For more information on Pump and Treat Optimization, please contact:
Kathleen YagerTechnology Integration and Information Branch
PH: (617) 918-8362 | Email: yager.kathleen@epa.gov
Remediation Optimization
Application
Applications of Independent Design Reviews
During fiscal years 2000 and 2001 independent reviews called remediation system evaluations
(RSEs) were conducted at 20 operating Fund-lead pump and treat (P&T) sites (i.e., those sites
with P&T systems funded and managed by Superfund and the states). Due to the opportunities
for system optimization that arose from those RSEs, OSRTI has incorporated RSEs into a larger
post-construction complete strategy for Fund-lead remedies as documented in OSWER Directive
No. 9283.1-25, Action Plan for Ground Water Remedy Optimization
. OSRTI has since
commissioned RSEs at additional Fund-lead sites with P&T systems.
Lessons learned from the RSEs conducted to date indicated potential value in conducting independent reviews during the pre-design, design, or redesign stage of a remedy so that the independent perspective can be considered before a remedy is implemented and operated. In addition, there is potential for the same type of process to benefit responsible party (RP) sites. As a result, OSRTI's Technology Innovation and Field Services Division is conducting pilot Independent Design Reviews (IDRs) at Fund-lead and RP sites that are nominated by the EPA Regions. These sites are typically at one of the following stages:
- Pre-design — The Region is in the process of determining the remedy for the site. The Remedial Investigation is typically completed and the site team is evaluating the feasibility of several remedial options.
- Design Stage — The Region has selected a remedy and documented it in a Record of Decision (ROD). The Region is at any phase of the Remedial Design stage.
- Redesign Stage — The Region has selected, designed, and may have implemented a remedy but the remedy is being reconsidered. Based on data collected to date, the Region is considering new remedial options or is designing a new remedy for the site.
An IDR involves a team of expert hydrogeologists and engineers that are independent of the site, conducting a third-party evaluation of remedy selection or remedy design. It is a broad evaluation that considers the goals of the remedy, site conceptual model, available site data, performance considerations, protectiveness, cost-effectiveness, and closure strategy. The evaluation includes reviewing site documents, potentially visiting the site for one day, and compiling a report that includes recommendations. Recommendations with cost and cost savings estimates are provided in the following categories:
- Site strategy
- Initial recommendations
- Next-step recommendations
Final Report: Independent Design Review, Celanese Fiber Operations Superfund Site, Shelby, North Carolina, EPA Region 4The Celanese site is located in Shelby, North Carolina. Operation of the P&T system was discontinued on a trial basis for two years to evaluate monitored natural attenuation as a potential ground water remedy. The system has not been restarted. EPA Region 4 is requesting a third-party review to help determine if the system should be restarted, if a modified system should be restarted, or if another type of ground water remedial approach is warranted. This report provides a brief background on the site, a summary of observations made from the document review, and recommendations regarding future modifications to the existing remediation system (including associated investigation activities). The cost impacts of the recommendations are also discussed.
The Grants Chlorinated Solvents Plume Superfund Site in Grants, Cibola County, New Mexico was selected by EPA OSRTI based on a nomination from EPA Region 6. The remedy is in the early design stage and has an estimated cost of $29.5 million. Several pre-design activities, including additional subsurface investigation and pilot tests, are ongoing and will be evaluated prior to the preliminary design (expected Fall/Winter 2008) and the final design. Results from activities conducted after the IDR site visit are not included in this report and are reserved for future discussion between the IDR team and the site team.
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