The eight short courses listed below will be offered on Tuesday, May 5, before the Symposium begins. Courses are open to both Symposium registrants and nonregistrants. Certificates of completion will be distributed at the conclusion of each class. Go to Registration for information about fees and the cancellation/refund policy, and to register on line or print the registration form. Note: The maximum discount applies to fees paid by January 31. Course registrations will be accepted after March 15 if space is available. Course registration cancellations received by March 5 will be refunded less a $10 service fee. No course refunds will be made after March 5, but paid no-shows will receive all course material. Substitutions will be accepted at any time, preferably with advance notice.
Inquiries about course registration should be addressed to The Conference Group-e-mail: info@confgroupinc.com; telephone: 800-783-6338 (USA and Canada) or 614-488-2030; fax: 614-488-5747.
Tuesday, 8:00 A.M.–Noon.
Building a Better Background Data Set
ITRC Guidance for In Situ Bioremediation of Chlorinated Ethenes: DNAPL Source Zones
Two-Phase Extraction: Innovative Applications with Mul¬tiple Remediation Technologies and Recirculation Cancelled
Utilization of Stable Isotopes in Environmental Forensic Studies with Specific Emphasis on Bioremediation Studies
Tuesday, 1:00–5:00 P.M.
Geochemical Evaluations of Metals in Environmental Media: How to Distinguish Naturally Elevated Concentrations from Site-Related Contamination
Enhanced Attenuation of Chlorinated Organics: A Site Management Tool
Remediation of Organic Contaminants in Groundwater: Creating a Site Conceptual Model That Leads to Informed Remediation Decisions
Bioremediation and Site Management, Environmental Risk Management, and Lessons Learned
Building a Better Background Data Set (Tuesday, 8:00 A.M. – Noon)
Instructors: Karen Thorbjornsen, P.G., and Jonathan Myers, Ph.D. (Shaw Environmental, Inc.)
Objective: Provide practical approaches for establishing background distributions of constituents in soil, sediment, groundwater, and surface water.
Overview: This course presents practical approaches for establishing background distributions of constituents in soil, sediment, groundwater, and surface water. These methods are applicable to naturally occurring elements and radionuclides, as well as anthropogenic compounds such as polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons. The course expands on existing regulatory background guidance by including tools for dealing with real-world (nonideal) analytical data: handling nondetects, evaluating outliers, how and when to combine subgroups of data, and extracting background data from existing data sets when the collection of new samples is not an option. The importance of considering geochemistry is emphasized. Incorporating geochemical evaluations of the data, in addition to the purely statistical methods provided in guidance documents, results in more representative background data sets, provides insight into the processes controlling the concentrations, and enhances their utility in site-to-background comparisons. The concepts are illustrated with case studies from the instructors’ work on more than 40 background studies across the United States and Puerto Rico. Prior knowledge of statistics is not required. The course is recommended for regulatory personnel as well as consultants, site managers, and others with an interest in improving their background studies. Draft course outline:
1. Definitions of “Background”
2. Uses of Background Investigations
3. Use of Local (Site-Specific) vs. Regional Background Data
4. Background Sampling
5. Statistical Data Evaluation
6. Comparing Subgroups to Determine the Appropriateness of Combining Their Data
7. Geochemical Data Evaluation
8. Evaluating the Effects of Organic Contamination on Natural Metals Concentrations
9. Extracting Background Data from Existing Site Data
ITRC Guidance for In Situ Bioremediation of Chlorinated Ethenes: DNAPL Source Zones (Tuesday, 8:00 A.M. – Noon)
Instructors: Larry Syverson (Virginia Department of Environmental Quality)
Wilson Clayton (Aquifer Solutions, Inc.)
Naji Akladiss (Maine Department of Environmental Protection)
David W. Major (Geosyntec Consultants)
Fred Payne (ARCADIS)
Objective: Provide regulators, stakeholders, and practitioners the general steps for assessing, monitoring, and optimizing in situ bioremediation (ISB) treatment of DNAPL source zones. Provide background for the user to understand the key aspects of ISB for treatment of chlorinated ethene DNAPL source zones.
Overview: Treatment of dissolved-phase chlorinated ethenes in groundwater using in situ bioremediation (ISB) is an established technology. However, its use for DNAPL source zones is an emerging application. In June 2008, the Interstate Technology & Regulatory Council (ITRC) released the Technical and Regulatory Guidance document In Situ Bioremediation of Chlorinated Ethene: DNAPL Source Zones (BioDNAPL-3). It provides a systematic understanding of the technical and related regulatory considerations for ISB of chlorinated ethene DNAPL source zones, based on scientifically sound and credible evidence. This course supports the guidance document. In this training, a DNAPL source zone includes the zone that encompasses the entire subsurface volume in which DNAPL is present either at residual saturation or as “pools” that accumulate above confining units. The DNAPL source zone includes regions that have come into contact with DNAPL and may be storing contaminant mass because DNAPL has diffused into the soil matrix. Two goals of any DNAPL source treatment technology are to (1) reduce the mass of contaminants within the source area and (2) prevent migration of contaminants above unacceptable levels. The enhanced ISB technology reduces source mass and controls flux through the enhanced dissolution and desorption of DNAPL constituents into the aqueous phase, and subsequent microbially mediated degradation processes. Although enhanced ISB of DNAPL source zones has been demonstrated in the field at a few chlorinated solvent sites, expectations for rapid depletion of the source zone must be realistic. Draft course outline:
1. What Are BioDNAPL Source Zones?
2. How ISB Works
3. How to Apply ISB
4. Operation and Monitoring
5. Data Evaluation and Optimization of the Treatment
6. How ISB Has Been Used in the Field
Utilization of Stable Isotopes in Environmental Forensic Studies with Specific Emphasis on Bioremediation Studies (Tuesday, 8:00 A.M. – Noon)
Instructor: Paul Philp (University of Oklahoma)
Objective: Provide participants with an understanding of stable isotopes, how they can be applied to a variety of environmental problems (particularly those related to bioremediation studies), the information they provide, and why they work in some cases and not in others.
Overview: Stable carbon and hydrogen isotopes have been used for many decades in the petroleum industry, but the development of combined gas chromatography-isotope ratio mass spectrometry (GCIRMS) has led to a virtual explosion in applications of this technique, not only in petroleum exploration, but also in the environmental and forensic geochemical fields. This workshop will present an introduction to stable isotope geochemistry and discuss applications of stable isotopes to various environmental problems, with specific emphasis on applications directed towards monitoring attenuation of volatile compounds such as PCE, TCE, MTBE, BTEX, ethanol, and other common groundwater contaminants. The first part of the course will discuss the basic concept of stable isotopes, particularly those used in environmental studies such as carbon, hydrogen, chlorine, and, to a lesser extent, sulfur and nitrogen. Topics to be covered include how isotopic signatures are measured; why different compounds have different isotopic signatures; why these isotopic signatures change with attenuation; why the extent of isotopic enrichment varies depending on the process responsible for the attenuation; and how the Rayleigh equation can be utilized. The second part will primarily discuss utilization of isotopic data for the purpose of monitoring bioremediation studies of common groundwater contaminants, such as BTEX, MTBE, chlorinated solvents, and ethanol. Applications where isotopes have been used include enhanced bioremediation, natural attenuation, and abiogenic degradation methods. Additional topics to be covered include isotopic effects expected from physical effects (e.g., volatilization); quantification of the isotopic data to provide an indication of the rate of degradation of the contaminant; and integration of isotopic data into transportation models. However, it is important to note that there are limitations to these applications, with the result that there will be cases where applications are limited. Reasons for this will be discussed in detail. In addition, it is important to examine how isotopic signatures related to source input can be distinguished from those resulting from biodegradation. For the purposes of source discrimination, the isotopic data often are integrated with the more commonly used fingerprinting techniques such as GC and GCMS; some brief examples of these applications will be provided. Draft course outline:
1. Introduction
2. Stable Isotopes 101—methodology; fractionation; Rayleigh equation; bulk isotopes; compound-specific isotope analysis
3. Application to Bioremediation Studies—enhanced bioremediation; natural attenuation; abiogenic degradation
4. Isotopic Effects Resulting from Physical Effects, such as Volatilization and Sorption
5. Quantification of Isotopic Data and Incorporation into Transportation Models
6. Why Isotopes Can Be Used in Bioremediation Studies with Smaller Molecules but Not Larger Molecules
7. Source Signatures—distinguishing from degradation signatures; integration with GC and GCMS data
8. Possible Biofuel Applications
9. Summary
Geochemical Evaluations of Metals in Environmental Media: How to Distinguish Naturally Elevated Concentrations from Site-Related Contamination (Tuesday, 1:00–5:00 P.M.)
Instructors: Jonathan Myers, Ph.D., and Karen Thorbjornsen, P.G. (Shaw Environmental, Inc.)
Objective: Provide practical geochemistry-based approaches for identifying metals contamination in sediment, soil, surface water, and groundwater.
Overview: Do you really have metals contamination at your site? Metals concentrations in environmental media often exceed screening criteria, but they may be naturally elevated rather than the result of contamination. It is well known that trace elements naturally associate with a limited number of minerals in sediment or soil (or with specific suspended particulates in groundwater and surface water) under a given set of environmental conditions. In most oxic soils, for example, arsenic and vanadium are almost exclusively associated with iron oxide minerals at fairly constant ratios. These processes result in positive correlations between specific trace vs. major element concentrations, which can be visualized with scatter plots. Contaminated samples are identified by their anomalously high elemental ratios relative to uncontaminated samples. For groundwater and surface water, additional factors to be considered include pH, redox effects, aqueous complexation, and salinity gradients. Unlike a purely statistical approach, geochemical evaluation (1) greatly reduces the probability of falsely identifying contamination; (2) does not require a statistically valid background data set; (3) identifies contaminated locations, thereby focusing remediation efforts; and (4) provides mechanistic explanations for elevated concentrations. During this course, you’ll learn geochemical evaluation techniques that can be used to distinguish natural metals concentrations from potential contamination using existing data, without performing geochemical modeling or adding significantly to project cost. Insightful case studies are presented from the instructors’ work at hundreds of investigation sites across the U.S. and its territories. The material is presented in an accessible style, and prior knowledge of geochemistry is not required. The course is recommended for regulatory personnel as well as consultants and site managers. Draft course outline:
1. Standard Techniques for Inorganics Data and Limitations of Purely Statistical Approaches
2. Geochemical Mechanisms Controlling Trace Element Concentrations in Solid and Aqueous Media
3. Geochemical Correlation Plots and Elemental Ratio Plots
4. Supporting Lines of Evidence
5. Case Studies of Successful Application of Geochemical Evaluations at a Variety of Government and Commercial Facilities
6. Limitations of Real-World Data (Worst-Case Scenarios)
7. How and When to Apply Geochemical Evaluations
8. Successful Presentation of Geochemical Evaluations to Stakeholders
Enhanced Attenuation of Chlorinated Organics: A Site Management Tool (Tuesday, 1:00–5:00 P.M.)
Instructors: John Doyon (New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection)
Kimberly Wilson (South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control)
Richard Lewis (HSA Engineers and Scientists)
Guy Sewell (East Central University)
Objective: Provide guidance to regulators and the environmental community on transitioning sites contaminated with chlorinated organics from treatment systems that have high energy demands to other, lower-energy remedial alternatives and/or monitored natural attenuation (MNA).
Overview: Remedial alternatives for many sites contaminated with chlorinated organics include high-energy/high intensity treatments. After these high-intensity processes have been in operation for several years, the remedial efficiency of the systems diminishes without remedial objectives being met. More effective remedial alternatives need to be implemented, but there has been a lack of guidance available to regulators and the environmental community on how and when to transition from high-energy systems to other, lower-energy remedial alternatives and/or monitored natural attenuation (MNA). Therefore, in April 2008, the Interstate Technology Regulatory Council (ITRC) developed the Technical and Regulatory Guidance document Enhanced Attenuation: Chlorinated Organics (EACO-1). It includes a decision flowchart to assist in a smooth transition (or a bridge) between aggressive remedial actions and MNA. This “bridge” is enhanced attenuation (EA). The document provides direction to regulators and practitioners on integrating EA into remedial decision-making for a smooth transition between aggressive remediation and monitored natural attenuation. Enhanced attenuation incorporates three important elements: (1) The evaluation of mass loading from a source and attenuation capacity of an aquifer; (2) a decision framework that provides guidance for site decisions; and (3) a “toolbox” of potential EA technologies, known as “enhancements.” These enhancements optimize aquifer conditions such that sustainable treatment is achieved using minimal energy to reduce contaminant loading and/or increase the attenuation capacity of an aquifer. The decision framework describes how to integrate EA into the remedial decision and site management processes. Enhanced attenuation is consistent with the current regulatory environment (e.g., State Dry Cleaner, CERCLA, RCRA, or Brownfields). This new remedial framework and decision process accelerates the national environmental clean-up progress while still providing protection for human health and the environment. Draft course outline:
1. Background Information—chlorinated organics; why EA?
2. EA Concept—integrates source zone treatment and MNA; remedial efficiency
3. Definitions and Application—identification of important points (mass flux)
4. Benefits—facilitates transition; scientific approach; sustainability
5. Decision Flowchart—“backbone” of the processes
6. General Application—demonstration of general principals
7. Case Study—technical demonstration
Remediation of Organic Contaminants in Groundwater: Creating a Conceptual Site Model That Leads to Informed Remediation Decisions (Tuesday, 1:00–5:00 P.M.)
Instructors: Gaylen R. Brubaker, Ph.D., and Nanjun Shetty, P.E. (AECOM)
Objective: Provide information to groundwater scientists and engineers who wish to improve their ability to interpret site characterization data, predict the performance of groundwater remediation alternatives (including natural attenuation and engineered systems), and interpret groundwater remediation trend data.
Overview: The workshop will focus on the investigation and remediation of petroleum hydrocarbons, but also will discuss how these principles apply to sites impacted by chlorinated solvents, coal tars, and other organic contaminants. The presentation will begin with a review of the transport and distribution of NAPL in the subsurface and then will discuss how dissolved-phase constituents interact with NAPL and soil, and how these interactions influence their fate, transport, and remediation in groundwater systems. This will be followed by a discussion of the influences of hydrogeological and microbial processes. The instructors will provide simple equations, discuss screening models, and provide example calculations that can be used to (1) evaluate the internal consistency of a conceptual site model and (2) predict the rate of remediation of standard groundwater remedies. Information will be presented on the types of site data that are the most helpful in developing a conceptual site model for use in selecting and designing groundwater remediation systems. The value of refining the conceptual site model as remediation progresses and making adjustments in response to new information will be discussed. Case studies that illustrate the principals discussed above will be presented. Draft course outline:
1. Introduction to Conceptual Site Models
2. Evaluating NAPL Distribution, Mobility, and Recoverability
3. An Overview of Key Chemical and Physical-Chemical Concepts
4. Key Hydrogeological Concepts
5. Understanding and Enhancing Natural Biodegradation Processes
6. The Fate, Transport, and Remediation of Chlorinated Solvents
Bioremediation and Site Management, Environmental Risk Management, and Lessons Learned (Tuesday, 1:00–5:00 P.M.)
Instructors: Thomas J. Murphy, CIC (Commonwealth Risk Management, Inc.)
Steven C. Sinnenberg, MSES, ARM (Brownfield Solutions, Inc.)
Objective: Provide information about an environmental-risk management protocol to field application practitioners, regulators, and academics who are interested in some of the challenges faced in field bioremediation. Their perspectives can enhance the discussion.
Overview: This course presents information in the form of a case study in site management regarding the implementation of a field remediation program. The environmental-risk management protocol was developed by identifying hazards, defining problems, determining the time value of remediation, assessing risk, reviewing regulatory issues relating to site-specific conditions, determining treatment options, defining and implementing the protocol, troubleshooting, and reviewing lessons learned. The site is a former automobile dealership in Hyattsville, Maryland, 30 miles south of Baltimore. It was chosen as the case study to be used in this course because of the range of problems, site challenges, and intended reuse and because there were significant time constraints. The hydrocarbon contamination included oil/water separators, heating oil tanks, waste oil tanks, hydraulic lift tanks and cylinders, gasoline tanks and various mysterious underground structures; the groundwater table was not heavily contaminated. The development plan for the site is mixed-use retail, entertainment, and dense residential with pocket parks. The course will begin with a review of broad strategies and considerations for successful bioremediation. The instructor will then explain the selected site-specific strategies and what errors were made. The troubleshooting cycle will be discussed in detail, examining each under-performing decision and how resulting situations were rectified. The course will end with a discussion of lessons learned from many sites including an explanation of pitfalls and traps to avoid. Participants will be provided a “how to” manual for managing sites, which includes sections on bioremediation troubleshooting. Draft course outline:
1. General Discussion—bioremediation; site development; regulatory issues; environmental risk management; resulting conflicting goals
2. Site Information—using historical documents, maps, surveys and interviews to locate potentially contaminated volumes; mapping borings to find hidden tanks; reading the terrain for underground structures
3. Time Constraints to Achieve Development Goals—entire project to be completed in 18 months; time required to negotiate Corrective Action Plan at startup and “no further action” documents at the end
4. Statutory Requirements—negotiate acceptable risk
5. Remediation Protocol—in situ and ex situ techniques used in different portions of the site
6. Execute Site Closure Strategy—mainstream techniques; ongoing negotiations with regulators; ongoing cooperation with buyer’s consultants; keeping all parties on focus
7. Troubleshooting—recalcitrant and hidden volumes; competing lab samples and tests; the 230 mg/Kg paradox, changing regulatory goals
8. Lessons Learned