Advanced Diagnostics for Cost Management and Expedited Closure

Featuring Steve Koenigsberg

ENVIRON International Corporation



Free and open to the public



Abstract:

Remediation strategies for site closure have undergone a significant paradigm shift. Once the exclusive domain of energy intensive, mechanically driven processes we now witness replacement by or integration with passive in-situ strategies. In concert with these changes, legitimate questions about site closure endpoints have been raised as recalcitrant and asymptotic conditions confound clean-up goals.  Consequently, monitored natural attenuation (MNA) and other related options have become established in their own right as remedies which can lead to expedited closure.  When coupled with guaranteed fixed-price strategies these outcomes are of particular relevance.



Recently, a number of validated advanced methods have been used to generate new lines of evidence in support of expedited closure  The use of a variety of diagnostic tools has not only been valuable in site design and management decisions, but has now shown proven worth in structuring the final phase of the remedy which may include guaranteed-fixed price initiatives.



A comprehensive program should include the use of molecular biological protocols, emergent chemical analytical tools, and novel applications of extant chemical methods such as compound specific isotope analysis, state-of-the-art geophysical techniques, fate and transport modeling and risk analysis.  This array of options can be put into two categories – those involving data collection and those involving a more virtual component that is software driven. The recent emergence of molecular biological tools (MBTs), compound specific stable isotope analysis (CSIA) and advanced geotechnical protocols “enviro-tomography”) are rich in content and powerful in scope of application on the data collection side.



Coupled with this are the standard risk analyses, novel forms of fate and transport modeling and more recently sustainable remediation principles and practices that provide compelling arguments for MNA when that form of resolution is appropriate. This presentation sets forth the elements of a comprehensive program in remedy optimization and site exit strategies. Specific examples will be presented that illustrate the achievement of cost-effective and expedited closure goals using these tools.