bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Risk communication as a key component of a successful remediation project
Authors: Lichten Steven M. 
Published: February 2007

AbstractDecisions made during the course of investigating and remediating a contaminated site, as well as the technology used, are most often driven exclusively by physical, technical, and health‐based concerns. Additionally, in both determining and managing the potential risks posed by a remediation project, the focus tends to be placed primarily on health risks. However, a contaminated site and its remediation are neither static over time nor do they exist in a vacuum. Other elements of risk associated with the site and remedial activities include continuing regulatory oversight and compliance, public and agency relations, remedial technology costs, current and future land‐use issues, and future technological/regulatory risks. Agencies, consultants, contractors, and facility management must consider these other non‐health‐related elements of risk. Additionally, efforts made to communicate a project's decisions, technologies, and risks are often made in a defensive or reactive posture, resulting in ineffective communication and an alienated, angry, or distrustful public. Proactive risk communication, as well as public involvement in the remedial process, are critical to the success of any remedial activity.
Alternative method of groundwater sparging for petroleum hydrocarbon remediation
Authors: Schrauf Todd W. , Sheehan Patrick J. , Pennington Leslie H. 
Published: February 2007

AbstractAn alternative method of in‐situ groundwater sparging, termed density‐driven convection (patent pending), is presented. This method has been successfully used to remediate eight underground storage tank releases involving a wide distillation range of petroleum hydrocarbons (gasoline to waste oil) and in a variety of site soils (clay to sandy gravel).Application of the density‐driven convection method is detailed in a case study. The system, installed to remediate a gasoline and diesel release from an underground storage tank, was operated and monitored for a period of one year. Monitoring data indicate reductions in total petroleum hydrocarbon concentrations in groundwater and in soil. Concentrations of aromatic hydrocarbons (benzene, toluene, ethylbenzene, xylenes, and naphthalene) also decreased in both media. Stimulation of natural biodegradation, the primary mechanism of removal, occurred rapidly. Natural biological activity gradually declined over the subsequent 150 days. After one year of operation, the sparging system has achieved or is rapidly approaching the regulatory cleanup goals for both soil and groundwater, including reduction of dissolved concentrations below maximum contaminant levels established under the Safe Drinking Water Act.
Technical and economic analyses in the development of bioremediation processes
Authors: Ammann Paul R. , Koch Gayle S. 
Published: February 2007

AbstractThe very large extent of subsurface and groundwater contamination with toxic organic compounds has prompted research on a number of bioremedial processes. The justification of this research has been to achieve lower overall remedial costs than are incurred by currently existing technologies. Laboratory studies are often undertaken with the notion that a new set of process conditions can reduce reagent consumption or the time for treatment by a significant factor with an attendant reduction in overall remediation costs. Research programs are initiated on the basis of these simple premises. Our work has shown that many research projects have been undertaken for the wrong reasons and that experimental effort has often not been directed toward large‐scale implementation.A preliminary process analysis has been shown to be a very valuable component of any research and development program on bioremedial and other innovative technologies. As described in this article, the analysis (1) identifies the critical engineering and cost parameters and (2) provides guidance to the research program in the design of experiments and the collection of data. The methodology is also useful in the review of proposed new technologies and treatment equipment. The article includes an example of a process analysis for an actual development project directed toward the remediation of solids contaminated with chlorinated hydrocarbons to illustrate the benefits and the power of the technique.
Impact: A Model for calculation of soil cleanup levels
Authors: Korfiatis George P. , Talimcioglu Nazmi M. 
Published: February 2007

AbstractThe establishment of soil cleanup levels is a primary concern in site remediation projects. Soil cleanup levels provide targets that drive the remediation process from technology selection through closure. Several state regulatory agencies are currently in the process of developing scientifically based soil cleanup standards. The underlying premise in the derivation of such standards is to ensure that the site will not pose a threat to human health and the environment after remediation has been completed. To accomplish this, remediation project managers must consider several contaminant transport pathways. This article presents the salient features of a model named IMPACT, which was developed to assist in the derivation of soil cleanup levels. IMPACT considers the soil‐to‐groundwater pathway and predicts the cleanup levels in a contaminated soil layer in the vadose zone such that groundwater quality standards are met at any point in the aquifer.
Thermal desorption of PCB‐contaminated waste at the waukegan harbor superfund site
Authors: Hutton Joseph H. , Shanks Robert 
Published: February 2007

AbstractIn June 1992, SoilTech ATP Systems, Inc., completed the soil treatment phase of the Waukegan Harbor Superfund Project in Waukegan, Illinois, after approximately five months of operation. SoilTech successfully treated 12,700 tons of sediment contaminated with polychlorinated hiphenyls (PCBs) using a transportable SoilTech anaerobic thermal processor (ATP) system nominally rated at ten tons per hour throughput capacity. The SoilTech ATP technology anaerobically desorbs contaminants such as PCBs from solids and sludges at temperatures over 1,000° F. Principal products of the process are clean, treated solids and an oil condensate containing the hydrocarbon contaminants.At the Waukegan Harbor Superfund site, PCB concentrations in the sediments excavated and dredged from a ditch, lagoon, and harbor slip averaged 10,400 parts per million (ppm) (1.04 percent) and were as high as 23,000 ppm (2.3 percent). Treated soil was backfilled in an on‐site containment cell. The removal efficiency of PCBs from the soil averaged 99.98 percent, relative to the project performance specification of 97 percent, and treated soil PCB concentrations were measured below 2 ppm. Approximately 30,000 gallons of PCB oil, desorbed from the feed material, were returned to the owner for subsequent off‐site disposal. After modifications to the emissions control equipment, compliance with the 99.9999 percent destruction and removal efficiency (DRE) for PCBs in stack emissions required by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency was achieved.
On‐site remediation of PCB contamination using transportable incineration systems
Authors: Johnson Nancy 
Published: February 2007

AbstractMany Superfund or hazardous waste sites prove to be excellent candidates for remediation using transportable incineration. Transportable incineration has been selected as the alternative of choice to remediate numerous sites throughout the United States. There are a number of firms that provide mobile and transportable incineration equipment and services. A variety of treatment systems are available, including rotary kilns, fluidized beds, and infrared incinerators.Roy F. Weston, Inc., has been instrumental in the development, design, permitting, construction, performance testing, and operation of hazardous and toxic waste thermal treatment systems. Weston owns and operates two high‐temperature transportable incineration systems (TISs). The first system is Weston's seven‐ton‐per‐hour (tph) TIS‐5. The second is the TIS‐20, with a design capacity of up to 30 tph. These units are typical rotary kiln incinerators, the most flexible, adaptable type of incineration unit. This article discusses Weston's use of these incinerators to remediate soils at sites contaminated with polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs).
Improved methodology for designing and operating biological treatment systems
Authors: Rozich Alan F. 
Published: February 2007

AbstractBiological systems are frequently used for wastewater treatment and hazardous materials remediation. The primary problem cited with these systems is the lack of a structured methodology that can be used to predict the performance for design and operational applications. The purpose of this article is to present the background and examples of a novel methodology for analyzing biological treatment processes. This technique is much more cost‐effective and accurate than conventional approaches. The article will address applications for both biological wastewater treatment systems and bioremediation processes.
The challenge of remediation technology development
Authors: Maxwell R. Steven 
Published: February 2007

AbstractA huge commercial environmental industry, currently estimated at some $130 billion in size in the United States alone, has sprung up to manage and remediate environmental problems. Hundreds of innovative remediation technologies are being developed under EPA's SITE program, which has provided R&D funding for more than 100 new treatment technologies. Despite the obvious demand, numerous regulatory, marketing, technical, and financial barriers have impeded progress in the field of remediation technology development. Developers of remediation technologies are faced with a significant challenge to overcome these barriers and successfully bring a technology to market. This article examines the barriers to technology development and offers strategic planning alternatives for long‐term economic success and commercial viability of remediation technologies.
Bioremediation using a commercial slurry‐phase biological treatment system: Site‐specific applications and costs
Authors: Woodhull Patrick M. , Jerger Douglas E. 
Published: February 2007

AbstractSlurry‐phase bioremediation is an engineered process for treating contaminated soils or sludges. Slurry‐phase biological treatment can be applied to a variety of contaminated wastes amenable to microbial degradation, including manufactured gas plant wastes, wood‐treating wastes, refinery wastes, petroleum hydrocarbons, and select chlorinated compounds, including PCBs. This article describes the process by which a commercial slurry‐phase treatment system was used to bioremediate contaminants at two sites–a wood treatment facility and a manufactured gas plant. A process description of the system and an analysis of project costs are provided.Bioremediation offers two advantages over other remediation alternatives: on‐site destruction of the contaminant(s) and lower total remedial costs. Slurry‐phase biological treatment offers several advantages over conventional bioremediation technologies (i.e., land treatment). Slurry‐phase biological treatment can achieve increased degradation rates, higher treatment efficiencies, greater control of environmental and operating conditions, and smaller treatment area requirements. Slurry‐phase biological treatment costs range from approximately $200 to $230 per cubic yard, which is comparable to other on‐site remediation technologies.
Risk assessment and accepted regulatory cleanup levels
Authors: Chrostowski Paul 
Published: February 2007

AbstractThe determination of cleanup levels at a CERCLA or RCRA site is often the single most important decision made by risk managers. This decision can have a major impact on the costs and time required for remediation, as well as on the selection of remedial technologies. The object of this article is to provide a critical review of the methods used by regulatory agencies and the regulated community to calculate chemical‐specific cleanup goals for inactive hazardous waste sites, focusing on those cleanup goals that are designed to protect human health from the effects of chemicals. In addition to this analysis of historical methods that have been used, this article discusses some innovative solutions to the problem of calculating cleanup levels and presents an analysis of controversial topics related to cleanup levels currently under debate by regulatory agencies, industry, environmentalists, and legislative bodies.
On‐site analytical support: A cost‐effective alternative to fixed laboratory services
Authors: Goldschmidt William , Gallis David , Catherman David 
Published: February 2007

AbstractTwo recent projects involving soils remediation at Superfund sites in southern New Jersey and northeastern Pennsylvania exemplify the power of “real time” field analytical support in reducing time and expense during a project's remedial phase. The remediation efforts at both of these CERCLA sites were supported by ERM‐FAST on‐site analytical facilities which, in a “real‐time” scenario, achieved all data quality objectives (DQOs), met all regulatory agency requirements, and satisfied the client's needs. Both of these sites offer illustrations of the effectiveness of field analysis for vastly differing site contaminants. The client benefited from substantial savings on analytical cost as well as the savings realized through efficient and effective process and schedule management.
Improved direct push technologies: Quicker and cheaper on‐site methods for sampling and monitoring
Authors: Maxwell R. Steven , Hildebrand Linda F. 
Published: February 2007

AbstractCost‐effective remedial action is dependent on clear identification of site conditions and accurate delineation of contamination. Many site cleanups have been hampered by complex subsurface conditions. Standard drilling and monitoring well installations have proven to be costly and time‐consuming. Improved direct push technologies, however, are being developed to perform quicker and less expensive on‐site sampling and testing. This article describes the benefits of improved direct push technologies.
Soil washing treatability tests for pesticide‐contaminated soil
Authors: Frederick Raymond M. , Krishnamurthy S. 
Published: February 2007

AbstractThe 1987 Sand Creek Operable Unit 5 record of decision (ROD) identified soil washing as the selected technology to remediate soils contaminated with high levels of organochlorine pesticides, herbicides, and metals. Initial treatability tests conducted to assess the applicability of soil washing technology did not effectively evaluate the removal of the elevated contaminant concentrations that were found. To further evaluate the applicability of soil washing at this industrial site, a second more comprehensive pilot‐scale treatability test was conducted.Twenty‐three test runs were conducted over a two‐week period in late September 1992, using a pilot‐scale soil washing device called the volume reduction unit (VRU). The experimental design evaluated the effects of two wash temperatures, two pH levels, three surfactants, four surfactant concentrations, and two liquid‐to‐soil ratios on the contaminant removal efficiency of the soil washing process. Site soils from layers at three different depths were used in the study.Results from the pilot‐scale treatability test indicated that the VRU could achieve contaminant reduction efficiencies of 97 percent for heptachlor and greater than 91 percent for dieldrin in the uppermost contaminated soils (surface to 1‐ft. depth). Residual concentrations of heptachlor and dieldrin in the treated soil ranged from 50 ppm to less than 1.6 ppm, and 6.8 ppm to less than 1.6 ppm, respectively. However, the analytical method detection limit of 1.6 ppm was not low enough to provide residual concentration data at the risk‐based action levels of 0.55 ppm for heptachlor and 0.15 ppm for dieldrin.
Stabilization and delisting of hazardous wastes: An effective approach for reducing high sludge disposal costs
Authors: Macgregor Alan , Kraeski Michael 
Published: February 2007

AbstractDelisting (up‐front or not) of hazardous waste streams (with or without stabilization or any other form of treatment) can be an effective approach for reducing high sludge disposal costs because a nonhazardous classification of the waste will alleviate the financial burden associated with the disposal costs. Facilities may petition EPA to remove individual waste streams from regulation as listed hazardous wastes under the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA). EPA encourages the use of up‐front delisting petitions because they have the advantage of allowing the applicant to know what treatment levels for constituents should be sufficient to render specific wastes nonhazardous before investing in new or modified waste treatment systems. Thus, up‐front delisting allows new facilities to receive exclusions prior to generating wastes that, without upfront exclusions, would unnecessarily have been considered hazardous. On July 18, 1991, EPA proposed to use the EPA Composite Model for Landfills (EPACML) when considering delisting petitions and evaluating the impact of the petitioned waste on human health and the environment. The use of the EPACML provides consistency in delisting decisions. Further, this new model allows a two‐to‐three‐times higher dilution than the previously used Vertical and Horizontal Spread (VHS) model. This article presents case studies from several industry sectors where stabilization and delisting were used to manage wastes in a reliable, cost‐effective, and environmentally sound manner.
Environmental mediation: Cutting to the chase in environmental dispute resolution
Authors: Smith Diane R. 
Published: February 2007

AbstractThe following quote from Abraham Lincoln, dated 1850, should be kept in mind by all environmental attorneys: “Discourage litigation. Persuade your neighbors to compromise whenever you can. Point out to them how the nominal winner is often a real loser—in fees, expenses, and waste of time. As a peacemaker, the lawyer has a superior opportunity of being a good [person]. There will still be business enough.” This article discusses mediation and mediation skills as invaluable tools for settling and managing environmental issues.
Monitoring parameters and statistics: A land treatment unit monitoring case study
Authors: Brewster Annette , Flynn Brian P. 
Published: February 2007

AbstractStatistical evaluation procedures for monitoring data at facilities permitted under the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA) are frequently established before monitoring begins. Selecting the statistical method before background data have been collected often leads to the use of statistical procedures that are inappropriate for the actual monitoring data. Such was the case for unsaturated zone monitoring at a permitted land treatment unit in the Gulf Coast area of Texas. Due to the large number of “not detected” results in the background database for lysimeters, statistical evaluation procedures specified in the original RCRA permit yielded an artificially low standard deviation, resulting in background values that were strongly biased on the low side. An alternate statistical procedure based on probability plots was developed and was accepted by the state environmental regulatory agency. This technique, which has wide applicability for many types of environmental monitoring data, significantly reduced the chasing of false positives, thus saving potentially expensive investigations and remediations.
Evaluation of a chemical stabilization process
Authors: Weissinger Thomas R. , Girovich Mark J. 
Published: February 2007

AbstractEnvironmental Resources Management (ERM) performed an evaluation of a biosolids chemical stabilization process known as BIO*FIX®, marketed by Bio Gro Systems, Inc., of Annapolis, Maryland. The purpose of the evaluation was (1) to assess major characteristics of the process and its final product, (2) to determine the quantity and final disposition of all components in the incoming biosolids, and (3) to determine if the process conforms to new regulations promulgated and administered by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) titled “Standards for the Use or Disposal of Sewage Sludges” (40 CFR Part 503).The BIO*FIX® chemical stabilization process involves the addition of calcium oxide (CaO) to dewatered biosolids at rates that achieve the pathogen reduction and vector attraction reduction requirements of the 503 program while creating a marketable end product used as an agricultural amendment.ERM's project involved the testing of four process streams in order to create a mass balance on the process. Laboratory analyses were performed on samples of the dewatered biosolids, the chemically‐stabilized end product, and the scrubber water effluent. The primary components of concern tested in the above process streams were ammonia, metals, odorous compounds, particulate matter, and organic matter.Through the tests described in the article, ERM drew the following conclusions: (1) The major gaseous pollutant resulting from the BIO*FIX® process is gaseous ammonia. The total gaseous ammonia released from the product depends on the ammonia nitrogen content of the biosolids, and pH and temperature levels reached in the process. Additional ammonia is emitted when the end product is loaded in trucks and stored. Any gaseous ammonia remaining in the end product after processing will slowly dissipate over time. (2) Other potential odor pollutants such as hydrogen sulfide (H2S) and mercaptans were found to be below detectable levels in the uncontrolled exhaust gas. (3) Metals were not found in the exhaust gas in any detectable quantities. They would not be expected to volatilize during the process. Particulate matter emissions were found to be very low. (4) The pathogen reduction and vector attraction reduction requirements of the 40 CFR 503 regulations were met or exceeded. (5) Finally, through observations and tests, ERM found that the BIO*FIX® chemical stabilization process provides for a simple, viable, and effective conversion of biosolids into a beneficial use product in compliance with all pertinent regulations.
In‐situ bioremediation of an aquifer contaminated with 1,2‐dichloroethane
Authors: Michiels Thierry , Breugelmans Dirk 
Published: February 2007

AbstractThis article describes the application of in‐situ bioremediation for the treatment of an aquifer contaminated with 1,2‐dichloroethane (DCA). The first step in the process was to properly delineate the contamination and to contain the contaminated groundwater using a pumping well. The second step was to isolate in the groundwater microorganisms able to degrade DCA and to demonstrate the possibility of increasing their efficiency by injecting in‐situ nutrients and hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) solution. In the third step, after the characterization of the hydrogeology of the aquifer with tracing experiments, the in‐situ bioremediation of the groundwater was conducted. The analyses show that 95 percent of DCA was destroyed by this treatment, leading to a DCA concentration around the pumping well of about 0.2 mg/l.
Getting remedial action plans approved by state agencies
Authors: Maurer Thomas K. 
Published: February 2007

AbstractThousands of contaminated sites around the country never get caught in the sticky web of Superfund. Instead, they are handled by state environmental agencies under state environmental laws and rules. Generally speaking, state environmental programs appear to function much more efficiently than Superfund. But even though they are easier to work with than Superfund, state contamination cleanup programs can still be daunting. This article offers some points and suggestions for making the state process work smoothly and efficiently.