The GEM concept integrates the concepts of Data Quality Objectives, (DQOs), Sampling Theory & Practice (STP) and Statistics.

UP EPA Office of Solid Waste is about to release a completely rewritten version of SW-846 Chapters 9 & 10 on sampling and statistics. The new SW-846 has used GEM as a model, ie. DQOs, STP and statistics. Presently, the new SW-846 us scheduled to be released in July. EPA expects a great deal of interest in the guidance, as it contains some new concepts and represents a major advancement in its required technical level. This workshop will present information on the new SW-846, highlighting the new model, technologies and techniques required.

Richard Sloan, Remediation Manager, Lyondell Chemical Company, Ellen Moyer, Ph.D., P.E., Program Manager, ENSR International, Richard Woodward, President, Sierra Environmental Services

This workshop will explore timely, cost-effective remediation of VOC-contaminated sites. Effective remediation requires thorough definition of the unique features of each site; well-defined short- and long-term remediation goals; flexible design that can readily accommodate change; early source control; technology sequencing based on technical effectiveness and cost; and field process measurement and control. Ex situ and in situ, physical, chemical, and biological remediation technologies will be covered through presentation of a number of actual case studies. The case studies will emphasize the management process and the factors that are critical to successful remediation. Case studies will describe remediation of sources and plumes associated with underground fuel storage tanks, chlorinated solvent releases, and other situations. In many cases, although a mixture of VOCs may be present in the groundwater, one chemical or class of chemicals drives the remediation process due to the concentrations, the physical properties, or the risk factors associated with that chemical or class of chemicals. The workshop will deal with the full range of VOCs but will focus on benzene, methyl tert butyl ether, trichloroethylene, acetone, and 1-2-dichloroethane, as well as naphthalene (a light semi-VOC), as representative compounds.

This workshop provides the practicing environmental consultant or attorney with state-of-the-art chemical fingerprinting techniques applicable to ground water, soils, sediments and air. An in-depth examination at scientific techniques available for source identification and age dating petroleum hydrocarbons, including gasoline additives such as alkyl leads, methyl tertiary butyl ether (MTBE) and chlorinated solvents are presented. This workshop presents forensic techniques ranging from basic statistical techniques to gas chromatography-combustion-isotope- ratio- mass spectrometry, polytopic vector analysis, the interpretation of aerial photogrammetry and the integration of these techniques using geographic information techniques. Numerous examples and case studies are provided to illustrate how these methods are applied and considerations given for their appropriate use. Sources of potential bias and misapplication of these techniques is shared. The workshop provides techniques for critically reviewing forensic techniques relative to the original purpose for which the information was collected, regardless of the contaminant or matrix.

Introduction to Environmental Forensics published by Academic Press and edited by Drs. Murphy and Morrison will be provided to each participant.

This workshop will provide an overview of the investigation of subsurface releases of gasoline containing methyl tertiary-butyl ether (MTBE) and other oxygenated fuel additives. The course is draws upon the principles detailed in the American Petroleum Institute Publication 4699, "Strategies for Characterizing Subsurface Releases of MTBE".

The workshop will introduce the principles of risk-informed decision making as applied to the evaluation of MTBE-affected sites. Attendees will learn about characterization and monitoring issues at oxygenate release sites, important hydrogeologic influences on MTBE migration, as well as a detailed review of the tools and techniques used for subsurface assessment. Recent research on MTBE biodegradation will be discussed, along with the implications for site characterization. Techniques for assessing potential impacts to water supply wells will be presented. The expedited site assessment process and the use of modern direct-push tools are particularly emphasized, since these approaches are especially well-suited for use at MTBE-affected sites.