Message #34: December 1999

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Mention of non-EPA documents does not constitute a U.S. EPA endorsement of their contents, only an acknowledgment that they exist and may be relevant to the TechDirect audience.

Recent Documents and Websites

The Road Map to Understanding Innovative Technology Options for Brownfields Investigation and Cleanup, Second Edition (EPA 542-B-99-009) . TIO is pleased to announce the availability of the second edition of the Road Map to Understanding Innovative Technology Options for Brownfields Investigation and Cleanup and the Tool Kit of Information Resources for Brownfields Investigation and Cleanup CD-ROM. Used together, these resources link technology options to the general steps involved in the characterization and cleanup of a brownfields site. The Road Map is intended for the various individuals involved in or affected by the redevelopment of brownfields sites, whether public projects, private developments, or public-private partnerships [November 1999, 96 pages]. View or download at http://clu-in.org/techpubs.htm. The second edition has been expanded significantly to include new and updated resources and is accompanied by the Tool Kit of Information Resources for Brownfields Investigation and Cleanup. The hard copy of the Road Map and accompanying Tool Kit on CD-ROM will be available within two weeks from (800) 490-9198 or (513) 489-8190 or fax your request to (513) 489-8695.

Technical Project Planning (TPP) Process (EM 200-1-2). This engineering manual was published by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. This manual describes the TPP process for identifying project objectives and designing data collection programs. The TPP process was deigned to provide comprehensive planning guidance to ensure effective and efficient progress to site close out within project constraints [August 1998, 132 pages]. This document can be downloaded in entirety or by section at http://www.usace.army.mil/usace-docs/eng-manuals/em200-1-2/toc.htm . For hard copies, contact the USACE Publications Depot at (301) 394-0084.

Cost and Performance Reports. The DOD Environmental Security Technology Certification Program has recent posted six new remediation technology cost and performance reports. All the new reports can be viewed or downloaded from http://www.estcp.org/documents/techdocs/index.cfm . The specific reports are:

Assessment of the Remote Minefield Detection System (REMIDS)
Joint Small Arms Range Remediation
Multi-Sensor Towed Array Detection System (MTADS)
Permeable Reactive Wall Remediation of Chlorinated Hydrocarbons in Groundwater
POL Sensor Validation of SCAPS
The Use of Constructed Wetlands to Phytoremediate Explosives-Contaminated Groundwater at the Milan Army Ammunition Plant, Milan, Tennessee

Guidelines for Successful Phytoremediation. This guidance provides information that will improve the chances for success when applying phytoremediation technology to real world sites. The report was prepared by CH2M Hill for the Center for Waste Reduction Technologies (CWRT), a not-for-profit arm of the American Institute of Chemical Engineers (AIChE). Several aspects of phytoremediation are covered, including evaluation of phytoremediation as a site strategy, detailed literature reviews on phytoremediation by contaminant groups (PAHs, PHC, solvents, explosives, pesticides, metals, and nutrients), modeling phytoremediation systems, and extensive information on maintenance issues [August 1999, 200 pages]. For more information please contact the CWRT website at http://www.aiche.org/cwrt . This report is available on CD-ROM at cost (ISBN No: 0-8169-0806-0, Item No: Pub C-11). To obtain a CD, please contact the American Institute of Chemical Engineers at 1-800-242-4363 or (212) 591-7338.

Tech Trends (EPA 542-N-99-007). This quarterly update is produced by the EPA Technology Innovation Office. It provides descriptions and performance data for innovative technologies that have been applied in the field. This issue highlights recent demonstration results and new technical resources on several innovative technologies for site characterization and process monitoring [October 1999, 4 pages]. View or download at http://clu-in.org/techpubs.htm . For hard copies, contact (800) 490-9198 or (513) 489-8190 or fax your request to (513) 489-8695.

WPI Environmental Methods Selection Database (EMSD). Through an assistance agreement with EPA, the Waste Policy Institute (WPI) developed a prototype Environmental Methods Selection Database (EMSD). The purpose of this on-line database is to provide a tool for selecting cost-effective analytical chemistry methods that are capable of supplying the data needed to address project-specific decisions and goals. This is only a prototype database, and it contains just a few representative field method summaries drawn largely from existing SW-846 documentation. The user should be aware that many more field analytical technologies exist (both for the analytes already listed in the database and for analytes not listed in the database) than are currently contained within this prototype database. The website also contains educational information to help a prospective user of a field analytical technology to think through selection criteria. See http://www.wpi.org/emsd/ . Comments on the database should be directed to Larry Keith, at WPI (Larry_Keith@wpi.org).

EPA NAPL Website. Have you ever asked yourself any of these questions?

How can I be sure that my site has only dissolved phase contamination?
I've tried ground water pump and treat at my site and it didn't work. What alternative remedial measures are likely to work better?

The RCRA Corrective Action Program created a new web site that presents a radically different paradigm of how hazardous wastes migrate. The website solicits e-mail submissions discussing the technical issues presented. A single root cause for the failures of groundwater pump and treat is offered. Suggested remedial measures are discussed that address the root cause as well as a critique of those remedial measures that have the same limitations as ground water pump and treat. Hazardous Waste migration as described in this site will have implications for risk assessments. View this site at http://www.epa.gov/epaoswer/hazwaste/ca/naplweb1/ .

Grant Announcement

HSRCs. U. S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) plans to establish up to five (5) university-based Hazardous Substance Research Centers (HSRCs). Centers will be funded for up to five years. In this announcement, the EPA Office of Research and Development (ORD) invites applications to establish HSRCs to address priority hazardous substance research and training, technology transfer, and technical assistance (referred to throughout this document as "outreach"). A total of $5 million, split in two parts: 70 percent for research, and 30 percent for other Center activities, including training, technology transfer, and technical assistance, is available for the first year. Awards will begin after October 1, 2000, and are subject to the availability of funds. Existing HSRCs approaching the conclusion of their current term of EPA support, and new consortia are eligible to submit proposals to this solicitation. All proposals will be subjected to the same review process and review criteria. The Centers funded under this solicitation will be managed by ORD's National Center for Environmental Research and Quality Assurance (NCERQA). Solicitation opened November 2 and closes March 14, 2000. For more information, see http://es.epa.gov/ncerqa/rfa/hsrc.html .

Conferences and Symposia

Technology Courses to be Offered at Brownfields '99 in Dallas, December 8-9. Brownfields `99 brings you the opportunity to learn about innovative technologies that can help you assess and clean up hazardous waste on your site and bring it to closure. EPA's Technology Innovation Office is offering these courses free of charge on the same week and location as BF'99. Registration is open on a first come, first serve basis. For more information see http://clu-in.org/courses .

Reminder !! In Situ Thermal Treatment Seminars, Philadelphia - December 14, Edison - December 15. EPA's Technology Innovation Office will present back-to-back technical seminars on in situ thermal treatment for DNAPLS groundwater remediation on December 14, 1999 at the Marriott Hotel, 1201 Market Street, Philadelphia, PA and December 15, 1999 at the Sheraton Edison Hotel, 125 Raritan Center Parkway, Edison, NJ. Technologies to be presented include: Dynamic Underground Stripping; Steam Enhanced Extraction; In Situ Thermal Desorption; Radio-Frequency Heating; and 6-Phase Heating. The seminars will include discussion of fundamental principles, design considerations and limitations, and case studies. Conference attendance is free, however advance registration is required - LIMITED SEATING. The description, agenda and registration form are available at see http://clu-in.org/thermal . Complete transportation information will be sent to you as part of your registration confirmation. Questions may be directed to Karen Devlin at (215) 643-5466 or KDevlin@philipinc.com.