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Remediation Optimization

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◊ Air Sparging
◊ Bioreactor Landfills
◊ Bioremediation of Chlorinated Solvents
◊ Bioventing and Biosparging
◊ Electrokinetics: Electric Current Technologies
◊ Fracturing
◊ Ground-Water Circulating Wells
◊ In Situ Flushing
◊ In Situ Oxidation
◊ Multi-Phase Extraction
◊ Natural Attenuation
◊ Permeable Reactive Barriers
◊ Phytoremediation
◊ Remediation Optimization
◊ Soil Vapor Extraction
◊ Soil Washing
◊ Solvent Extraction
◊ Thermal Treatment: Ex Situ
◊ Thermal Treatment: In Situ

For more information on Pump and Treat Optimization, please contact:

Kathleen Yager
Technology Integration and Information Branch
(617) 918-8362
yager.kathleen@epa.gov

Guidance

Optimization Guidance Specifically for EPA Fund-lead Sites

The guidance in this section is intended to help EPA Remedial Project Managers (RPMs), EPA technical staff, and EPA contractors with optimization of Fund-lead sites. Readers are also encouraged to review technical fact sheets and guidance that are intended for the general remediation community and to visit the Post Construction Completion web site

EPA Action Plan for Ground-Water Remedy Optimization
OSWER 9283.1-25, August 2004

The Action Plan for Ground Water Remedy Optimization outlines a full integration of the optimization process into the Superfund cleanup process through a management system of regular reviews of operating ground water contamination remedies, implementing recommendations, and improving practices at each site. The Action Plan pertains to EPA Superfund-financed groundwater pump and treat systems. EPA's attention to the routine optimization of operating treatment systems is expected to result in improved system efficiency and reduced Long Term Remedial Action (LTRA) costs.

Superfund Reform Strategy: Optimization of Fund-lead Ground Water Pump and Treat (P&T) Systems (Directive 9283.1-13)

In the OSWER Directive No. 9200.0-33, Transmittal of Final FY00 - FY01 Superfund Reforms Strategy, dated July 7, 2000, the Office of Solid Waste and Emergency Response outlined a commitment to optimize our Fund-lead pump and treat (P&T) systems. The Optimization Initiative is intended to encourage systematic review and modification to existing P&T systems to enhance overall remedy effectiveness and cost effectiveness, without compromising protectiveness or other objectives of the Superfund program. It provides EPA an opportunity to demonstrate our commitment to effective management of our long-term remedies. This effort recognizes that remedial approaches should not remain static, that site conditions change over time, and that better tools and strategies have evolved which allow us to continuously improve the performance of the remedy. This reform initiative does not signal any change in EPA's decision-making framework for selecting remedies that are protective of human health and the environment. Any remedy modifications should be carried out in accordance with existing guidance and policy regarding ROD modifications and the Administrative Record.

Superfund Post Construction Completion Activities

This Fact Sheet provides an abbreviated, one-page summary of the Superfund Post Construction Completion (PCC) activities. The goal of these activities is to ensure that Superfund response actions provide for the long-term protection of human health and the environment. Readers of this Fact Sheet are encouraged to review "Superfund Post Construction Completion: An Overview" (OSWER 9355.0-79FS) for more detailed information and a list of key references.

Superfund Post Construction Completion: An Overview

The purpose of this fact sheet is to provide an overview of Superfund Post Construction Completion (PCC), an integral part of the Superfund remedial program. The fact sheet lays out the goal and objectives for Superfund PCC work, describes why this work is important, identifies the activities included under the banner of PCC, and describes the roles and responsibilities of involved parties. The fact sheet addresses these topics at an overview level of detail. Key references and a bibliography are provided for more detailed information.

Transfer of Long-Term Response Action (LTRA) Projects to States

EPA defines the 10-year period between the operational and functional (O&F) determination and the start of operations and maintenance (O&M) as a long-term response action (LTRA). During LTRA, federal funding is still provided as it was for the remedial action. If cleanup goals have not been achieved upon completion of the 10 years, the remedy transitions into O&M to be conducted by the State. Federal funds cannot be used to conduct O&M. This fact sheet identifies key elements of the LTRA transfer process and provides guidance for Remedial Project Managers (RPMs) concerning the transfer of responsibilities from EPA to the State for O&M.

Improving Nationwide Effectiveness of Pump-and-Treat Remedies Requires Sustained and Focused Action to Realize Benefits, March 27, 2003
EPA Office of Inspector General, Report No. 2003-P-000006

This memorandum communicates final findings on key issues that the Inspector General observed during an evaluation of the Nationwide Superfund-Financed Pump and Treat Optimization Project conducted by the Environmental Protection Agency's (EPA's) Office of Solid Waste and Emergency Response (OSWER). The evaluation of this project occurred while OSWER and its contractors were completing or implementing key phases of the project. Based on progress observed during the evaluation, there are no specific recommendations in this memorandum report. However, information unique to this project was collected and analyzed and resulting observations will facilitate OSWER in achieving environmental and fiscal benefits.

Implementation of RSE Recommendations: Technical Assistance Resources Available to RPMs, January 2002

Optimization of Fund-lead P&T systems via Remediation System Evaluations (RSEs) has identified a number of opportunities for system enhancement, and in many cases, reductions in annual operation and maintenance costs. Implementing these recommendations, however, will require expertise in a variety fields, and the Remedial Project Managers (RPMs) of these systems may need technical assistance. This pamphlet introduces the technical assistance resources available to RPMs both within and beyond their Region.

Other Remediation Optimization Guidance Topics:

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