International Journal of Soil, Sediment and Water

Removal of Lead from Contaminated Water

Brooks, Robert M. et al. — Wed, 27 Oct 2010 10:08:02 PDT

Over the past 25 years, about 750,000 sites with potential contamination have been reported to federal or state authorities. Heavy metals are the largest class of contaminants and also the most difficult to treat. This work focuses on the removal of lead from aqueous solution.

Lead pollution impacts all the systems of the human body. Many of the methods utilized to remove lead from wastewater have shortcomings. Alkali Ash Material Permeable Reactive Barrier (AAM-PRB) is a newly developed novel material made with fly ash alkali activating solution and filler material (sand and coarse aggregates). AAM-PRB was used to remove lead (Pb) from contaminated water. AAM-PRB materials with high permeability were created. Permeability must be high for a reactive barrier material, in the range of 10-2 cm/sec to 10-1 cm/sec. AAM - PRB from three ash sources with permeability of 10-1 cm/sec were produced and crushed into pellets. Effectiveness of the various barriers was determined by batch and column tests. Laboratory experiments indicate lead ion reduces from 1000 ppm to less than 2 ppm with 10 liters of solution and Lead ion from 10 ppm to less than 0.01 ppm. Analyses were performed by Atomic adsorption techniques.

Soil Reclamation of Abandoned Mine Land by Revegetation: A Review

Sheoran, V. et al. — Thu, 07 Oct 2010 05:02:28 PDT

Mining of mineral resources results in extensive soil damage, altering microbial communities and affecting vegetation leading to destruction of vast amounts of land. Reclamation is the process to restore the ecological integrity of these disturbed mine land areas. It includes the management of all types of physical, chemical and biological disturbances of soils such as soil pH, fertility, microbial community and various soil nutrient cycles that makes the degraded land soil productive. Productivity of soil can be increased by adding various natural amendments such as saw dust, wood residues, sewage sludge, animal manures, as these amendments stimulate the microbial activity which provides the nutrients (N, P) and organic carbon to the soil. The top soil gets seriously damaged during mineral extraction. The consequences of physical disturbance to the top soil during stripping, stockpiling, and reinstatement cause unusually large N transformations and movements with eventually substantial loss. Management of top soil is important for reclamation plan to reduce the N losses and to increase soil nutrients and microbes. Revegetation constitutes the most widely accepted and useful way to reduce erosion and protect soils against degradation during reclamation. Mine restoration efforts have focused on N-fixing species of legumes, grasses, herbs, and trees. Metal tolerant plants can be effective for acidic and heavy metals bearing soils. Reclamation of abandoned mine land is a very complex process. Once the reclamation plan is complete and vegetation has established, the assessment of the reclaimed site is necessary to evaluate the success of reclamation. Evaluation of reclamation success focuses on measuring the occurrence and distribution of soil microflora community which is regulated by interactions between C and nutrient availabilities. Reclamation success also measures the structure and functioning of mycorrhizal symbiosis and various enzymatic activities in soil. This paper includes physical, chemical and biological mine soil properties, their management to make soil productive, top soil management, vegetation of various species and assessment of effectiveness of reclamation.

BIOSCREEN, AT123D and MODFLOW/MT3D a Comprehensive Review of Model Results

Cecan, Liliana et al. — Wed, 29 Sep 2010 12:01:51 PDT

The Domenico equation is commonly used to evaluate long term risks associated with contaminated groundwater. Numerous groundwater models are based on it, including BIOSCREEN and BIOCHLOR. This paper compares the results from BIOSCREEN, AT123D and MODFLOW/MT3D groundwater models. Results from the AT123D and MODFLOW/MT3D models indicate that BIOSCREEN significantly under estimates contaminant mobility and thus exposure risks. This was unexpected as BIOSCREEN results are commonly assumed to be extremely conservative. In fact BIOSCREEN did produce the highest downgradient concentrations; however it took unreasonable long periods of time to achieve them. Such lengthy time periods are not typically evaluated as part of a risk evaluation. Even more surprisingly BIOSCREEN produced the same peak concentration for all contaminants and for all aquifer types tested. Both contaminant concentration and travel times from AT123D and MODFLOW/MT3D models were almost identical. Furthermore these results varied with contaminants and aquifer properties as expected. The influence of biodegradation was also evaluated. Inclusion of conservative biodegradation rates made BIOSCREEN the least conservative model by far. This is because the lengthy travel times produced by BIOSCREEN provide a longer period of time over which biodegradation works.

Comparison of BTEX Attenuation Rates Under Anaerobic Conditions

Bruce, Lyle et al. — Thu, 23 Sep 2010 12:15:22 PDT

Over the last decade data have been published that demonstrate that natural attenuation of hydrocarbons in the subsurface is dominated by anaerobic processes. Some data have indicated that benzene is recalcitrant; some have shown it degrades but at a slower rate than alkyl benzenes (primarily TEX) under anaerobic conditions. Many natural attenuation studies have pointed to the sequential order of attenuation. This paper evaluated data from four sites in the Midwestern U.S. (Illinois, Indiana, Michigan, and Missouri) that explain and contrast existing impressions. Although the actual attenuation rates varied from site to site, primarily dependent upon the relative availability of electron acceptors, data from these sites indicated that attenuation of BTEX compounds under anaerobic conditions is concurrent. The benzene attenuation rate appeared to be a function of the relative abundance of TEX. The ratios of attenuation rates between the compounds, however, appear to be relatively constant within certain brackets. For example, of the BTEX compounds, at the four sites in this study, toluene attenuated at the highest rate followed by benzene which attenuated at average rates between 70 and 80% of toluene, xylenes which attenuated at average rates between 60 and 70% of toluene (which may be dependent upon which xylenes are most abundant), and lastly ethylbenzene which attenuated at average rates 50 to 60% as high as toluene. These were observed at both natural and sulfate-enhanced attenuation sites.

New Field Test for Lead (Pb2+) in Soil

JAUNAKAIS, IVARS et al. — Thu, 02 Sep 2010 08:38:04 PDT

Field tests for the detection of lead in soil are not frequently accepted, since the tests are rather cumbersome or not reliable for screening determinations. Recently, we developed the LEADQuick field test kit for the detection of lead in water with 3 µg/L sensitivity. This test is further modified to detect lead in soil with a sensitivity 0.03 µg. We developed an extraction protocol using nitric acid and potassium nitrate for the extraction of lead from soil. Most of the organic and inorganic compounds of lead are readily extracted as Pb2+ using the developed extraction procedure and are detected using the LEADQuick field test kit. The solubility of the lead salts in the soil is adequate for a quick extraction procedure without any heating. The experimental details, results of the soil testing and interferences are presented. This will demonstrate the potential application of our extraction procedure along with LEADQuick field test kit for soil lead monitoring.

A Parametric Model for Estimating Costs for Remediating Contaminated Sediment Sites Using a Dredging Method - A Budgetary & Planning Tool for Decision-Makers

Rosengard, John et al. — Wed, 01 Sep 2010 10:18:04 PDT

Contaminated sediments, whether in freshwater or marine systems, pose a significant environmental challenge both within the United States and across the globe. When it comes to cost estimating for sediment-related cleanup projects, headline after headline seems to read something like “Cost Estimates Increased for XYZ Project” or “Cost Estimate Rises to $(fill in your own astronomical number way above original estimates).” Why do these calculations remain such a persistent challenge to financial professionals and planners charged with estimating such cleanup efforts? One predominant reason is that estimating the true costs of such projects is tremendously difficult and riddled with high degrees of uncertainty. Simply put, what professionals need is a “better mousetrap.”

To develop a better “mousetrap,” we assessed the current practices employed in developing such estimates. According to the U.S. Department of Defense and U.S. Department of the Army, there are three basic types of cost estimation techniques that are used either individually or in combination - Analogy, Build Up, and Parametric Modeling. Each approach has been used throughout industry with varying degrees of success. However, according to the DoD/DoA, there are currently no real-world examples of parametric models for estimation of sediment treatment project costs.

We have created a viable Parametric Model for assisting managers and decision-makers in developing appropriate cost estimates for the processing and disposal of dredged materials which can be used for planning and budgetary purposes, communicating with appropriate stakeholders, and providing guidance to senior management. This multi-variable financial model enables cost estimates for either a single site or a portfolio of sites [while still allowing for individual site specifications] by providing cumulative costs over the overall remediation time horizon. It allows for “what if” scenarios and provides both numerical and graphical depictions of these aforementioned cost estimates.

Off-Grid Photovoltaic System in a Temperate Climate Greenhouse in Virginia

Mose, Douglas G. et al. — Wed, 18 Aug 2010 05:15:40 PDT

Most buildings require power produced by fossil fuels, the extraction and consumption of which contaminate our environment. The Virginia Center of Basic and Applied Science (CBAS, INC) constructed a building in a remote forested area as a plant and fish nursery (and living space for staff) to be operated by solar electrical power. Comfortable summer interior temperature is facilitated by an open design, 15,000 cubic foot interior, ceiling fans, many large windows and doors, with a large sun-screen eave off the 1000 square foot south-facing roof. Comfortable winter temperature is possible because the building has no tree-shade, thick well-insulated walls and roof, a low number of air changes per hour, and when necessary the surrounding forest provides wood stove heat. The energy challenge of the research was to develop a system facilitating 24-hour and year-round use (primarily for lights, fans, pumps, heaters and staff living requirements) that did not need to be connected to the local electrical utility company. On average, the facility uses 3-4 kilowatt hours per day. The solar power is captured by 8 solar panels which charge a bank of deep-cycle batteries, which in turn generate the power for the facility. The complete system (solar panels, charge controller, batteries, DC-to-AC inverter, 110-to-220 transformer) cost about $10,000, about 5% of the total facility cost.

Database Analysis of State Surface Soil Regulatory Guidance Values

Jennings, Aaron A. et al. — Wed, 11 Aug 2010 08:49:33 PDT

A 2001 study of Cleveland, Ohio brownfield surface soil contamination led to the examination of state regulatory guidance values for soils. Surface soils were of particular interest since these generally pose the greatest risk to human health at brownfield sites. This investigation initially focused on heavy metals, common contaminants at Cleveland brownfields. However, the observation of significant variability in guidance values applied to Cd, Cr, Cu, Pb, Ni, and Zn led to questions about other state-regulated components and ultimately to research examining the origins, magnitudes, and explanations for regulatory guidance value variability. The results presented here are based on the compilation of an 18,776 state surface soil database assembled from regulatory guidance for organic, inorganic, and element contaminants. All values were captured electronically from internet sources. The structure of each guidance value dataset was then standardized in a database-compatible format. Chemical Abstract Service (CAS) registry numbers were added to each record if they were not already provided. Identification of all records by CAS number resolves the problem of chemical synonyms. All value datasets were then assembled into the ACCESS database S3GVD (State Surface Soil Guidance Value Database) Statistical analysis is presented to characterize the nature and extent of variability in state surface soil guidance values. The organics, inorganics, and elements most and least commonly regulated and the range of guidance values are discussed. Log-scale Ordered Column Diagrams (LOCDs) are used to explore the nature of individual chemical guidance value distributions

Characterization of Multiple Chlorinated Solvent Plumes Due to the Impact of TCE Screening Level Reduction

Dickson, James R. et al. — Wed, 21 Jul 2010 12:11:44 PDT

The reduction in the trichloroethylene (TCE) vapor phase screening level by the United States Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA) in 2004 prompted a re-evaluation of groundwater contaminant source areas, transport mechanisms, and commingling of multiple CVOC plumes within a complex river basin at a confidential site in the Midwest. A USEPA Administrative Order on Consent (AOC) dictated that the former owner of the facility investigate and perform residential and commercial vapor phase removal action to achieve compliance with revised indoor air and subslab action levels. The AOC did not differentiate contaminant source areas, transport, or commingled contaminants. In response, a comprehensive re-evaluation of the river basin hydrogeology and groundwater chlorinated volatile organic compound (CVOC) distribution was completed to facilitate demarcation of the AOC vapor phase removal action boundary and to minimize cleanup of contaminants not attributable to the facility. CVOCs, including TCE, are hydrophobic compounds that are heavier than water which tend to persist as residual contamination in aquifer matrix and bleed off slowly over time into the groundwater. In 2007, an integrated investigation and review of remediation reports filed with state regulators, USGS hydrogeologic reports, and historical groundwater elevation data was conducted. The data were evaluated to identify additional CVOC source areas, map known CVOC plumes, establish groundwater flow transport pathways, and determine the potential for commingled CVOC plumes. Understanding the complex groundwater flow regime, strongly influenced by river stages, flood control structures, municipal well field production, and engineered recharge basins, was critical to resolving the migration pathway of multiple CVOC plumes. All data collected was compiled into a series of CVOC overlay maps to provide a working river basin model of CVOC distribution and migration based on groundwater flow. The distribution of CVOC source areas results in numerous instances of CVOCs plumes becoming commingled due to the groundwater flow patterns. As a result, the former owner recommended the reduction of the AOC vapor phase removal action boundary area by over 60%, thus limiting the action area to immediately downgradient of the facility based on groundwater flow while identifying additional potential responsible parties (PRPs) for future cost recovery actions.

Atrazine Biodegradation in a Cisne Soil Exposed to a Major Spill

Shaffer, Elizabeth et al. — Mon, 12 Jul 2010 09:00:58 PDT

Conventional soil tests, culture-based microbial methods, and the novel method of 15N-DNA stable isotope probing (SIP) were employed to illustrate atrazine biodegradation as related to the physiochemical properties of an atrazine-exposed Cisne soil. The soil exhibited enhanced atrazine degradation and apparently accumulated cyanuric acid. The soil showed elevated ambient concentrations of NO3-; however NO3- did not suppress atrazine degradation. Atrazine natural attenuation was limited by incomplete distribution through the unsaturated soil matrix. Approximately four moles of inorganic N derived from atrazine were detected for each mole of atrazine carbon mineralized, indicating that at least 80% of the atrazine N was released (less than 20% assimilated). 15N-DNA- SIP experiments were conducted using15N (ring)- and 15N-ethylamino-atrazine. The results of these experiments failed to establish a causal relationship between in-situ atrazine-degradation and enrichment of DNA associated with soil microorganisms. These results are likely due to isotopic dilution, either as a result of insufficient 15N assimilation or competition by other N sources. Further experiments using 13C-ethyl/isoproylamino-atrazine may yet establish the identities of organisms responsible for enhanced natural attenuation exhibited in the Cisne soil.

An Ecological Risk-Based Cleanup Strategy for Contaminated Sediments in a Freshwater Brook

McArdle, Margaret E. et al. — Mon, 12 Jul 2010 08:57:05 PDT

An ecological risk-based approach was used to define the extent of remediation in a brook adjacent to a former manufacturing and assembly plant. Sediment, soil, and surface water contained concentrations of metals, polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), phthalates, polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), and pesticides above sediment quality benchmarks. Samples of sediment were analyzed for metals, 34 individual PAHs, phthalates, PCBs, pesticides, total organic carbon, black carbon, and sediment toxicity using the 42-day Hyalella azteca toxicity test. In addition, freely dissolved concentrations of PAHs in pore water from a subset of samples were determined using a solid phase microextraction (SPME) technique. Concentrations of freely dissolved PAHs in pore water and bioavailable PAHs in sediment were below levels of concern for aquatic organisms. Further evaluations indicated that lead was the contaminant most closely associated with sediment toxicity. A site-specific sediment cleanup level for lead in sediment was developed to define areas for sediment removal in the brook. Using the site-specific sediment cleanup level for lead resulted in a substantially smaller remediation footprint in the brook (24,434 ft2; 2,270 m2) than that originally proposed (64,799 ft2; 6,020 m2) based on exceedance of sediment quality benchmarks.

Geographic Information System Application to the Problem of Predicting Indoor Radon Concentrations

Mose, Douglas G. et al. — Thu, 01 Jul 2010 05:34:51 PDT

It would be extremely useful to determine if, on a county-size scale, there might be some predictability to indoor radon. One approach is to make an application of GIS and 3D visualization to explore the radon problem in Fairfax County in northern Virginia, to evaluate correlations between indoor radon and geology, elevation, slope, and aeroradioactivity. It was found that there is a tendency for indoor radon to be greater in some parts of Fairfax County in homes on some geological units, in homes constructed on lower slopes, on sites at lower elevations, and in areas of higher aeroradioactivity. However, none of these physical variables exhibits a strong enough control on indoor radon to be used to construct radon potential maps that carry a high confidence of accuracy.

ASSESSMENT OF STREAM FISH MORTALITY FROM SHORT-TERM EXPOSURE TO ILLITE CLAYS USED AS AN IN SITU METHOD FOR REMEDIATING 137CS CONTAMINATED WETLANDS

Koo, Bon-Jun et al. — Thu, 01 Jul 2010 05:34:50 PDT

Due to their physical properties, illite clays can sorb cesium-137 almost irreversibly, and therefore sequester contamination from the environment. However, applying large amounts of clay to natural aquatic habitats for in situ remediation purposes may create conditions of high turbidity and sedimentation. To evaluate potential effects of turbidity from illite application on survivorship of stream fish, yellowfin shiners (Notropis lutipinnis) and tessellated darters (Etheostoma olmstedi) were subjected to treatment with two different types of clay in flow-through simulated stream raceways. Turbidity and fish mortality were subsequently monitored for seven days. At 2-m downstream from the application point, mean turbidity peaked during clay application at 525 and 72 nephelometric turbidity units (NTU) in the air-floated illite and semi-dry illite treatments, respectively. Turbidity returned to levels similar to that of the controls (4-6 NTU) after four hours in the air-floated illite raceways and one hour in the semi-dry illite raceways. Although the majority of the suspended clay was quickly flushed from the system and the remaining settled to the bottom, turbidity did continue to fluctuate because of fish movements and sediment resuspension. Fish mortality did not significantly differ among control and illite treated raceways.

Berry's Creek: A Glance Backward and a Look Forward

Wright, Victoria A. et al. — Thu, 01 Jul 2010 05:34:49 PDT

Berry’s Creek is a tidal tributary in Bergen County, New Jersey between the Hackensack and Passaic Rivers, which extends almost seven miles from its discharge into the Hackensack River upstream towards its origins just south of Teterboro Airport (Figure 1). The approximately 12 square miles of the Berry’s Creek watershed (about 8% of the total Hackensack River watershed) includes numerous marshes, channels, wetlands, and drainage ditches that serve as habitat to hundreds of plant and animal species (USEPA et al., 2005). Widely recognized as one of the keys to the sustained ecological viability of the Meadowlands, Berry’s Creek and its associated canals also hold the distinction of being one of the most contaminated waterways in northeastern U.S (USEPA, 2008a).In 1929 the F.W. Berk Company (later known as the Wood-Ridge Chemical Company) opened its doors as a mercury reclamation and recovery center. This facility would process spent or off-spec fungicides, pesticides, batteries, thermometers, dental amalgams, and other mercury containing wastes and remove or recover the mercury for re-sale or reformulation into new products (USEPA, 2006). By 1974, when operations at its 40-acre site ceased, the plant had changed owners and names several times and some estimates have indicated that up to 270 tons of mercury could have been discharged into portions of Berry’s Creek, but the actual amount of mercury released from point sources on the Creek is unknown (i.e., could be more or less). Based on one study, at its peak operation, between two to four pounds of mercury were being released into Berry’s Creek every day (NJDEP, 1992). Additional investigations are ongoing that will provide further data on the validity of these estimates. In 2005, USEPA completed its Framework Document for Berry’s Creek (USEPA et al., 2005), which attempts to establish the guidelines for the characterization and investigation of the mercury and other heavy metal contamination present in Berry’s Creek sediments. Critical to the success and effectiveness of these upcoming characterization activities is an understanding of not only how the contaminants were released but also the most probable (and implementable) remedial alternatives available for the waterway. Our presentation provides both a historical perspective on the discharges into Berry’s Creek and establishes an ecological framework in which to consider and carryout future cleanup actions.

Dredge Material Stabilization Using the Pozzolanic or Sulfo-Pozzolanic Reaction of Lime By-Products to Make an Engineered Structural Fill

Beeghly, Joel et al. — Fri, 19 Mar 2010 08:28:11 PDT

Large contracts are being awarded to remove and find beneficial uses for dredge spoil. An example is the Delaware Deepening Project which encompasses over 100 miles of the Delaware River. One of the challenges is to find economical and environmentally suitable means to stabilize and solidify (S/S) the solids so they can be reused for structural fill and/or cover soil. This lab study demonstrates the methodology and results of using three sustainable industrial by-products that can compete with Portland cement. They are lime kiln dust (LKD), Class F coal fly ash, and spray dryer ash (SDA). SDA is the residue from spray dryer absorbers, a more common type of advanced sulfur dioxide gas scrubber that uses lime. There are existing spray dryer installations in the Middle Atlantic States and several new units are coming on-line in Massachusetts and New Jersey. These spray dryers could provide an inexpensive S/S additive and an opportunity for CO2 credits.

These industrial by-products were investigated to determine their potential for stabilizing and solidifying the dredge solids from the Cox Creek confined disposal facility (CDF) for Baltimore, MD with the objective of making a structural fill material. Another lab study utilized harbor dredged material from the USCOE Ft. Mifflin Confined Disposal Facility near Philadelphia, PA.

The performance of the spray dryer ash is compared with a blend of LKD and Class F fly ash. Adequate lime alkalinity needs to be added to take advantage of the pozzolanic and sulfo-pozzolanic, cementitious reaction potential. Raising the pH levels to 9-11 for pozzolanic hydration reactivity coincide with pH levels that stabilize leachable heavy metals, including oxyanions. Furthermore, in order to produce structural fill the moisture of the dredge spoil must be reduced as close as possible to the optimum moisture content resulting in compaction at or near maximum dry density. The addition of these by-products will add dry bulk solids and in addition are known to chemically reduce the free moisture through several types of hydration reactions. A “mellowing” period before compaction may help prevent swelling from Ettringite precipitation. Strength measurements with several curing times are presented.

Heavy Metal Characterization and Leachability of

NGUYEN, HUONG Thi Lan et al. — Sun, 07 Feb 2010 09:40:29 PST

Industrial wastewater, including both domestic and production waster, with high organic matter content, discharged into the To Lich and Kim Nguu Rivers has degraded the quality of sediments in the river system. The present study shows that sediments are heavily polluted with heavy metals (220 to 475 mg/kg for Cu, 260 to 665 mg/kg for Pb, 250 to 535 mg/kg for Zn, 2.5 to 40 mg/kg for Cd, 505 to 655 mg/kg for Cr, and 48 to 165 mg/kg for Ni). Total heavy metal concentration in the sediment was correlated with organic matter content for Cu, Pb and Ni while no correlation was found for Cd, Zn and Cr. The heavy metals were bound with sediment particles through phases such as exchangeable, carbonate, oxide, organic matter and residual. The percentage of each phase was different among metal types; the organic matter and the oxide were predominant for the group of Cu, Pb and Ni and the group of Zn and Cd, respectively, and each phase was almost equal for Cr. The EDTA caused high heavy metal leachability compared to water, acetic acid and nitric acid. Average potential leachability decreased in the order: Cd > Ni > Cr > Cu = Zn > Pb.

Determination of Oral or Dermal Benzene Exposure from Contaminated Soils

Abdel-Rahman, Mohamed S. Ph.D. et al. — Sat, 06 Feb 2010 23:46:08 PST

Soil contamination with dangerous, toxic chemicals remains one of the most difficult problems in this era. Health risk assessments often do not consider the amount of chemicals in soil that are absorbed and their disposition (kinetics). The aim of these studies was to compare the extent to which adsorption to either a sand or clay content soil affects the kinetics and manner which benzene is subsequently handled in orally or dermally exposed rats. Dermal exposure increased absorption half-lives (t1/2) by 25, 60 and 44-fold compared with oral exposure to benzene alone, or in the presence of sandy or clay soil, respectively. The elimination t1/2 following dermal versus oral exposure were increased about 2-fold in benzene alone and sandy soil groups, while in the clay soil group the increase was 13-fold. The area under the blood concentration versus time curve (AUC) of benzene in the presence of either soil was increased after oral and decreased after dermal exposure compared with exposure to benzene alone. The urinary recovery, 48 hours following dermal exposure to benzene alone, was 3-fold greater than following oral exposure. Tissue distribution after all oral exposures resulted in the highest concentrations of radioactivity in gastric contents > stomach > fat > duodenum > adrenal. The highest tissue concentrations of radioactivity after dermal exposure to benzene alone were kidney > liver > treated skin; however, after exposure in the presence of either soil the highest tissue concentrations were treated skin > kidney > liver. The results of these studies reveal that the presence of sand or clay content soil produced qualitative and quantitative differences in the disposition of benzene in the body following oral or dermal exposures. These differences will impact the risk assessment of benzene.

AAI Compliant Regulatory Database Searches: Some Are More Equal Than Others

Fullmer, David et al. — Mon, 01 Feb 2010 14:23:01 PST

The 2002 Brownfields Revitalization and Environmental Restoration Act or BRERA curtailed the Federal government’s ability to seek damages and recover costs from property owners under certain sections of CERCLA. These enforcement bars against innocent landowners, contiguous property owners, and prospective purchasers were promulgated to encourage Brownfields redevelopment. However, as a condition of the liability protections offered under BRERA, a prospective purchaser must perform All Appropriate Inquiry (AAI) in accordance with rules developed by USEPA (40CFR Part 312) and commercialized by ASTM in its 1527-05 Standard Practice for Environmental Site Assessments.

A major component of the AAI due diligence process is compliance with 40CFR Part 312.26: Review of Federal, State, Tribal and local government records. EPA requires that a long list of permit records and spill records be examined for the subject parcel and other sites within defined radii. Given the extensive and complex nature of both Federal and state record-keeping systems, a number of data management companies have emerged that specialize in assembling and summarizing publicly available environmental information. Usually combining these records within a GIS format, these companies are able to quickly and cost-effectively provide very useful maps and data tables, often combining them with other required components of Part 312 (aerial photographs, historical topographic maps, etc.).

In order to compare the completeness of these data base searches, we selected a well known Superfund site in the northeastern US and ordered regulatory database searches from three specialty providers: Environmental Data Resources, Inc (EDR); BBL Environmental; and Environmental FirstSearch (FirstSearch, InfoMap). While each company offered a package that claimed to meet 40CFR Part 312.26 requirements, there were some disparities in quality, format and timeliness of deliverables, responsiveness to follow-up questions, and available geographic coverage. Our comparison of each data package is summarized and validated against our own search of the same EPA records. Recommendations are provided for those environmental professionals that frequently depend on data base service companies to help ensure that they are using the most current and reliable information available.

Anthropogenic Influences on Geogenic Trace Elements and Contamination in Wash Sediments from Historical Mining Activities in the Carnation Wash System, Nelson, Nevada (USA)

Sims, Douglas Brian et al. — Mon, 01 Feb 2010 14:20:10 PST

This study examines contamination from abandoned mine mill waste in the sediments of the Carnation Wash system, Nelson, NV. The Carnation Wash was chosen because only one milling site is located near the head of the wash system. This is the only mill facility located within the wash or surrounding area of the wash and therefore, this mill is the primary source for processed mine tailings in the Carnation Wash system. Contaminants from the precious metal extraction process (such as CN- and Hg) are mobile in the aqueous phase, however, geogenic trace elements have been shown to be mobilized as sorbed species on sediment transported by storm-water flow according to enrichment ratio modeling. The geogenic metals Pb, Ag, Cd, and Se, and the metalloid As, are released from native ores by the intensive use of CN- and Hg in the extraction of precious metals. This has resulted in a concentration of geogenic trace elements (Pb, Ag, Cd, Se, and As) in mine wastes that have been transported down gradient as much as 6000m from source areas. Trace elements (Pb, Ag, Cd, Se, and As) in sediments exceeded a threshold enrichment value of 1.5, which differentiates between natural erosion and release of these trace elements, and anthropogenically influenced trace element mobilization and transport in wash sediments.

Comparison of Naphthalene Ambient Air Sampling & Analysis Methods at Former Manufactured Gas Plant (MGP) Remediation Sites

Fortune, Alyson et al. — Mon, 01 Feb 2010 10:02:41 PST

Naphthalene is a contaminant of concern at former Manufactured Gas Plant (MGP) and other property redevelopment sites across the country. A major component of coal tar waste and a possible human carcinogen (EPA Group C), naphthalene is a chemical that may adversely affect human health at remediation sites. Due to its boiling point and vapor pressure, naphthalene can exhibit both volatile and semi-volatile characteristics; therefore the question can arise as to how to properly measure naphthalene in ambient air.

Two commonly applied methods of measuring vapor phase naphthalene include EPA Method TO-15, which utilizes whole air sampling in passivated stainless steel canisters; and EPA Method TO-13A, which utilizes high volume sorbent based sampling with polyurethane foam/XAD resin cartridges. Analytical differences between these two methods will be discussed, keeping reference to naphthalene’s unique chemical & physical properties.

This case study will present weekly data spanning a twelve month period (December 2006 – December 2007) from co-located EPA Method TO-15 and TO-13A ambient air samples at the perimeter of two MGP cleanup remediation sites. Distinct trends are noted and discussed in this paper when comparing the concentration results from the two methods.