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Workshop
#1: Modeling
Vapor Attenuation Workshop: A Study of Vapor Intrusion
Modeling in the Context of EPA’s Guidance
Dr.
Paul C. Johnson, Fulton School of Engineering at Arizona
State University
Mr. Todd McAlary
Mr. Ian Hers, Golder Associates Ltd. in Vancouver, B.C.,
Canada
The
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA’s) Office
of Solid Waste and Emergency Response (OSWER) is
sponsoring a workshop on modeling the attenuation of
contaminant vapors in the subsurface and vapor intrusion
into indoor air. Modeling vapor intrusion plays a key role
in EPA’s regulatory guidance for the vapor intrusion
(VI) exposure pathway (http://www.epa.gov/correctiveaction/eis/vapor.htm).
EPA has used an expanded version of the Johnson and
Ettinger vapor intrusion model (J&E model) in two ways
in the guidance: (1) to develop the semi-site specific
attenuation factors in Figure 3 of the guidance (The VI
attenuation factor represents the ratio of indoor air
concentrations to subsurface soil gas concentrations at
some depth and is used to calculate VI action levels in
EPA’s guidance. The semi-site-specific attenuation
factors are applied by way of Question 5 in guidance,
which is an option under Tier 2 - Secondary Screening.)
and (2) for site-specific modeling of the VI pathway as a
part of a detailed site-specific investigation. The
default Figure 3 attenuation factors allow for limited
site-specific data on soil type and depth to contamination
to be used to select an attenuation factor that better
fits site conditions than the generic default VI
attenuation factors. The modeled attenuation factors in
Figure 3 are the primary subject of this workshop.
This
two-day workshop will focus on information from
site-specific measurements and modeling that can help EPA
evaluate and improve the Figure 3 attenuation factors. As
EPA continues working to update the draft Vapor Intrusion
Guidance, we recognize that our efforts can be
significantly enhanced by the increased experience,
empirical data, and modeling that practitioners and
regulators continue to gain concerning VI attenuation
modeling and the semi-site-specific attenuation factors.
Towards this end, the workshop will include presentations
describing (1) how measured attenuation factors from
preexisting and newly gathered data sets compare with the
attenuation factors plotted in Figure 3, (2)
appropriateness and applicability of the default building-
and site-related model input parameters used to develop
Figure 3 (as described in Appendix G of the guidance), (3)
how site-specific modeling results, that are based on more
detailed site and building information, compare with
Figure 3, and (4) how EPA can improve the
semi-site-specific attenuation factors based on this
experience.
The
Modeling Vapor Attenuation Workshop will include an
all-day session of presentations on the first day (October
18, 2004). On the following day three small focus groups
of selected experts, practitioners, and other stakeholders
will be held to discuss and summarize the previous day’s
papers. These groups will report out and present
conclusions and recommendations to the broader group in
the Tuesday evening session. This evening session will
include an interactive discussion and wrap up, where
presenters, experts, and workshop participants will engage
in a moderated discussion to exchange opinions concerning
the meaning of the VI modeling studies as they relate to
Figure 3 and broader issues of vapor intrusion.
Workshop
#2: Theory and Use of Field Portable X-ray Fluorescence
for Soil Analysis
Debbie
Schatzlein, Sr. Applications Chemist, NITON Corporation,
Billerica, MA
Volker Thomsen, Sr. Application Scientist, NITON
Corporation, Billerica, MA
This
workshop will cover the application of field-portable
x-ray fluorescence spectrometry to soil analysis. We
begin with basic theory of x-ray fluorescence and an
overview of the applications for this instrumental method
of chemical analysis. This will be followed by a
discussion of the
instrumentation
along with elements of radiation safety.
Statistical aspects of the measurements will be
discussed. Finally, an overview and discussion of
EPA SW-846 Method 6200 will be presented. Hands on
use of the instruments will be promoted through several
practical exercises.
Workshop
#3: In-Situ
Chemical Oxidation Workshop
William
B. Kerfoot, Ph.D., LSP,
K-V Associates, Inc.,
Michael Marley, John Cookson, Jr.,
Kenneth Sperry, Xpert Design and Diagnostics, LLC
To
provide up-to-date information on in-situ chemical
oxidation, this all-day workshop combines vendor
presentations with professional consultant experience.
Four major oxidants will be considered:
Permanganate - MNO4 -
Persulfate
– S2O82-
Hydrogen
peroxide – Fenton’s Reagent – H2O2
Ozone – O3
In-situ
chemical oxidation using ozone, Fenton’s Reagent,
persulfate, permanganate or combinations can be an
effective innovative technology for destroying organic
contaminants within the groundwater aquifer where they
occur. Each
oxidant requires certain design considerations for proper
application. This
workshop concentrates on the following topics.
·
Oxidant chemistry principles
·
Available oxidants/compound stoichiometry
·
Oxidant selection/site evaluation
·
Laboratory bench-scale tests
·
Field pilot tests
·
Regulatory concerns
·
Case
histories and time to closure
Presentations
will be made by vendors who supply equipment and
consulting firms with specific site experience.
Case studies will be presented where design and
operational issues will be discussed.
Workshop
#4: The Triad
Approach to Managing Decision Uncertainty for Better
Cleanup Projects
Deana
Crumbling, U.S.EPA (5102G), 1200 Pennsylvania Avenue, NW,
Washington, DC 20460, Tel:
703-603-0643, Fax:
703-603-9135, Email: crumbling.deana@epa.gov
This
a one half-day training course
provides the basics of the Triad approach to site
cleanup and will use case studies to illustrate successful
implementation. The
Triad approach combines systematic planning and decision
uncertainty management with dynamic work strategies and
state-of-the-art real time measurement technologies. This approach lowers project costs while increasing
confidence that data are correctly interpreted so that
exposure and remedy decisions are correct.
The session will be relevant to regulators,
environmental program managers, risk assessors, and data
quality control staff.
By taking the course, participants will understand
the basics of sampling and analytical uncertainty, and
their affect on data quality; understand the mechanics of
using Triad (i.e., systematic planning, dynamic work
strategies, and real-time measurement systems); understand
how Triad improves the accuracy of conceptual site models
(CSMs); and locate available Triad documentation and
technical support. The
course includes lecture, case studies presented by
practioners, and a panel discussion.
Workshop
#5: The Role of Anaerobic Biodegradation Processes in
Passive and Enhanced Monitored Natural Attenuation
Programs
Eric
C. Hince, P.G., RSM, Geovation Technologies, Inc., Florida
NY
Aaron Peacock, Microbial Insights, Inc., Rockford TN
Anaerobic
microbial processes are now thought to play an important
if not dominant role in the catabolism and natural
attenuation of chemical contaminants present in soils,
sediments and aquifer media at many sites.
The intent of the proposed workshop is to provide
participants with a working knowledge of anaerobic
biodegradation processes within the context of passive and
enhanced monitored natural attenuation (MNA) programs.
The workshop will provide participants with an
overview of the following topics:
- biogeochemical
reactions and fundamental scientific concepts
associated with the major anaerobic respiration
pathways;
- the
state-of-the-science concerning anaerobic
biodegradation and transformation processes for
halogenated organic contaminants and reducible metals;
- data
requirements and sampling considerations for the
evaluation of anaerobic biodegradation processes;
- analytical
tools and methods to investigate quantitative and
qualitative aspects of microbial ecology;
- the
utility and limitations of using MNA scoring/ranking
systems to evaluate environmental data and site
conditions;
- a
survey of current knowledge and research concerning
the microbial ecology of anaerobic microorganisms
Participants
will be encouraged to bring site characterization and
ground-water sampling data from their own projects/sites
into the workshop to facilitate an interactive case study
/ data-review session with the presenters and other
participants.
James
Dragun, Ph.D., The Dragun Corporation, Farmington Hills,
MI
This
course will cover predicting
bulk hydrocarbon migration, the extent of
absorption of organic chemicals, chemical volatility in
soil, organic chemical reaction rates and rates of organic
chemicals in soils.
The information will be presented in the context of
site remediation, site disposal facilities, and analyzing
chemical releases, as well as auditing closures of
industrial facilities.
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