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NRMRL MONTHLY REPORT FOR SEPTEMBER 2003
Stephen G. Schmelling, Division Director
TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE
Kellogg-Deering Wellfield Superfund Site, Region I: On
September 11, 2003, David Burden (GWERD), Noman
Ahsanuzzaman and Rob Earle (Shaw Environmental, Inc.) provided
RPM Terry Connelly with review comments on a revised work plan
for the Kellogg-Deering Wellfield Superfund Site in Norwalk, CT.
It was suggested that additional site-specific input parameters need
to be determined in order to produce acceptable results from the
model, including the saturated hydraulic conductivity of the vadose-
zone soil, soil classification, and water table depth. Also discussed
were sensitivity analyses, soil sampling plan, and the equations used
for defining the mixing of the leaching solution with ground water.
(D. Burden(GWERD)580-436-8606)
Hollingsworth Solderless Terminal Site, Region IV: On August
27, 2003, Scott Huling (GWERD), Bruce Pivetz and Mark Paddack
(Dynamac) provided RPM Galo Jackson with comments on a scope
of work for a remedial design at the Hollingsworth Solderless
Terminal Site in Fort Lauderdale, FL. In general, the scope of work
provided the framework for a more detailed work plan but was
deficient in providing enough detail to describe bench-scale testing
procedures, and contained some methods and materials that are not
recommended. Detailed comments were offered in a number of
areas including study objectives, sample collection, experimental
control, and sample analysis.
(S. Huling(GWERD)580-436-8610)
Chem-Dyne Superfund Site, Region V: On August 28, 2003,
David Jewett (GWERD) and Abu Noman Ahsanuzzaman (Shaw
Environmental, Inc.) participated in technical review discussions on
ground-water flow modeling at the Chem-Dyne Superfund Site in
Hamilton, OH. Also attending were representatives from EPA
Region 5, Ohio EPA, Chem-Dyne Trust, and consultants. The
focus of the meeting was previous comments on the current version
of the numerical flow model and steps required to resolve issues of
concern. In a continuing technical assistance effort at the Chem-
Dyne Superfund Site in Hamilton, OH, David Jewett (GWERD)
provided RPM Lolita Hill and Site Coordinator Matt Justice with
further comments regarding modeling modifications which were
discussed during the August 28, 2003 site visit. The September 11,
2003, comments focused on concerns related to the vertical
movement of ground water and contaminants on and immediately
adjacent to the site. Other issues included the use of additional data,
calibration statistics, and a software package to evaluate uncertainty
in model input and output.
(D. Jewett(GWERD)580-436-8560)
Forest Waste Disposal Superfund Site, Region V: On September
9, 2003, Scott Huling (GWERD), Bruce Pivetz and Mark Paddack
(Dynamac) provided RPM Richard Boice with review comments on
a treatability work plan for the Forest Waste Disposal Superfund
Site in Otisville, MI. In general, the document provided the
framework for a more detailed work plan but did not provide
sufficient details for the proposed bench-scale testing procedures.
Since information about contaminant types and concentrations, site
hydrogeological conditions, or chemical data characterizing the
aquifer material were not included, it was recommended that a more
detailed work plan be prepared prior to the treatability studies being
considered. Detailed suggestions were offered with respect to
sample acquisition, initial site characterization, oxidizing agents
most commonly used, and microcosm tests.
(S. Huling(GWERD)580-436-8610)
BKK Landfill RCRA Site, Region IX: In a continuing technical
assistance effort at the BKK Landfill RCRA Site in West Covina,
CA, Dominic DiGiulio (GWERD) provided Environmental
Scientist John Beach with recommendations concerning sub-slab
vapor sampling, along with a summary of research being conducted
on the subject. The September 10, 2003, response also discussed in
detail sub-slab vapor probe construction and installation, as well as
sub-slab sampling.
(D. DiGiulio(GWERD)580-436-8605)
Region II: On September 30, 2003, Scott Huling (GWERD) and
Bruce Pivetz and Mark Paddack (Dynamac) provided RPM Kevin
Willis with review comments on a document discussing the
acceptability of ground-water samples, containing volatiles, being
collected at depth using a vacuum-pressurized Westbay sampler. It
was suggested that the overall conclusion of the report appeared to
be valid: that there would not be an adverse effect due to the
evacuation of the sample headspace to 0.1 atmosphere. The report
examined several aspects of the issue including headspace volume
and gas solubility.
(S. Huling(GWERD)580-436-8610)
Stanford Chlorine of Delaware Site, Region III: On September
24, 2003, Scott Huling (GWERD) and Bruce Pivetz and Mark
Paddack (Dynamac) provided RPM Hiliary Thornton with technical
review comments on proposed remediation technologies at the
Stanford Chlorine of Delaware Site in New Castle County, DE. In
general, the reviewed information suggested that in-situ chemical
oxidation may serve a useful purpose at this site while providing the
framework for a more detailed bench-scale work plan. Although
Fenton oxidation appeared to be the focus of the proposal,
permanganate oxidation and thermal remediation should also be
considered. It was also suggested that different remedial
technologies to treat different portions of the site may serve a useful
purpose.
(S. Huling(GWERD)580-436-8610)
Spectron Superfund Site, Region III: On September 30, 2003,
Scott Huling (GWERD) and Bruce Pivetz and Mark Paddack
(Dynamac) provided RPM Robert Sanchez with comments
concerning a proposed plan outlining alternatives for the
remediation of chlorinated solvents in soil and ground water at the
Spectron Superfund Site in Elkton, MD. In general, the type,
distribution, and concentation of DNAPLs did not appear to be well
defined. Despite these uncertainties, the in-situ treatment and
reduction of material and mass flux from the source area appeared
feasible although the selection of a treatment technology may be
improved by a better DNAPL delineation. It was recommended that
different in-situ treatment technologies such as a Hydrogen Release
Compound (HRC) or similar technologies conducive to the
biodegradation of chlorinated compounds be evaluated.
(S. Huling(GWERD)580-436-8610)
Sauget Area 1 Superfund Site, Region V: In a continuing
technical assistance effort at the Sauget Area 1 Superfund Site in
Sauget, IL, Steven Acree (GWERD) and Daniel Pope (Dynamac)
provided RPM Nabil Fayoumi with review comments on a DNAPL
characterization and remediation study work plan. The September
29, 2003, comments concerned the relationship between changes in
DNAPL mass and the concentration of contaminants in solution. It
was pointed out that dissolved contaminant concentrations may
reach an upper limit based on the maximum solubility of a pure
product or, for a DNAPL mixture, based on the mole fraction of a
given contaminant. It was recommended that the work plan provide
alternative approaches to estimating DNAPL removal rates and
times of remediation.
(S. Acree(GWERD)580-436-8609)
SCIENTIFIC AND TECHNICAL PUBLICATIONS
Azadpour-Keeley, Ann (GWERD). "Propane Biostimulation
Barrier Demonstrated in MTBE-Contaminated Ground Water."
Technology News and Trends. Issue 8, September 2003.
NRMRL-Ada-03174
(A. Azadpour-Keeley(GWERD)580-436-8890)
http://www.clu-in.org/products/newsltrs/tnandt/
RELEASE OF KEY PRODUCTS
Predicting Attenuation of Viruses During Percolation in Soils: 1. Probabilistic Model., EPA/600/R-02/051a , http://www.epa.gov/ada/publications.html This report presents a probabilistic model for predicting virus attenuation, with Monte Carlo methods used to generate ensemble simulations of virus attenuation due to physical, biological, and chemical factors. The model generates a probability of failure to achieve a chosen degree of attenuation. Data from related studies were tabulated to develop probability density functions for input parameters, and a database of soil hydraulic parameters based on the 12 USDA soil categories was utilized. Regulators can use the model based on limited information such as boring logs, climate data, and soil survey reports for a particular site of interest. The model may be most useful as a tool to aid in siting new septic systems.
Sensitivity analysis indicated the most important main effects on probability of failure to achieve 4-log (99.99%) attenuation in the model were mean logarithm of saturated hydraulic conductivity (+0.105) and the rate of microscopic mass transfer of suspended viruses to the air-water interface (-0.0999), where they are permanently adsorbed and removed from suspension in the model. Using the model, the probability of failure of a 1-meter thick proposed hydrogeologic barrier to achieve a 4-log attenuation was predicted. Assuming a soil water content of 0.3, with the currently available data and the associated uncertainty, the following probabilities of failure were predicted: sand (p = 22/5697), silt loam (p = 6/2000000), and clay (p = 0/9000000).
The model is extensible in the sense that probability density functions of parameters can be modified as future studies refine the uncertainty, and the lightweight object-oriented design of the
computer model (implemented in JavaTM) will facilitate reuse with
modified classes, and implementation in a geographic information
system.
(Bart Faulkner(GWERD)580-436-8530)
Predicting Attenuation of Viruses During Percolation in Soils:
2. User's Guide to the Virulo 1.0 Computer Model, EPA/600/R-02/051b,
http://www.epa.gov/ada/publications.html In the EPA document
Predicting Attenuation of Viruses During Percolation in Soils 1.
Probabilistic Model, the conceptual, theoretical, and mathematical
foundations for a predictive screening model were presented. In this
current volume a User's Guide for the computer model that
implements the probabilistic model is presented. The model is a
predictive screening model called Virulo, so named because of its
use of the Monte Carlo method for predicting virus fate and
transport. This document presents a general overview of the
parameters used and how they can be modified to suit a particular
predictive modeling scenario. In addition, a non-technical overview
of the conceptual modeling approach is given. Some example
applications of Virulo are presented.
(Bart Faulkner(GWERD)580-436-8530)
ONGOING RESEARCH
Long Term Performance of Permeable Reactive Barriers
Project: Cynthia Paul, Mary Sue McNeil, and Chunming Su
traveled to Elizabeth City, NC, to conduct field sampling at the
USCG Support Center September 9-10 as part of the Long Term
Performance of Permeable Reactive Barriers project. The field trip
included monitoring water quality parameters, performing field
chemical analyses, and collecting samples for laboratory analyses
from ten groundwater monitoring wells and approximately 100
multi-level samplers. They were forced to return home a day early
due to the arrival of Hurricane Isabel.
(S. Paul(GWERD) 580-436-8556)
NRCS Process for Developing Comprehensive Nutrient
Management Plans (CNMPs) for CAFOs: Steve Hutchins, Elise
Striz, and Joe Williams (GWERD) met with EPA Region 6 (WQ-
SG) and Natural Resources Conservation (NRCS) personnel in Fort
Worth, TX, during August 19-20, 2003. NRCS has formed a Water
Quality Task Team in response to a request initiated by Nancy
Dorsey (EPA Region 6) for more information and/or research with
respect to the NRCS process for developing Comprehensive
Nutrient Management Plans (CNMPs) for CAFOs. Under the new
CAFO rule, CNMPs will be developed for all CAFOs, and EPA
Region 6 has expressed concerns that the plans may not be
sufficiently protective of ground water impacted by land
application. GWERD personnel presented their research on a site-
specific example of ground-water contamination by nitrates through
land application practices at an Oklahoma swine CAFO, and NRCS
presented the basics of their CNMP process and the differences
between the states in this region. The group collectively agreed that
nitrate contamination of ground water could be a problem if
CNMPs were not properly implemented, and that some additional
guidelines may be necessary for private contractors charged with
developing CNMPs on NRCS guidance. The meeting concluded
with several initiatives including a proposal to formalize an
interagency Land Application Water Quality Task Team
(LAWQTT) consisting of GWERD, EPA Region 6, NRCS, and
Agricultural Research Station personnel; preparation of appropriate
research proposals to evaluate the efficacy of current practices; and,
preparation of an issue paper highlighting the importance and
vulnerability of ground-water issues in relation to CNMPs for land
application. A number of future issues and processes were
discussed and will be addressed by LAWQTT as well.
(S. Hutchins(GWERD)580-436-8563)
Mineral Substances that Enhance Natural Abiotic Attenuation
of Chlorinated Organics in Ground Water is a continuing
research project being conducted by Dr. Don Kampbell and co-
investigators at GWERD. Certain mineral substances in aquifers
with trichloroethene (TCE) plumes are collected from field sites
and, after being identified, have been shown by lab studies to
dechlorinate TCE. Soil microcosm studies with the aquifer
sediments will be used to demonstrate the effectiveness of abiotic
transformation processes. Laboratory studies on geochemical
reaction mechanisms using radio-labeled TCE will supplement the
microcosm studies.
(D. Kampbell(GWERD)580-436-8564)
UPCOMING MEETINGS AND CONFERENCES
GWERD is hosting the ORD Science Council Meeting, October
21-22, 2003, in Ada, OK. Assistant Administrator Paul Gilman
will meet with the council.
(S. Schmelling(GWERD)580-436-8540)
GWERD is hosting the annual ORD QA Community Meeting,
October 21-23, 2003. ORD QA Managers and the Directors of
QA will meet to discuss the status of QA in ORD and ways to
address new QA challenges. Contact Steve Vandegrift,
GWERD's Quality Assurance Manager, for more information.
(S. Vandegrift(GWERD)580-436-8684)
Don Kampbell (GWERD) will attend the upcoming International Petroleum Environmental Conference in Houston, Texas, November 10-14, 2003. He will give a paper on his ecosystem restoration project as follows "Nearby Lake Sediment Quality and Seedling Tree Survival on Eroded Oily Waste/Brine Contaminated Soil". The report will identify toxic heavy metals present in the sediments. Black Locust seedlings planted in plots of the contaminated soil at the field site had a survival rate of 90% while two other plant species only approached a 20% survival rate.
MEETINGS AND CONFERENCES
Elise Striz (GWERD) made a presentation at the 2003 State-County Ground Water Symposium September 25, in Baltimore Maryland. Her presentation was titled "Mine Bank Run-An Intensive Evaluation of Ground Water/Surface Water Interaction and Nitrogen Processing Before and After Stream Restoration."
Bart Faulkner (GWERD) gave a talk on in-house research that involved EPA-ORD and contractors in Ada entitled "One- dimensional Variably Saturated Microbial Transport Simulations" at the US Geological Survey/US Environmental Protection Agency STARS Grant Meeting on Cryptosporidium Removal by Bank Filtration, organized by Office of Water and the National Center for Environmental Research September 9-10, 2003. This presentation covered aspects of developing a computer model and a database of input parameters. Monte Carlo methods were employed to analyze the effects of conceptual models of inactivation rates, physicochemical adsorption, and the air-water interface of unsaturated soils, on total attenuation during gravity drainage.
GWERD staff scientists gave several presentations at the 226th Annual Meeting of the American Chemical Society held in New York City, New York, September 8-11. Richard Wilkin gave an invited talk entitled "Arsenic Uptake Processes in Reducing Environments: Implications for Active Remediation and Natural Attenuation" in a symposium dedicated to recent advancements in research on arsenic behavior in the environment (Advances in Arsenic Research: Integration of Experimental and Observational Studies and Implications for Mitigation). Other presentations in this symposium were given by Chunming Su "Arsenate and Arsenite Sorption and Arsenite Oxidation by Fe(II)-Fe(III) Hydroxycarbonate Green Rust", Joanne Smieja (Preservation of Sulfidic Waters Containing Dissolved As(III)), and Ning Xu (Arsenic Speciation Analysis in Ground Waters by IC-HG-AFS).
INTERNATIONAL TRAVEL/ACTIVITIES
Don Kampbell (GWERD) attended The Asia/Pacific SETAC meeting in Christchurch, New Zealand on September 29 - October 1 where he gave an invited paper on "Remediation of a Major Jet Fuel Spill by Bioslurper and Natural Bioventing Technology on an Island Air Base." After an underground transfer pipeline fracture was discovered and repaired, 140,000 gallons of JP 5 jet fuel were removed by suction hoses. Operation of the bioslurper units on an off/on basis depending on air traffic for six years has removed another 70,000 gallons of fuel. The fuel floating on the water table has dropped from over one foot to a sheen. Water table oscillations due to tidal action and the bioslurper design draw oxygen-rich air into the unsaturated zone to enhance aerobic degradation of the fuel hydrocarbons. Overall, the bioslurping/natural bioventing technique has been both cost and operationally effective, simple, and easy to maintain.
TRAINING
GWERD staff members Kyle Jones, Phil Kaiser, Roger Cosby and Ken Jewell attended an ORD-wide Environmental Management Systems training conference in Las Vegas September 8-9, 2003. The conference was coordinated out of ORMA-HQ as a means to train all the EMS team members from all the ORD facilities on considerations for steps in putting together systems to manage the ORD facilities.
Mary Gonsoulin (GWERD) attended the 25th Annual Training Conference for Blacks in Government (BIG), "Achieving Excellence Through Professional Development," August 25-29, 2003, at the Adam's Mark Hotel in Denver, Colorado. The management and leadership category focused on training that develops the managerial skills, tools, techniques, and practices that every manager or leader needs to be effective in the 21st century.
COMMUNITY OUTREACH
Tour Coordinator Linda Jackson (GWERD) hosted a group of advanced seniors from Byng High School September 10, 2003. The seniors are studying a college level Environmental Science course. After touring some of the research labs, they were given a GIS computer demonstration in reference to the local research field site at Gaar Corner, and then taken to the actual site. After the three- hour tour, the students were so inspired they stopped by Ada's Wintersmith Park to collect samples of water and soil for analysis at school.