SITES [General News]

Fri, 20 Jan 2012 17:12:23 GMT

Luis, S.J., S.L. King, N. Zandipour, and S.S. Koenigsberg.
Remediation Journal, Vol 21 No 4, p 73-83, 2011

This paper presents an analysis of remedial approaches, costs, and time required to remediate dry cleaner sites in the United States based on data compiled by the State Coalition for the Remediation of Dry Cleaners. Trends in soil and groundwater remedy selection are identified and discussed, and median costs and the time required to remediate dry cleaner sites are presented. In addition, the authors report the median costs and the duration of soil and groundwater remediation for the most widely used remedial approaches. This analysis is intended to provide quantitative results useful for remediation planning and transactional analysis.

PERMEABLE REACTIVE BARRIERS & REACTIVE ZONES — PRB/RZ 2010: PROCEEDINGS OF THE 4TH INTERNATIONAL SYMPOSIUM, ANTWERP, JULY 6-8, 2010 [General News]

Fri, 20 Jan 2012 17:12:05 GMT

Bastieaens, L. (ed.). VITO NV, Mol, Belgium. ISBN: 9789058570000, 90 pp, 2010

Permeable reactive barriers (PRBs) and reactive zones (RZs) are recognized technologies for the in situ improvement of groundwater quality. Both technologies aim to realize in situ stimulation of pollutant removal processes to prevent further migration of pollution. This symposium brought together pioneers and experts from all over the world to exchange information and new experience. The final conference of the MULTIBARDEM LIFE project (LIFE06 EBV/B/000359) was integrated into the PRB/RZ-symposium. MULTIBARDEM demonstrated multibarriers at pilot scale for different applications and geological situations. http://www.multibarrier.vito.be/docs/PRB2010-Proceedings.pdf

THE 10TH INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCE ON MERCURY AS A GLOBAL POLLUTANT (ICMGP), HALIFAX, NOVA SCOTIA, JULY 24-29, 2011 [General News]

Fri, 20 Jan 2012 17:11:39 GMT

The ICMGP was initiated in Gavle, Sweden, in 1990 and now is the preeminent international forum for discussion of science and policy issues related to mercury in the environment. The ICMGP series is held every two to three years. With recent meetings attracting many hundreds to over a thousand conferees, this meeting is the venue to present exciting and novel findings and to hear about the most recent and important advances in mercury research. Each ICMGP carries with it a theme that is intended to provide a forward-thinking topical focus. The theme for the 2011 meeting was "Air, Land, Sea, and Me." This forum was designed for exploration of the linkages among mercury sources to the environment, terrestrial and aquatic mercury transport and fate processes, and health risks associated with exposures of humans and wildlife to mercury. Current issues such as climate change and new regulatory frameworks were key topics for presentation and discussion. The presentation abstracts are available on the website through the Final Technical Program: http://mercury2011.org/final_program

COMBINED APPLICATION OF PCR-BASED FUNCTIONAL ASSAYS FOR THE DETECTION OF AROMATIC-COMPOUND-DEGRADING ANAEROBES [Research]

Fri, 20 Jan 2012 17:11:22 GMT

Kuntze, K., C. Vogt, H.-H. Richnow, and M. Boll.
Applied and Environmental Microbiology, Vol 77 No 14, p 5056-5061, 2011

To explore the reliability of assays that detect aromatic-compound-degrading anaerobes, a combination of three functional-gene-targeting assays was applied to microcosms from benzene-contaminated aquifers. Results of the assays were consistent and suggest that species related to the genera Azoarcus and Geobacter dominated benzene degradation at the individual sites. http://aem.asm.org/content/77/14/5056.full.pdf

DYNAMIC SUBSURFACE EXPLOSIVE VAPOR CONCENTRATIONS: OBSERVATIONS AND IMPLICATIONS [Research]

Fri, 20 Jan 2012 17:11:04 GMT

Kram, M.L., P.M. Morris, and L.G. Everett.
Remediation Journal, Vol 22 No 1, p 59-69, 2011

Conventional vapor intrusion characterization efforts can be challenged by background indoor air constituents, preferential subsurface migration pathways, sampling access, and collection method limitations. Although the dynamic nature of indoor air concentrations is recognized, many practitioners assumed that subsurface concentrations did not vary widely over time. Newly developed continuous monitoring platforms have been deployed to monitor subsurface concentrations of methane, carbon dioxide, oxygen, hydrogen sulfide, total VOCs, and atmospheric pressure. These systems have been integrated with telemetry, geographical information systems, geostatistical algorithms for automatically generating 2- and 3-dimensional contour images and time-stamped renderings and playback loops of sensor attributes, and multivariate analyses through a cloud-based project management platform. At several selected sites, continuous monitoring of vapor concentrations and related physical parameters was conducted to understand explosion risks over space and time and then to design a long-term risk-reduction strategy. High-frequency data collection, processing, and automated visualization have resulted in greater understanding of natural processes, such as dynamic contaminant vapor intrusion risk conditions potentially influenced by localized barometric pumping. For instance, contemporaneous changes in methane, oxygen, and atmospheric pressure values suggest there is interplay and that vapor intrusion risk may not be constant. As a result, conventional single-event and composite assessment technologies may not be capable of determining worst-case risk scenarios in all cases, possibly leading to misrepresentation of receptor and explosion risks. While dynamic risk levels have been observed in several initial continuous monitoring applications, questions remain regarding whether these situations represent special cases and how best to determine when continuous monitoring should be required. Results from a selected case study are presented and implications derived.

A FIELD AND NUMERICAL INVESTIGATION OF THE PRESSURE PULSING REAGENT DELIVERY APPROACH [Research]

Fri, 20 Jan 2012 17:10:49 GMT

Gale, Tyler, Master's thesis, University of Waterloo, ON, Canada. 145 pp, 2011

The objective of this project was to observe and document differences in saturated groundwater flow and solute transport between an injection using a conventional or continuous-pressure delivery approach and an injection using a pressure-pulsing instrument. The underlying motivation was to identify engineering opportunities presented by pressure pulsing with the potential to improve remediation efficiency at contaminated sites. Tracer injections were conducted in the unconfined aquifer at the University of Waterloo Groundwater Research Facility at Canadian Forces Base Borden (homogeneous fine sand), and in the shallow aquifer at a groundwater research site located on the University's North Campus (moderately heterogeneous with discrete layers varying from fine sand to silt). A single injection well was used at each site for both the conventional and pressure-pulsing injections. Different tracers—bromide, lithium, chloride, and fluorescent dyes (Rhodamine WT and Sulforhodamine B)—were used for consecutive injections. Formation pressurization data were captured by pressure transducers. Pressure pulsing simulation results (MODFLOW and MT3DMS) show that repeated sudden onset of injection cessation produces brief periods of gradient reversal near the injection well and the development of a mixing zone around the injection well. The spatial extents of this mixing zone are highly dependent upon the hydraulic diffusivity of the medium. Greater heterogeneity in combination with presence of high hydraulic diffusivity pathways maximized the extent of the mixing zone and the magnitude of transverse and reversal hydraulic gradients. Lower pulsing frequency and higher pulsing amplitude favored a more significant mixing zone, though these effects were secondary to geologic properties. Use of the pressure pulsing tool did not manifest into distinct changes in tracer breakthrough at either field research site. Comparison between tracer tests was complicated by sorption of fluorescent dyes and ongoing well development. Solute transport simulation results demonstrated augmentation of dispersion arising from the mixing zone phenomenon, but no distinct changes in advection. http://uwspace.uwaterloo.ca/handle/10012/6321

COMPARISON OF COMMERCIALLY AVAILABLE ¹³C METHODS FOR DEMONSTRATION OF ENHANCED IN-SITU BIODEGRADATION OF PLUME HYDROCARBONS FOLLOWING OXYGEN INJECTION [Research]

Fri, 20 Jan 2012 17:10:23 GMT

Spence, M., G. Spinnler, C. Bruce, and D. Stupp.
Geophysical Research Abstracts, Vol 13, EGU2011-8595, 2011

The effect of pulsed oxygen injection remediation on in situ biodegradation rates in groundwater was evaluated using two commercially available in situ microcosm technologies: Biotraps (Microbial Insights, USA) and Bactraps (Isodetect, Germany). The traps, supplied preloaded with C-13-labeled hydrocarbon substrates, were incubated for a period of 2 months in boreholes located in anaerobic groundwater and in aerobic groundwater oxygenated to >30 mg/L dissolved oxygen. Upon removal, the traps were analyzed to determine the C-13 content of dissolved inorganic carbon (DIC) and phospholipid fatty acid (PLFA) in the microbial biomass. Biodegradation was quantified through the C-13 enrichment of PLFA in the biomass. PLFA recovered from Bactraps incubated in aerobic groundwater showed clear C-13 enrichment, but no significant C-13 enrichment was detected in PLFA from traps incubated in anaerobic groundwater. This observation is consistent with enhanced biodegradation only at elevated oxygen concentrations. Data from the Biotraps showed C-13 enrichment of PLFA in both aerobic and anaerobic groundwater, although the degree of enrichment was greater where oxygen was present. This observation is consistent with biodegradation under both aerobic and anaerobic conditions, but with higher rates at elevated oxygen concentrations. The reason for increased incorporation of C-13 into PLFA recovered from the anaerobic Biotraps is not yet clear, but possibly could be attributed to differences in the C-13 substrates used (Bactraps were loaded with 100% C-13-labeled substrates, Biotraps with 10% C-13-labeled substrates), or differences in the sorbent materials used in the construction of the devices. The Bactraps and Biotraps were incubated in different boreholes; hence, subtle variations in the chemistry of the anaerobic groundwater might have contributed to the difference. The C-13 content of DIC was quantified differently by the two laboratories, with Isodetect analyzing a groundwater sample recovered from the borehole after the incubation period and Microbial Insights isolating carbon dioxide recovered from the Biotrap. Isotopic analysis of DIC was found to be a less sensitive indicator of biodegradation activity, with only one of the substrates tested yielding significant C-13 enrichment of associated DIC under aerobic conditions. Exchange of DIC between the devices and the groundwater prevented the use of the C-13 DIC data to calculate the percent of C-13 substrate degraded. In summary, results from both the Bactrap and Biotrap investigations clearly show that pulsed oxygen injection increased in situ biodegradation rates for all the compounds tested relative to untreated groundwater. This finding is in agreement with the results of aerobic microcosm studies, carried out using samples of aquifer sediment and groundwater from the same site.

EXTENDING THE IN SITU MICROCOSM APPROACH (BACTRAP®) TO FIELD SITES WITHOUT GROUNDWATER WELLS: A NEW DIRECT-PUSH PROBE [Research]

Fri, 20 Jan 2012 17:10:02 GMT

Schurig, C., A. Miltner, L. Zschornack, and M. Kaestner.
Geophysical Research Abstracts, Vol 13, EGU2011-434, 2011

In Europe, only a few methods are accepted by authorities as real proofs of natural attenuation of contaminants. One of those methods is BACTRAP®—a recently developed in situ microcosm approach. These in situ microcosms consist of a perforated Teflon tube filled with an activated carbon matrix and closed by glass wool stoppers. Contaminants labeled with C-13 are loaded on the activated carbon, and the microcosms then are exposed in groundwater wells. Based on results from this approach, natural attenuation was accepted by authorities as a site remediation option for the BTEX-contaminated Zeitz megasite in Germany. Until recently, the in situ microcosms were adapted to conditions in a groundwater well at the level of the aquifer, which meant that the system was applicable only at field sites with a network of monitoring wells, and only microbial activity inside the aquifer could be assessed. To overcome these limitations, a new direct-push BACTRAP® probe was developed based on Geoprobe® infrastructure. This new probe enables the extension of the microcosm approach to field sites without monitoring wells—microbial activity can be measured in the vadose zone above the aquifer. Classical and direct-push BACTRAPs® have been installed in the BTEX-contaminated aquifer at the Zeitz ModelPROBE reference site. Both types were incubated in the center and at the fringe of the BTEX plume. During microbial degradation of the C-13-labeled substrate, the C-13 label was incorporated into bacterial biomass as determined by phospholipid fatty acid (PLFA) analysis, thereby providing proof in situ of natural attenuation. Additionally, bacterial communities in the classical and direct-push microcosms were compared by analysis of PLFA patterns.

PROBABILITY OF DETECTING PERCHLORATE UNDER NATURAL CONDITIONS IN DEEP GROUNDWATER IN CALIFORNIA AND THE SOUTHWESTERN UNITED STATES [Research]

Fri, 20 Jan 2012 17:09:41 GMT

Fram, M.S. and K. Belitz, U.S. Geological Survey, Sacramento, CA.
Environmental Science & Technology, Vol 45 No 4, p 1271-1277, 2011

Data from 1,626 groundwater samples collected in California, primarily from public drinking water supply wells, were studied to investigate the distribution of perchlorate in deep groundwater under natural conditions. The wells were sampled for the California Groundwater Ambient Monitoring and Assessment Priority Basin Project. Researchers develop a logistic regression model for predicting probabilities of detecting perchlorate at concentrations greater than multiple threshold concentrations as a function of climate (represented by an aridity index) and potential anthropogenic contributions of perchlorate (quantified as an anthropogenic score—AS—a composite categorical variable). The model includes terms for nitrate, pesticides, and VOCs. The incorporation of water-quality parameters in AS permits identification of perturbation of natural occurrence patterns by flushing of natural perchlorate salts from unsaturated zones through irrigation recharge as well as addition of perchlorate from industrial and agricultural sources. The data and model results indicate low concentrations (0.1 to 0.5 µg/L) of perchlorate occur under natural conditions in groundwater across a wide range of climates, beyond the arid to semiarid climates in which they mostly have been previously reported. The probability of detecting perchlorate at concentrations >0.1 µg/L under natural conditions ranges from 50 to 70% in semiarid to arid regions of California and the Southwestern United States, and to 5 to 15% in the wettest regions sampled (the Northern California coast). The probability of concentrations above 1 µg/L under natural conditions is low (generally <3%). http://ca.water.usgs.gov/gama/media/Fram&Belitz_2011.pdf

EVALUATION OF ALTERNATIVE CAUSES OF WIDESPREAD, LOW CONCENTRATION PERCHLORATE IMPACTS TO GROUNDWATER: PHASE II REPORT [Research]

Fri, 20 Jan 2012 17:09:20 GMT

Cox, E., M. Watling, and W. Robarge.
Strategic Environmental Research and Development Program (SERDP), Project ER-1429, 104 pp, July 2011

SERDP Project ER-1429 funded a study to estimate the potential impacts of historic and current use of Chilean nitrate fertilizers on soil and groundwater quality at two different tobacco research stations in North Carolina. Baseline analysis of soil and groundwater samples at each of the research stations failed to detect perchlorate, indicating that past Chilean nitrate fertilizer applications at these sites are not causing long-term perchlorate impacts. Analysis of soil and groundwater samples following application of a currently-available Chilean nitrate fertilizer (potassium nitrate) also failed to detect perchlorate, in large part because the amount of perchlorate in the newer available products is orders of magnitude lower than the perchlorate content of the historical Chilean nitrate fertilizer products. While the results of this study do not demonstrate perchlorate impacts to soil and groundwater from past or current fertilizer applications conclusively, monitoring of nitrate applied as a perchlorate surrogate suggests that the potential exists/existed to affect groundwater at some sites, depending on site-specific factors. Further research is needed to gain a better understanding of the potential long-term impacts of historical Chilean nitrate fertilizer application on groundwater systems. http://www.serdp-estcp.org/content/download/12627/150438/file/ER-1429-FR-Phase%20II.pdf

ASSESSMENT OF THE DESIGN OF AN EXPERIMENTAL COVER WITH CAPILLARY BARRIER EFFECT USING 4 YEARS OF FIELD DATA [Demonstrations]

Fri, 20 Jan 2012 17:09:04 GMT

Abdolahzadeh, A.M., B. Lacroix, and A.R. Cabral.
Geotechnical and Geological Engineering, Vol 29 No 5, p 783-802, 2011

One important step in the design of inclined covers with capillary barrier effect (CCBE) is the determination of the water diversion length (DL). Numerical simulations can predict the DL more precisely than steady-state analytical solutions; nevertheless, as simplified methods have always been part of engineering design, the application of analytical solutions with conservative boundary conditions can allow engineers to make reasonable predictions, particularly during the pre-feasibility stage of a project. This paper discusses the behavior of a CCBE that was designed, constructed, and instrumented at the Saint-Tite-des-Caps landfill, Quebec, Canada. The CCBE has a seepage control layer superimposing a sand-gravel capillary barrier. The seepage control layer comprises deinking by-products (DBP), an industrial by-product previously disposed of as waste. The capillary barrier was designed using an adaptation of the Ross analytical solution, and the scenario considered was that of steady-state flow during constant seepage flow applied uniformly at the top of the sand-gravel capillary barrier. Although these conditions appear simplistic, they were deemed reasonable because placement of the seepage control layer on the top of the capillary barrier led to very low suctions at the interface, thereby allowing uniform downward seepage rates, limited by the saturated hydraulic conductivity of the DBP. The behavior of the cover system is assessed based on 4 years of field data from several instruments. The challenge of using DBP (with special attention to the settlement of the DBP layer) and its impact on k_sat is also assessed. The DL is reassessed considering the new k_sat. This paper illustrates how certain variables affect the design of inclined CCBEs that contain a highly compressible material as a seepage control layer.

FIELD DEMONSTRATION OF SUPERSATURATED WATER INJECTION FOR ENHANCED NAPL RECOVERY IN SOURCE ZONES [Demonstrations]

Fri, 20 Jan 2012 17:08:39 GMT

Birk, G., Tersus Environmental, Wake Forest, NC.
17th Annual Florida Remediation Conference, Orlando, 13-14 October 2011

The injection of water supersaturated with carbon dioxide into the subsurface results in the nucleation of CO₂ bubbles at and away from the injection point. As the supersaturated liquid flows through the porous medium, gas evolution occurs in situ as the system returns to thermodynamic equilibrium. The nucleating bubbles coalesce, rise, and volatilize residual NAPL ganglia. Supersaturated water injection (SWI) enhances recovery of trapped and immobile NAPL mass (both light and dense NAPL) and uses CO₂ to strip volatile NAPL component for capture in the unsaturated zone. SWI technology is operated in conjunction with conventional recovery systems. SWI uses the gPRO® system by inVentures Technologies to supersaturate water CO₂ for injection below the water table. The CO₂ gas is dissolved at a pressure higher than the prevailing subsurface pressure. Following injection, carbonated water moves away from the injection well and begins to release dissolved gas, forming a treatment zone. Discrete volumes of gaseous CO₂ grow and rise due to buoyancy. Because of oil's intermediate wettability, some of the oil contacted by gas remains associated with it and is mobilized. The NAPL then can be recovered by conventional systems. Volatile NAPLs are transferred to the gas phase during the SWI process and mobilized for vapor-phase recovery above ground. SWI mobilizes residual NAPL more effectively than sparging because gas saturation develops in situ, leading to greater microscopic sweep efficiency. The CO₂ gas phase becomes mobile when the gas saturation reaches ~12%, at which point advective gas flow is initiated. Considerable lateral expansion of the gas phase occurs prior to the onset of upward mobilization of growing gas clusters under the action of buoyancy forces. Gas mobilization is accompanied by fragmentation and stranding of the gas clusters, which prevents fingering of the gas phase and stabilizes the displacement. The ability of SWI to recover NAPLs was studied at the field scale as part of an ongoing program to evaluate its applicability to groundwater remediation. The study used Gas inFusion™ technology to dissolve gases into liquids at elevated pressures. A known amount of NAPL was emplaced below the water table at residual concentrations to represent a residual source of weathered gasoline in a hydraulically isolated cell in an unconfined sand aquifer at CFB Borden, Ontario. After emplacement of the source, SWI was used to remove as much of the contaminant mass as possible in 22.25 days of operation over a 3-month period. By the time the system was shut down, SWI successfully removed volatile NAPL but not non-volatile NAPL. As contaminant mass was still being removed at shutdown, continued operation likely would have removed more mass than the 64% achieved in the demonstration. These results suggest that continued development of the technology is warranted.

PILOT SCALE TESTING COMPOSITE SWELLABLE ORGANOSILICA NANOSCALE ZERO-VALENT IRON—IRON-OSORB®—FOR IN SITU REMEDIATION OF TRICHLOROETHYLENE [Demonstrations]

Fri, 20 Jan 2012 17:08:14 GMT

Edmiston, P.L., C. Osborne, K.P. Reinbold, D.C. Pickett, and L.A. Underwood.
Remediation Journal, Vol 22 No 1, p 105-123, 2011

Iron-Osorb® is a solid composite material of swellable organosilica with embedded nanoscale zero-valent iron. The compound is formulated to extract and dechlorinate solvents in groundwater. The unique feature of the highly porous organosilica is its strong affinity for chlorinated solvents, such as TCE, while being impervious to dissolved solids. The swellable matrix is able to release ethane after dechlorination and return to the initial state. Iron-Osorb® was evaluated in a series of three pilot-scale tests for in situ remediation of TCE conducted in conjunction with the Ohio Environmental Protection Agency at a site in central Ohio. Results indicate that TCE levels decreased for a period of time after injection and then leveled out or bounced back, presumably due to depletion of zero-valent iron. Use of tracer materials and soil coring indicate that Iron-Osorb® traveled distances of at least 20 ft from the injection point during soil augmentation. The material appears to remain in place once the injection fluid has diluted into the surrounding groundwater. Overall, the technology is promising as a remediation method to treat dilute plumes or create diffuse permeable reactive barriers. Keys to future implementation include developing injection mechanisms that optimize soil distribution of the material and making the system long-lasting to allow for continual treatment of contaminants emanating from the soil matrix. Additional information: http://www.frtr.gov/pdf/meetings/may10/presentations/edmiston-presentation.pdf

RAIN GARDENS TO MEASURE EFFECTIVENESS OF WATER-PURIFICATION PRODUCT [Demonstrations]

Fri, 20 Jan 2012 17:07:51 GMT

The College of Wooster News & Events, 24 June 2011

The water that cascades across parking lots and through residential lawns drags with it a host of contaminants, including substantial quantities of oil, engine fluids, nitrates, and phosphates. Left unchecked, that water grows increasingly polluted as it moves downstream. To address this problem at a site on the Wooster campus, ABSMaterials' Iron-Osorb® will be used to remove contaminants from the water. Iron-Osorb®, a derivative of Osorb, is a new product that can filter storm water runoff contaminants out of the water supply. Osorb is a hydrophobic material developed by Paul Edmiston, professor of chemistry at Wooster. The product removes solvents, hydrocarbons, and other non-polar compounds from water and soil. The addition of iron enables the substance to degrade organic contaminants to non-toxic or simple compounds that are further biodegradable by soil microorganisms. The new product currently is being tested at a rain garden on the southern tip of the campus. The site features two adjacent gardens, each with about 150 native plants installed to slow the runoff. Both gardens have a base layer of gravel. Iron-Osorb® is mixed into the soil of the eastern garden only. Below each garden is a four-inch PVC pipe from which water will be collected, tested, and compared in the coming months. The Iron-Osorb® garden is expected to produce a much higher quality of water than the untreated garden. The project is funded by the National Science Foundation. Progress updates will be posted. http://www.wooster.edu/News-and-Events/News-Releases/2011/June/Rain-Garden Additional information: http://www.cuyahogaswcd.org/PDFs/RW%20-%20Rhizosphere_ABSMaterials_%20Runoff_control%20[Compatibility%20Mode].pdf

TAILORED GRANULAR ACTIVATED CARBON TREATMENT OF PERCHLORATE IN DRINKING WATER: ESTCP COST AND PERFORMANCE REPORT [Demonstrations]

Fri, 20 Jan 2012 17:07:28 GMT

Environmental Security Technology Certification Program (ESTCP), Project ER-200546, 49 pp, Aug 2011

This demonstration project was conducted at an operating drinking water treatment plant in Fontana, California, where a perchlorate plume at least 6 miles long affects water supplies in four towns. Two field test installations were implemented, the first consisting of three vessels in series treating 38 gallons per minute (gpm) (0.14 m³/minute) and the second consisting of six smaller-scale treatment trains treating 1.5 gpm (0.0057 m³/minute). The tailored granular activated carbon (TGAC) system removed perchlorate effectively to below current regulatory standards for ~15,000 bed volumes (BVs) per bed (4- to 5-month bed life). TGAC successfully achieved the perchlorate concentration reduction objective for a total treated volume of ~30,500 BVs with two beds in series. Data from the two different scales of testing suggest that increases in nitrate and perchlorate influent concentrations reduce breakthrough time. Increases in the concentrations of other anions appear, at worst, to decrease performance only moderately. The cost analysis conducted in this project suggests that TGAC currently is not able to displace conventional, perchlorate-selective IX resins economically. Conventional wellhead technologies are specific for perchlorate only and are unable to treat VOC co-contaminants effectively, but in this study, TGAC removed perchlorate and TCE simultaneously, with breakthrough and saturation occurring sooner (8 to 22% sooner for breakthrough) in the TCE-spiked system than in the control system. http://www.serdp-estcp.org/content/download/12567/149977/file/ER-200546-C&P.pdf

APPLICATION OF EMULSIFIED ZERO-VALENT IRON: FOUR FULL-SCALE REMEDIATION SITES [Cleanup News]

Fri, 20 Jan 2012 17:06:38 GMT

Huff, J.E.
Remediation Journal, Vol 22 No 1, p 125-136, 2011

Emulsified zero-valent iron (EZVI) consists of micro- and/or nano-scale iron particles suspended in a water-in-vegetable-oil emulsion. The use of this mixture combines three remediation technologies: partitioning of the chlorinated VOCs (CVOCs) into vegetable oil, a chemical reaction between the CVOCs and elemental iron, and hydrogen production from the fermentation of the vegetable oil to promote biological degradation. This paper presents a description of the chemistry and biology of this NASA technology, followed by a description of four full-scale case studies where EZVI has been applied, including post-injection results extending over three years. At each of these sites, EZVI was determined to be the most cost-effective remedy. Treatment was sustained long after completion of the injections, continuing contaminant reductions for over three years and accelerating remediation times compared to traditional approaches. Huff & Huff, Inc. holds a license from NASA for the manufacture, use, and sale of EZVI. Nine brief EZVI case studies are available on the company website at http://ezvi.net/case-studies/

INSUFFICIENT SOURCE AREA REMEDIATION RESULTS IN THE REBOUND OF TCE BREAKDOWN PRODUCTS IN GROUNDWATER [Cleanup News]

Fri, 20 Jan 2012 17:06:17 GMT

Dickson, J.R. and R. Stenson.
Remediation Journal, Vol 22 No 1, p 87-103, 2011

In the early 1990s, soil containing waste oil, cutting oil, and chlorinated solvents was removed from the unsaturated zone at a former disposal pit site located in southern Michigan. A groundwater pump-and-treat system was operated for over 10 years. Groundwater monitoring for natural attenuation parameters and contaminant attenuation modeling indicated that natural attenuation of the contaminant plume was adequate to attain site closure. Contaminant source removal proved to be incomplete, however, and a rebound of contaminants above the remedial action level goals occurred in the years following system shutdown and site closure. To remediate the source area, an alternate remediation strategy using an ozone sparge system was developed. The ozone sparge remediation strategy addresses the residual saturated zone contaminants beneath the former disposal pit and re-establishes site closure requirements without resumption of pump and treat. Upon the successful completion of a pilot study, the full-scale system design was approved, the system was installed, and in July 2010, operation began. As of the January 2011 monitoring event, the groundwater contaminant concentrations have improved dramatically. The system will continue to operate until monitoring results indicate that complete treatment has been obtained. The site will have achieved the cleanup objectives when the system has been shut down and meets groundwater residential criteria for four consecutive quarters.

QUARTERLY PROGRESS REPORT, THIRD QUARTER FISCAL YEAR 2011 (APRIL 1 TO JUNE 30, 2011) FOR THE ERNEST ORLANDO LAWRENCE BERKELEY NATIONAL LABORATORY HAZARDOUS WASTE FACILITY PERMIT [Cleanup News]

Fri, 20 Jan 2012 17:05:55 GMT

Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory (LBNL), 167 pp, Nov 2011

This quarterly progress report describes the RCRA Corrective Action Program activities conducted by LBNL during the third quarter of FY 2011 to clean up contaminated groundwater and monitor groundwater quality to assess progress toward achieving the required groundwater cleanup levels. Groundwater monitoring data indicate that the corrective measures continue to be effective in reducing contaminant concentrations in the groundwater, groundwater solvent plumes are stable or attenuating, and groundwater contaminants are not migrating off site. The corrective measures required for soil have been completed. The corrective measures currently operating consist of in situ soil flushing with water and groundwater capture, subsurface injection of Hydrogen Release Compound®, soil vapor extraction, and monitored natural attenuation. As a component of the in situ soil flushing corrective measure for VOC-contaminated groundwater, the contaminated groundwater is extracted and treated using granular activated carbon, also used for VOC-contaminated effluent from drain lines and hydraugers. During the current reporting period, the system treated more than 3.3 million gallons of water, with more than 124 million gallons treated to date. Most of the treated water is injected into the subsurface for in situ soil flushing purposes. The remainder is discharged to the sanitary sewer. http://www.lbl.gov/ehs/erp/assets/pdfs/ES-12-014%20FY11%20Q3%20ERP%20Progress%20Report.pdf For background information on the selection of these technologies, see the 2005 Corrective Measures Study Report: http://www.lbl.gov/ehs/erp/assets/pdfs/CMS%20Report_Feb%202005.pdf

FULL-SCALE BIOREMEDIATION OF A DILUTE 50-ACRE PLUME [Cleanup News]

Fri, 20 Jan 2012 17:05:45 GMT

Falatko, D.M., S.A. Fam, J. Blackburn, G. McGillicuddy, G. Pon, and M. Gaudette.
Remediation Journal, Vol 22 No 1, p 71-86, 2011

Enhanced anaerobic dechlorination is being conducted to remediate a 50-acre groundwater area contaminated with CVOCs. The plume, >3,000 ft long, initially contained PCE and breakdown products at concentrations of 2 to 3 mg/L. The site's high groundwater flow velocity (>1,000 ft/yr) was incorporated into the design to help with amendment distribution. Bioaugmentation was conducted using a mixed culture containing Dehalococcoides ethenogenes, which monitoring results indicate has migrated better than 600 ft. The major benefit of the high groundwater flow velocity is greater areal coverage by the remediation system, but the downside is the difficulty in delivering sufficient donor to create the required anaerobic conditions. Overall performance has been excellent, with total CVOC reductions and conversion to ethene of 98% within a 25-acre area downgradient of the treatment transect that has operated the longest.

FIELD-SCALE EVALUATION OF A BIOBARRIER FOR THE TREATMENT OF A TRICHLOROETHENE PLUME [Cleanup News]

Fri, 20 Jan 2012 17:05:00 GMT

MacFarlane, K.D., D.A. Cacciatore, D.P. Leigh, M.G. Yurovsky, and A. Atta.
Remediation Journal, Vol 22 No 1, p 29-41, 2011

In the 1960s, releases of TCE to groundwater occurred at Vandenberg Air Force Base during the flushing of missile engines. The TCE plume extends ~1 kilometer from the previous launch facilities beyond the southwestern end of the site. To limit further migration of TCE and chlorinated degradation by-products, a biobarrier in the form of an in situ permeable reactive bioremediation barrier (PRB) was designed as a cost-effective treatment technology to address the TCE plume. The biobarrier installation involved injecting carbon-based substrate and microbes to achieve reductive dechlorination of TCE. Pilot results indicated possible substrate delivery difficulties and a smaller radius of influence than estimated (important to the biobarrier well spacing), which led to modification of the design. In January 2010, a full-scale biobarrier was implemented at the toe of the source area by adding a fermentable substrate and a dechlorinating microbial culture to the subsurface via an injection well array that spanned the width of the TCE plume. Subsequently, groundwater pH in the injection wells continued to decrease to a level potentially detrimental to the population of Dehalococcoides in the injected SDC-9™ culture, and the injection wells at 7 months post-injection could not be sampled due to fouling. Based on results from bioassay and polymerase chain reaction analyses, titration tests, and slug tests, the biobarrier was amended with sodium carbonate and inoculated a second time with SDC-9™. The aquifer pH was restored, and reductive dechlorination resumed in the treatment zone as shown by the reduction in TCE and the increase in degradation products.

APPLIED MATERIALS BUILDING 1: LONG-TERM MONITORING STRATEGY [Cleanup News]

Fri, 20 Jan 2012 17:04:40 GMT

U.S. EPA, Office of Solid Waste and Emergency Response, Washington, DC.
EPA 542-R-11-006, 45 pp, Oct 2011

The Applied Materials Building 1 (AM1) Superfund site in Santa Clara, California, is the location of a former semi-conductor wafer manufacturing facility that began operations in 1974. AM1 is currently one of many sites in an area where historical industrial activities have resulted in a broad area of solvent-contaminated groundwater, mainly 1,1,1-TCA and daughter products. A 5-year review documenting the progress of AM1 toward remedial goals was completed in 2010. The site has largely achieved remedial goals for groundwater, but specific National Priorities List closeout prospects for sites with rare or intermittent exceedance of groundwater cleanup goals over a limited spatial extent are not clear. Additionally, the presence of groundwater plumes on adjacent properties could complicate the closeout decision. This report reviews historical site data and how they might support the development of a long-term closeout strategy for the AM1 site. Statistical analyses were performed using modules within the Monitoring and Remediation Optimization System (MAROS) software and ProUCL software. Several guidance documents related to closeout of sites with affected groundwater were reviewed for data collection and evaluation methods to facilitate a monitoring strategy at sites very close to attainment of groundwater standards, but no clear definition of statistical attainment standards or methods to demonstrate attainment of cleanup goals was available in the literature reviewed. As part of the review, site data have been evaluated statistically, and select results of summary statistics, trends, and data sufficiency are presented. http://clu-in.org/download/techdrct/final-report-for-applied-materials-building-1.pdf

U.S. ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY ENVIRONMENTAL GEOPHYSICS FUNDING OPPORTUNITIES [Market/Commercialization]

Fri, 20 Jan 2012 17:04:20 GMT

Werkema, D.D. Jr., S. Jackson, and D. Glaser.
SAGEEP 2011: 24th Symposium on the Application of Geophysics to Engineering and Environmental Problems. Environmental and Engineering Geophysical Society. Abstract, 2011

Funding opportunities for environmental geophysics and a variety of other research topics are available from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). Funding opportunities can be awarded as assistance awards (i.e., grants and cooperative agreements), partnerships, contracts, and memorandums of understanding. The amount of funding available each year is determined by Congressional appropriation, and these funds are divided among EPA regions and offices. Typically, financial support is available competitively. This extended abstract identifies and describes EPA programs that provide funding opportunities and gives a Web address for each program where additional information can be obtained.
http://segdl-demo.aip.org/sageep/resource/1/sageep/v24/i1/p196_s1?bypassSSO=1

2012 CONSERVATION INNOVATION GRANT (CIG) FUNDING OPPORTUNITY [Market/Commercialization]

Fri, 20 Jan 2012 17:04:02 GMT

Natural Resources Conservation Service Funding Opportunity USDA-NRCS-NHQ-12-01

CIG projects are designed to stimulate the development and adoption of innovative conservation approaches and technologies, while leveraging the federal investment in environmental enhancement and protection in conjunction with agricultural production. CIG projects are expected to lead to the transfer of conservation technologies, management systems, and innovative approaches. CIGs do not fund research projects—these grants are used to apply or demonstrate previously proven technology as a vehicle to stimulate development and adoption of conservation approaches or technologies that have been studied sufficiently to indicate a high likelihood of success, and that are a candidate for eventual technology transfer or institutionalization. CIG projects target innovative on-the-ground conservation, including pilot projects and field demonstrations. The two-phase evaluation process requires the applicant first to submit a pre-proposal. NRCS will accept applications for single or multi-year projects, not to exceed 3 years. NRCS will request a full proposal package only from the applicants selected in the pre-proposal process. January 31, 2012 is the closing date for pre-proposal packages. Selected applicants will be required to submit their full application proposal packages by April 6, 2012. http://www.grants.gov/search/search.do?mode=VIEW&oppId=136755

DEVELOP REFERENCE METHODS AND STANDARDS FOR TESTING COMMERCIAL CHEMICAL DETECTORS [Market/Commercialization]

Fri, 20 Jan 2012 17:03:39 GMT

Department of Commerce, National Institute of Standards and Technology.
Federal Business Opportunities, FBO-3681, Solicitation SB1341-12-RQ-0067, 2011

The Combustion and Kinetics Group within the Chemical and Biochemical Reference Data Division at the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) develops, models, and applies spectroscopic methods and disseminates reference data for measuring trace gas concentration in relevant environments. The culmination of these efforts supports the development and deployment of sensor technology. The U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Science and Technology Directorate is developing a conformity assessment program for commercial chemical sensors used in homeland security. NIST is funded by DHS to review and develop ASTM voluntary consensus standards, other standards, test methods, and reference data to validate the performance of commercial chemical detectors using challenge vapor streams containing toxic industrial chemicals and background chemicals that potentially affect detector performance. The work to be conducted addresses important gaps in the existing capability for chemical detector evaluation and calibration. The contract deliverable is to improve public health and safety through more effective chemical threat detection achieved by accurate and reliable identification of chemical contaminants and the contamination level. To meet this goal, expertise is required to develop and document draft reference measurement methods. These methods will be used by testing laboratories, government agencies, and practitioners to assist in the independent evaluation of chemical detection equipment procurement and program planning for the development of next generation capabilities. This requirement is set aside for small businesses only. Responses are due by January 24, 2012. https://www.fbo.gov/spg/DOC/NIST/AcAsD/SB1341-12-RQ-0067/listing.html

REQUEST FOR INFORMATION: RISK MANAGEMENT FRAMEWORK AND SAFETY RISK MODEL [Market/Commercialization]

Fri, 20 Jan 2012 17:03:21 GMT

Department of Transportation, Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration.
Federal Business Opportunities, FBO-3683, Solicitation DTPH56-12-I-000001, 2011

This Request for Information (RFI) is being issued solely for information and planning purposes. Any solicitation resulting from this RFI will be announced separately. The U.S. Department of Transportation Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (PHMSA) is soliciting various inputs to explore technical and non-technical options for assessing organizational risk. The purpose of the effort is to 1) identify risk management best practices and assessments methods that can be adapted to PHMSA's unique hazmat mission; 2) identify and evaluate analytical methods that enable the identification of the highest posing risks to hazmat transportation to, from, or within the United States; and 3) identify and evaluate commercial off-the-shelf predictive analytic software that can identify risks in hazmat transportation and be incorporated into PHMSA's IT infrastructure. All responses to this RFI must be received by January 30, 2012. https://www.fbo.gov/spg/DOT/PHMSA/PHMSAHQ/DTPH56-12-I-000001/listing.html

324 BUILDING WASTE SITE REMEDIATION [Market/Commercialization]

Fri, 20 Jan 2012 17:03:05 GMT

U.S. Department of Energy, Washington Closure Hanford LLC.
Federal Business Opportunities, FBO-3687, Solicitation EOI_324_Building, 2011

Washington Closure Hanford (WCH) is soliciting expressions of interest for the remediation of highly contaminated soil from under the 324 Building located in the 300 Area of the Hanford Site in Washington. The NAICS code for the solicitation is 562910, Environmental Remediation Services. WCH has a requirement to remediate the highly contaminated soil through the floor of the existing hot cell structure. Subcontracted scope is to include upgrades to facility equipment (cranes, ventilation, etc.) to perform the remediation. Subcontracted scope also is to include design, procurement, fabrication, installation, and remote operation of specialty equipment to remove the existing cell liner plate and cell floor, remote excavation of highly contaminated soil, installation of engineered supports to structurally stabilize the building/cell, remote backfilling with controlled density fill material, and remote packaging of the contaminated soil for disposal at the Environmental Restoration Disposal Facility. Award of any subcontracted work is contingent upon funding, and funding is not yet available. It is the intent of WCH to issue this solicitation as an open procurement without set-asides. Firms (or teams) meeting the participation criteria should respond to the expression of interest by January 25, 2012. A Pre-Qualification Questionnaire is posted at www.washingtonclosure.com/procurement/90-day_forecast/, with returns requested no later than January 31, 2012. https://www.fbo.gov/spg/DOE/WCH/COF/EOI_324_Building/listing.html

NEW WORLD MINING DISTRICT: RESPONSE/RESTORATION PROJECT [Market/Commercialization]

Fri, 20 Jan 2012 17:02:50 GMT

Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, R-1 Northern Region.
Federal Business Opportunities, FBO-3697, Solicitation AG-0343-S-12-0002, 2011

The Northern Region of the Forest Service intends to award a contract for various evaluations, studies, reports and response actions as specified in the National Contingency Plan for the New World Mining District located in Cooke City, Montana. The NAICS code for the solicitation is 562910, Environmental Remediation Services. The contractor will be requested to complete work in support of new and ongoing response and restoration actions at the site. The majority of the work under this contract will consist of support at public meetings, project database maintenance, surface water, groundwater, aquatics, soils and vegetation monitoring, and site maintenance work. Work could include conducting site investigations and developing construction bid packages, providing maintenance and construction oversight, and preparing technical reports. Work also might involve historic mine site impact analysis concerning hydrogeology, geochemistry, biological toxicology, and surface water and groundwater quality at the New World Mine Site. https://www.fbo.gov/spg/USDA/FS/343/AG-0343-S-12-0002/listing.html

OMAHA LEAD SITE, LEAD BASED PAINT STABILIZATION ON RESIDENTIAL BUILDINGS [Market/Commercialization]

Fri, 20 Jan 2012 17:02:16 GMT

U.S. EPA Region 7, Kansas City, KS.
Federal Business Opportunities, FBO-3672, Solicitation SOL-R7-12-00004, 2011

The purpose of the proposed contract is to provide lead paint remediation services on residential properties qualified by U.S. EPA at the Omaha Lead Site in Omaha, Nebraska. The total possible number of properties within this contract is 450 (inclusive of all options). EPA anticipates advertising this requirement as a small business set-aside. It will be a performance-based, fixed-price contract that includes incentives. The NAICS code for the solicitation is 562910, Environmental Remediation Services. Removal will be conducted pursuant to CERCLA as amended by SARA and the National Contingency Plan. The estimated dollar value for this procurement, with options exercised, is in the range of $1,000,000 to $3,000,000. Issuance of the invitation for bid is anticipated on or around January 18, 2012. The solicitation and will be posted at www.epa.gov/oam/regions/index.htm.
https://www.fbo.gov/spg/EPA/OAM/RegVII/SOL-R7-12-00004/listing.html

REFLECTIONS ON THE CONDUCT AND USE OF REGULATORY IMPACT ANALYSIS AT THE U.S. ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY [General News]

Sun, 1 Jan 2012 20:07:34 GMT

Morgenstern, R.D.
Resources for the Future, Washington, DC. RFF Discussion Paper 11-17, 20 pp, Apr 2011

The author reflects on the conduct and use of regulatory impact analyses (RIAs) by the federal agency that conducts the largest number by far of such analyses for non-transfer rules and accounts for both the greatest total costs and the greatest net benefits of any regulatory agency: the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). This paper examines some basic questions about RIAs at EPA: First, what is known about the quality, including the accuracy, of these studies? Second, although RIAs clearly provide some basic information to decision makers and the general public, do they actually influence regulatory outcomes? If so, how is that known to be the case, and is there a linkage between the quality of RIAs and their influence on policy?
http://www.rff.org/Publications/Pages/PublicationDetails.aspx?PublicationID=21522

GREEN LEAVES III: GUIDELINES FOR ENVIRONMENTAL RISK ASSESSMENT AND MANAGEMENT [General News]

Sun, 1 Jan 2012 20:07:18 GMT

Gormley, A., S. Pollard, S. Rocks, and E. Black.
Defra and Cranfield University, UK. 84 pp, Nov 2011

Green Leaves III is the latest edition of the UK government's Guidelines for Environmental Risk Assessment and Management. The document provides generic guidelines for the assessment and management of environmental risks. This revision brings the guidelines in England and Wales in line with current thinking in the field of environmental risk management. Methods are described for estimating the probability of harm to or from the environment, the severity of harm, and uncertainty. The guidelines focus on generic principles, rather than domain-specific risks, such as from river flooding, animal disease, or hazardous wastes. A cyclical framework for environmental risk management is provided to offer structure in what otherwise would be a complex array of considerations for the decision maker. The framework also offers a mechanism through which the process of environmental risk assessment and management can be explained to stakeholders, and serves as a valuable aid for multidisciplinary teams conducting risk assessment. This framework identifies four main components of risk assessment: (1) formulating the problem; (2) carrying out an assessment of the risk; (3) identifying and appraising the management options available; and (4) addressing the risk with the chosen risk management strategy. Each component has a dedicated chapter in the document that provides guidance for completing that stage. The importance of iteration, communication, and learning is woven throughout the guidelines and reinforced in the closing chapter. Case studies are used throughout to illustrate key concepts. A comprehensive bibliography is provided, followed by appendices on definitions, legislation, risk management at the institutional level, and the types of uncertainty in risk assessment. http://www.defra.gov.uk/publications/files/pb13670-green-leaves-iii-1111071.pdf

POLYCYCLIC AROMATIC HYDROCARBONS IN URBAN RUNOFF — SOURCES, SINKS AND TREATMENT: A REVIEW [General News]

Sun, 1 Jan 2012 20:07:04 GMT

Prabhukumar, G. and K. Pagilla, Illinois Inst. of Technology, Chicago. 81 pp, 2010

This review provides detailed information on polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) in the aquatic environment, with a focus on storm runoff sources. The contents include current information on PAH sources, physical and chemical characteristics, biological effects, and best management practices (BMPs) that can be employed for treating and controlling PAHs in urban stormwater runoff. The document also presents material on coal tar-based sealants in comparison with asphalt-based sealants and their contribution to PAHs in urban stream runoffs. Chapter 1 discusses pollution issues due to urbanization and their contribution to urban runoff water quality, introduces PAHs, and provides information on their natural and anthropogenic occurrence. Chapter 2 describes the physical and chemical properties of PAHs that influence their presence in stormwater and surface water. Chapter 3 presents regulatory issues and standards, including U.S. EPA's list of PAHs as priority pollutants, EPA's drinking water limits, and section 304(a) criteria for PAHs. Chapter 4 discusses the effects of PAHs on microorganisms, fish and other aquatic organisms, plants, and humans. Data on toxicity equivalency factors and carcinogenicity of PAHs are also presented in this chapter. Chapter 5 describes PAH degradation pathways via biotransformation and degradation by algae, bacteria, fungi, and plants as well as photolysis by ultraviolet radiation in sunlight. Chapter 6 discusses PAHs loading of sediments with respect to the particle size distribution, total organic carbon, and organic matter present in urban runoff. Chapter 7 presents a comparative study of coal tar-based sealants, an urban PAH source, with asphalt-based sealants, an alternative option used for pavement surface finishes. Chapter 8 recommends non-structural and structural BMPs to address PAHs loading and treatment of urban runoff. Chapter 9 summarizes the report and suggests future research needs. http://www.drscw.org/dissolvedoxygen/DPAH1.pdf

ON THE NEED FOR A NATIONAL (U.S.) RESEARCH PROGRAM TO ELUCIDATE THE POTENTIAL RISKS TO HUMAN HEALTH AND THE ENVIRONMENT POSED BY CONTAMINANTS OF EMERGING CONCERN [General News]

Sun, 1 Jan 2012 20:06:42 GMT

Novak, P.J., W.A. Arnold, V.S. Blazer, R.U. Halden, R.D. Klaper, D.W. Kolpin, D. Kriebel, N. G. Love, D. Martinovic-Weigelt, H.B. Patisaul, S.A. Snyder, F.S. vom Saal, A.V. Weisbrod, and D.L. Swackhamer.
Environmental Science & Technology, Vol 45 No 9, p 3829-3830, 2011

Research on contaminants of emerging concern (CECs) has produced a large but incomplete patchwork of disconnected studies. The United States therefore is left underprepared to assess and confront what some believe could be a public and ecological crisis. Many factors contribute to increased public concern about CECs, including poorly synchronized data, the lack of science knowledge and relative risk among the general public, and the culture of media to highlight negative information. The research on CECs does not enable scientists to give sound answers to questions regarding the true risks of CECs in concert with the many stressors influencing human and ecological health, nor can they propose strategies to prevent or minimize risks. Many chemicals have the potential to affect diverse biological function at some dose. While the question, "Is there a public and/or ecological health crisis related to CECs?" is not new, it is not well addressed. Studies raise concern by linking specific CECs and biological effects in wildlife or laboratory animals. Exposure to some CECs has been associated with adverse human health effects through epidemiological studies, such as early puberty, declining sperm quantity, and obesity. There are field studies, however, that did not find predicted effects from CECs alone, presumably as a result of the complex interactions and multiple stressors found in nature.
Although an increasing number of studies focus on CEC mixtures, temporally variable exposure levels, and nonchemical factors or stressors, it is often difficult to extrapolate these studies; hence, it is not surprising that reliable predictive results for complex settings often remain elusive. Much has been learned in the past two decades regarding endocrine-disrupting chemicals and, more generally, CECs, but many knowledge gaps remain. Which chemicals are of greatest concern? What are the best approaches for reducing their introduction into the environment and limiting human and ecosystem exposure? What is the extent of the effects of chronic, low-level CEC exposure? What are the relative risks from such exposure compared to nonchemical stressors (e.g., lifestyle and habitat)? What are the major exposure routes for different organisms? What is the interplay of various stressors with CECs, including the role of physical stressors and human factors as modifiers of CEC effects? Can management of these stressors mitigate the effects of CECs? Transgenerational effects, hormetic responses, differences in sensitivity across species, and the effects of mixtures need research attention. Novel laboratory and field methods and modeling that streamline and expedite identification of hazardous CECs are needed as well. http://pubs.acs.org/doi/full/10.1021/es200744f

THE SUPERFUND INNOVATIVE TECHNOLOGY EVALUATION PROGRAM: SUMMARY AND CLOSURE REPORT [General News]

Sun, 1 Jan 2012 20:06:25 GMT

U.S. EPA, Office of Research and Development, National Risk Management Research Laboratory. EPA 540-R-11-001, 47 pp, Sep 2011

The Superfund Innovative Technology Evaluation (SITE) Program promoted the development, commercialization, and implementation of innovative hazardous waste treatment technologies for 20 years. SITE offered a mechanism for involving the private sector, EPA, and other federal and state agencies in joint technology demonstration and evaluation projects at hazardous waste sites. The program focused on the remediation needs of the hazardous waste remediation community through program planning, matching priority sites with innovative cleanup solutions, technology field demonstrations, and information dissemination. EPA's Office of Research and Development conducted the SITE Program through FY2005 and initiated closure of the program in FY2006. Projects in the program at the start of closeout were completed in FY2006-2009. This report summarizes the progress and findings of the SITE Program from FY2005 through FY2009 and contains a listing of all projects completed during the program's history. The demonstration of 226 innovative remediation, monitoring, and measurement technologies provided hazardous waste site decision makers with high-quality tools for cost-effective remediation. During this process, the program emphasized developing technologies that treat contaminated soil in situ, thereby eliminating the need for costly removal of soil or groundwater for off-site treatment or disposal. Many of the technologies have progressed from innovative systems to proven technologies widely used throughout the remediation sector. http://www.epa.gov/nrmrl/pubs/540r11001/540r11001.pdf

ORE MINING AND DRESSING: PRELIMINARY STUDY REPORT [General News]

Sun, 1 Jan 2012 20:06:02 GMT

U.S. EPA, Office of Water. EPA 820-R-10-025, 54 pp, Oct 2011

The purpose of this report is to summarize the analytical approach, research activities, and findings of the Ore Mining and Dressing Preliminary Study conducted by EPA to examine why discharge concentrations controlled under pollutant limitations in the Ore Mining and Dressing Effluent Limitations and Guidelines (ELG) (40 CFR 440) ranked relatively high compared to other industries in the 2002 through 2008 304(m) effluent guidelines program plans. The purpose of the study was to identify, collect, and review readily available information to determine whether additional analysis or revision of 40 CFR 440 might be warranted. The main focus of the preliminary study was on active mines covered under Part 440 Subpart J: Copper, Lead, Zinc, Gold, Silver, and Molybdenum Ores. These types of mines comprise ~76% (263) of the roughly 345 ore mines in the United States. About 294 mines currently have National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) water discharge permits. There is a discrepancy between the total number of mines and the number of mines with NPDES permits because not all mines have water discharges. The ~1,870 placer mines covered under Part 440 Subpart M were not examined because they employ mining practices and produce wastewater streams that are fundamentally different from mines covered under the other subparts of Part 440. The preliminary study examined information pertaining to the two types of wastewater discharged by ore mines: process wastewater (including mine drainage) and storm water. Process wastewater is covered under Part 440, but storm water is not covered unless it is commingled with process wastewater prior to discharge to a surface water body. The comprehensiveness of the preliminary study was limited by incomplete national-level process wastewater discharge data and the lack of any nationally representative storm water data. To facilitate this study, EPA identified and collected existing discharge monitoring data, assessed mine-specific process wastewater discharge information, reviewed available total maximum daily load reports, reviewed mine site storm-water discharge information for 19 mines in Arizona and Montana, and reviewed an industrial wastewater treatment technology known as high density sludge recycling. http://water.epa.gov/lawsregs/lawsguidance/cwa/304m/upload/orereport.pdf

VOLUNTARY ENVIRONMENTAL PROGRAMS AT CONTAMINATED PROPERTIES: PERSPECTIVES FROM U.S. REGULATORS AND PROGRAM PARTICIPANTS [General News]

Sun, 1 Jan 2012 20:05:45 GMT

Wernstedt, K.F., A. Blackman, T.P. Lyon, and K. Novak.
Resources for the Future, Washington, DC. RFF Discussion Paper 10-18, 27 pp, June 2010

Nearly every state in the United States has developed one or more voluntary cleanup programs (VCPs) to support an alternative approach to cleanup of contaminated sites. Thousands of sites have entered into these programs, yet despite the ubiquity of VCPs and the number of enrolled properties, little is known about the factors that influence voluntary action at these sites. This paper reports results from interviews of state officials involved in VCPs in all states as well as from a survey of VCP participants in several states. At an application level, the interview and survey results can be used to help improve policy and practice in voluntary cleanup programs. The paper also furnishes a unique study to the general literature on environmental voluntary behavior, contributing an empirical, survey-based study of volunteers engaged in cleanup. http://www.rff.org/Publications/Pages/PublicationDetails.aspx?PublicationID=21192

ATTRIBUTING BENEFITS TO VOLUNTARY PROGRAMS IN EPA'S OFFICE OF RESOURCE CONSERVATION AND RECOVERY: CHALLENGES AND OPTIONS [General News]

Sun, 1 Jan 2012 20:05:22 GMT

Boyd, J.W. and C. Manson.
Resources for the Future, Washington, DC. RFF Discussion Paper 11-09, 40 pp, Mar 2011

This paper reviews the economic justification for voluntary environmental programs to derive defensible measures of their positive social outcomes. The authors consider ideal experimental and statistical designs to detect and attribute benefits and also explore a set of more practical approaches to benefit attribution that take into account the data gaps and statistical challenges that often make more rigorous approaches infeasible. http://www.rff.org/Publications/Pages/PublicationDetails.aspx?PublicationID=21479

SUPERFUND SITE ASSESSMENT PROGRAM: BENEFITS BEYOND NPL LISTING [General News]

Sun, 1 Jan 2012 20:05:01 GMT

Association of State and Territorial Solid Waste Management Officials (ASTSWMO) Site Evaluation Focus Group, 31 pp, Mar 2011

ASTSWMO developed this report to highlight the beneficial outcomes not traditionally captured, e.g., state site cleanups that result from the CERCLA Site Assessment Program, more commonly known as the Superfund Site Assessment Program. This report shows that funds spent on Superfund site assessments result in benefits that go beyond National Priorities List (NPL) listing and that the overall success of the Superfund program should not be measured solely by the number of NPL listings or cleanups. The report focuses on assessed sites that are referred to other state and federal programs, i.e., the non-NPL sites initially screened out by a Superfund site assessment. This report summarizes the results of the non-NPL site work for nine states: Massachusetts, New Jersey, Delaware, Illinois, Oklahoma, Kansas, Montana, North Carolina, and Idaho. A second report is in preparation that will capture data from additional states. Appendix B presents eight case studies that illustrate how Superfund site assessments have resulted in cleanup and reuse under state and non-NPL federal cleanup programs. http://www.astswmo.org/Files/Policies_and_Publications/CERCLA_and_Brownfields/Final_SE_Focus_Group_Report_Ph_1_May_24.pdf

ENVIRONMENTAL MOLECULAR DIAGNOSTICS FACT SHEETS [General News]

Sun, 1 Jan 2012 20:04:40 GMT

Interstate Technology & Regulatory Council (ITRC) Environmental Molecular Diagnostics Team. EMD-1, 84 pp, Nov 2011

ITRC has prepared a compendium of 10 fact sheets on molecular diagnostic tools: 1) Introduction to Environmental Molecular Diagnostics; 2) Compound Specific Isotope Analysis; 3) Polymerase Chain Reaction; 4) Quantitative Polymerase Chain Reaction; 5) Microbial Fingerprinting Methods; 6) Microarrays; 7) Stable Isotope Probing; 8) Enzyme Activity Probes; 9) Fluorescence In Situ Hybridization; and 10) EMD Sampling Methods. http://www.itrcweb.org/Documents/EMD1.pdf

GREEN AND SUSTAINABLE REMEDIATION: A PRACTICAL FRAMEWORK [General News]

Sun, 1 Jan 2012 20:04:24 GMT

Interstate Technology & Regulatory Council (ITRC) Green and Sustainable Remediation Team.
GSR-2, 135 pp, Nov 2011

ITRC developed this document to assist the remediation industry with the integration of green and sustainable practices into existing site investigation and remediation programs. The document provides a generalized framework intended to be flexible and scalable to each phase of the remedial process. Users of the guide can implement this approach as-is or adapt it to their specific program and state and federal regulatory environment. This text is intended to be used in conjunction with the May 2011 ITRC overview document, Green and Sustainable Remediation: State of the Science and Practice. A survey of the states conducted as part of the research and development of these documents provided valuable input on the status of green and sustainable remediation (GSR) integration across the United States. This document provides an introduction to GSR, including definitions of key terms specific to the concept of GSR, followed by a description of the process of planning a GSR evaluation and the implementation of GSR concepts during each remediation phase, from site investigation through site closeout. Finally, the document describes the types of tools available to the GSR practitioner. Several case studies are included in Appendix C to assist in conceptualizing GSR integration into each type of cleanup program. http://www.itrcweb.org/Documents/GSR-2.pdf

INTEGRATED DNAPL SITE STRATEGY: TECHNICAL/REGULATORY GUIDANCE [General News]

Sun, 1 Jan 2012 20:04:02 GMT

Interstate Technology & Regulatory Council (ITRC) Integrated DNAPL Site Strategy Team.
IDSS-1, 209 pp, Nov 2011

Restoring sites contaminated by chlorinated solvents to typical regulatory criteria (low parts-per-billion concentrations) within a generation has proven exceptionally difficult, although there have been successes. Complete restoration of many of these sites will require prolonged treatment and involve several remediation technologies. To make as much progress as possible within a generation (~20 years) requires a thorough understanding of the site, clear descriptions of achievable objectives, and use of more than one remedial technology. Making efficient progress requires an adaptive management strategy and might also require transitioning from one remedy to another as the optimum range of a technique is passed. Targeted monitoring should be used, and reevaluation should be done periodically. Managers must implement effective and adaptive treatments to address complex contamination scenarios. This guidance document was developed to assist site managers in developing an integrated DNAPL site management strategy containing five key features:

• A conceptual site model based on reliable characterization methods and understanding of the subsurface conditions that control contaminant transport, reactivity, and distribution.

• Clear, concise, and measurable remedial objectives and performance metrics.

• Treatment technologies applied in sequence or in parallel designed to optimize performance and take advantage of potential synergistic effects.

• Monitoring strategies based on interim and final cleanup objectives, the selected treatment technology and approach, and remedial performance goals.

• Repeated re-evaluation of the strategy and modification of the approach when objectives are not met or when alternative methods offer similar or better outcomes at lower cost.

This document describes key concepts and recent developments in each of these areas to help managers develop successful integrated strategies for chlorinated solvent sites. http://www.itrcweb.org/documents/IntegratedDNAPLStrategy_IDSSDoc/IDSS-1.pdf

ESTIMATING RISK AT A SUPERFUND SITE USING PASSIVE SAMPLING DEVICES AS BIOLOGICAL SURROGATES IN HUMAN HEALTH RISK MODELS [Research]

Sun, 1 Jan 2012 20:03:45 GMT

Allan, S.E., G.J. Sower, and K.A. Anderson, Oregon State University, Corvallis.
Chemosphere, Vol 85 No 6, p 920-927, Oct 2011

Passive sampling devices (PSDs) sequester the freely dissolved fraction of lipophilic contaminants, mimicking passive chemical uptake and accumulation by biomembranes and lipid tissues. Public Health Assessments that inform the public about health risks from exposure to contaminants through consumption of resident fish are generally based on tissue data, which can be difficult to obtain and requires destructive sampling. The purpose of this study is to apply PSD data in a Public Health Assessment to demonstrate that PSDs can be used as a biological surrogate to evaluate potential human health risks and elucidate spatio-temporal variations in risk. PSDs were used to measure PAHs in the Willamette River upriver, downriver, and within the Portland Harbor Superfund megasite for 3 years during wet and dry seasons. Based on an existing Public Health Assessment for this area, concentrations of PAHs in PSDs were substituted for fish tissue concentrations. PSD-measured PAH concentrations captured the magnitude, range, and variability of PAH concentrations reported for fish/shellfish from Portland Harbor. Using PSD results in place of fish data revealed an unacceptable risk level for cancer in all seasons but no unacceptable risk for non-cancer endpoints. Estimated cancer risk varied by several orders of magnitude based on season and location. Sites near coal tar contamination demonstrated the highest risk, particularly during the dry season and remediation activities. Incorporating PSD data into Public Health Assessments provides specific spatial and temporal contaminant exposure information that can assist public health professionals in evaluating human health risks. http://portlandharborcag.info/sites/default/files/Allan%20et%20al%202011_0.pdf

THE EFFECT OF SOIL TYPE, WATER AND ORGANIC MATERIALS ON THE MECHANOCHEMICAL DESTRUCTION OF ORGANIC COMPOUNDS [Research]

Sun, 1 Jan 2012 20:03:25 GMT

Anwar, Ali, Master's thesis, Auckland University of Technology, Auckland, New Zealand. 255 pp, July 2011

Mechanochemical activation by ball milling, originally developed for mineral processing, has proved to be a versatile ex situ technique for degradation of toxic organic compounds. In this study, reactive ball milling was used to investigate the destruction rates of naphthalene, chloro-naphthalene, and diesel (used as organic pollutant analogs) in different kinds of soil. Using GC-MS to analyze and quantify the destruction rates, quartz exhibited the highest overall destruction rate, followed by scoria, limestone, subsoil, greywacke, china clay, and terracotta clay. The study also examined why the presence of water reduced the soils' destructive capacities and found that water reacting with the radicals generated by the milling decreased the total radical available to react with the target pollutants. In an examination of the effects of organic matter on the destruction rates of naphthalene, cellulose powder added to the sample soils also decreased the soils' destructive capacities; however, although cellulose sequestered the naphthalene initially, continued milling degraded both the cellulose and the naphthalene. Investigation of the effects of ball milling on soil health showed significant alteration of soil structure and aggregation, but tillage of the milled soil into unmilled soil improved aggregation, and the sample soils tested all were able to sustain plant life. Soil bacteria did not survive the milling process, but milled soils can be inoculated with bacteria successfully. http://aut.researchgateway.ac.nz/handle/10292/2486

SURFACTANT-ENHANCED DESORPTION AND BIODEGRADATION OF POLYCYCLIC AROMATIC HYDROCARBONS IN CONTAMINATED SOIL [Research]

Sun, 1 Jan 2012 20:03:09 GMT

Zhu, H. and M.D. Aitken, Univ. of North Carolina, Chapel Hill.
Environmental Science & Technology, Vol 44 No 19, p 7260-7265, Oct 2010

Two nonionic surfactants, one hydrophobic (Brij 30) and one hydrophilic (C12E8), were evaluated for their ability to enhance the biodegradation of PAHs in contaminated soil after it had been treated in an aerobic bioreactor. The effects of each surfactant were evaluated at doses corresponding to equilibrium aqueous-phase concentrations well above the surfactant's critical micelle concentration (CMC), slightly above the CMC, and below the CMC. The concentrations of all 3- and 4-ring PAHs were significantly lower in the soil amended with Brij 30 at the two lower doses compared to controls, whereas removal of only the 3-ring PAHs was significantly enhanced at the highest Brij 30 dose. In contrast, C12E8 did not enhance PAH removal at any dose. In the absence of surfactant, <5% of any PAH desorbed from the soil over an 18-d period. Brij 30 addition at the lowest dose significantly increased desorption of most PAHs, whereas the addition of C12E8 at the lowest dose actually decreased the desorption of all PAHs. These findings suggest that the effects of the two surfactants on PAH biodegradation could be explained by their effects on PAH bioavailability. Overall, this study demonstrates that the properties of the surfactant and its dose relative to the corresponding aqueous-phase concentration are important factors in designing systems for surfactant-enhanced bioremediation of PAH-contaminated soils in which PAH bioavailability is limited. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2947565/

INVESTIGATIONS INTO CELLULOLYSIS IN CARBON AMENDED TAILINGS [Research]

Sun, 1 Jan 2012 20:02:56 GMT

McDonald, Corina, Master's thesis, University of Waterloo, ON, Canada. 142 pp, 2011

Using samples collected from Greens Creek Mine in Juneau, Alaska, modified cellulase enzyme assay methods that provided reproducible results were developed to determine the potential of using enzyme activities to evaluate the decomposition of organic matter in carbon-amended mine tailings systems. A sample mass of three grams was sufficient to provide consistent enzyme measurements. Matrix interferences were determined to be inconsequential in this system. Despite the low organic content amended to the tailings, heavy metal content, and potentially low enzyme activity, the modified enzyme assay method provided reproducible enzyme measurements. Six test cells containing a mixture of tailings and a combination of peat, spent brewery grain, and/or municipal biosolids were sampled in the fall of 2005, 2007, and 2009. Enzymes were assayed from core sections at five different depths, and enzyme activities were compared to sulfate-reducing and acid-producing bacterial enumerations, sulfide trends, and carbon content. General trends were consistent between enzyme activity and SRB enumerations. The range of total carbon values fell between 3 and 5 wt% in each test cell, the average inorganic carbon content was 3.5 wt%, and the range of organic carbon content was between 0.2 and 1.2 wt%. Total, inorganic, and organic carbon values were more characteristic of test cell carbon distribution. Cellulase enzyme assays provided valuable information regarding the degradation of cellulose and hemi-cellulose. This study demonstrates that enzymes can be monitored in a tailings environment and that enzyme assays conducted for monitoring purposes can be a useful practice to indicate the sustained or declining performance of organic matter in a carbon-amended remedial system. http://uwspace.uwaterloo.ca/handle/10012/5979

ROLE OF BACK DIFFUSION AND BIODEGRADATION REACTIONS IN SUSTAINING AN MTBE/TBA PLUME IN ALLUVIAL MEDIA [Research]

Sun, 1 Jan 2012 20:02:39 GMT

Rasa, E., S.W. Chapman, B.A. Bekins, G.E. Fogg, K.M. Scow, and D.M. Mackay.
Journal of Contaminant Hydrology, Vol 126 Nos 3-4, p 235-247, 2011

A methyl tert-butyl ether (MTBE)/tert-butyl alcohol (TBA) plume originating from a gasoline spill in late 1994 at Vandenberg Air Force Base (VAFB) persisted for over 15 years within 200 ft of the original spill source. The plume persisted until 2010 despite excavation of the tanks and piping within months after the spill and excavations of additional contaminated sediments from the source area in 2007 and 2008. The probable history of MTBE concentrations along the plume centerline at its source was estimated using a wide variety of available information, including published details about the original spill, excavations and monitoring by VAFB consultants, and research data. Two-dimensional reactive transport simulations of MTBE along the plume centerline were conducted for a 20-year period following the spill. These analyses suggest that MTBE diffused from the thin anaerobic aquifer into the adjacent anaerobic silts and transformed to TBA in both aquifer and silt layers. The model reproduces the observation that after 2004, TBA was the dominant solute, diffusing back out of the silts into the aquifer and sustaining plume concentrations much longer than would have been the case in the absence of such diffusive exchange. Simulations also suggest that aerobic degradation of MTBE or TBA at the water table in the overlying silt layer significantly affected concentrations of MTBE and TBA by limiting the chemical mass available for back diffusion to the aquifer.

RAPID DETECTION OF POLYCHLORINATED BIPHENYLS AT TRACE LEVELS IN REAL ENVIRONMENTAL SAMPLES BY SURFACE-ENHANCED RAMAN SCATTERING [Research]

Sun, 1 Jan 2012 20:02:28 GMT

Zhou Q., Zhang X., Huang Y., Li Z., Zhang Z.
Sensors, Vol 11 No 11, p 10851-10858, 2011

The authors report a simple method to detect polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) in soil and distilled spirit samples by surface-enhanced Raman scattering, using silver nanorod arrays as substrates. By this method, PCBs can be detected to a concentration of 5 µg/g in dry soil samples within 1 minute. Based on simulation and understanding of the Raman characteristics of PCBs, homologues of tetrachlorobiphenyl were recognized using surface-enhance Raman scattering, even in trace amounts in acetone solutions, and their characteristic Raman peaks still could be distinguished at a concentration of 10^-6 mol/L. This work provides a fast, simple, and sensitive method for the detection and recognition of organic pollutants such as PCBs. http://www.mdpi.com/1424-8220/11/11/10851/

FAST CLEANUP SYSTEM COMBINED WITH A DIOXIN-RESPONSIVE ELEMENT-DRIVEN LUCIFERASE BIOASSAY FOR ANALYSIS OF POLYCHLORINATED DIBENZO-P-DIOXINS/FURANS IN SEDIMENTS AND SOILS [Research]

Sun, 1 Jan 2012 20:02:01 GMT

Chao, H.-R., Y.-F. Wang, D.-Y. Lin, Y.-T. Cheng, and T.-C. Tsou.
Bulletin of Environmental Contamination and Toxicology, Vol 86 No 3, p 278-282, Mar 2011

A green technique was designed for assessing toxic equivalence (TEQ) levels of polychlorinated dibenzo-p-dioxins/furans (PCDD/Fs) in dioxin-contaminated sediment and soil. This technique combines a fast cleanup system with a dioxin-responsive element (DRE)-driven luciferase bioassay. In sediment (n = 10) and soil (n = 11) samples analyzed with the technique, levels of PCDD/Fs ranged from 75.1 to 2,670 ng DRE-driven luciferase activity (DL)-TEQ/kg dry weight. Significant correlations were found between DLTEQs (by the bioassay) and PCDD/F WHO-TEQs (by HRGC/HRMS). DL-TEQs correlated significantly with WHO-TEQs of 2,3,7,8-TCDD and 1,2,3,7,8-PeCDD using a multiple stepwise linear regression model. To improve the efficiency of PCDD/F measurements of the environmental samples, a fast, green, cheap, and effective cleanup system (Soxtherm with a CAPE-coupled carbon-acid silica column) was established by a research team with the Environmental Analysis Laboratory of Taiwan's Environmental Protection Administration.

ZERO VALENT IRON: IMPACT OF ANIONS PRESENT DURING SYNTHESIS ON SUBSEQUENT NANOPARTICLE REACTIVITY [Research]

Sun, 1 Jan 2012 20:01:46 GMT

Moore, K., B. Forsberg, D.R. Baer, W.A. Arnold, and R.L. Penn.
Journal of Environmental Engineering (ASCE), Vol 137 No 10, p 889-896, 2011

Nanoscale zero-valent iron (nZVI) is a promising material for remediation due to its high specific surface area, which results in faster rate constants and more effective use of the iron. An aspect of iron nanoparticle reactivity that has not been explored is the impact of anions present during iron metal nanoparticle synthesis. Solutions containing chloride, phosphate, sulfate, and nitrate anions and ferric ions were used to generate iron oxide nanoparticles. The resulting materials were dialyzed to remove dissolved by-products and then dried and reduced by hydrogen gas at high temperature. When the reactivity of the resulting nZVI was quantified by monitoring the kinetics and products of carbon tetrachloride reduction, significant differences in reactivity and chloroform yield were observed. The reactivity of nanoparticles prepared in the presence of sulfate and phosphate demonstrated the highest reactivity and chloroform yield. Substantial variations in the solid-state products of oxidation (magnetite, iron sulfide, and goethite, among others) were also observed.

EFFECTS OF IN-SITU BIOSPARGING ON PENTACHLOROPHENOL (PCP) DEGRADATION AND BACTERIAL COMMUNITIES IN PCP CONTAMINATED GROUNDWATER [Research]

Sun, 1 Jan 2012 20:01:30 GMT

Stokes, Carrlet Elizabeth, Ph.D. dissertation, Mississippi State University, 98 pp, 2011

This study examined the effect of in situ biosparging on pentachlorophenol (PCP) degradation and bacterial communities in PCP-contaminated groundwater. The contaminated groundwater used in the study was obtained from a site located in the southeastern United States, adjacent to a wood treatment facility that currently uses PCP as a chemical preservative treatment for utility poles. In 2000, seven air sparging wells were installed downstream of the contaminant source, an unlined lagoon. Injection wells received 295 L³/air/min from a regenerative blower located near the property boundary. The blower supplied air continuously at 15 lbs psi, with an impact radius of ~9.14 m per well. Bacteria were identified by sequencing the 16s rDNA fragment from DNA extracted from groundwater cultures and comparing the sequences to a database using a basic local alignment search tool (BLAST). The PCP-degraders Burkholderia cepacia and Flavobacterium (Sphingobium) chlorophenolicum were identified in multiple wells, as were the 4-chlorophenol degrader Herbaspirillum sp., and the common soil bacteria Pseudomonas sp., Aquaspirillum sp., and Rhodocista sp., among others. Bacterial community changes were observed using terminal restriction fragment length polymorphism analysis to identify operational taxonomic units of bacteria at various locations inside and outside the biosparging zone of treatment over time. Species richness tended to be higher at wells farther away from the biosparging line, while diversity and evenness varied throughout the area. Positive correlations were found between distance from biosparging wells and PCP concentration, species richness and distance, and to a smaller degree, diversity and distance. Biosparging remediation has a significant impact on the types of PCP-degrading bacteria within the groundwater matrix, and installations of this type of treatment should be applied to maximize the use of native bacteria to degrade the contaminant. http://sun.library.msstate.edu/ETD-db/theses/available/etd-07052011-112503/unrestricted/StokesCFinal.pdf

TRACKING ENVIRONMENTAL COMPLIANCE AND REMEDIATION TRAJECTORIES USING IMAGE-BASED ANOMALY DETECTION METHODOLOGIES [Research]

Sun, 1 Jan 2012 20:01:15 GMT

Lein, J.K.
Remote Sensing, Vol 3 No 11, p 2384-2402, 2011

Remote sensing solutions, such as satellite remote sensing for environmental compliance and remediation assessment, are attractive only to the extent that they can deliver environmentally relevant information in a meaningful and time-sensitive manner. To date, the extent to which satellite-based remote sensing satisfies the demands for compliance and remediation assessment under the conditions of an actual environmental accident or calamity has not been well documented. This paper documents a study of a remote sensing solution to the problem of site remediation and environmental compliance assessment based on the use of the RDX anomaly detection algorithm and vegetation indices developed from the Tasseled Cap Transform. Results of this analysis illustrate how the use of standard vegetation transforms, integrated into an anomaly detection strategy, enable the time-sequenced tracking of site remediation progress. Based on these results, credible evidence can be produced to support compliance evaluation and remediation assessment following major environmental disasters. http://www.mdpi.com/2072-4292/3/11/2384/

FIELD OBSERVATION OF THE RESPONSE TO PUMPING AND RECOVERY IN THE WATER TABLE REGION OF AN UNCONFINED AQUIFER [Research]

Sun, 1 Jan 2012 20:00:56 GMT

Bunn, M.I., D.L. Rudolph, A.L. Endres, and J.P. Jones.
Journal of Hydrology, Vol 403 Nos 3-4, p 307-320, 17 Jun 2011

A 24-h pumping test was conducted in the shallow water table portion of an unconfined aquifer located at Canadian Forces Base Borden near Alliston, ON, Canada. The test was designed to monitor the dynamic nature of the vertical gradients that form within the zone of tension saturation above the water table during pumping and recovery. During the test, pressure head was monitored throughout the saturated zone, both above (tensiometers) and below (piezometers) the water table; soil water content was monitored using both neutron moisture probes and time domain reflectometry (TDR). Following pumping, recovery was monitored in the same manner as the pumping portion of the test. The hydraulic head drawdown observed above the water table in the tension saturated zone during pumping and recovery was very similar to the drawdown observed below the water table. Vertical gradients throughout the saturated zone appeared to be uniform and low, and did not change significantly in the transition across the water table. The magnitude of the vertical gradients peaked early in the test and subsequently decreased, with the reduction more significant at greater radial distances from the pumping well. Neutron measurements indicate that only a minor degree of drainage occurred within the measurement interval for the duration of the test, a result of the low magnitude of drawdown generated during pumping and influence of hysteresis on the moisture profile. Although drainage was negligible from within the tension saturated zone during pumping, the hydraulic head drawdown below the water table displayed reduced rates of drawdown during the intermediate period of the test. TDR data were collected only during recovery, but the data set displays hysteretic behavior in the pressure-saturation profiles, with all profiles plotting on scanning curves. Based on these observations, it appears that a conceptual model in which vertical gradients below the water table are of the same order of magnitude as those within the capillary fringe is appropriate for the analysis of vadose zone response to pumping. Additional information on this work is available in M. Bunn's 2011 dissertation at http://uwspace.uwaterloo.ca/handle/10012/6342

CHALLENGES TO ENHANCED IN SITU BIOREMEDIATION OF CHLORINATED SOLVENTS IN A COLD-TEMPERATURE ENVIRONMENT [Research]

Sun, 1 Jan 2012 20:00:41 GMT

Henry, B.M., M. Markell, and D. Baumler.
Proceedings of the Seventh International Conference on Remediation of Chlorinated and Recalcitrant Compounds (Monterey, CA; May 2010). Battelle Press, ISBN: 978-0-9819730-2-9, Paper F-024, 8 pp, 2010

Two enhanced in situ bioremediation treatability studies have been conducted by the Air Force at the DP98 Site and the Kenney Avenue Plume at Elmendorf Air Force Base (AFB) in Anchorage, Alaska. Monitoring data show near molar conversion of TCE to cis-DCE, with dechlorination of cis-DCE to vinyl chloride (VC) observed only at the DP98 Site. Further dechlorination to ethene was not observed, and cis-DCE persists at both sites. These results may be due to a failure to achieve a groundwater redox state that is thermodynamically favorable for the transformation of cis-DCE to VC and ethene, or to a lack or slow growth of Dehalococcoides species. Data collected under a study for the Environmental Security Technology Certification Program (ESTCP project ER-0627) indicate that growth of native Dehalococcoides species is limited under ambient groundwater temperatures of 7 to 8 degrees C at the two sites. While dechlorination of TCE to cis-DCE and VC can be stimulated in a cold-temperature environment, the lack of ability to stimulate further growth of Dehalococcoides species to dechlorinate cis-DCE and VC to ethene is a significant limitation. Alternative in situ treatment technologies can be considered, but the impacts of low temperature on biological and chemical reactions should be given careful consideration for sites with groundwater temperatures below 10 degrees C. http://www.rnasinc.com/fck_files/File/2010-F-022_Ppr.pdf

ALL-TIME RELEASES OF MERCURY TO THE ATMOSPHERE FROM HUMAN ACTIVITIES [Research]

Sun, 1 Jan 2012 20:00:23 GMT

Streets, D.G., M.K. Devane, Z. Lu, T.C. Bond, E.M. Sunderland, and D.J. Jacob.
Environmental Science & Technology, Vol 45 No 24, 10485-10491, 2011

Much information exists about recent releases of mercury, but little information is available on releases in the past. To find out how much impact people have had in releasing mercury to the environment over the centuries, scientists reconstructed human additions of mercury to the atmosphere (via the burning of fossil fuels, mining, and industrial processes) using historical data and computer models. Their research shows that mercury emissions peaked during the North American gold and silver rushes in the late 1800s. After a decline in the middle of the 20th century, the levels are rising again quickly, thanks mostly to a surge in coal use. Asia has overtaken Europe and America as the largest contributor of mercury. Recent data suggest that mercury concentrations in the atmosphere are declining, which is not consistent with their conclusion of increasing emissions. Changing atmospheric conditions may be partly responsible, but more work is needed, particularly to understand the fate of large amounts of mercury in discarded products like batteries and thermometers. The researchers predict mercury released from mining and fuel may take as many as 2,000 years to exit the environment and be reincorporated into rocks and minerals in Earth.

LABORATORY STUDY OF POLYCHLORINATED BIPHENYL (PCB) CONTAMINATION AND MITIGATION IN BUILDINGS, PART 1: EMISSIONS FROM SELECTED PRIMARY SOURCES [Research]

Sun, 1 Jan 2012 20:00:00 GMT

Guo, Z., X. Liu, K.A. Krebs, R.A. Stinson, J.A. Nardin, R.H. Pope, and N.F. Roache.
EPA 600-R-11-156, 127 pp, Oct 2011

Polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) are a class of 209 organic compounds known as congeners, with the chemical formula of C₁₂H_10-xCl_x, where x is the number of chlorine atoms in the range of 1 to 10. Different mixtures of these congeners were sold under many brands and trade names worldwide, amongst which Aroclors marketed by Monsanto Company were the most common trade names in United States. Commercial production of PCBs started in 1929 and was banned by the U.S. Congress in 1978. The approximate PCB usage in the U.S. included 60% for closed system and heat transfer fluids (e.g., transformers, capacitors, and fluorescent light ballasts), 25% for plasticizers, 10% for hydraulic fluids and lubricants, and 5% for miscellaneous uses. PCBs were once used as plasticizers in caulking materials because of their compatibility with the base resin or binder. These caulking materials could contain up to 30% PCBs. Thus, all buildings that have expansion joints and that were built between the 1940s and the late 1970s are likely to contain PCBs in the caulking materials. In the past two decades, a series of field measurements conducted in Europe and North America has shown that PCB-containing caulk and sealant can be a significant source of PCBs in buildings. This report summarizes the test results for PCB emissions from primary indoor sources, with emphasis on PCB-containing caulking materials and light ballasts, and the factors that can affect the emissions. Subsequent reports will discuss the research results on PCB transport in buildings and evaluation of selected mitigation methods.
http://www.epa.gov/nrmrl/pubs/600r11156/600r11156.html

CHEMICAL EXTRACTION OF URANIUM AND MOLYBDENUM FROM VADOSE-ZONE SOILS AND AQUIFER MATERIALS: DAM-TO-DITCH AREA, COTTER URANIUM MILL, CANYON CITY, COLORADO [Research]

Sun, 1 Jan 2012 19:59:39 GMT

AMEC Earth & Environmental, Inc.
Cotter Corp., 23 pp, November 9, 2011

As part of the ongoing remedial investigations for the dam-to-ditch area (DDA), Cotter has considered implementing a field-scale in situ soil flushing test to evaluate U and Mo removal from the soil. Although the batch test study originally was designed to provide reagent recommendations for use in future field-scale pilot tests for removal of U and Mo from soils in the DDA, additional characterization of total U and Mo soil concentrations found no significant source of U or Mo in the DDA soils. The batch testing study was completed in anticipation that the results could be useful in the design of future remedial systems elsewhere at the site. This report (1) provides a literature summary of chemical reagents that have been used effectively to mobilize U from contaminated soil and (2) identifies chemical reagents that can be used to extract U and Mo from soil and aquifer materials at the Cotter site. http://www.cdphe.state.co.us/hm/cotter/letterfromcotter/111109ddabatchtest.pdf

NATURAL AND ENHANCED ANAEROBIC DEGRADATION OF 1,1,1-TRICHLOROETHANE AND ITS DEGRADATION PRODUCTS IN THE SUBSURFACE: A CRITICAL REVIEW [Research]

Sun, 1 Jan 2012 19:59:09 GMT

Scheutz, C., N.D. Durant, M.H. Hansen, and P.L. Bjerg, Tech. Univ. of Denmark, Kgs. Lyngby.
Water Research, Vol 45 No 9, p 2701-2723, Apr 2011

1,1,1-Trichloroethane (TCA) in groundwater is susceptible to a variety of natural degradation mechanisms. Evidence of intrinsic decay of TCA in aquifers is commonly observed, but TCA remains a persistent pollutant at many sites. Some of the daughter products that accumulate from intrinsic decay of TCA are more toxic than the parent compound. Research advances from the past decade indicate that in situ enhanced reductive dechlorination (ERD) has promise as a cost-effective solution toward the cleanup of groundwater contaminated with TCA and its daughter products. Lab studies have demonstrated that pure or mixed cultures containing certain Dehalobacter (Dhb) bacteria can catalyze respiratory dechlorination of TCA and 1,1-dichloroethane (1,1-DCA) to monochloroethane in groundwater systems. 16S rRNA Dhb gene probes have been used as biomarkers in groundwater samples both to assess ERD potential and quantify growth of Dhb in ERD applications at TCA sites. Lab findings suggest that iron-bearing minerals and methanogenic bacteria that co-occur in reduced aquifers can affect dechlorination of TCA synergistically. Despite these advances, significant challenges remain, including an inability of any known cultures to dechlorinate TCA completely to ethane. Monochloroethane is commonly observed as a terminal product of the biological reductive dechlorination of TCA and 1,1-DCA. Also lacking are rigorous field studies that demonstrate the utility of bioaugmentation with Dhb cultures for remediation of TCA in the field. This paper offers a review of the state of the science of TCA degradation in aquifers with an examination of results from lab experiments and 22 field case studies, focusing on the capabilities and limits of ERD technology and identifying aspects of the technology that warrant further development.

BIOSPARGING REMEDIATION TRIAL OF PETROLEUM HYDROCARBONS AT LEIGHTON BEACH DEVELOPMENT SITE, NORTH FREMANTLE, WESTERN AUSTRALIA [Demonstrations]

Sun, 1 Jan 2012 19:59:00 GMT

Binai, Y., GHD Pty Ltd, Perth, Western Australia.
VDM Verlag Dr. Mueller e.K., ISBN: 978-3-639-28502-4, 140 pp, 2010

During the Leighton Beach development site's use as a railway yard beginning in 1959, diesel leaked into the subsurface and contaminated the soil and groundwater. The presence of ~1,300 kg of residual-phase hydrocarbons is suspected over an area of 600 m² within the groundwater fluctuation zone. Biosparging was suggested by GHD Pty Ltd. as a remediation strategy to increase biodegradation rates of the residual hydrocarbon source at the groundwater table. The biosparging strategy is a hybrid method between air sparging and bioventing. Air sparging wells deliver oxygen to the saturated zone. Nutrient wells distribute ammonium and phosphate in the capillary fringe. The soil gas composition (O₂, CO₂, and CH₄) and the dissolved oxygen in the groundwater were measured before, during, and after the biosparging intervals. CO₂ concentrations decreased during the air injection and slowly increased after the biosparging was completed. The changes in CO₂ concentrations were related to different reactions of indigenous bacteria to oxygen injection (e.g., enhanced biodegradation rates or repression of anaerobic bacteria).

CONDENSATE IMPACTS IN FRACTURED BEDROCK [Demonstrations]

Sun, 1 Jan 2012 19:58:36 GMT

Waddell, J. and C.D. Sandau.
Canadian Reclamation, Vol 20 No 1, p 30-32, 2011

TRIUM Environmental Inc. was selected to investigate contamination in subsurface soil and groundwater on an active well site in Alberta. During this project, TRIUM characterized and delineated shallow soil impacts. Upon completion of the baseline site investigation, a pilot-scale in situ chemical oxidation (ISCO) treatment was conducted to evaluate fracture connectivity and ascertain whether a modified Fenton's reagent would reduce contaminant levels effectively. Pilot results showed that the fracture network was highly connected, and good delivery of the oxidant was achieved. The investigation highlighted that an accurate assessment is key to the success of remedial strategies, and the pilot results demonstrated that ISCO is an appropriate method for this site.

HORIZONTAL WELL DESIGN, INSTALLATION AND PERFORMANCE FOR BIOSPARGING A PAH PLUME [Demonstrations]

Sun, 1 Jan 2012 19:57:34 GMT

Butler, C. and E. Mott-Smith, Black & Veatch Special Projects Corp., Tampa, FL.
17th Annual Florida Remediation Conference, Orlando, 13-14 October 2011

During the course of operation, a now-abandoned wood preserving facility located in Pensacola, Florida, released PAH compounds to the groundwater. Much of the contaminant plume resides at and above 100 ft below ground surface (bgs). The contaminated groundwater flows east under a railroad switching yard, limiting access and treatment options. In situ enhanced bioremediation with injection of oxygen to stimulate indigenous bacteria and form a biological treatment zone was selected for dissolved-phase remediation. Horizontal directional drilling (HDD) beneath the railroad switching yard was proposed for initial pilot testing of the biosparge remedy. A bundle of three wells comprising different construction materials and slot configurations was installed in the double-ended HDD bore. Well screen materials included stainless steel with longitudinal slots and air-diffusion system HDPE in which microslots open and close depending on pressure of the injection medium. Specialized HDD well installation techniques included a steel carrier casing, grouting pipes, and biopolymer drilling fluid. The final well construction was 1,450 ft long and set at 100 ft bgs. A limited number of downgradient monitoring wells were installed to gauge the performance of the HDD well bundle during two oxygen injection pilot tests. Overall, the pilot tests indicated that the HDD well screens provided excellent biosparging capabilities. Concerns for full-scale treatment include potential occlusion of the well slots.

COMPARISON OF COMMERCIAL DNA EXTRACTION KITS FOR ISOLATION AND PURIFICATION OF BACTERIAL AND EUKARYOTIC DNA FROM PAH-CONTAMINATED SOILS [Demonstrations]

Sun, 1 Jan 2012 19:57:11 GMT

Mahmoudi, N., G.F. Slater, and R.R. Fulthorpe.
Canadian Journal of Microbiology, Vol 57 No 7, p 623-628, 2011

The hydrophobic structure of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) gives them low water solubility and makes them readily absorbed onto soils and sediments, where they persist until they are degraded. Microbial degradation of PAHs has been well documented and is thought to be an important process in remediation of PAH-contaminated sediment and soil. Obtaining high-quality purified DNA is an essential requirement for the successful DNA amplifications that underlie all subsequent procedures. This study compared the performance of four commercially available DNA extraction kits in extracting pure, high-quality bacterial and eukaryotic DNA from PAH-contaminated soil. The investigators concluded that the commercial kits can be used on a wide variety of soils, including those that are heavily contaminated. The PowerSoil kit was the most effective and reliable of the kits tested.

DEMONSTRATION OF NITRATE-ENHANCED IN SITU BIOREMEDIATION AT A PETROLEUM HYDROCARBON CONTAMINATED SITE [Demonstrations]

Sun, 1 Jan 2012 19:56:52 GMT

Holtze, Dale Leslie, Master's thesis, University of Waterloo, ON, Canada. 339 pp, 2011

This pilot-scale project focused on the demonstration of nitrate-enhanced in situ bioremediation at a decommissioned service station. The addition of nitrate as a terminal electron acceptor (TEA) to an aquifer can enhance in situ biodegradation of petroleum hydrocarbons by providing the microbes with a sustainable energy source to promote cell maintenance and growth of the microbial population. The remediation strategy involved pulsed injections of nutrient solution amended with conservative bromide and reactive nitrate tracers to provide a continuous supply of TEA to the indigenous microbial populations. The delivery of the remedial test solution was greatly influenced by the hydrogeological conditions that obtained at the time of injection: a seasonal decline occurred in groundwater levels and hydraulic gradients in the lower portion of Unit 4, which comprised more highly permeable materials, thus transmitting the test solution more effectively. Following consecutive injections of remedial test solution (a cumulative mass of 4 kg nitrate), a reducing zone enriched with TEA in the anaerobic aquifer was established. Contaminant mass removal likely occurred as bromide tracer evidence indicates that nitrate was utilized in the study area, based on the inference of denitrification rates. Although post-injection groundwater sampling indicates declining concentrations of toluene, long-term monitoring is recommended to evaluate the success of the remediation activity and assess the potential for rebound. Post-injection soil core results were unable to demonstrate the reduction in individual toluene, let alone BTEX-TMB hydrocarbon levels, as insufficient quantities of nitrate were delivered to the target zone relative to the significant but heterogeneously distributed residual mass in the subsurface. http://uwspace.uwaterloo.ca/handle/10012/6375

CYCLODEXTRINS IN BIOREMEDIATION OF CONTAMINATED SOIL [Demonstrations]

Sun, 1 Jan 2012 19:56:30 GMT

Fenyvesi, E., CycloLab R&D Laboratory Ltd., Budapest, Hungary.
Cyclodextrin News, Vol 25 No 5, p 1-7, May 2011

The efficiency of randomly methylated beta-cyclodextrin (RAMEB) used to enhance the biodegradation of transformer oil was demonstrated in both ex situ and in situ field experiments. During the in situ field experiment at a transformer station in Hungary, a combined technology (ventilation, nitrogen, and phosphorus) was implemented along with RAMEB addition, continuous removal of groundwater, continuous moisture supply (by slow infiltration of the treated water), and ex situ treatment on activated carbon. The soil was flushed with a RAMEB solution from time to time through the injection well, and after a few days' acclimation, the groundwater was pumped continuously from the extractor wells on the other side of the transformer. Continuous groundwater removal reduced the risk of spreading the RAMEB-solubilized contaminants. The period of acclimation after flushing was enough for adsorption of RAMEB on the soil, providing for a long-term effect on biodegradation. Performance monitoring was based on analysis of soil gas and groundwater. After RAMEB addition, the carbon dioxide content of the soil gas increased suddenly, indicating improved microbial activity. By the end of treatment, the hydrocarbon content of the soil decreased from ~25,000 mg/kg to <300 mg/kg. A similar combined technology was used at a former tank station on an agricultural site in Hungary contaminated with aged diesel and engine oil from leaking underground tanks. In this case, a combination of push-pull and drive-through techniques was applied: half of the additives (RAMEB and nutrients) were applied through the combined injection-extraction well, and the other half through five additional injection wells arranged around the combined well in a circle. After RAMEB addition, hydrocarbon concentrations in the extracted groundwater and the specific oil-degrading bacteria increased 10- to 40-fold and 2- to 10-fold, respectively. This application achieved a significant decrease in contaminant concentrations, from 30,000 mg/kg to 3,500 mg/kg and from >1,000 mg/L to <200 mg/L in soil and water, respectively, at the end of treatment. http://enfo.agt.bme.hu/drupal/sites/default/files/Bioremediation.pdf

EXTRACTION OF ARSENIC AND HEAVY METALS FROM CONTAMINATED MINE TAILINGS BY SOIL WASHING [Cleanup News]

Sun, 1 Jan 2012 19:54:56 GMT

Kim, M.J. and T. Kim.
Soil and Sediment Contamination, Vol 20 No 6, p 631-648, 2011

At Jingok mine, an abandoned mine in Korea, soil washing has been used to treat mine tailings heavily contaminated with arsenic and heavy metals. Results show that phosphoric acid, citric acid, oxalic acid, and sodium metabisulfite are highly effective in extracting arsenic and heavy metals. Among them, oxalic acid is the most effective (especially for Pb, Cu, and Zn), as even a residual fraction of arsenic was partly extracted. The optimum concentration of washing reagent and the ratio between the mine tailings and washing reagent were found to be 0.5 M and 1:20, respectively. In addition, the extraction kinetics of arsenic and heavy metals was fast—a reaction time of 30 minutes was deemed to be a sufficient contact time. Results indicate that a washing solution of low pH and the level of dissolved iron in the contaminated media can be considered the most important factors during the washing process for extraction of arsenic and heavy metals.

CASE STUDY OF DUAL TANKER SPILL EVENTS ONTO A ROADWAY EMBANKMENT WITH ASSESSMENT OF MULTIPLE REMEDIATION STRATEGY EFFECTIVENESS AND CARBON FOOTPRINT ANALYSIS [Cleanup News]

Sun, 1 Jan 2012 19:54:32 GMT

Harman, T., Handex Consulting & Remediation - Southeast LLC, Delray Beach.
17th Annual Florida Remediation Conference, Orlando, 13-14 October 2011

A spill from a fuel tanker rollover generated an emergency response on a Florida roadway. The spill involved fuel impacts to the travel lanes, the embankment supporting the on ramp, and the retention pond at the toe of the embankment. Subsequent interim source removal activities included soil excavation, free-product recovery, multiphase extraction, and a series of chemical oxidation injections, performed as a remediation pilot study. As the cleanup progressed and a remedial action plan was being considered, a second spill event occurred at the same location 2.5 years after the first one. The second event underwent additional assessment, and two parties moved forward with a shared remediation design and implementation. The remediation plan implementation consisted of two chemical injection events into the shallow portion of contaminated groundwater. The first injection event consisted of a chemical oxidation reagent and the second event of injection of a mixture of chemical oxidation and biostimulation reagents. A third injection event consisted of a deeper injection interval with a biostimulation reagent only. This case study chronicles the implementation of multiple assessments and remediation implementations for multiple spill events for a similar location, for a site with multiple stakeholders and multiple constraints, including work alongside an active roadway and in advance of a proposed roadway construction corridor project.

FIELD EXPERIENCE WITH COMBINED ANAEROBIC BIOREMEDIATION AND CHEMICAL REDUCTION WITH ZERO VALENT IRON [Cleanup News]

Sun, 1 Jan 2012 19:54:13 GMT

Haselow, J., Redox Tech LLC, Cary, NC.
Abstracts: The 17th Annual Florida Remediation Conference, Orlando, 13-14 October 2011

Anaerobic Biochem Plus (ABC+), a mixture of carbon substrate and zero-valent iron (ZVI), has been injected at nearly 100 sites throughout the United States and Europe. The carbon substrate ZVI mixture has provided a robust amendment for treatment of DNAPL-contaminated sites and soluble halogenated alkenes and alkanes in different geologic environments. Reaction times often are comparable to those obtained with chemical oxidation approaches. ABC+ is documented to persist for over two years in low-permeability environments. Post injection, hydrogen gas has been observed as high as 63% by volume. ABC+ is a proprietary carbon substrate mixture of ABC® and ZVI. ABC® is a mixture of lactates, soluble fatty acids, micronutrients, and pH buffer. ZVI is the most widely applied chemical reductant in the groundwater remediation field. Carbon substrates are widely available and are often viewed as commodities for anaerobic bioremediation. ZVI has been proven and widely accepted as an effective in situ remediation technology of chlorinated solvents, such as TCA, PCE, TCE, and daughter products. The combination of carbon substrate and ZVI is applied through an intellectual property license with Adventus Americas. Redox Tech has been applying ABC+ for over five years in diverse geologic settings, including saprolite, partially weathered rock, Coastal Plain sediments, and glacial deposits. Combined anaerobic bioremediation and chemical reduction with ZVI can produce a greater reducing environment than with substrate alone. The penalty for the low oxidation potential is loss of hydrogen to methane production, but this slight penalty is balanced by a more robust and rapid remediation. Results obtained from site applications are shown in a 24-slide presentation at http://redox-tech.com/ABC+%20presentation%20with%20data.pdf

NATIONAL OIL AND HAZARDOUS SUBSTANCES POLLUTION CONTINGENCY PLAN; NATIONAL PRIORITIES LIST: DELETION OF THE MARTIN-MARIETTA/SODYECO SUPERFUND SITE [Cleanup News]

Sun, 1 Jan 2012 19:53:54 GMT

Federal Register, Vol 76 No 190, p 60777-60781, 30 Sep 2011

EPA Region 4 is issuing a Notice of Intent to Delete the Martin-Marietta/Sodyeco Superfund site, which is a portion of the Clariant Corporation property located in Charlotte, North Carolina, from the National Priorities List (NPL), and requests comment on this proposed action. EPA, with the concurrence of the State of North Carolina through the Department of Environment and Natural Resources, has determined that all appropriate response actions under CERCLA, other than operation, maintenance, and five-year reviews, have been completed. Deletion does not preclude future actions under Superfund if deemed necessary by EPA. Based on the 1987 record of decision, the cleanup consisted of the following elements: 1) extraction, treatment, and discharge of contaminated groundwater for all five areas; 2) excavation and off-site incineration for Area D; 3) installation of a landfill cap for Area B; and 4) implementation of either soil flushing, soil washing, thermal processing, or in situ steam stripping in Area C. The initial cleanup approach for Area C was an interim action, and the final cleanup plan as outlined in a 1994 Explanation of Significant Difference (ESD) specified in situ soil flushing, with capture and treatment of the flushing water by the existing groundwater treatment system. Installation of the in situ soil flushing system was completed in September 1999. The ESD also included continuation of a vacuum extraction pilot study to address VOC-contaminated soil stockpiled on site, but the method eventually proved ineffective, and EPA issued a second ESD in November 1998 that required off-site treatment and disposal of the stockpiled soil in Area C. The remedial actions were completed by the responsible party, with oversight by the state RCRA program. The Preliminary Close-Out Report was issued by EPA on September 29, 1999. http://www.gpo.gov/fdsys/pkg/FR-2011-09-30/xml/FR-2011-09-30.xml

THIRD FIVE-YEAR REVIEW REPORT FOR NAVAL AIR STATION BRUNSWICK, BRUNSWICK, MAINE [Cleanup News]

Sun, 1 Jan 2012 19:53:39 GMT

Naval Facilities Engineering Command Mid-Atlantic, 300 pp, Sep 2010

The Eastern Plume is an area of CVOC and 1,4-dioxane groundwater contamination ~3,500 ft long, up to 1,400 ft wide, and oriented roughly north-south along Weapons Compound Road for ~0.6 mile. The plume is located predominately in the overburden, but a small area of localized contamination has been identified in bedrock near well MW-308. In December 2000, an Explanation of Significant Differences (ESD) for the Eastern Plume altered the original groundwater extraction and treatment system (GWETS) to remove the ultraviolet oxidation system, replace it with an air stripping system with carbon polishing, and replace discharge to the Brunswick Sewer District with discharge to an infiltration gallery. The updated treatment system went on line in January 2001, and the infiltration gallery began operating in February 2002. A second ESD submitted in 2010 documents the change in the GWETS from air stripping with liquid- and vapor-phase carbon polishing to advanced oxidation treatment with only liquid-phase carbon polishing. The 2010 ESD also documents addition of 1,4-dioxane and vinyl chloride as Eastern Plume contaminants of concern. In October 2009, the GWETS treatment train was modified to include advanced oxidation treatment via a HiPOx unit. This treatment technology uses hydrogen peroxide and ozone to treat chlorinated VOCs and 1,4-dioxane. A 12-week pilot test of the new HiPOx system was conducted between November 2009 and January 2010, and extraction wells EW-08 and EW-09 were brought on line in March 2010 after the HiPOx treatment unit became fully operational.
http://www.epa.gov/superfund/sites/fiveyear/f2010010003743.pdf

DOWNTOWN URBAN SETTING FORMER DRY CLEANER SITE REMEDIATION USING DIRECT INJECTION OF EHC® [Cleanup News]

Sun, 1 Jan 2012 19:53:19 GMT

Adventus Project Case Study Series, 5 slides, 2011

A 16th century historic women's fashion boutique on the waterfront in a medieval town center in The Netherlands sits on environmentally impaired property. The impacts originate from a former dry cleaner at the premises. The PCE and TCE are slowly degrading to DCE, VC, and ethene, but the premises are sold and the new investor wants to terminate long-term monitoring. The former consultant's assessment found no cost-effective remedial solution for this site; therefore, monitored natural attenuation was deemed sufficient for this case and accepted by the regulators. The client, a real estate investor, was willing to invest substantially in a final remedial solution. Active remediation faced several challenges: the subsoil (wet clay and peat) is very sensitive to subsidence; 2) pump and treat is infeasible owing to low permeability; and 3) the area is densely built up and has a high volume of commercial traffic and a significant subsurface infrastructure (cables, lines, pipes, ducts, sewers). The alternative remedial solution for this complex case combined three technologies: 1) in situ chemical reduction (ISCR) for the source zones using EHC® injections; 2) enhanced natural (anaerobic) attenuation for the other areas, supported by the injection of a suitable substrate to create and maintain a strongly anoxic environment; and 3) soil stabilizing agents as needed to reduce soil permeability and limit contaminant migration. The first round of injections consisted of a balanced mixture of substrate and zero-valent iron (EHC®) pumped into the ground through a pressurized injector system. The high injection pressure effectively dispersed the slurried mixture. Performance monitoring has shown excellent chlorinated VOC reduction in a timely manner. Costs were under EUR 37.000. http://www.adventusgroup.com/pdfs/projects/CaseStudy_EHC_Netherlands.pdf

TREE PLANTING AT CHEVY IN THE HOLE TO HELP CLEAN UP CONTAMINANTS [Cleanup News]

Sun, 1 Jan 2012 19:53:02 GMT

Longley, Kristin.
The Flint Journal, 29 July 2011

A federal grant will be used to help plant thousands of trees to control contaminants at a former General Motors factory near the Flint River in Flint, Michigan. The U.S. Department of Agriculture has given Flint $375,000 to survey the property and provide a variety of trees at a place known as the old Chevy in the Hole manufacturing complex. The USDA grant will be combined with money from U.S. EPA for additional work and study. The trees are expected to aid the natural breakdown of contaminants and prevent groundwater from carrying pollution to the river. Planting could start by fall on the portion of the complex east of Chevrolet Avenue and south of the Flint River. The smaller portion of the complex west of Chevrolet requires a more serious approach. The city is working with local engineers to manage the rest of the site, which the Flint Economic Development Corp. obtained for $1 with a quit-claim deed from Delphi Corp. in 2008 and later gave to the city. The City's forestry grant will be combined with another from EPA for some additional environmental work and study. Matt Didier, brownfield project manager with EPA's Chicago office, said cities all over the country contain abandoned industrial sites, but Flint is unusual in its approach because it is one of the few places where the local government is willing to recognize no one else is going to deal with the property. The ultimate goal is to mitigate the pollutants present in the soil and groundwater through the process of phytoremediation, in which trees take the water from the ground, stabilize or reduce contaminants, and transpire the water as a neutral vapor. The City is working with WadeTrim, Environmental Consulting & Technology, and AKT Peerless for engineering work and professional services for the project.
http://www.mlive.com/news/flint/index.ssf/2011/07/tree_planting_at_chevy_in_the.html

PERSISTENCE OF CHLOROETHANE DURING FULL-SCALE ENHANCED IN SITU BIOREMEDIATION OF CHLORINATED ETHANES [Cleanup News]

Sun, 1 Jan 2012 19:52:42 GMT

Mysona, E., B. Henry, C. Coker, and R. Lantzy.
Proceedings of the Seventh International Conference on Remediation of Chlorinated and Recalcitrant Compounds (Monterey, CA; May 2010). Battelle Press, ISBN: 978-0-9819730-2-9, Paper F-024, 8 pp, 2010

Groundwater at a former industrial site was affected by the release of chlorinated aliphatic hydrocarbons (CAHs), including 1,1,1-TCA and related degradation products 1,1-DCA, 1,1-DCE, and chloroethane. A pilot test of enhanced in situ bioremediation (EISB) using emulsified vegetable oil (EVO) was conducted between March 2004 and November 2005. Based on successful pilot results, a full-scale injection was implemented from December 2005 to January 2006. The full-scale injection used a combination of readily degradable sodium lactate and slow-release EVO to sustain the reaction zone. Both injections were intended to stimulate anaerobic degradation of CAHs in groundwater. Semi-annual groundwater monitoring performed after the 2005-2006 full-scale injection indicated the effectiveness of EISB in reducing concentrations of 1,1,1-TCA, 1,1-DCA, and 1,1-DCE in the groundwater. Concentrations of chloroethane increased following the injections as a result of the sequential dechlorination of 1,1,1-TCA to 1,1-DCA to chloroethane. Concentrations of chloroethane generally declined after 1,1,1-TCA and 1,1-DCA were depleted, but monitoring results 28 months after full-scale injection indicated that chloroethane degradation had slowed with its concentrations still above cleanup criteria throughout the treatment zone. Geochemical data suggested that conditions suitable for the anaerobic degradation of chloroethane were diminishing, and/or a residual source of CAHs might exist in the vadose zone or capillary fringe in the source area. A second full-scale injection was performed in September and October 2008 to enhance anaerobic degradation of chloroethane. Two months later, chloroethane concentrations had increased in a portion of the source area but decreased in the majority of the treated area of the plume. In the period from 2 to 7 months after the second injection, chloroethane concentrations decreased at all locations but remained above cleanup goals. To the authors' knowledge, significant accumulation and persistence of chloroethane has not been reported at sites where 1,1,1-TCA is being remediated by EISB. Chloroethane persistence at this site is attributed to possible residual sources of parent compounds and a relatively slower degradation rate compared to 1,1,1-TCA and 1,1-DCA. Chloroethane concentrations likely will continue to decrease over time as there is evidence that the second injection further remediated residual CAH parent compounds in the source area. Monitoring data are presented to indicate the ultimate fate of chloroethane at the site. http://www.rnasinc.com/fck_files/File/2010-F-024_Ppr.pdf

CONTAMINATION MOVEMENT AROUND A PERMEABLE REACTIVE BARRIER AT SOLID WASTE MANAGEMENT UNIT 12, NAVAL WEAPONS STATION CHARLESTON, NORTH CHARLESTON, SOUTH CAROLINA, 2009 [Cleanup News]

Sun, 1 Jan 2012 19:52:17 GMT

Vroblesky, D.A., M.D. Petkewich, and K.J. Conlon.
U.S. Geological Survey Scientific Investigations Report 2010-5086, 84 pp, 2010

Beginning in 2000, the U.S. Geological Survey and the Naval Facilities Engineering Command Southeast investigated natural and engineered remediation of chlorinated VOC groundwater contamination at Solid Waste Management Unit 12 at the Naval Weapons Station Charleston, North Charleston, South Carolina. In early 2004, groundwater contaminants began moving around the southern end of a permeable reactive barrier (PRB) installed by a consultant in December 2002. The PRB is a barrier 130 ft long and 3 ft wide consisting of varying amounts of zero-valent iron with and without sand mixture. Contamination moving around the PRB likely has been transported at least 75 ft downgradient from the PRB at a rate of about 15 to 29 ft per year. The diversion of contamination around the southern end of the PRB may be due to construction difficulties associated with the PRB installation or to reduced permeability within the PRB. During installation of the PRB, a 110-ft-long trench originally designed to contain the PRB collapsed on November 11, 2002, ~25 ft upgradient (west) from the final PRB, and was subsequently abandoned. Guar gum with antimicrobial preservative in polymer slurry used to stabilize the abandoned trench prior to collapse was only partially recovered. Residual guar gum can cause permeability reduction in a PRB. It also is possible that permeability reduction took place within the PRB by slow degradation of the guar gum slurry or by mineral precipitation. Despite the likely permeability reduction in and near the PRB immediately following installation, there is evidence that contaminants moved through the PRB and were degraded, consistent with the barrier's planned purpose. VOC contamination in groundwater downgradient from the PRB is subject to attenuation by phytovolatilization, sorption, and biodegradation. Pulses of contamination increases have been observed in some monitoring wells downgradient from the PRB. The pulses may reflect downgradient transport of contaminant pulses; however, lateral shifting of the plume is a more likely explanation for the concentration changes at well 12MW-12S. The ability to monitor the fate and behavior of the plume in the forest is severely limited because the present axis of maximum contamination in that area bypasses all but one of the existing monitoring wells. Moreover, the 2009 data indicate no optimally placed sentinel wells in the probable path of contaminant transport; thus, the monitoring network is no longer adequate to monitor the groundwater contamination downgradient from the PRB. http://pubs.usgs.gov/sir/2010/5086/

PERIODIC REVIEW: DEXTER HORTON BUILDING, FACILITY SITE ID#: 68766933, 710 2ND AVENUE, SEATTLE, WASHINGTON [Cleanup News]

Sun, 1 Jan 2012 19:52:06 GMT

State of Washington, Northwest Region Office, Toxics Cleanup Program, 27 pp, Feb 2011

The Dexter Horton Building was at one time heated by two oil-burning boilers for which Bunker C fuel oil was stored in three underground storage tanks (USTs) buried beneath the northeastern portion of the building. When the tanks were decommissioned in 2005, petroleum-contaminated soil was encountered in the vicinity of the USTs. Groundwater was not affected. Because excavation of the USTs and soil was not feasible, in situ chemical oxidation (ISCO) treatment with hydrogen peroxide was conducted to remediate the contaminated soil in July and August 2005. The peroxide treatment reduced petroleum hydrocarbon contamination to below MTCA Method A cleanup levels of 2,000 mg/kg under the USTs; however, an estimated 85 cubic yards of shallow (0 to 6 ft bgs) fill atop the USTs and adjacent to the west basement wall still contains NWTPH-Dx compounds well in excess of the diesel-range hydrocarbon MTCA Method A soil cleanup level, up to 19,000 mg/kg NWTPH-Dx. The shallow contaminated soil is accessible for removal by excavation, but in its current state does not pose a direct contact risk because it is covered with a concrete floor slab. Subsequent soil sampling at depths below the USTs showed that the ISCO treatment had reduced TRPH concentrations in soil below the USTs from a pre-injection concentration of 18,000 mg/kg TRPH to a post-injection concentration of 400 mg/kg. A "No Further Action" letter was issued February 16, 2006, after a deed restriction was recorded with the county. Cleanup activities at this site were completed under the Voluntary Cleanup Program. Because the cleanup actions resulted in concentrations of petroleum hydrocarbons remaining at the site that exceed MTCA cleanup levels, the Washington State Department of Ecology is required to conduct a review of the site every five years. https://fortress.wa.gov/ecy/gsp/DocViewer.aspx?did=4492

PG&E TOPOCK COMPRESSOR STATION, NEEDLES, CALIFORNIA: REVISED GROUNDWATER CORRECTIVE MEASURES IMPLEMENTATION/REMEDIAL DESIGN WORK PLAN FOR SWMU 1/AOC 1 AND AOC 10 [Cleanup News]

Sun, 1 Jan 2012 19:51:14 GMT

Pacific Gas and Electric Company, 312 pp, Nov 2011

This revised corrective measures implementation/remedial design work plan presents the framework and schedule for implementation of the selected groundwater remedy for chromium in groundwater at the PG&E Topock Compressor Station. The treatment areas are designated as Solid Waste Management Unit (SWMU) 1/Area of Concern (AOC) 1, and AOC 10. The selected remedy for chromium in groundwater at SWMU 1/AOC 1 and AOC 10 near the Compressor Station combines in situ reduction with fresh-water flushing as follows:

• Construction of an in situ reactive zone (IRZ) along National Trails Highway as a line of injection/extraction wells to circulate groundwater and distribute an organic carbon source to promote biological reduction of Cr(VI) to Cr(III).

•
Flushing via injections of fresh and carbon-amended water upgradient of the plume.

•
Extraction wells near the Colorado River for hydraulic capture of the plume, accelerated cleanup of the floodplain, and circulation of contaminated groundwater through the IRZ.

•
Bedrock extraction wells downgradient for hydraulic capture of contaminated groundwater in bedrock.

•
Institutional controls to restrict surface land uses and prevent the use of groundwater.

•
Monitored natural attenuation as a long-term component for any residual chromium.

The objectives for the groundwater remedy are to reduce total Cr and Cr(VI) levels and prevent ingestion of groundwater as a potable water source in excess of the regional background concentration of 32 µg/L Cr(VI), and also to minimize chromium migration in groundwater to ensure concentrations in surface water do not exceed designated water quality standards of 11 µg/L Cr(VI) for the Colorado River. Implementation of the groundwater remedy is anticipated to require several decades. http://www.dtsc-topock.com/resources/CorrectiveMeasures/WorkPlanDesignDocs/Topock%20Revised%20CMI-RD_complete_11_1_11.pdf
This well-documented project has a large dedicated website: http://www.dtsc-topock.com/

BROWNFIELD ANALYTICAL AND TECHNICAL SUPPORT SERVICES [Market/Commercialization]

Sun, 1 Jan 2012 19:50:57 GMT

U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Washington, DC.
Federal Business Opportunities, FBO-3667, Solicitations SOL-HQ-12-00001 & SOL-HQ-11-00016, 2011

U.S. EPA's Office of Acquisition Management intends to issue two separate solicitations for Brownfields Program support for EPA's Office of Solid Waste and Emergency Response, Office of Brownfields and Land Revitalization. A brownfield is a property whose expansion, reuse, or redevelopment might be complicated by the potential presence of a hazardous substance, pollutant, or contaminant and can include properties affected by petroleum, controlled substances, or commercial activities. The Brownfields Initiative is designed to empower states, cities, tribes, communities, and other stakeholders in economic redevelopment to prevent, assess, safely clean up, and sustainably reuse brownfields. Both solicitations will fall under NAICS code 541620, Environmental Consulting Services, with an applicable size standard of $7 million. The solicitations are expected to be available in mid-January 2012.

• Solicitation SOL-HQ-12-00001 will be a 100% small business set-aside. EPA anticipates award of one fixed-rate, indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity contract from this solicitation. The contract's period of performance will be for a 1-year base period with four 1-year option periods for a total contract performance period of five years. Detailed information will be posted at www.epa.gov/oamsrpod/hcsc/1200001/index.htm
• Solicitation SOL-HQ-11-00016 will be a full and open competition. EPA anticipates award of at least three fixed-rate indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity contracts from this solicitation. The contract period of performance will be five years. A DRAFT statement of work is posted at www.epa.gov/oamsrpod/hcsc/brownfield/presolsow.pdf
Information related to these procurements, including any subsequent procurement notifications, will be posted at www.epa.gov/oam/srpod/
SOL-HQ-12-00001: https://www.fbo.gov/spg/EPA/OAM/HQ/SOL-HQ-12-00001/listing.html
SOL-HQ-11-00016: https://www.fbo.gov/spg/EPA/OAM/HQ/SOL-HQ-11-00016/listing.html

EPA REGION 2 REGIONAL OVERSIGHT CONTRACT IV (ROC-4) [Market/Commercialization]

Sun, 1 Jan 2012 19:50:39 GMT

U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Region 2, New York, NY.
Federal Business Opportunities, FBO-3674, Solicitation SOL-R2-12-00002, 2011

U.S. EPA Region 2 intends to issue a solicitation for Regional Oversight Contract (ROC) support services. This action is a total small business set-aside in accordance with FAR Subpart 19.5. Offers from organizations other than small business firms will not be considered. The ROC provides professional, administrative, and management support services to EPA in fulfillment of its responsibilities for oversight and enforcement of both CERCLA and RCRA activities at active, closing, or former federal facilities, including BRAC, FUDS, and FUSRAP sites. To a lesser extent, this contract also may be used to provide similar technical support to EPA at non-federal PRP-lead (i.e., privately owned) sites. These services will be provided within EPA Region 2, which encompasses the area of New York, New Jersey, Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands. The major tasks include technical review of documents, meeting support, field activities, and data review and other technical support, such as CERCLA site assessment support, remedial investigation/feasibility study support, and post-record of decision activities. The NAICS code for the solicitation is 562910, Environmental Remediation Services, with a small business size standard of 500 employees. It is the Government's intent to award a performance-based, fixed-rate, indefinite-delivery, indefinite-quantity-type contract. The contract's period of performance will be for a 3-year base period with two 1-year award term periods. The solicitation and all information pertaining to this procurement will be posted on the EPA website at http://www.epa.gov/oam/regions/index.htm#notissue
https://www.fbo.gov/spg/EPA/OAM/RegII/SOL-R2-12-00002/listing.html

FY 2012 ENVIRONMENTAL STUDIES PROGRAM [Market/Commercialization]

Sun, 1 Jan 2012 19:50:22 GMT

Bureau of Ocean Energy Management (BOEM) Funding Opportunity M12AS00001, 2011

The Environmental Studies Program of BOEM is offering a cooperative agreement opportunity to conduct research in topics that serve the public interest of safe and environmentally sound energy and mineral production on the nation's outer continental shelf. BOEM manages the exploration and development of the nation's offshore resources. The bureau seeks to balance economic development, energy independence, and environmental protection through oil and gas leases, renewable energy development and environmental reviews and studies. Section 1346 of the Outer Continental Shelf Lands Act (OCSLA) mandates the conduct of environmental and socioeconomic studies needed to assess and manage environmental impacts on the human, marine, and coastal environments that might be affected by oil and gas or other mineral development. OCSLA Section 1345 authorizes the use of cooperative agreements with affected states to meet the requirements of OCSLA, including sharing of information; joint utilization of available expertise; and formation of joint monitoring arrangements to carry out applicable federal and state laws, regulations, and stipulations relevant to outer continental shelf operations both onshore and offshore. The total amount of funding available in Fiscal Year 2012 is about $4.1 million. BOEM anticipates making 6 cooperative agreement awards in Fiscal Year 2012 for proposals to be submitted by the University of Alaska, Fairbanks, University of Rhode Island, University of California, Santa Barbara, and the University of Texas at Austin under this program announcement. The closing date for applications is February 2, 2012. Work performance under this award must start before September 30, 2012. www.grants.gov/search/search.do?mode=VIEW&oppId=133233

NATIONAL NETWORK FOR ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT STUDIES (NNEMS) [Market/Commercialization]

Sun, 1 Jan 2012 19:50:06 GMT

U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Funding Opportunity EPA-EED-12-01, 2011

Each year, the NNEMS program offers fellowships developed and sponsored by the EPA Headquarters office in Washington, DC, and in EPA's 10 regional offices and laboratories throughout the United States. The projects are specifically narrow in scope, allowing students to complete the fellowship while working full time at EPA during the summer or part-time during the school year. Recipients of NNEMS fellowships receive a stipend based on the student's level of education and the duration and location of the project. The deadline for applying to the 2012 program is January 30, 2012. Complete details about the NNEMS program are provided in the 73-page NNEMS Catalog for 2012. Additional information at http://www.epa.gov/education/NNEMS/index.html

GOVERNMENTS OF CANADA AND SASKATCHEWAN SUPPORT DEVELOPMENT OF NEW ENVIRONMENTAL TECHNOLOGY [Market/Commercialization]

Sun, 1 Jan 2012 19:49:45 GMT

Genome Canada News Release, 30 Sep 2011

The federal Canadian and provincial Saskatchewan governments are investing nearly $1.5 million in the development and commercialization of a new environmental technology that will help minimize environmental impacts and associated reclamation costs in the uranium mining and milling industries. The funding will allow Genome Prairie, the University of Saskatchewan, Contango Strategies Ltd., and Cameco Corporation to create new software for Microbial Assessment for Value-Added, Environmental, and Natural Resources (MAVEN). The developers will employ and improve on genomic approaches to identify the complex communities of microbes associated with the uranium mining, milling and remediation operations. MAVEN researchers also will be able to explore how the natural mixed microbial populations interact with each other and their environment. It is anticipated that this approach will identify microbes that have not previously been described and that could be put to practical use by the uranium industry to enhance extraction and milling processes sustainably and to reduce the time and cost of remediation of mine sites and effluents. The technology is expected to be transferable to other resource extraction, environmental, human health, and agricultural industries. The MAVEN project will be managed by Genome Prairie, a not-for-profit organization that collaborates with government, academia, and industry to lead large-scale genomics research projects in the provinces of Saskatchewan and Manitoba. Funding partners include Western Economic Diversification Canada ($734,893), Enterprise Saskatchewan ($734,893), Cameco Corporation ($209,196, cash and in-kind), and Contango Strategies Ltd. ($80,000, in-kind). Additional background information at http://www.genomecanada.ca/data/Nouvelles/Fichiers%5Cen%5C392_2_GenomeMAVEN_Bgr%20FINAL.pdf

GREEN NANO ZERO-VALENT IRON (GNZVI) AS A NOVEL REDUCTANT AND CATALYST FOR THE REMEDIATION OF ENVIRONMENTAL CONTAMINANTS [Market/Commercialization]

Sun, 1 Jan 2012 19:49:19 GMT

Cassidy, D. (Western Michigan Univ., Kalamazoo); G. Hoag, J. Collins, B. McAvoy (VeruTEK Technologies, Bloomfield, CT); R. Varma (U.S. EPA, Cincinnati, OH).
IPEC 2011: Proceedings of the 18th International Petroleum & BioFuels Environmental Conference, 7-10 November 2011, Houston, Texas. Abstract only, 2011

VeruTEK Technologies, in cooperation with U.S. EPA and the University of Connecticut, has developed and patented a novel biosynthesis technique to form Green nanoscale Zero-Valent Iron (GnZVI) using natural plant extracts, such as sorghum and green tea. This new production technique results in significantly reduced manufacturing costs and increased performance for a broad range of environmental cleanup applications. ZVI is an effective reducing agent used in environmental remediation and wastewater treatment to eliminate contaminants such as chlorinated solvents, a wide range of pesticides, and arsenic. ZVI often is installed in permeable reactive barriers or injected into the subsurface with an emulsifier or capping agent. Traditional top-down methods for producing ZVI involve grinding bulk materials into smaller particles, which is highly energy-intensive and expensive. The particles formed using the top-down method tend to be macroscale and irregularly shaped, which results in low specific surface area and poor reactivity. Bottom-up methods, where iron particles are constructed from molecular iron, rely on harsh reductants (e.g., sodium borohydride) that have to be washed from the final product, creating a waste stream that must be treated. The effectiveness of traditionally manufactured nZVI products is limited by short lifespan and combustive reaction to oxygen (air). Most commercially available ZVI is so reactive it must be stored in an oxygen-free atmosphere and mixed with water with extreme caution before being used. Once in contact with water and air, the ZVI can oxidize before it reacts with contaminants and aggregate to form larger particles. VeruTEK's GnZVI is formed adding cationic iron (Fe(II) or Fe(III)) to an aqueous solution of green, plant-based polyphenols. The polyphenols reduce the cationic iron to form nanoscale ZVI particles with three layers: (1) an inner core consisting of ZVI, (2) an intermediate layer of iron oxides and oxyhydroxides, and (3) an outer reductive cap consisting of polyphenols that polymerized during the reaction. The GnZVI particles thus formed have a diameter ranging from 100 to 300 nm and do not aggregate because of the outer biopolymer layer. GnZVI is a highly effective reductant because the polyphenols enhance the reductive capacity of the ZVI, and the nanoscale particles increase the specific surface area available for reaction. The cationic iron and polyphenols can be mixed together before being injected into the subsurface, or can be mixed in the ground to form the GnZVI in situ. Because of the biopolymer coating, the GnZVI particle solution can be exposed to air without oxidizing and is so stable that it can be combined safely with strong oxidizing agents for in situ catalyzed oxidation. VeruTEK has used GnZVI on its own and combined with catalyzed peroxide in a variety of bench-scale studies to address hydrocarbons, PAHs, and chlorinated solvents.

PROPOSAL GUIDELINES FOR BROWNFIELDS MULTI-PURPOSE PILOT GRANTS [Market/Commercialization]

Sun, 1 Jan 2012 19:49:05 GMT

U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Funding Opportunity EPA-OSWER-OBLR-12-01, 2011

Under this competition, EPA is piloting a new grant program that will provide a single grant to an eligible entity for both assessment and cleanup work at a specific brownfield site. Only applicants who have received an EPA Brownfields Grant in 2003 or later are eligible to apply for the multi-purpose pilot grant. Applicants who received a Brownfields Grant prior to 2003 are not eligible to apply. The closing date for applications is February 10, 2012.
http://www.epa.gov/oswer/grants-funding.htm#epa-oswer-oblr-12-01

BROWNFIELDS CONFERENCES CO-SPONSORSHIP 2013-2017 [Market/Commercialization]

Sun, 1 Jan 2012 19:48:48 GMT

U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Solicitation EPA-OSWER-OBLR-12-02, 2011

EPA solicits proposals from eligible entities (as defined at CERCLA 104(k)(1)) and non-profit organizations for financial assistance to help non-federal personnel (states, tribes, local governments, non-profits, industry, and community groups) to participate in three national Brownfields conferences to be planned and held over a 5-year period, beginning in 2012. The total estimated funding available under this competitive opportunity (excluding program income from registration fees) is approximately $900,000. EPA anticipates awarding one cooperative agreement under this announcement to support the three conferences. The Brownfields conferences provide training, research and technical assistance to communities to facilitate the inventory of brownfield sites, site assessments and remediation of brownfield sites, community involvement, and site preparation. The successful applicant will be the primary non-federal co-sponsor for the conference, and EPA will be the primary federal co-sponsor. The closing date and time for submission and receipt of proposals is February 10, 2012, 5:00 p.m. ET. For the entire notice, see http://www.epa.gov/oswer/docs/grants/epa-oswer-oblr-12-02.pdf

CHEMICAL AND BIOLOGICAL DEFENSE INNOVATIONS AND TECHNOLOGIES [Market/Commercialization]

Sun, 1 Jan 2012 19:48:28 GMT

SPAWAR Systems Center Funding Opportunity N66001-12-X-2002, 2011

Space and Naval Warfare Systems Center, Pacific, on behalf of Defense Threat Reduction Agency, is soliciting proposals in accordance with Department of Defense Grant and Agreement Regulations (DoDGARS) 22.315(a) and Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) 35.016, for basic, advanced, and applied research in areas relating to the advancement of technology to meet DoD requirements for chemical, biological, and pandemic disease defense. Proposed work should investigate unique and innovative approaches for rapid detection and diagnosis of chemical and biological threats (i.e., chemical, viral, bacterial, and protozoan); dissemination of information to local, state, and federal authorities for action; and defining and developing next-generation capabilities in chemical, biological, and pandemic disease defense. The closing date for this opportunity is December 11, 2012. http://www.grants.gov/search/search.do?mode=VIEW&oppId=133833
Additional information is available at https://e-commerce.sscno.nmci.navy.mil/

ENVIRONMENTAL JUSTICE SMALL GRANTS PROGRAM [Market/Commercialization]

Sun, 1 Jan 2012 19:45:17 GMT

U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Funding Opportunity EPA-OECA-OEJ-12-01, 2011

The Environmental Justice Small Grants Program (EJSG) provides funding for eligible applicants for projects that address local environmental public health issues within an affected community. The EJSG Program is designed to help communities understand and address exposure to multiple environmental harms and risks. EPA is now accepting grant applications through February 29, 2012, for $1 million in funding to support projects designed to research, educate, empower, and enable communities to understand and address local environmental and public health issues. Funding is available for grants up to $25,000 each. http://www.epa.gov/environmentaljustice/grants/ej-smgrants.html

EPA, DOE PARTNER TO DEVELOP RENEWABLE ENERGY ON POTENTIALLY CONTAMINATED SITES: CLEAN ENERGY PROJECT AIMS TO BENEFIT LOCAL ECONOMIES AND CREATE JOBS [Market/Commercialization]

Sun, 1 Jan 2012 19:44:58 GMT

U.S. Environmental Protection Agency News Release, 4 Nov 2011

U.S. EPA and DOE's National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) are evaluating the feasibility of developing renewable energy production on Superfund, brownfield, and former landfill or mining sites. As part of the RE-Powering America's Land Initiative, EPA is investing approximately $1 million for projects across the United States aiming to revitalize abandoned sites while protecting people's health and the environment and providing economic benefits to local communities, including job creation. Projects will analyze the potential development of wind, solar, biomass, or geothermal at 26 sites. Each analysis will determine the best renewable energy technology for the site, the optimal location for placement of the renewable energy technology on the site, potential energy-generating capacity, the return on investment, and the economic feasibility of the renewable energy projects. The 26 sites are located in Vermont, New York, New Jersey, Delaware, Georgia, Mississippi, Illinois, Indiana, Louisiana, New Mexico, Iowa, Missouri, Kansas, Nebraska, Colorado, Montana, California, Arizona, Oregon, and Washington. Renewable energy projects of this nature have been successful in the past. Over 20 renewable energy projects have been built on contaminated sites and more are currently under way. In 2010, for example, a 6-megawatt solar array was constructed on the Aerojet General Corporation Superfund site in Sacramento County, California. This solar farm is being used to power the cleanup. Also in 2010, the 10-megawatt Exelon City Solar installation, the largest urban solar power plant in the United States, was built on a brownfield site in Chicago. Some of the sites under consideration for renewable energy projects have completed cleanup activities, while others are in various stages of assessment or cleanup. Renewable energy projects on the sites will be designed to accommodate the site conditions. Contaminated lands can be ideal locations for developing renewable energy projects because they often can leverage existing utility infrastructure, and redevelopment may be allowed under existing zoning. EPA launched the RE-Powering America's Land initiative in September 2008 to encourage development of renewable energy on potentially contaminated land and mining sites. EPA partnered with NREL for initial screening to determine sites that might be used for renewable energy projects. More information on the RE-Powering America's Land initiative is available at http://www.epa.gov/renewableenergyland/

BROAD AGENCY ANNOUNCEMENT FOR INNOVATIVE TECHNOLOGIES AND METHODOLOGIES FOR REDUCING VARIOUS ENVIRONMENTAL PROBLEMS [Market/Commercialization]

Sun, 1 Jan 2012 19:44:36 GMT

Air Force Materiel Command, Lackland AFB, TX.
Federal Business Opportunities, Solicitation AFCEEBAA-12-001, 2011

On November 22, 2011, the Air Force Center for Engineering and the Environment (AFCEE) issued a Broad Agency Announcement (BAA) to solicit proposals for innovative techniques and methods for solving environmental problems. The statement of need identified emerging contaminants as a primary area of concentration, specifically with reference to characterization of emerging contaminant exposure pathways and associated risks, emerging contaminant treatment technologies, improved technologies/methods addressing more stringent regulations, and the assessment of impacts from future or changing regulations regarding the detection and treatment of emerging contaminants in soil and groundwater. AFCEE has updated the BAA information by posting a 33-slide presentation from the Air Force Restoration and Technology Transfer Workshop held in March 2011. AFCEE/TDV Emerging Issue: Perfluorinated Compounds, by Ron Porter, provides background information on perfluorinated chemicals that highlights their potential impacts to the Air Force Restoration Program. The presentation is posted as a modification to the BAA notice at FBO.gov. The date for Phase 1 submittals for the BAA remains unchanged: January 6, 2012. https://www.fbo.gov/spg/USAF/AFMC/HQAFCEE/AFCEEBAA-12-001/listing.html