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)
______________________________________________________
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 2nd 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)
_______________________________________________________
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
