GSI had three proposals to the DoD’s ESTCP program that were recently selected for funding!

Building the Next Generation Long-Term Monitoring Optimization Toolbox: Revitalizing the MAROS Platform on the Web – While there is a need to optimize groundwater monitoring networks to collect better data for lower cost, the currently-available tools are becoming obsolete due to changes in the Microsoft platform.  For this project, we will use GSI’s MAROS Microsoft Access tool as inspiration for a new, free, web-based toolbox.  The new toolbox will include the most popular features of MAROS while adding new functionality to make it easier to understand and visualize site data.   The toolbox will be programmed using the R Shiny framework, a powerful new technology platform used to build interactive websites.  Moving the toolbox to the web also provides an opportunity to expand features to include mapping capabilities for soil in addition to groundwater, and to address emerging contaminants such as PFAS.

Project Partners:  David Becker with US Army Corps of Engineers

For additional information, contact Lila M. Beckley, PG at lmbeckley@gsienv.com

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Rapid and Inexpensive Delivery of Particulate Carbon for In Situ PFAS Treatment in Groundwater – Our objective is to repurpose a commercially available geotechnical technology (the “Grout Bomber”) for enhanced delivery of granular activated carbon or other sorbent material for in situ treatment of PFAS source zones and dilute PFAS plumes. The technology can efficiently install hundreds, and even thousands, of vertical sorbent columns in a variety of configurations to retain dissolved phase PFAS in passing groundwater. Our goal is to provide the DoD with an alternative method of installing sorbents in the subsurface and offer substantial cost savings compared to conventional injection methods and ex situ pump and treat systems for groundwater treatment.

Project Partners: Keller, University of Texas at Austin, Clarkson University, NAVFAC

For additional information, contact Stephen D. Richardson, PhD, PE, PEng at sdrichardson@gsienv.com.

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Using Real-Time Remote Sensors to Reduce the Cost of Long-Term Monitoring and Remediation Performance Monitoring at PFAS Vadose Source Zones – By deploying 3D internet-of-things Sensor Arrays at PFAS vadose zone sources, this three-year project will provide a leap forward on the best ways for the DoD to measure/estimate recharge and to collect representative PFAS leachate samples at different types of sites at different locations. A high-level goal is to provide enabling technology for the DoD to perform systematic, science-based portfolio reviews to determine which PFAS vadose source zones need to be remediated and which ones do not pose a significant threat to groundwater.

Project Partners: Colorado State University, Dr. Hans Stroo

For additional information, contact Kenneth L. Walker, Jr., PE, PG at klwalker@gsienv.com.

There are more than 1.1 million oil and natural gas wells in the US, of which about 770,000 (~70%) produce less than 15 barrels of oil equivalent (BOE) per day and are considered “marginal” in terms of their profitability to operators. While costs of regulatory compliance impact all producers, the small independents who operate many such wells could be disproportionately impacted, with associated economic impacts to energy production, states, and communities.

Results and findings will be presented of a recent research project, funded by the US Department of Energy and others, to characterize and quantify methane emissions specifically from low-producing oil and gas well sites across multiple U.S. regions and compare these results to published data on emissions from non-marginal wells.

Response Measures for Stray Gas Impacts to Groundwater Resources Presented by Jonathan M. Skaggs, PG & Travis M. McGuire, PE

Stray natural gas impacts on groundwater resources from oil and gas exploration, production, or storage has garnered significant public concern in the past decade. However, stray gas migration is by no means a new challenge related to oil and gas extraction. This talk discusses key considerations with regard to the fate and transport of gas in the subsurface, the unique nature of risks posed to groundwater users, related regulatory guidance on stray gas in the U.S. and Canada, and how these factors inform the investigation and response strategy. Recent case studies will be presented that highlight strategies for source determination.

REGISTER HERE! 

Leading the science in #PFAS. Check out Dr. Nicholas Johnson, Ph.D.‘s recent publication “Enhanced removal of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances in complex matrices by polyDADMAC-Coated regenerable granular activated carbon.”

Special thanks to all the authors! Pia Ramos, Shashank Singh Kalra, Ph.D., Chia Miang Khor, Annesh Borthakur, Brian Cranmer, Gregory Dooley, Sanjay Mohanty, David Jassby, Jens Blotevogel, Shaily Mahendra

👉👉 Read the full article at https://lnkd.in/ewRWd7Wa

Transitioning from Active Remedies to Monitored Natural Attenuation (SERDP ER-1429)

At many Department of Defense sites where an active remedy has been used, the performance of this remedy has plateaued, and there is a critical need to understand how and when to transition to less cost-intensive approaches. The research will generate a quantitative tool for Remedial Project Managers to use to support a site-specific transition assessment. The goal is to establish a protocol for evaluating sites where Monitored Natural Attenuation could serve as an effective transition technology for longer-term management.

Project Team Members: David T. Adamson, PhD, PE, Charles J. Newell, PhD, PE, BCEE, Hiroko Mori, PhD, Brian Strasert, PE, Kenia Whitehead, PhD,  Hannah Podzorski, Shahla K. Farhat, PhD Christ Niamake, Tom E. McHugh, PhD, DABT,  John Wilson (Scissortail Environmental Solutions)

Project Page: https://www.serdp-estcp.org/Program-Areas/Environmental-Restoration/Contaminated-Groundwater/Persistent-Contamination/ER20-1429/ER20-1429/(language)/eng-US

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Remote Monitoring of Natural Source Zone Depletion Using Temperature Data to Support Long-Term Passive Management Strategies (ER19-5091)

This project applies the Thermal NSZD technology, which entails remote thermal monitoring of the subsurface to estimate natural source zone depletion (NSZD) rates of light non-aqueous phase liquids (LNAPL). The specific objectives of an 18-month technology demonstration at two DoD facilities are to: 1) demonstrate the use of innovative, inexpensive 2^nd generation temperature monitoring systems to improve data quality and reduce costs; 2) demonstrate improved methods to separate the heat signal associated with biodegradation of petroleum from seasonal and other sources of temperature fluctuations in soils (i.e., improved background correction); 3) demonstrate (through field deployment) that temperature-based approaches to quantifying NSZD rates are particularly suited for LNAPL source areas located below buildings or other paved surfaces; and 4) compile results from monitoring of NSZD at many sites and utilize these results to i) document the range of NSZD rates and ii) identify site factors that may be predictive of higher or lower NSZD rates at individual sites. A successful demonstration will increase regulatory acceptance of this environmentally sustainable and cost effective technology for remediation of LNAPL source areas.

Project Team Members: Kenneth L. Walker, Jr, PE, PG, Tom E. McHugh, PhD, DABT, Schuyler Robinson, Travis Lewis (NAVFAC EXWC) Tom Sale (Colorado State University), Kayvan Karimi Askarani (Colorado State University), David Gent (US Army Corps of Engineers), Justin Meredity (Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation)

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Developing a Framework for Monitored Natural Attenuation at PFAS Sites (ESTCP ER20-5198)

This project has the objectives of beginning to establish MNA as a viable remediation approach for some PFAS sites, helping users screen sites where MNA may be applicable, and providing guidance on characterizing sites and analyzing field data to support MNA determinations. If successful, it can be a key catalyst for reducing the number of expensive, energy intensive, and extremely inefficient pump and treat systems that are now likely the only way to manage PFAS at hundreds of PFAS sites.

Project Team Members: David T. Adamson, PhD, PE, Charles J. Newell, PhD, PE, BCEE, Poonam R. Kulkarni, PE, Hans Stroo (Stroo Consulting), Jovan Popovic (NAVFAC EXWC)

Project Page: https://www.serdp-estcp.org/Program-Areas/Environmental-Restoration/ER21-5198/ER21-5198/(language)/eng-US

Join Lila Beckley today at the Midwestern States Environmental Consultants Association 2021 Environmental Conference. She will be presenting on key elements important to #VI site characterization, and identify tools that can reduce uncertainty and support site management decisions.

👉👉 Register at MSECA 2021 Environmental Conference