Programmatic Implementation of the Triad Approach within a State Reimbursement Program
Nick Nigro, ECCS Nationwide Mobile Laboratories
One of the best kept secrets of Triad success stories is the ongoing Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection (DATCP) program to remediate local agricultural supply dealerships. The reimbursement program is operated through a collection of fees on each unit of agricultural chemical sold. Over 250 dealership sites have been investigated and remedied in Wisconsin by using accelerated, flexible, common sense and cost-effective Triad techniques. Since the dealership sites are very similar in nature, DATCP has developed a general use, unwritten conceptual site model (CSM) that is initially applied to every site. Consultants prepare dynamic work plans on the basis of the CSM and any site specific characteristics that provide flexibility to investigate the site in a single mobilization using direct-push sampling technologies and a mobile laboratory. Years of experience has solidified initial presumptive evidence that indicated sites could be effectively investigated and remedied with a short list of chemicals that now includes ammonia, nitrate and 17 common pesticides (primarily herbicides). During a typical site investigation, the consulting, direct-push, and mobile laboratory team work together to collect and analyze soil and groundwater samples generating real time data with a goal of defining extent of contamination in a single mobilization. Site investigations typically require 2-3 days and 75-200 samples to adequately define extent. The mobile laboratory uses innovative self-contained extraction and gas chromatography with nitrogen phosphorus detection techniques for pesticide analyses, and ion selective electrode techniques for ammonia and nitrate. The preferred remedy is land spreading of contaminated soil during which a mobile laboratory is also typically used. As a result, it is common for a site to be investigated, remedied and closed in less than a year if no or minimal groundwater contamination is discovered.
Effective Funding Management Approaches for Triad Investigations
Sharon Budney, CDM
This presentation describes successful funding and budget management approaches used to implement the Triad approach at the case study site. CDM implemented the Triad approach during the remedial investigation at the Emmell's Septic Landfill Superfund Site located in Galloway Township, New Jersey. This project was conducted under an EPA Region 2 Response Action Contract (RAC). Challenges facing EPA include limited funds and incremental funding over the life of projects. To help EPA Region 2 optimize the limited Superfund budget, CDM worked closely with the EPA remedial project manager to develop an incremental funding approach to support the Triad approach.
One of the key features of the Triad approach is the development of flexible work plans that support field-level decision making. Managing a Triad project within the funding framework while providing the flexibility needed to support the Triad approach presents a number of challenges to EPA and its contractors.
The Triad approach was implemented in three phases of field work at the Site:
- Groundwater screening combined with on-site laboratory analysis was used to estimate the vertical and horizontal extent of a shallow, volatile organic compound (VOC) groundwater plume.
- Membrane Interface Probe (MIP) screening technology was used to screen for non-aqueous phase liquid (NAPL) in the source area.
- Groundwater screening was used to define the vertical and horizontal extent of the deep groundwater plume and establish screen intervals for monitoring wells.
Successful implementation of the Triad approach with limited and incremental funding requires detailed planning, clear statements of goals and contingencies, and frequent and effective communication with EPA's technical and management personnel. These key elements are needed to support a successful Triad investigation for the case study project.
|