Remediation Technology Assessment Reports

Analysis of remedial technologies based on their use at multiple hazardous waste cleanup sites provides information useful to site managers and others involved in remedy selection and implementation. The 101 reports listed below, prepared by Federal agencies and the Interstate Technology and Regulatory Council (ITRC), contain information about the application of a specific technology or about a common contaminant, and provide summary findings based on practical field experience. The reports were identified using the following criteria:

• Address treatment or containment technologies (full-scale projects or large demonstrations)
• Based on assessment of performance at multiple sites
• Published recently (within past 10 years)
• Provide guidelines for technology selection or application at specific sites or design recommendations
• Do not consist solely of presumptive remedies, technology descriptions, literature surveys, application surveys, or regulatory assessments

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1,4-Dioxane

Treatment Technologies for 1,4-Dioxane: Fundamentals and Field Applications
This report documents the occurrences and properties of 1,4-dioxane and provides descriptions of currently available remediation technologies for 1,4-dioxane. The report primarily focuses on the treatment of 1,4-dioxane in contaminated groundwater. Site-specific treatment information is provided as well as information on the most promising technologies that can treat 1,4-dioxane. Also included is an overview of topics which discuss the compound's physical and chemical properties, treatability, and relevant policies and guidance.
Download (1.25MB/30pp/PDF)

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Air Sparging

Cost and Performance Report Multi-Site In Situ Air Sparging (Navy) (2005) Recommended!
The objective of the project discussed in this report was to implement the Air Sparging Design Paradigm at a number of existing air sparging sites in order to determine whether the Paradigm was effective for evaluating air distribution and whether other design guidelines were valid. The Paradigm provides details on air sparging principles; site characterization; pilot testing; system design, installation, and operation; and system monitoring. Another goal of the project was to modify the Paradigm as necessary based on results obtained from 10 field sites. Using the Paradigm to evaluate and design air sparging systems should result in applications that are more cost-effective and have better performance.
Download (1.3MB/37pp/PDF)

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Arsenic

Arsenic Treatment Technologies for Soil, Waste, and Water (EPA) (2002)
Contains current information on the treatment technologies for wastes and environmental media containing arsenic. Summarizes information on 13 technologies used to treat arsenic, identifies sites and facilities where arsenic treatment has been used, and provides references to more detailed arsenic treatment information.
Download (2.2MB/132pp/PDF)

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Biofuels

Biofuels: Release Prevention, Environmental Behavior, and Remediation (2011)   Newly Posted!
This technical/regulatory guidance report was prepared by the Interstate Technology & Regulatory Council. The intended audience is state regulators, potentially responsible parties, stakeholders, and contractors. This guidance was developed using a multimedia evaluation of air, water, and land. The report also provides an overview on biofuels, potential release scenarios, release prevention procedures, information on fate and transport of biofuels into the environment, site characterization concerns including sampling and analytical methods, response strategies including risk assessment, and case studies. The document also addresses stakeholder concerns. Recommendations are also provided on suitable response actions in the event of a biofuel release.
Download (3.51MB/157pp/PDF)

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Bioremediation

Principles and Practices of Enhanced Anaerobic Bioremediation of Chlorinated Solvents (ESTCP and DoD) (2004) Recommended!
This report contains information that can help project managers (1) make more informed decisions about enhanced bioremediation as a remedial alternative, (2) select specific enhanced bioremediation approaches that are suitable for achieving cleanup goals, and (3) track bioremediation cost and performance. Although this process has been shown to enhance the destruction of chlorinated solvents in situ at certain sites, there are conditions that may limit or even preclude its use. The report can help project managers identify conditions under which the technology may not be successfully applied.
Download (6.3MB/167pp/PDF)

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Containment – Barrier Walls

Evaluation of Subsurface Engineered Barriers at Waste Sites (EPA) (1998) Recommended!
The objective of the study discussed in this report was to address the performance of subsurface engineered barriers installed throughout the United States over the previous 20 years to remediate hazardous waste sites and facilities. The study focused on vertical barriers; evaluation of caps was a secondary objective. The overall approach to the study was to assemble existing performance monitoring results from a number of sites and examine those results in light of remedial objectives and factors that may influence barrier performance. The factors considered included barrier design, construction quality assurance and quality control; types of monitoring programs; and operation and maintenance efforts. Although the report was published in 1998, the information it contains is still relevant and useful for construction of subsurface engineered barriers.
Download (1.7MB/148pp/PDF)

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Containment – Caps

Landfill Off-Gas Collection and Treatment Systems (2008)
This U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) engineering and design manual establishes criteria and guidance for landfill off-gas collection and treatment systems. It provides information about the design of systems to monitor, collect, transport, and treat off-gas from municipal, industrial, and hazardous waste landfills. This manual describes various landfill gas (LFG) emission control techniques and presents design procedures relative to each. The following topics are included: reasons for LRG control, theory of LFG emissions, LFG and condensate characteristics, estimation of LFG production, LFG collection and treatment design considerations, operation and maintenance requirements, and regulatory requirements.
Download (2.33MB/110pp/PDF)

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Dense Nonaqueous-Phase Liquids

Strategies for Monitoring the Performance of DNAPL Source Zone Remedies (ITRC) (2004) Recommended!
The purpose of this report is to serve as a tool to educate regulators and stakeholders about performance monitoring of various in situ technologies for treating DNAPLs. The document discusses issues related to DNAPLs, including the challenges of accurately characterizing DNAPL sites, health and safety issues, and regulatory concerns. The document also describes methods for quantifying the performance of a treatment technology and ways to evaluate the efficiency and effectiveness of a remedial action in attaining remediation objectives. Case studies are presented that highlight the various performance assessment approaches used in recent DNAPL source zone treatment projects as well as the remedial goals and objectives, performance monitoring and verification activities, and lessons learned.
Download (2.9MB/205pp/PDF)

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Flushing

Surfactant-Enhanced Aquifer Remediation (SEAR) Implementation Manual (Navy) (2003)
An implementation manual designed to familiarize Remedial Project Managers, engineers, and scientists affiliated with environmental remediation projects on the major tasks and planning parameters involved with implementing an in situ surfactant flood or surfactant-enhanced aquifer remediation (SEAR) project to remove DNAPLs.
Download (1.4MB/54pp/PDF)

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Geostatistical Evaluation

Demonstration and Validation of the Geostatistical Temporal-Spatial Algorithm (GTS) for Optimization of Long-Term Monitoring (LTM) of Groundwater at Military and Government Sites (2010)   Newly Posted!
This cost and performance report was prepared by the Environmental Security Technology Certification Program of the U.S. Department of Defense (DoD). The report reviews the performance of Geostatistical Temporal-Spatial (GTS) groundwater optimization software developed by MacStat Consulting and Science Applications International Corporation (SAIC) for the Air Force Center for Engineering and the Environment (AFCEE). The software was demonstrated at three sites: the Air Force Plant 44 Site in Tucson, Arizona, the Former Nebraska Ordnance Plant Site in Mead, Nebraska, and the Fernald United States Department of Energy Site in Ross, Ohio. The report summarizes the effectiveness of the software as an optimization tool in evaluating spatial and temporal redundancies at the demonstrations sites as well as the software’s ability in providing reproducible results, its effectiveness in flagging anomalous measurements, its ability to identify sampling network inadequacies, and its recommendations on coordinate locations regarding the placement of new wells to fill network inadequacies. The report also includes a description of the technology, identifies how sites were selected for the demonstration, overviews evaluation methods, provides cost assessment methods and results, and presents implementation issues associated with use of the software.
Download (9.74MB/145pp/PDF)

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In Situ Chemical Oxidation

Technical and Regulatory Guidance for In Situ Chemical Oxidation of Contaminated Soil and Groundwater — Second Edition (ITRC) (2005) Recommended!
This document outlines the technical and regulatory requirements associated with in situ chemical oxidation. The primary oxidants addressed are hydrogen peroxide, potassium and sodium permanganate, sodium persulfate, and ozone. The document should prove useful to regulators, stakeholders, consultants, and technology implementers. It is divided into sections that provide a technology overview and discuss its applicability, remedial investigations, safety concerns, regulatory concerns, injection design, monitoring, stakeholder concerns, and case studies.
Download (4.8MB/172pp/PDF)

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In-Well Air Stripping

Groundwater Circulating Well Technology Assessment (ESTCP) (1999)
Survey of groundwater circulating well technology based on demonstrations at a number of federal and public sites. Documents successes and shortcomings of system performance. Assists in developing guidelines for use of technology and makes recommendations for additional data requirements.
Download (7.8MB/87pp/PDF)

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Incineration (on-site)

On-Site Incineration: Overview of Superfund Operating Experience (EPA) (1998)
Summarizes 15 case studies on operating experience for completed projects, provides technology descriptions, and makes general observations based on individual operations.
Download (168KB/37pp/PDF)

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Light Nonaqueous-Phase Liquids (LNAPLs)

Evaluating LNAPL Remedial Technologies for Achieving Project Goals (2009)
This guidance, prepared by the Interstate Technology & Regulatory Council (ITRC), provides a framework to help stakeholders select the best-suited remedial technology for an LNAPL contaminated site based on site-specific conditions and remedial objectives. This guidance discusses regulatory practices which may foster better completion of LNAPL remediation, including developing an adequate LNAPL conceptual site model to guide the setting of LNAPL remedial objectives and to identify LNAPL technologies best suited to achieve those objectives. It details the remedial technology screening process and identifies the minimum data requirements and critical considerations for evaluating an LNAPL remedial technology for site application. In addition, the guidance describes advantages and limitations of seventeen LNAPL remedial technologies ranging from conventional to innovative technologies.
Download (0.98MB/144pp/PDF)

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Mercury

Treatment Technologies For Mercury in Soil, Waste, and Water
This report contains information on the availability, performance, and cost of eight technologies for the treatment of mercury in soil, waste, and water. It describes the theory, design, and operation of the technologies; provides information on commercial availability and use; and includes site-specific data on performance and cost, where available. This information can help managers at sites with mercury-contaminated media and generators of mercury-contaminated waste and wastewater to:

• Identify proven and effective mercury treatment technologies;
• Screen technologies based on application-specific goals, characteristics, and cost; and
• Apply experiences from sites with similar treatment challenges.

The technologies for soil and waste that are included in the report are solidification and stabilization, soil washing and acid extraction, thermal treatment, and vitrification. Technologies for water include precipitation/coprecipitation, adsorption, membrane filtration, and biological treatment. The report also includes information on ongoing research on mercury treatment, including applications using nanotechnology, phytoremediation, air stripping, and in situ thermal desorption.
Download (3.9MB/133pp/PDF)

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Monitored Natural Attenuation

Technical Protocol for Evaluating Natural Attenuation of Chlorinated Solvents in Ground Water (EPA) (1998) Recommended!
This document presents a technical protocol for data collection and analysis to evaluate MNA through biological processes for remediating groundwater contaminated with mixtures of fuels and chlorinated aliphatic hydrocarbons. It identifies parameters that are useful for evaluation of natural attenuation of chlorinated solvents (chlorinated aliphatic hydrocarbons and/or fuel hydrocarbons) and provides recommendations for analyzing and interpreting the data collected during the site characterization process. It also provides suggestions for integrating MNA into a remedial approach, which includes an active remedy.
Download (4.0MB/248pp/PDF)

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Multi-Phase Extraction

Multi-Phase Extraction (USACE) (1999) Recommended!
This engineering manual provides practical guidance for evaluating the feasibility and applicability of MPE for remediation of contaminated soil and groundwater and describes design and operational considerations for MPE systems. The document is primarily intended to present USACE technical policy on the use of the technology and to help prevent incorrect MPE application or MPE use in unfavorable settings.
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Organic and Inorganic Chemical Characterization

Field-portable Gas Chromatograph Mass Spectrometer (GC-MS) Unit for Semi-volatile Compound Analysis in Groundwater (2011)   Newly Posted!
This report was prepared by the Department of Defense (DoD) Environmental Security Technology Certification Program. It describes a demonstration study to evaluate the use of a field-portable gas chromatograph mass spectrometer (GC-MS) unit to analyze semi-volatile compounds in groundwater. Field demonstrations were conducted at two demonstrations sites: (1) Louisiana Army Ammunition Plant (LAAP) in Shreveport, Louisiana; and (2) Milan Army Ammunition Plant (MAAP) in Milan, Tennessee. The primary objective of the study was to demonstrate (1) the use of field analysis for contaminants of concern related to semi-volatile munitions constituents, and (2) the capability of the Griffin 450 GC-MS unit in analyzing semi-volatile compounds in groundwater. At each field demonstration site, groundwater samples were collected using a traditional sampling methodology. Each sample was split into two portions. One portion was analyzed in the field using the Griffin 450 GC-MS unit and the other portion was shipped to a traditional laboratory for High Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC) analysis using U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Method 8330B. Compounds evaluated at each demonstration were nitrobenzene (NB), 1,3-dinitrobenzene (1,3-DNB), 2,4-dinitrotoluene (2,4-DNT), 1,3,5-trinitrobenzene (TNB), 2,4,6-trinitrotoluene (TNT), and hexahydro-1,3,5-trinitro-1,3,5 triazine (RDX). Results of the demonstration indicate that reporting limits met using the Griffin 450 GC-MS unit compare to traditional laboratory analysis. However, some limitations were observed regarding the field-portable instrument’s stability, linear dynamic range, and detection limits compared to traditional fixed-base laboratory analysis. The instrument demonstrated quantitative capability for 1,3-DNB, 2,4-DNT, and TNT but was only suitable for screening purposes for the TNB and RDX compounds. The report includes information regarding contaminant distributions at each demonstration site, test design, performance assessment results, cost assessment results, and issues encountered during implementation of the Griffin 450 GC-MS unit.
Download (1.64MB/152pp/PDF)

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Perchlorate

Remediation Technologies for Perchlorate Contamination in Water and Soil (2008)
This document provides an overview of treatment technologies used to remediate perchlorate from contaminated water and soil. The report provides site evaluation considerations, remedy selection considerations, regulatory considerations and treatment technologies. The report also provides three case studies for the remediation of perchlorate in soil and groundwater using a variety of treatment technologies. Treatment technologies include six physical treatment processes (ion exchange, granular activated carbon, reverse osmosis, nanofiltration/ultrafiltration, electrodialysis, and capacitive deionization); three in situ biological treatment approaches (source zone treatment, plume containment using a biologically reactive barrier, and plume-wide restoration); three ex situ biological treatment systems (fluidized bed reactor, packed-bed reactor and continuously stirred tank reactor); and phytoremediation and phytodegradation. Information regarding the availability, performance, and cost of each technology is also provided.
Download (8.49MB/217pp/PDF)

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Permeable Reactive Barriers

Permeable Reactive Barriers: Lessons Learned/New Directions (ITRC) (2005) Recommended!
This document updates previous guidance issued by the ITRC. The goal for this document was to compile information on PRBs that has been generated over the last 10 years of technology development and research as well as to provide information on non-iron-based reactive media that can be used in PRBs. The document also provides an update on a developing technology related to PRBs in which source zone contamination is treated with iron-based reactive media.
Download (2.1MB/202pp/PDF)

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Persistent Organic Pollutants (POPs)

Reference Guide to Non-Combustion Technologies for Remediation of Persistent Organic Pollutants in Stockpiles and Soil (EPA) (2005)
This report provides a summary of existing and emerging non-combustion technologies for the remediation of persistent organic pollutants (POPs) in stockpiles and soil. The report provides short descriptions of a range of non-combustion technologies and highlights new performance data showing various considerations associated with selecting a non-combustion technology. The report evaluates the technologies based on waste strength treated, ex situ or in situ technology, contaminants treated, cost information when available, pretreatment requirements, power requirements, and configuration needs. Case studies are provided that show the various considerations associated with selecting a non-combustion technology.
Download (2.57MB/70pp/PDF)

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Phytoremediation

Field Demonstration of Rhizosphere-Enhanced Treatment of Organics-Contaminated Soils on Native American Lands with Application to Northern FUD Sites (ESTCP) (2004)
Provides information on the field demonstrations of rhizosphere-enhanced bioremediation of three petroleum, oils, and lubricants sites located in Alaska. The demonstrations evaluated the use of rhizosphere-enhanced bioremediation in northern regions where low temperatures, site inaccessibility, permafrost, and freeze-thaw cycles limit or prevent the cost-effective application of traditional technologies and emerging innovative technologies. Results demonstrated statistically significant plant effects for specific petroleum fractions.
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Pump and Treat

A Systematic Approach for Evaluation of Capture Zones at Pump and Treat Systems
This United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) document describes a systematic approach for performing capture zone analysis associated with ground-water pump and treat (P&T) systems. The scope of this document is limited to evaluating capture in porous media and not necessarily karst or fractured rock settings. When evaluating capture zones, this document is intended to be used as a companion document to Methods for Monitoring Pump-and-Treat Performance (U.S. EPA, 1994). The report presents a systematic approach (six steps) for performing the capture zone evaluation. Used as part of an iterative process of field evaluation, this analysis increases the likelihood of a pumping scenario that achieves successful capture. Hypothetical and actual case studies are provided to illustrate the systematic approach to capture zone analysis, and to highlight some of the details associated with specific techniques for evaluating capture.
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Soil Vapor Extraction (SVE)

Engineering and Design — Soil Vapor Extraction and Bioventing (USACE) (2002) Recommended!
This engineering manual provides practical guidance for design and operation of SVE and bioventing (BV) systems. It addresses all aspects of the engineering of SVE and BV systems, including site characterization, technology selection, bench- and pilot-scale testing, design, installation, operation, and closure.
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Soil Washing

Soil Washing Through Separation/Solubilization: Guide Specification for Construction (USACE) (2004)
This guide specification covers the requirements for removal of heavy metals/inorganics, organics, and radioactive wastes by water-based soil washing.
Download (99KB/35pp/PDF)

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Solidification/Stabilization

Development of Performance Specifications for Solidification/Stabilization (2011)   Newly Posted!
This technical/regulatory guidance report was prepared by the Interstate Technology & Regulatory Council Solidification/Stabilization Team. The document presents guidance on developing performance specifications for the solidification/stabilization treatment including design, implementation, and long-term performance monitoring. Emphasis is placed on evaluating system performance by assessing contaminant leachability over time. The guidance report describes how the document was developed, solidification/stabilization technology, the selection process for determining performance specifications, the process for evaluating material performance goals, and information on treatability tests. The document also includes considerations for implementing long-term monitoring, addressing potential stakeholder concerns, and appendices with additional information and case studies. The guidance report concentrates on the in situ use of inorganic cementitious/pozzolanic reagents that solidify and cure contaminated media on site.
Download (5.47MB/162pp/PDF)

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Thermal Desorption

Technical Requirements for On-Site Low Temperature Thermal Desorption of Solid Media and Low Level Mixed Waste Contaminated with Mercury and/or Hazardous Chlorinated Organics (ITRC) (1998)
Protocol for minimum technical requirements to treat solid media and certain low level radioactive mixed wastes contaminated with mercury and/or hazardous chlorinated organics such as chlorinated solvents, chlorinated pesticides, and PCBs, through the application of thermal desorption technologies.
Download (245KB/68pp/PDF)

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Thermal Treatment (In Situ)

In Situ Thermal Treatment of Chlorinated Solvents: Fundamentals and Field Applications (EPA) (2004) Recommended!
In situ thermal treatment technologies have proven to be effective in remediating source zones contaminated with chlorinated solvents and are increasingly being used for that purpose. This report provides an overview of the principles and science behind the technology; its applicability and general engineering considerations; and applications of the technology through site-specific examples and case studies. Specific technologies addressed include steam-enhanced extraction, electrical resistive heating, and thermal conductive heating.
Download (4.4MB/145pp/PDF)

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UST Sites/Fuel-Contaminated Sites

How to Evaluate Alternative Cleanup Technologies for Underground Storage Tank Sites: A Guide for Corrective Action Plan Reviewers (EPA) (2004) Recommended!
The purpose of this manual is to provide guidance for reviewing corrective action plans that propose alternative cleanup technologies for the remediation of leaking underground storage tank sites. The manual does not advocate the use of one technology over another; rather, it focuses on appropriate technology use with consideration of site-specific conditions and the nature and extent of contamination. A chapter discussing MNA as a technology alternative is included in the manual.
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