United States Office of Research and
Environmental Protection Development
Agency Washington, DC 20460
Office of Solid Waste and
Emergency Response
Washington, DC 20460
EPA/540/R-95/508a
August 1995
Bioremediation in the
Field Search System
(BFSS)
User Documentation
-------
Many people contributed their expertise to the preparation and review
of this software system and documentation. Overall technical guidance
was provided by Fran Kremer of U.S. EPA's National Risk Management
Research Laboratory. The system and documentation were prepared
by Eastern Research Group, Inc. The following people provided
guidance and review:
Judith Sims, Utah State University
Ronald Sims, Utah State University
Dan Cozza, EPA Region 5
Paul Flathman, OHM Remediation Services Corporation
Felix Flechas, EPA Region 8
Michael Forlini, Technology Innovation Office, OSWER
Patrick Haas, U.S. Air Force, AFCEE/ERT
John Kuhns, EPA Region 5
Bill Mahaffey, Pelorus Technology Consultants
Evan Nyer, Geraghty and Miller, Inc.
Mike Stenzel, Michigan Department of Natural Resources
Gary Turner, Technology Innovation Office, OSWER
Appreciation is also expressed to all of those who responded to the
questionnaire and supplied data.
-------
BIOREMEDIATION
Field Initiative
Tie Bioremediation Field Initiative is a co-
Dperative effort of the U.S. EPA's Office
of Research and Development (ORD), Office
of Solid Waste and Emergency Response
(OSWER), and regional offices, and other
federal agencies, state agencies, industry,
and universities to expand the nation's field
experience in bioremediation technologies
for Superfund and other contaminated sites.
The Initiative established the Bioremediation
in the Field Search System (BFSS) to provide
EPA and state project managers, consulting
engineers, and industry personnel with
timely information on new developments in
field applications of bioremediation. Informa-
tion in the database is also reported in EPA's
quarterly Bioremediation in the Field bulletin,
which is published by ORD and OSWER.
The bulletin is a valuable information-sharing
resource for site managers using or consid-
ering the use of bioremediation. To sign up
to receive Bioremediation in the Field, as well
as announcements of updates to BFSS, call
513-569-7562.
Printed on Recycled Paper
-------
NOTICE
The data contained in the Bioremediation in the Field Search System
(BFSS) have been reviewed by the U.S. Environmental Protection
Agency (EPA). EPA, however, must rely on the cooperation of site con-
tacts for data accuracy and completeness. For each site, the individual
who provides the information for BFSS is listed as the primary contact
on site reports and view screens.
-------
Introduction:
THE BIOREMEDIATION IN THE FIELD
SEARCH SYSTEM 7
1.1 Background 8
1.2 Overview of the User Documentation 8
Getting Started:
HOW TO INSTALL AND RUN BFSS 9
2.1 Technical Requirements 10
2.1.1 Hard Disk Space 10
2.1.2 Free RAM 10
2.1.3 Memory Problems and Error Messages 11
2.2. Making a Backup Copy of BFSS 12
2.3 Installing BFSS 12
2.4 Running BFSS 13
HEE
Interacting with BFSS:
HOW TO UNDERSTAND AND CONTROL THE BFSS
USER INTERFACE 15
3.1 Screen Components 16
3.2 System Inputs 16
3.2.1 Selecting Menu Options 16
3.2.2 Executing Command Functions 16
3.3 The On-line Help System 16
-------
Searching for Sites:
HOW TO CONSTRUCT AND PERFORM
A SEARCH 19
4.1 Selecting Search Criteria 20
4.1.1 Constructing a Single-Criterion Search 20
4.1.2 Constructing a Multiple-Criteria Search 20
4.1.3 Clearing Search Criteria 22
4.2 Performing a Search 22
4.3 Example Search 23
FIVE
Accessing Site Information:
HOW TO VIEW ON-SCREEN INFORMATION 25
5.1 Customizing the Qualifying Sites List 26
5.2 Viewing On-screen Information 28
5.2.1 General Site Information 28
5.2.2 Biotreatment Process Information 29
Generating deports:
HOW TO PRINT AND SAVE BFSS SITE
INFORMATION REPORTS 31
6.1 Selecting a Type of Report 32
6.2 Selecting Report Output Options 33
fl
Networking:
HOW TO INSTALL AND RUN BFSS ON A LOCAL AREA
NETWORK (LAN) AS A MULTIUSER SYSTEM 35
A.1 Installing BFSS on a Network Drive 36
A.2 Configuring BFSS as a Multiuser System 36
-------
A.2.1 Setting Up Unique User Identifications 36
A.2.2 Specifying the Directory Path for
User Work Area Directories 37
A.2.3 Specifying Access Parameters for
Instances of File Contention 37
A.3 Common Network Errors and Troubleshooting Tips . . 38
A.3.1 Invalid Name for User Work Area Directory . ... 38
A.3.2 Invalid Directory for User Work Area Directories . 39
A.3.3 Problems Caused by System Crashes or
Power Outages 39
Sample Reports 41
c
Bioremediation in the Field Questionnaire 49
o"
Comment Form 69
-------
-------
Introduction:
THE BIOREMEDIATION
IN THE FIELD SEARCH
SYSTEM
This chapter provides background informa-
tion on the Bioremediation in the Field
Search System (BFSS) and briefly outlines
the contents of the user documentation.
-------
1.1 Background
BFSS is a PC-based software application developed by the U.S. Envi-
ronmental Protection Agency's (EPA's) Bioremediation Field Initiative.
BFSS provides access to a database of information compiled by the In-
itiative on sites where bioremediation is being tested or implemented, or
has been completed. The database currently contains information on
over 400 bioremediation sites—a number that is expected to increase in
subsequent versions of BFSS. For each site, the database contains infor-
mation on the site location; media and contaminants being treated; and
the operation, status, and costs of the treatment technologies being
used.
BFSS allows the user to access information on specific types of biore-
mediation sites, such as those using a particular technology or those
treating a particular type of waste. The user identifies these sites by se-
lecting search criteria from menus provided by BFSS. BFSS then gener-
ates a list of sites that satisfy the selected criteria and allows the user to
view on-screen information about these sites and to print site reports,
which contain detailed information on each site.
1.2 Oven/iew of the User Documentation
This document is designed to provide the user with all the information nec-
essary to operate BFSS. Chapter Two contains technical information re-
lated to installing and running BFSS. Chapter Three provides information
on the BFSS user interface. Chapter Four explains how to specify search
criteria and perform site searches. Chapter Five explains how to view on-
screen site information, and Chapter Six provides guidance on generating
site information reports. Appendix A provides instructions for installing
BFSS on a local area network (LAN) and for configuring the system for
use on a LAN. Appendix B contains samples of the reports that can be
generated by BFSS. Appendix C is a copy of the questionnaire used to so-
licit information for the BFSS database, and Appendix D is a comment
form on which the user can report problems, suggest enhancements, or
provide names of additional sites for inclusion in the database.
-------
Getting Started:
HOW TO INSTALL AND
RUN BFSS
This chapter outlines the technical require-
ments for installing and running BFSS, and
provides instructions for making a backup
copy of the BFSS diskette, using the BFSS
installation program, and running the BFSS
application.
-------
2.1 Technical Requirements
BFSS is designed to be run on IBM PCs or IBM-compatible computers,
286-class or better, with DOS version 3.3 or higher. The following sec-
tions outline BFSS's requirements for hard disk space and random ac-
cess memory (RAM), and explain problems associated with insufficient
memory.
2.1.1 Hard Disk Space
The BFSS data and execution files occupy approximately 5 megabytes
(Mb) of memory. Therefore, to install BFSS on a hard disk drive, a user
must have at least 5 Mb of hard disk space available. To run BFSS
from a hard disk drive, however, a user might need additional hard disk
space to accommodate temporary "swap" files created by BFSS when
running in low-RAM environments. (BFSS uses these files to save por-
tions of the program on the hard disk, freeing up conventional memory
for other parts of the application.) Swap files can occupy as much as
500 Kb of disk space; therefore, a total of about 5.5 Mb of hard disk
space is sufficient to install and run BFSS in almost any PC configura-
tion. Users running BFSS from a LAN drive do not need hard disk
space for the system files, or, if BFSS is configured properly, for the
swap files.
2.1.2 Free BAM
BFSS is designed to be run on machines with at least 640 kilobytes
(Kb) of RAM, of which approximately 500 Kb must be free. Users oper-
ating computers close to this threshold should check the amount of
free memory prior to running BFSS. To run a simple check, type
"CHKDSK" at the DOS prompt. DOS returns several lines of informa-
tion, including a line indicating the number of "bytes free," which is the
amount of free RAM. Some of the free RAM, however, might be unavail-
able to BFSS, depending on the user's system configuration. Certain
parameters specified in the CONFIG.SYS file, such as file buffers and
stacks, reduce the amount of RAM available to applications. (Each file
buffer, for example, consumes about 500 bytes.) Thus, a system could
seem to have more than 500 Kb of free memory but experience mem-
ory problems when running the program because not enough RAM is
available to BFSS.
-------
2.1.3 Memory Problems and Error Messages
When a memory problem occurs, BFSS will usually display an error
message indicating the type of problem being experienced. In most
cases, the problem can be solved by increasing the hard disk space,
conventional memory, or overall RAM available to BFSS. Conventional
memory is the PC's primary 640 Kb of RAM. Any RAM beyond the 640
Kb of conventional memory is used by BFSS if there is an expanded or
extended memory manager installed. BFSS may fail due to shortages
of conventional memory or may fail when the combination of disk
space and expanded/extended RAM are insufficient for temporary
swap files. Additional space often can be created on the hard disk by re-
moving or compressing large files. Available conventional RAM often
can be increased by removing or unloading any terminate-stay-resident
(TSR) files, by reducing the number of file buffers or stacks allocated in
the CONFIG.SYS file, or by loading necessary TSRs or device drivers in
high memory using an expanded or extended memory manager. For
specific guidance on increasing available memory, consult a DOS man-
ual or the manual for your expanded or extended memory manager. In
most cases, a memory shortfall will result in a warning or error mes-
sage, after which BFSS will terminate. In certain cases, however, the
memory shortfall prevents even the error processing, and the system
may lock up and fail to respond to any user input. Table 2-1 lists some
of the most likely error messages, and suggests how to overcome the
problem.
Error or warning message(s)
BASE/5300 Memory low, or
5302 Conventional memory exhausted, or
5304 Conventional memory exhausted, or
5306 Conventional memory exhausted.
Problem:
Insufficient conventional memory
Response
Quit BFSS and try to free up more
of the 640 Kb of conventional
RAM.
5312 Conventional memory exhausted, or
5313 Conventional memory exhausted.
Problem:
BFSS is unable to swap data or
executable segments to/from either the
hard disk or expanded/extended RAM.
Increase either hard disk space or
available extended/expanded
RAM. RAM is preferable for
performance reasons.
-------
BFSS will perform better when more than 500 Kb of memory is avail-
able to the program. This allows the program to keep more data and ex-
ecutable segments in memory rather than on the system's hard disk.
Since memory transactions are dramatically faster than those of hard
disk drives, performance can degrade significantly when BFSS runs in
lower-memory environments. Most PCs are equipped with an indicator
light that flashes when the hard disk is accessed. It is normal for this
light to flash when BFSS is loading program executable segments or da-
tabase information from the disk; however, if the indicator light seems
to flash with almost any BFSS activity, this suggests that BFSS might
be swapping data and code to the hard disk excessively. If this is the
case, and if the system is running too slowly, try making more RAM
available to BFSS.
11 Making a Backup Copy of BFSS
All of the files needed to operate BFSS are contained on one 51/4-in.,
double-sided, high-density, 1.2-Mb diskette, or one 31/2-in., double-
sided, double-density, 720 Kb diskette. Before installing BFSS, make a
backup copy of the BFSS diskette. Any command or utility for copying
diskettes can be used; the following are instructions for using the DOS
command DISKCOPY:
O Insert the BFSS diskette in drive A.
© Type "A:" and press ENTER to ensure that drive A is the cur-
rent drive.
© Type "DISKCOPY" and press ENTER.
O Insert the source and target diskettes in drive A as prompted
by DOS. The original BFSS diskette is the source diskette.
Any diskette of the same size, capacity, and format can be
used as a target diskette. Executing the DISKCOPY com-
mand overwrites all existing files on the target diskette.
2.3 Installing BFSS
The BFSS diskette contains an installation program that expands all of
the BFSS execution and data files and saves them to a directory speci-
fied by the user. This directory will be created if it does not already ex-
ist. If the user does not specify a directory, \BFSS will be used This
directory, hereafter referred to as the BFSS operating directory, can be lo-
cated on a hard disk drive or a LAN drive. (For more information on in-
-------
stalling and running BFSS on a LAN as a multiuser system, see Appen-
dix A.)
To run the BFSS installation program, use the following steps:
O Place the BFSS diskette in drive A.
@ At the DOS prompt, type "A:INSTALL" and press ENTER.
© Follow the instructions on the screen. The installation pro-
gram confirms that the minimum hardware requirements are
met, prompts the user to specify an operating drive and direc-
tory for BFSS, and copies the BFSS data and execution files
from the diskette to the specified directory.
BFSS requires that the number of open files that DOS can access be
greater than or equal to 31. If the FILES= command in the CONFIG.SYS
file is set to less than 31, the installation program saves the original
CONFIG.SYS file as CONFIG.BFS and modifies the CONFIG.SYS file
to allow DOS to access 31 open files.
2.4 Running BFSS
BFSS runs like any other DOS application. To run BFSS, use the
following steps:
O At the DOS prompt, change to the BFSS operating directory.
© Type "BFSS" and press ENTER.
-------
-------
Interacting with BFSS:
HOW TO UNDERSTAND
AND CONTROL THE
BFSS USER INTERFACE
This chapter describes the BFSS user inter-
face, which is the combination of screen
I components and system inputs that allows
I the user to interact with the search system.
This chapter also explains the on-line help
system.
-------
3.1 Screen Components
Each screen in BFSS has several components, including a main win-
dow that displays the primary information on each screen and other
text lines that indicate whether the system is searching for or displaying
information, which menu options and command functions are available,
and what a highlighted menu option will do if selected. Figure 3-1 illus-
trates the screen components and describes their functions.
3.2 System Inputs
BFSS is driven by two types of system inputs: menu options and
command functions.
3.2.1 Selecting Menu Options
The available menu options are displayed in the menu bar above the main
window. To select a menu option, highlight the option and press EN-
TER, press the boldfaced letter in the name of the option (e.g., M for Me-
dia), or align the mouse pointer with the menu option and press the mouse
button. (The last procedure is known as "clicking on" the menu option.)
3.2.2 Executing Command Functions
The available command functions are displayed in the command line at
the bottom of each screen. To execute a BFSS command function,
press the function key for the particular command or click directly on
the command in the command line. Certain functions are available only
when the user is performing a specific task (i.e., searching for or view-
ing information). Table 3-1 describes the BFSS command functions and
indicates when each function is available.
3.3 The On-line Help System
The on-line help system provides a quick way to look up information
about system operation. Help categories replicate sections of the user
documentation, including an introduction to BFSS and guidance on in-
teracting with the system, searching for sites, viewing site information,
and reporting site information. The help system also includes a glos-
sary of bioremediation terms and an option to display the criteria used
to construct a particular search The final help option is a printable com-
-------
ment form, similar to the one at the back of this guide. To access the on-
line help system, press or click on F1 and select a help category from
the pop-up window. To exit the help system, select ESC.
/Menu Bar
Screen Header
/ Bioremediat. ion in the Field Search System: SPECIFY SEARCH CRITERIA
J Mane/I.ocati mi/Lead JJIJJJJ] Status Contaminants Treatment
:c is located in California.
AMD Site inno lues treatment of ground uater.
JMain
Window
Search by media treated
Fl:Help »F1:Search F7:Report F10:Clear CriR;rU Shift FlOiClear All
/ Pi|Uu: Scroll Up PyDn:Scroll Down \ ESC: Ex it
Command Line
Comment Line
Screen header
Menu bar
Main window
Comment line
Command line
Provides a short description of what is being displayed in
the main window, as well as information about the current
search, site, or treatment process (e.g., the source of
information on a particular site).
Presents the available menu options. For information on
selecting menu options, refer to section 3.2.1.
Displays the current search criteria when a search is being
constructed, the qualifying sites list immediately after a
search is performed, and specific site information when
sites are being viewed.
Displays information about a highlighted menu option or
screen area.
Presents available command functions. For information on
executing command functions, refer to section 3.2.2.
-------
Command Function
F1
F4
F5
Help
Search
Customize/Sort
Site List
F7
F10
Report
Clear
SHIFT-F10 Clear All
ENTER Toggle
Checkmark
(/) Select/View
ESC
Done/Exit
i/T or <—/—» Move Cursor
PgUp
PgDn
HOME
END
Scroll Up
Scroll Down
Go to Top
Go to Bottom
Available
When,.
Search! ng/Viewi ng
T
T
T
Description
Activates the on-line help system.
Initiates a specified search.
Retrieves a menu of options for sorting
and viewing the qualifying sites list.
Activates the reports menu for printing
reports or saving reports to a file.
Removes all search criteria from a
highlighted criteria category. Removes
checkmarks from all criteria in a pop-up
list.
Removes all search criteria from the
main window.
Toggles checkmark (/) on and off next
to a highlighted item in a pop-up menu.
Selects a highlighted item from a menu
bar. Menu items also can be selected
by clicking on the option.
Accesses information on a highlighted
site. Information on a specific site also can
be accessed by double clicking on the
site. Advances site view from general site
data to treatment process data, and from
treatment process data to contaminant
data.
Quits current screen or pop-up menu.
Exits BFSS from the criteria categories
menu. ESC also can be selected by
pressing the right-hand mouse button.
Moves highlight cursor between menu
items or sites.
Scrolls main window text to previous page.
Scrolls main window text to next page.
Scrolls main window text to top of first
page.
Scrolls main window text to end of last
page.
-------
Searching for Sites:
HOW TO CONSTRUCT
AND PERFORM A
SEARCH
This chapter explains how to select search
criteria and perform a specified search.
A step-by-step example search is provided.
-------
4.1 Selecting Search Criteria
To retrieve information on sites in the database, the user must specify
the type of sites in which he or she is interested. This process, hereaf-
ter referred to as constructing a search, involves selecting search crite-
ria from lists of criteria provided by BFSS. A search may have a single
criterion or a combination of criteria. The criteria selected limit the num-
ber of sites retrieved by a particular search. A search with no specified
criteria retrieves a list of all sites in the database.
When selecting search criteria, bear in mind that bioremediation site
data are collected via a questionnaire distributed to site contacts, and
information is therefore provided with a range of specificity and com-
pleteness. For this reason, it is best to include a search that specifies
the broadest applicable criteria in any investigation. The more restrictive
the search, the greater the likelihood that sites of interest do not qualify.
For example, a user might search for sites where PAHs are treated in
sandy soil; however, sites for which the contact did not provide soil tex-
ture information still may be of interest.
Figure 4-1 shows the user interface displayed when a site search is be-
ing constructed. The menu bar provides access to specific search crite-
ria, which are arranged hierarchically under the five menu options
described in Table 4-1.
4.1.1 Constructing a Single-Criterion Search
To construct a single-criterion search, select a criteria category from the
menu bar and follow the guidance provided by pop-up windows to se-
lect a specific criterion. After selecting a criterion, select ESC to return
to the main window, which displays text describing the selected crite-
rion.
4.1.2 Constructing a Multiple-Criteria Search
To construct a search consisting of more than one criterion, simply re-
peat the procedure for selecting a single criterion as many times as nec-
essary. Multiple search criteria are combined by the logical operators
AND and OR. A search defined by criterion 1 AND criterion 2 retrieves
only sites that satisfy both criteria. A search defined by criterion 1 OR
criterion 2 retrieves all sites that satisfy either criterion. After multiple cri-
teria are selected, the main window displays the criteria and their logi-
cal combination.
-------
Biorenediation in the Field Search System: SPECIFY SEARCH CRITERIA
J Name/Locat ion/Lead
Status Contaminants Treatment
Site is located in U.S. EPft Region 1 or U.S. EPA Region 2 or U.S. EPA
Region 3.
AMD Site inuolues treatment of ground water.
Search by media treated
Fl:Help F4:Search F7:Report FlOrClear Criteria Shift F10:Clear fill
PoUn:Scroll Up PgDn:Scroll Down ESC:Ex it
BFSS allows logical operators to be selected between some criteria
and automatically inserts logical operators between other criteria.
BFSS uses the following rules to insert logical operators:
• AND is inserted between criteria from different criteria catego-
ries (e.g., criteria from Name/Location/Lead and criteria from
Treatment).
• AND is inserted between criteria related to the general nature
of a treatment process (i.e., whether it is ex situ, in situ, aero-
bic, or anaerobic, and whether it involves indigenous or exoge-
nous organisms).
• OR is inserted between criteria related to site location; site
lead; soil and sediment classification; status of laboratory-, pi-
lot-, or full-scale activities; and specific in situ and ex situ treat-
ment technologies.
These rules are designed to preclude search expressions that are logi-
cally impossible (e.g., site is located in EPA Region 1 AND EPA Region
2), too exclusive (e.g., site involves treatment of soil classified as silt
AND clay), not exclusive at all (e.g., site is using a treatment that in-
volves an ex situ OR an in situ process), or easily replicated by perform-
ing two independent searches (e.g., site is located in EPA Region 1 OR
site involves treatment of vadose soil).
-------
4.1.3 Clearing Search Criteria
To clear all criteria from the main window, move to the main search cri-
teria menu bar and select SHIFT-F10. To clear all criteria in a specific
category, highlight the category and select F10. To clear the specific cri-
teria within a subcategory, move to the appropriate menu (or submenu)
and select F10.
4.2 Performing a Search
After selecting the desired search criteria, press or click on F4 to per-
form the search. BFSS compares the selected criteria with the charac-
teristics of each site in the database and generates a list of qualifying sites.
If no sites satisfy the criteria, the system suggests that less-exclusive
search criteria be selected. BFSS maintains the most recent search un-
til it is replaced with a new search, even if the user exits BFSS and
turns off the computer.
Menu Option
Name/
Location/Lead
Media
Status
Contaminants
Treatment
Description
Retrieves a submenu that can be used to (1) specify the
whole name or a key word in the name of a site, (2) designate
a site location by U.S. state or EPA region, or international
province or territory, or (3) specify the lead authority under
which remediation is taking place.
Retrieves a submenu of specific media, including air, soil,
sediment, sludge, and water.
Retrieves a list of criteria related to the status of remedial
activities, i.e., whether site remediation is at laboratory, pilot, or
full scale.
Retrieves a submenu that provides access to (1) a list of
predominant types of contamination, such as wood
preserving wastes, or (2) a list of contaminant categories, such
as PAHs, or (3) a list of specific contaminants, such as PCP.
Certain contaminants on this list are grouped and indented.
Selecting a contaminant with others indented beneath it is
equivalent to selecting all of the indented contaminants.
Retrieves a submenu of types of treatment, including ex situ
and in situ processes, which provides access to lists of
specific technologies.
-------
4.3 Example Search
The following example illustrates the steps involved in constructing and
performing a search. In this example, the goal is to find all sites in EPA
Regions 1, 2, or 3.
O Select Name/Location/Lead from the search menu.
The following pop-up window appears:
Biorenediation in the Field Search System: SPECIFY SEftRCH CRITERIA
Mame/Location/Lead Media Status Contaminants Treatnent
NAME/LOCATIOM/LEAD
Checkmark (J) indicates actiue criteria
Mane
Location
U.S. regioTi(s), state(s), or territoryts)!
International prooince(s) or territorytsJ
Press Enter to specify site location by regionCs), state(s), or territory(s)
Fl.Heln F10:Clear Criteria ESC:Done
-------
© Select Location from this menu. Another pop-up window ap-
pears. Move to the appropriate choices and press ENTER or
the mouse button to place a checkmark next to each desired
region, as shown below.
Biorenediation in the Field Search System: SPECIFV SEARCH CRITERIA
Mane/Location
U.S. - EPA Regions, states, and territories
Type first letter of state, prouinee, or
territory for quick access.
MAME/LOCATIOM/L
J U.S. EPA Region 1
Checkmark CJJ i J U.S. EPA Region 2
4 U.S. EPA Region 3
Mane
Location U.S. EPA "Region" 5
U.S. reg U.S. EPA Region 6
Internal U.S. EPA Region 7
Lead U.S. EPA Region 8
U.S. EPA Region 9
U.S. EPA Region 10
Alabama
Alaska
Treatment
oue using: T:Up i:Doun PgUp:PageUp PgDn:PageDoun Hone:GoTop End:GoBotton
Enter:Toqnle Select Fl:Help F10:Clear All ESC:Done
© Select ESC two times to page back through the pop-up
menus to the main menu, where the search expression "Site
is located in EPA Region 1 or EPA Region 2 or EPA Region
3" is exhibited. Paging back through, note that a checkmark
now appears next to the active criterion in the Name/Loca-
tion/Lead and the main search menus.
O To perform the search, press or click on F4. BFSS retrieves
sites located in the three specified regions.
-------
Accessing Site Information:
HOW TO VIEW
ON-SCREEN
INFORMATION
This chapter explains how to customize the
qualifying sites list and view on-screen site
information.
-------
5.1 Customizing the Qualifying Sites List
Figure 5-1 shows the user interface immediately after a search is per-
formed. The main window presents a list of qualifying sites. The screen
header displays the number of sites satisfying the search criteria. If
more than 15 sites are retrieved by a search, the list must be scrolled to
view additional sites using PgUp and PgDn.
Biorenediation in the Field Search System: UIEU QUALIFYING SITES
Sites satisfying the search criteria: 26 of 164 (15.9X)
Sorted by lead or regulatory authority
LOC |SITE MAME
LEAD OR
REGULi
ATOHY AUTHORITY
9 CA Hoppers Company, Inc.
9 CA Hontrose Chemical Corporation of Cal
9 CA Hamburg Ranch
9 CA Harmon Field
9 CA Hercules Incorporated
9 CA Moore Auiation
9 CA Solvent Seruice
9 CA Southern Pacific Transportation Comp
9 CA Grouers Air Seruice
9 CA Marine Corps Air/Ground Combat Cente
9 CA Beale Air Force Base
9 CA Naval Ueapons Station—Seal Beach
9 CA BKK Landfill
9 CA SEGS Solar Project
CERCLA enforcement lead
CERCLA enforcement lead
CERCLA state lead
CERCLA state lead
CERCLA state lead
CERCLA state lead
CERCLA state lead
CERCLA state lead
CRUQCB Lead
DOD section of Superfund: Defense
Federal facility
Federal facility (state priority 1
RCRA lead (federal)
State Lead
,oue using: t:0p i:Doun PgUp:Pagel)p PgDn:PageDown Home:GoTop End:GoBottom
Fl:Help ENTER:Uieu Site F5:Customize/Sort List F7:Report ESC:Done
The qualifying sites list has three columns. The first column displays
the site location (U.S. EPA region and state or country, if the site is a
non-U.S. site), and the second column displays the name of each site.
The first time a new user performs a search, the third column displays
the category of organizational affiliation for each site's primary contact.
The third column can be modified, however, to display various blocks
of information about each site, including each site's regulatory lead;
predominant types of contamination at the site; or laboratory-, pilot-,
or full-scale status. The list also can be sorted based on any of these
variables.
-------
Menu Option
Lead or regulatory authority
Predominant contaminant
Primary contact affiliation
Status of treatment operations
Description
Displays the lead or regulatory authority
under which site cleanup or investigation
is taking place (e.g., CERCLA, RCRA,
TSCA, or UST lead).
Displays the predominant type of
contaminant at the site, as characterized
by the site contact (e.g., pesticides,
petroleum, solvents, or wood preserving
wastes).
Displays the organizational affiliation of
the primary contact (e.g., federal agency,
state agency, municipal agency, industry,
contractor/engineering firm, or
technology vendor).
Displays the status of treatment
operations (e.g., operational at full-scale,
completed at pilot-scale, or planning lab-
scale). If a site has more than one
biotreatment process, the most
advanced treatment status is displayed.
To customize the qualifying sites list, press or click on F5. Selecting F5
retrieves a pop-up menu of options for information to be displayed in
the third column (see Table 5-1), as well an option to sort sites based
on information in the third column, location, or site name. If the list is
sorted based on third-column information, sites are grouped with oth-
ers having the same lead, predominant contaminant, contact affiliation,
or status. These groups are sorted in alphabetical order for all variables
except site status.
Groups sorted based on site status are in descending order by stage of
treatment operations (e.g., sites completed at full scale appear before sites
operational at full scale, sites operational at full scale appear before sites
completed at pilot scale). Within each group, sites are sorted based on
site location—in ascending numerical order by EPA region and ascending
alphabetical order by state within each region.
Once a third-column option and sort order are selected, BFSS uses
these parameters to customize all subsequent qualifying sites lists until
a new third-column option and sort order are specified.
-------
5.2 Viewing On-screen Information
To view detailed information about a site, highlight the site in the qualify-
ing sites list and select ENTER or double click on the site. BFSS provides
two types of site information: (1) general site information and (2)
biotreatment process information.
5.2.1 General Site Information
Figure 5-2 shows the user interface immediately after a specific site is
selected. The screen header displays the name and location of the se-
lected site. The main window contains general site information, includ-
ing the site lead; names, phone numbers, addresses, and affiliations of
site contacts; and a short description of the site. Depending on the
amount of information available for a particular site, this information
might need to be scrolled using PgUp and PgDn. Select ESC to return
to the qualifying sites list.
Bioremediation in the Field Search System: UIEU SITE INFORMATION
Moore filiation
EPA Region 3, Calusa, CA
United States
CFirst entered 05/01/92)
(Last updated 06/07/91)
SITE LEAD: CERCLA State Lead
PREDOMINANT CONTAMINANTCS): pesticides/herbicides
FACILITY Dn SITE DESCRIPTION: Commercial pesticide applicator site, air
strip.
PRIMARY SITE CONTACT:
Christine Holm
CA Regional Water Quality Control Board
3443 Routier Road
Sacramento, CA 95827
Phone: (916)255-3103
Fax: not supplied
AFFILIATION:
State (or prouincial)
organization
T:Up l:Doun PgUp:Scroll Up PgDn:Scroll Doun Hone:Top End:Bottom
Enter:Biotreatnent Information Fl:Heln F7:ReDort ESC:Done
-------
5.2.2 Biotreatment Process Information
To access information about the operation and performance of the
biotreatment processes being used or considered for use at the site,
press or click on ENTER, If the selected site has more than one biotreat-
ment process, selecting ENTER retrieves a pop-up window providing ac-
cess to a summary of each biotreatment process. Use the PgUp and
PgDn keys to display each site's process summaries. The window will
display all biotreatment processes, regardless of whether they satisfy
the search criteria. However, processes satisfying search criteria are indi-
cated by the phrase "satisfies search criteria" in the upper right corner
of the window. To select a particular process to view in greater detail,
press or click on ENTER when you are viewing the summary of interest.
After a process is selected, the main window displays general informa-
tion about the process. This information includes media and contami-
nants undergoing treatment with the process, contaminants present at
the site that are not undergoing bioremediation, costs associated with
the use or testing of the process, the volume of media being treated by
the process, and any additional comments about the process. Depend-
ing on the amount of information available for a particular process, this
information might need to be scrolled using PgUp and PgDn. Select
ESC to return to the general site information screen.
Additional performance data are available for each contaminant being
treated or considered for treatment by the biotreatment process, includ-
ing data on the maximum original concentration, target cleanup level,
and lowest concentration achieved for each contaminant. To access
this information, press or click on ENTER. Contaminant information is
sorted alphabetically by media and contaminant name. Selecting EN-
TER brings up information about the first contaminant. Use PgDn to
view information on all of the contaminants being treated or considered
for treatment by the biotreatment process. Select ESC to return to the
biotreatment process information screen.
-------
-------
Generating Reports:
HOW TO PRINT AND
SAVE BFSS SITE
INFORMATION REPORTS
This chapter explains how to generate
reports of information contained in BFSS.
-------
6.1 Selecting a Type of Report
BFSS produces three types of reports: (1) site reports, (2) search crite-
ria, and (3) qualifying sites lists. Appendix B contains samples of each
of these types of reports.
Selecting F7 retrieves a menu of report options. Certain options may
not be available, depending on whether the user is (1) constructing a
search, (2) viewing the qualifying sites list, or (3) viewing information
about a particular site. Table 6-1 describes the three types of reports
generated by BFSS and indicates when each option is available.
Selecting the Site Report menu option while viewing the qualifying sites
list brings up a second menu. This menu allows the report to be gener-
ated for a highlighted site or for all qualifying sites, as outlined in Table 6-2.
Menu Option
Site report
Search criteria
Available..
When viewing
qualifying
sites list or site
information
At anytime
Qualifying sites list Only when viewing
qualifying sites list
Description
Provides complete records of site
information, including lists of site
contacts, general site information,
and detailed biotreatment process
information.
Lists the criteria used to construct
the current search.
Identifies the number of sites
satisfying the search criteria; lists
the search criteria; and lists the
qualifying sites, including the
region, state, city, site name, and
primary contact name and phone
number for each site.
-------
Menu Option
i/ - &,~> *U*s ;*, , '
Current site only
All qualifying sites
Description
Produces a report for the site highlighted
on the qualifying sites list or the site
currently being viewed.
Produces reports for all qualifying sites.
6.2 Selecting Report Output Options
Selecting a type of report brings up a menu that allows reports to be
output to a file, the current printer, or another printer. The options con-
tained in this menu are outlined in Table 6-3.
Selecting the Choose Another Printer option retrieves a list of over 900
available printers. If a desired printer is not on this list, try selecting an-
other printer made by the same manufacturer. If no printers on the list
are made by the same manufacturer, consult a printer manual to deter-
mine whether the printer can be reconfigured to emulate a printer
made by a major manufacturer, such as EPSON, Hewlett-Packard, or
IBM. Reconfigure the printer accordingly, and select a corresponding
printer from the list of available printers.
BFSS assumes that each user's printer is attached to LPT1. The DOS
MODE command must be used to specify an alternative printer port.
For instructions on how to use this command, consult a DOS manual.
-------
Menu Option
Output to file
Output to current printer
Choose another printer
Description
Saves the report to an ASCII DOS file
with a ".PRN" file extension in the BFSS
operating directory. If you are running
BFSS as a multiuser system on a
network, report files will be located in
your work area directory as identified by
the value of the DOS environment
variable BFSSUSER.
Prints hard copy of the current report.
Before selecting this option, make sure
the printer is on, ready, and matches the
printer selected for BFSS.
Presents a pop-up menu of available
printers. Highlight the appropriate printer
and press ENTER or click on the desired
printer.
-------
HOW TO INSTALL AND
RUN BFSS ON A LOCAL
AREA NETWORK
(LAN) AS A MULTIUSER
SYSTEM
This appendix provides instructions for in-
stalling BFSS on a network drive and config-
uring BFSS for operation as a multiuser
system. These instructions are intended for
the individual responsible for overseeing op-
eration of the LAN, not for system users. Indi-
vidual users should never modify the BFSS
configuration file, which affects the operation of
BFSS for all users.
-------
A.1 Installing BFSS on a Network Drive
The procedure for installing BFSS on a network drive in a multiuser en-
vironment is the same as that for installing the system on a local hard
drive. During the installation routine, select a network drive and direc-
tory path for system files in lieu of a local hard drive. Make sure that all
users have rights to read, write, and modify files in the BFSS operating di-
rectory.
A.2 Configuring BFSS as a Multiuser System
Three variables in the BFSS configuration file, BFSS.CFG, are critical to
setting up BFSS as a multiuser system. The first variable defines a
unique network identity for each BFSS user, the second variable identi-
fies a directory path in which BFSS creates user-specific work area di-
rectories, and the third variable specifies the length of time BFSS
attempts to access locked data files during instances of network file
contention. Any DOS program editor can be used to change these vari-
ables in the BFSS configuration file. As a precaution, make a copy of
the existing BFSS.CFG file before making any changes.
A.2.1 Setting Up Unique BFSS User Identifications
In a multiuser environment, each BFSS user must have a unique iden-
tity. BFSS takes the identity of each user from the value of a particular
DOS environment variable. Most LANs already have a variable for which
each value is a unique user identity, such as a login name. This variable
can be used by BFSS, provided that all values of the variable constitute
valid DOS directory names. This means values of the variable must con-
tain no more than eight characters; contain only acceptable filename
characters, such as alphanumerics or underscores (_), carets (A), dollar
signs ($), tildes (~),exclamation points (!), number signs (#), percent signs
(%), ampersands (&), hyphens (-), braces ({}), and parentheses (); and
contain no spaces ( ), periods (.), commas (,), or backslashes (\).
The default network identity variable is BFSSUSER. To specify an alter-
native variable, type the name of the variable on the appropriate line in
the BFSS configuration file. If there is no suitable preexisting variable de-
fining a unique identity for each user, values of BFSSUSER can be as-
signed in each user's AUTOEXEC.BAT file or in any network login or
initialization batch routine executed by every user prior to accessing
BFSS. The DOS command to set the environment variable is
-------
BFSSUSER= where is an actual unique user iden-
tification (for example: BFSSUSER=USER0001). Keep in mind that
must meet the aforementioned DOS directory name criteria.
To check the environment variable, type "SET" at the DOS command
line. One line in the output returned by the SET command shows
BFSSUSER-. If the environment variable is not displayed as expected,
the user might not have enough DOS environment space allocated in
his or her CONFIG.SYS file. Consult a DOS manual for further instruc-
tions on setting environment variables and allocating environment
space.
A.2.2 Specifying the Directory Path for User Work Area Directories
BFSS creates directories for work area files for each user of BFSS, total-
ling about 130 Kb per user. The first time a new user runs BFSS, the fol-
lowing files are copied to the user's work area directory:
CHOICES.DBF, CHOICES.NTX, CHOINAME.NTX, CONTAMS.DBF,
CONTAMS.NTX, CONTNAME.NTX, CONTCHCK.NTX, SEARCHRDBF,
MEMOBANK.DBF, MEMOBANK.DBT, and DFLT_PRN.MEM.
BFSS uses these files to store information about searches constructed
by each user and each user's desired printer for output of BFSS
printed reports. In addition, when a user saves a BFSS site report as an
ASCII file, the file is saved in the user's work area directory with the file-
name extension "PRN".
The default directory path for the work area file directories is the BFSS
operating directory (i e., the directory to which BFSS originally was in-
stalled). To specify an alternative directory, type the directory path on
the appropriate line in the BFSS configuration file. This can be a direc-
tory on a network "home" drive or a local hard disk drive, in which case
each user's work area files would be saved on his or her individual
home or hard drive. Again, make sure that every user has rights to read,
write, and modify files in his or her work area directory.
A.2.3 Specifying Access Parameters for Instances of File Contention
Certain searches require that the searching user be granted exclusive
access to data files for a brief period (approximately 5 to 30 seconds on
386-class PCs and 30 to 90 seconds on most 286- or AT-class PCs).
When a user performs an exclusive-access search, BFSS locks the data
files and records the user's identification variable in SEARCHER.MEM, a
file in the BFSS operating directory. When the search is complete, the
data files are unlocked and SEARCHER.MEM is cleared. In a multiuser
-------
environment, file locking can lead to instances of file contention. If two
users attempt to perform a search requiring exclusive access to search
files at the same time, one user must wait for the data files to be un-
locked, and BFSS provides the following message:
Another user ( for user work area.
Environment variable BFSSUSER might not
identify a DOS directory.
-------
Please assign a valid DOS directory name to
-------
-------
CD
=c
CD
CO
-------
Bioremediation in the Field Search System
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
Moore Aviation, SUPPLIED BY STATE (OR PROVINCIAL)
EPA Region 9, Colusa, CA
United States
Date: 06/14/95
Time: 10:56 am
(First entered 05/01/92)
(Last updated 06/07/94)
SITE LEAD: CERCLA State Lead
PREDOMINANT CONTAMINANT(S): pesticides/herbicides
FACILITY OR SITE DESCRIPTION: Commercial pesticide applicator site, air
strip.
PRIMARY SITE CONTACT:
Christine Holm
CA Regional Water Quality Control Board
3443 Routier Road
Sacramento, CA 95827
Phone: (916)255-3103
Fax: not supplied
E-Mail: not supplied
ADDITIONAL SITE CONTACT:
Bruce Locken
Western Environmental Science and
Technology
1046 Olive Drive, No. 3
AFFILIATION:
State (or provincial)
organization
AFFILIATION:
Contractor/engineering
firm
Site Report
-------
Davis, CA 95616
Phone: (916)753-9500
Fax: not supplied
E-Mail: not supplied
BIOTREATMENT PROCESS 1 OP 1
STATUS:
Full-scale bioremediation has been underway since 09/91.
Laboratory-scale studies were completed 01/90.
Pilot-scale studies have been completed.
Total expected cost: $35K.
PROBLEMS, OBSTACLES, OR OTHER SIGNIFICANT INFORMATION
ON THE STATUS OF BIOREMEDIATION: There are some problems with
QA/QC on analyses; two independent labs are giving conflicting
results. Endosulfans have been particularly recalcitrant. This
has not allowed the project to come to a full completion, in part
due to the fact that the cleanup levels are somewhat stringent.
TREATMENT SUMMARY:
Ex situ land treatment. Aerobic and anaerobic conditions, indigenous
organisms.
Site Report (cont.)
-------
BIOTREATMENT PROCESS DESCRIPTION:
Soils were excavated, placed in aboveground shallow bins (tomato
carriers), and mixed with lime, manure, and rice hulls. Bins were
fitted with a drainage and recovery system and flooded to create
anaerobic conditions; some bins also were drained and tilled to
create aerobic conditions. Degradation was most efficient under
the anaerobic regime. One bin was covered with clear plastic to
create a solarization experiment, which showed promise.
All of the bins will now be emptied onto a concrete pad, with
contents exposed to sunlight to try to get further degradation.
IS MIGRATION OF CONTAMINANTS AN ISSUE? IF SO,
WHAT CONTAINMENT OR CONFINEMENT TECHNOLOGY IS BEING USED: No.
MEDIA AND CONTAMINANTS:
Vadose soil (DDE, chlorpyrifos, disulfoton, 2,4-D, 2,4,5-TCPA,
atrazine, endosulfan I, endosulfan II, parathion, propazine)
ARE ANY CONTAMINANTS PRESENT THAT WILL NOT UNDERGO BIOREMEDIATION:
bis(2-ethylhexyl)pthalate, phenols
VOLUME OF MEDIA BEING TREATED OR CONSIDERED FOR TREATMENT:
MEDIUM: vadose soil
VOLUME UNDER BIOREMEDIATION: 75.0 cubic yards
TOTAL VOLUME AT SITE: not supplied
PERCENT OF TOTAL VOL. AT SITE: not supplied
Site Report (cont.)
-------
ADDITIONAL CONTAMINANT CLEANUP DATA:
Contaminant: 2,4,5-trichlorophenoxypropionic acid (2,4,5-TCPA)
Media: vadose soiI
Maximum original concentration..: 4.20 mg/kg
Target or required cleanup level: 0.10 mg/kg
Basis for cleanup level : beneficial use water quality criteria
Lowest concentration achieved...: 0.530 mg/kg
Time to achieve cleanup levels..: 1 year(s)
Contaminant: 2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid (2,4-D)
Media: vadose soiI
Maximum original concentration..
Target or required cleanup level
Basis for cleanup level
Lowest concentration achieved...
Time to achieve cleanup levels..
Contaminant: atrazine
Media: vadose soiI
Contaminant: chlorpyrifos
Media: vadose soil
Maximum original concentration..
Target or required cleanup level
Basis for cleanup level
Lowest concentration achieved...
Time to achieve cleanup levels..
Maximum original concentration..
Target or required cleanup level
106.0 mg/kg
1.0 mg/kg
beneficial use water quality criteria
2.0 mg/kg
120 day(s)
1.0 mg/kg
0.030 mg/kg
beneficial use water quality criteria
0.020 mg/kg
120 day(s)
5.30 mg/kg
2.0 mg/kg
Site Report (cont.)
-------
Basis for cleanup level : beneficial use water quality criteria
Lowest concentration achieved...: 2.30 mg/kg
Time to achieve cleanup levels..: 1 year(s)
Contaminant: dichlorodiphenyl dichloroethylene (DOE)
Media: vadose soil
Maximum original concentration..
Target or required cleanup level
Basis for cleanup level
Lowest concentration achieved...
Time to achieve cleanup levels..
Contaminant: disulfoton
Med i a: vadose so iI
Contaminant: endosulfan I
Media: vadose soil
Contaminant: endosulfan II
Media: vadose soil
Contaminant: parathion
Media: vadose soil
Contaminant: propazine
Media: vadose soil
Maximum original concentration..
Target or required cleanup level
Basis for cleanup level
Lowest concentration achieved...
Time to achieve cleanup levels..
Maximum original concentration..
Target or required cleanup level
Basis for cleanup level
Lowest concentration achieved...
Time to achieve cleanup levels..
Basis for cleanup level.
Maximum original concentration..
Target or required cleanup level
Basis for cleanup level
Lowest concentration achieved...
Time to achieve cleanup levels..
Maximum original concentration..
Target or required cleanup level
Basis for cleanup level
Lowest concentration achieved...
Time to achieve cleanup levels..
2.40 mg/kg
1.0 mg/kg
beneficial use water quality criteria
1.0 mg/kg
1 year(s)
2.0 mg/kg
0.10 mg/kg
beneficial use water quality criteria
0.10 mg/kg
1 year(s)
69.40 mg/kg
7.40 mg/kg
beneficial use water quality criteria
10.0 mg/kg
1 year(s)
beneficial use water quality criteria
4.70 mg/kg
3.0 mg/kg
beneficial use water quality criteria
0.10 mg/kg
4 year(s)
6.40 mg/kg
0.140 mg/kg
beneficial use water quality criteria
0.10 mg/kg
120 day(s)
Site Report (cont.)
-------
Bioremediation in the Field Search System Date: 06/14/95
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Time: 10:58 am
SEARCH CRITERIA
Site lead is CERCLA Fund Lead or CERCLA Enforcement Lead or CERCLA
State Lead.
AND Site involves treatment of soil or water.
AND Site involves treatment of any contaminant(s) categorized
as BTEX.
Search Criteria
-------
Bioremediation in the Field Search System Date:
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Time:
Sites satisfying
the search criteria: 16 of 420
06/14/95
10:59 am
Sorted by site location (EPA region, state) / (Country)
Site is located in U.S. EPA Region 9.
AND Site involves treatment of
LOG NAME
9 CA BKK Landfill
9 CA Benjamin Moore/Technical Coatings
9 CA Former Golden Eagle Refinery
9 CA Former Service Station
9 CA Fort Ord Army Base
9 CA J.H. Baxter
9 CA JASCO
9 CA Lawrence Livermore Laboratory -- Main Site
9 CA Lawrence Livermore Laboratory -- Site 300
9 CA Naval Weapons Station- -Sea I Beach
9 CA Oakland Chinatown
9 CA Queen Anne Property
9 CA San Diego Gas and Electric
9 CA Solvent Service
9 CA Uolco Oil Station
9 NV Naval Air Station—Fallen
water .
PRIMARY CONTACT AFFILIATION PRIMARY SITE CONTACT
Federal (or national) organization Carmen Santos
Industry Dennis Owen
Contractor/engineering firm Doug Cotton/Lori Patras
Industry Tony Palagyi
Federal (or national) organization John Chesnutt
Federal (or national) organization Kathy Setian
Federal (or national) organization Rose Marie Caraway
Federal (or national) organization Paul Ko
Federal (or national) organization Mike Brown
Federal (or national) organization Carmen LeBron
Contractor/engineering firm Donald Smallbeck
Contractor/engineering firm D. Clinton Williams
Federal (or national) organization Paul Hadley
State (or provincial) organization Tony Mancini
Contractor/engineering firm Kenneth Meleen
Federal (or national) organization Ron Hoeppel
PHONE
(415)744-2037
(408)727-3400
(714)505-1800
(206)774-6090
(415)744-2387
(415)744-2254
(415)744-2356
(510)422-1075
(510)423-7061
(805)982-1616
(415)883-0112
(619)554-0510
(916)324-3823
(510)286-0825
(408)244-7202
(805)982-1655
Qualifying Sites List
-------
Bioremediation in the Field
Questionnaire
-------
BIOREMEDIATION IN THE FIELD
Hie purpose of this questwanaire is to collect informatioa About sites wfa«re bioremediation is
bong oMSMJerat or topkaaMted, or lias been completed. The Mrtsfeig questions request
Moaaatiott oat the ooreat status A*s Afcenwtiye Tr«»t«»«it Technology
Clearinghouse CATTIC). rtmediatian ik the Pidd txileOn, a
-------
PART ONE: GENERAL SITE INFORMATION
Part one of this questionnaire (questions #1 through #11) requests general information about
the site, including the name and location of the site; names, addresses, and phone numbers of
site contacts; the regulatory authority or lead under which the site is being remediated; the
predominant contaminant at the site; and a brief site description.
*** PLEASE NOTE ***
If you have filled out a previous questionnaire, please check to make sure that all printed
responses are correct, current, and complete. If the site has never used or tested
bioremediation and is no longer considering bioremediation, you do not need to fill out the
rest of this questionnaire. In either case, we need this information to update our site data base
and bulletin, so please check the appropriate box below and send the questionnaire back to
us by the date indicated on the front page of the questionnaire.
Q All printed responses are correct, current, and complete.
Q This site has never used or tested bioremediation and is no longer considering
bioremediation.
If the site has tested bioremediation at laboratory or pilot scale, please complete the
questionnaire, even if the tests were unsuccessful and full-scale bioremediation is not being
considered.
-------
PART ONE: GENERAL SITE INFORMATION
Site Identification
1. Site Name:
2. City/State or Province:
3. Country:
4. EPA Region (if U.S. site):
5. ZIP or Mail Code:
Site Contact(s)
5. Information Supplied by:
Name: Affiliation:
Phone: Q Federal (or National) Organization
Fax: Q State (or Provincial) Organization
Address: Q Municipal (or Local) Organization
Q Industry
Q Contractor/Engineering Firm
Q Technology Vendor
E-Mail: Q Other (specify):.
(Providing the e-mail address will allow us to send you future questionnaires via the Internet. If you do not have
this capability or prefer not to exercise it, you do not need to fill in this piece of information.)
6. Additional Government Agency Contact:
Name: Affiliation:
Phone: Q Federal (or National) Organization
Fax: Q Slate (or Provincial) Organization
Address: Q Municipal (or Local) Organization
Q Other (specify):
E-Mail:
7. Additional Private Sector Contact:
Name: Affiliation:
Phone: Q Industry
Fax: Q Contractor/Engineering Firm
Address: Q Technology Vendor
Q Other (specify):
E-Mail:
-------
PART ONE: GENERAL SITE INFORMATION
8. Site Lead
(In most cases, check only one box. If there is more than one lead, please explain under comments below how
the authority is divided, e.g., ground-water contamination is under RCRA jurisdiction; soil contamination is under
UST jurisdiction.)
United States Sites:
Q CERCLA Fund Lead: Covers Federal Lead.
Q CERCLA Enforcement Lead: Covers PRP Lead, Enforcement Lead for RA, Federal Facility
Enforcement Lead.
Q CERCLA State Lead: Covers State Lead Enforcement, State/Federal Lead.
Q Federal Facility: Covers DIRP, DOE, other federal agency facilities conducting remedial activities.
Qj RCRA Lead (Federal) Varies based on state authorization for RCRA enforcement acceptance
Q RCRA Lead (State): See RCRA Lead (Federal).
Q UST Lead (Federal): Depends on whether the state is authorized for enforcement.
Q UST Lead (State): See UST Lead (Federal).
d TSCA Lead (Federal): Depends on whether the state is authorized for enforcement.
Q TSCA Lead (State): See TSCA Lead (Federal).
Qj Other (please specify) _______
International Sites:
Gl Government Lead (please specify)
Q Private Sector Lead (please specify)
Comments:
-------
PART ONE: GENERAL SITE INFORMATION
Site Characterization/Description
9. How would you characterize the contamination being biorcmediated or considered for biomrudiation at this
site? Check all that apply.
Q Wood Preserving
Q Petroleum
Q Pesticide/Herbicide
Q Solvent
Q Munitions
Q Other (please specify)
(Please categorize the contamination using one of the named categories, whenever possible, rather than listing
an individual contaminant(s). The purpose of the question is to allow a broad characterization of the site. You
will have an opportunity to list all individual contaminants to be treated in a later question.)
10. Please provide a short description of the facility or contaminated site (e.g., inactive wood preserving site,
leaking underground storage tank, RCRA land treatment facility to treat oil refinery sludges):
(If your site has a number of separate areas being treated or considered for treatment using the same or different
bioremediation processes, please list and describe the separate subsites here.)
Other Sites
11. If you are aware of other bioremediation sites not already in BFSS or listed in the "Field Applications
of Bioremediation" table in the Bioremediation in the Field bulletin, please specify the site(s) below.
Site Name: Site Name:
City/State: City/State:
Contact: Contact:
Phone: Phone:
-------
PART TWO: BIOTREATMENT PROCESS INFORMATION
Part two of this questionnaire (questions #12 through #31) requests information about a
specific biotreatment process being considered or implemented at the site, including the type
of technology being used; the laboratory-, pilot-, or full-scale status of the technology; the
media and contaminants being treated; the target cleanup levels; and the costs and
performance of the technology. If a biotreatment process is being tested at laboratory or pilot
scale, your answers to part two of the questionnaire (e.g., cost and performance data) should
apply to the current scale of the technology, not to anticipated full-scale activities.
*** PLEASE NOTE ***
If more than one biotreatment process is being considered or implemented at this site, or if
the same process is being used to treat separate areas of contamination, please photocopy and
complete part two of the questionnaire for each process or separate contaminated area.
Please enter the number of separate biotreatment processes at your site.
-------
PART TWO: BIOTREATMENT PROCESS _ OF _
Treatment Technology
12. Please identify one biotreatment process being considered or implemented at this site.
(In most cases, check only one technology. Checking more than one technology implies that the two or more
technologies are being used together in a single process treatment train. If this is the case, please explain in
question #19 how these technologies are used in conjunction with one another.)
Ex Situ Processes
Treatments Involving a Reactor
Q Activated Sludge Reactor
Q Extended Aeration Reactor
G Contact Stabilization Reactor
Q Attached Growth
Q Fixed Film Reactor
Q Fluidized Bed Reactor
Q Sequencing Batch Reactor
Q Slurry Reactor
Q Other (please specify)
Treatments Not Involving a Reactor
Q Aerated Lagoon
Solid Phase
Q Prepared Bed (Land Treatment)
Q Pile Treatment
Q Other (please specify)
In Situ Processes
Q Intrinsic Bioremediation
Q Aif Sparging (Biosparging)
Q Bioventing
Q Confined Treatment Facility for Sediments
Q In Situ Ground Water Bioremediation
Q In Situ Sediment Bioremediation
Q In Situ Soil Bioremediation (In Situ Land Treatment)
Q Other (please specify)
13. If the technology is in situ, what amendments are used?
Q Hydrogen Peroxide
Q Oxygen Source
Q Nutrients (please specify)
Other (please specify)
-------
PART TWO: BIOTREATMENT PROCESS _ OF _
14. If the technology involves a reactor, does the reactor treat the material as a solid, liquid, or gas?
Q Solid
Q Liquid
Q Gas
15. If the technology involves a reactor, how would you describe the reactor flow?
Q Batch
Q plug
Q Completely Mixed
16. What are the growth conditions tor the microorganisms?
Q Aerobic
Q Anaerobic
17. What is the source of the microorganisms?
(Check exogenous only if the organisms are actually brought in from another site, cultured in the lab, or
engineered. If organisms are merely moved for application from one part of the site to another or from a
contaminated area to a reactor or other treatment unit on site, then the source is still considered indigenous.)
G Indigenous
Q Exogenous
Specify type(s) of exogenous organism:
-------
PART TWO: BIOTREATMENT PROCESS _. OF _
18. Please check any nonbiological technologies that are being tested or implemented at the site in
conjunction with this technology.
Q Chemical Extraction
Q Chemical Treatment
Q In Situ Soil Flushing
Q In Situ Vitriflcation
a Soil Washing
Q Vacuum Extraction
Q Thermal Desorption
Q Other (please specify)
19. Please describe the treatment process in more detail.
(If the bioremediation process is used in conjunction with a nonbiological technology, or two distinct
bioremediation technologies are being used sequentially in the same treatment train, explain how the technologies
are being used together in a single process.)
20. Is migration of contaminants an issue with the use of this technology at this site? If so, what containment
or confinement technology is being used?
-------
PART TWO: BIOTREATMENT PROCESS _ OF _
Contaminated Media
21. Please identify the contaminated medium or media being treated or considered for treatment by Ms
biological technology.
Q Air Q Soil (please indicate zone below) Q Water (please indicate type below)
Q Sediments Q Vadose Zone Q Ground Water
Q Sludge Q Saturated Zone Q Surface Water
22a. What texture classification system are you using for soill
Q United States Department of Agriculture (USDA)
Q ASTM/Unified Soil Classification System (USCS)
Q Canada Sofl Survey Committee (CSSC)
Q International Soil Science Society (ISSS)
Q British Standards Institution (BSI)
Q Other (please specify)
(Please fill in the information for the corresponding texture classification system only.)
USDA Texture Class
Q Sand G Loam Q Clay Loam Q Silty Clay
Q Loamy Sand Q Silt Q Silty Clay Loam Q Clay
Q Sandy Loam Q Silt Loam Q Sandy Clay
Typical Particle Size Distribution
% Clay (<0 002 mm) % Sand (0.05 to 2.0 mm)
% Silt (0.002 to 0.05 mm) . % Coarse Fragments (>2.0 mm)
ASTMIUSCS Texture Class
a CH a CL a MH a ML a sc a SM
a- SP a sw a GC a GM a GP a GW
CSSC Typical Particle Size Distribution
% Clay (< 0.002 mm) % Sand (0.05 to 2.0 mm)
% Silt (0.002 to 0.05 mm) % Coarse Fragments (>2.0 mm)
ISSS Typical Particle Size Distribution
% Clay (<0.002 mm) % Sand (0.02 to 2.0 mm)
% Silt (0.002 to 0.02 mm) % Coarse Fragments (>2.0 mm)
BSI Typical Particle Size Distribution
% Clay (<0.002 mm) % Sand (0.06 to 2.0 mm)
% Silt (0.002 to 0.06 mm) % Coarse Fragments (>2.0 mm)
Other Typical Particle Size Distribution
% Clay (< mm) % Sand (_ to _ mm)
% Sflt (_ to _ mm) % Coarse Fragments (> mm)
-------
PART TWO: BIOTREATMENT PROCESS _ OF _
22b. What texture classification system are you using for sediments'}
Q United States Department of Agriculture (USDA)
Q ASTM/Unified Son Classification System (USCS)
Q Canada Soil Survey Committee (CSSC)
Q International Soil Science Society (ISSS)
Q British Standards Institution (BSI)
Q Other (please specify)
(Please ffll in the information for the corresponding texture classification system only.)
USDA Texture Class
Q Sand
Q Loamy Sand
Q| Sandy Loam
Q Loam
Q Silt
Q Silt Loam
Q Clay Loam
Q Silty Clay Loam
Q Sandy Clay
Q Silty Clay
Q Clay
Typical Particle Size Distribution
% Cby (<0.002 mm)
% Silt (0.002 to 0.05 mm)
% Sand (0.05 to 2.0 mm)
% Coarse Fragments (>2.0 mm)
ASTM/USCS Texture Class
Q CH
Q SP
a CL
a sw
a ML
a GM
a sc
a GP
a SM
a GW
CSSC Typical Particle Size Distribution
% Clay (<0.002 mm)
% Silt (0.002 to 0.05 mm)
% Sand (0.05 to 2.0 mm)
% Coarse Fragments (>2.0 mm)
ISSS Typical Particle Size Distribution
% Clay (< 0.002 mm)
% Silt (0.002 to 0.02 mm)
% Sand (0.02 to 2.0 mm)
% Coarse Fragments (>2.0 mm)
BSI Typical Particle Size Distribution
% Clay (<0.002 mm)
% Silt (0.002 to 0.06 mm)
Sand (0.06 to 2.0 mm)
Coarse Fragments (>2.0 mm)
Other Typical Particle Size Distribution
% Clay (< mm)
% Silt ( to mm)
% Sand ( to mm)
% Coarse Fragments (> mm)
-------
PART TWO: BIOTKEATMENT PROCESS OF
23.
Please indicate the volume of contaminated media being mated or considered for treatment by this
technology, the total volume of these contaminated media at the site, and the percent of the total being
treated or considered for treatment with this process. (One row has been completed as an example.)
Medium
Soil (vadose)
Volume Under
Bioremediation
2,000 cubic yards
Total Vohunc at Site
10,000 cable yards
Percent of Total
VoUune at Site
20%
-------
PART TWO: BIOTREATMENT PROCESS _ OF _
Contaminants and Cleanup Level Data
24. For each medium, please specify the contaminants Mag trtattd or considered for moment by this biotreatment process and fill in any available
information pertaining to original contaminant concentrations, cleanup levels, and technology performance. Do not fill in information on
contaminants not undergoing bioremediation (see question #25). If you need more space, please photocopy the table. (One row has been completed
as an example.)
(The daia included in thii table for rate of reaction, lowest concentration achieved, and time to achieve cleanup level thould be baled on whatever icale of teittog or remediation you are currently undergoing, e.g,,
if you are doing pilot-icale toting, theie data ihrald reflect pilot-Kate retulu.)
MWfaat
(PteaM Ml«ct Inn
Hit IB a #21)
to»(v»do««)
r
Maximal OnttBal
Conentntloa
1,500 »i**
T*f|Ct or Reqvirtd
ClMBBp Level
1W*»A»
Bull for Clcaap Lml
Kttt****
IUU»f
RtacUan
ZMiWI*!
Lowut
C«C*B-
tntiM
AcUmd
IOOSI»«S
Tlawta
Aekln*
Ckanp
Lcrcl
lytjai
25a. What other contaminants are present that will not undergo bioremediation (e.g., heavy metals, such as lead, mercury, zinc)?
b. Does the presence of the other contaminants affect the performance of the biological technology at the site? If so, how?
-------
PART TWO: BIOTREATMENT PROCESS _ OF _
Status
26. Are LABORATORY-SCALE treatability or feasibility studies of this biotreatment process being
considered, being conducted, or completed on material from the site?
Q Yes, being considered.
Q| Yes, being conducted.
Q| Yes, completed.
Q No.
If so, provide the expected or actual dates for start and completion of laboratory-scale activity:
Start: Completion:
27. Are PILOT-SCALE treatability or feasibility studies of this biotreatment process being considered, being
conducted, or completed at the site?
Q| Yes, being considered.
Q| Yes, being conducted.
Q Yes, completed.
Q No.
If so, provide the expected or actual dates for start and completion of pilot-scale activity:
Start: Completion:
28. Is FULL-SCALE remediation using this biotreatment process being considered, being conducted, or
completed at the site?
Q Yes, being considered.
Ol Yes, being conducted.
Ol Yes, completed.
Ol No. (Please elaborate in question #30.)
If so, please check the current stage of full-scale remediation and provide the expected or actual date for
the start of each stage:
Q Predesign
Q| Design
Q Installation
Q Operational
Q Completed
29. Please identify any problems or obstacles associated with bioremediation or other significant information
on the status of bioremediation. (These might include technical, cost-related, or regulatory obstacles.)
30. If full-scale bioremediation has not been considered or is no longer being considered at this site, please
explain why.
-------
PART TWO: BIOTREATMENT PROCESS _ OF _
Costs
31. Please indicate the capital costs (startup and construction) and operation and maintenance (O&M) costs
associated with the use or testing of this technology. If separate figures for capital and O&M costs are not
available, enter the total incurred and expected costs.
Costs
Capital
O&M
Total
Per Year
NA
Incurred
Total Expected
-------
GLOSSARY OF BIOREMEDIATION TERMS
Site Lead
Agency or program having jurisdiction over site cleanup.
Ex Situ Treatment Processes
Treatments Involving a Reactor
Ex Situ Process
Reactor
Activated Sludge Reactor
Extended Aeration
Reactor
Contact Stabilization
Reactor
Fixed Film Reactor
Huidiztd Bed Reactor
Sequencing Batch Reactor
Slurry Reactor
Process that involves the removal of the contaminated medium or media
from its original location to another area for treatment. Processes that
involve removal of the contaminated material, mixing, and then
replacement at the original site are also considered ex situ.
A contained vessel in which biological treatment takes place.
Technology in which biomass is suspended in liquid, captured in the
clarifier, and recycled to the reactor, the contact time between the waste
and the biomass is controlled by wasting excess biomass.
Technology in which biomass is suspended in liquid, captured in the
clarifier, and recycled to the reactor; a long contact time is created by
enlarging the aeration basin.
Technology in which waste contacts the biomass suspended in liquid in
the first aeration tank and contaminants are adsorbed to the clarified
biomass; then they are digested in the second aeration tank.
Technology in which biomass is retained in the system by using static
support media (e.g., a trickling filter).
Technology in which bacteria are attached to a support medium, which is
fluidized in the reactor.
A self-contained treatment system that incorporates equalization,
aeration, and clarification using a draw and fill approach on wastewater
sludges.
Technology in which contaminants are treated in a soil slurry (a thin
mixture of soil and water), with nutrients and oxygen added as needed;
water and soil must be separated after treatment, but clean soil is left on
site.
Treatments Not Involving a Reactor
Aerated Lagoon
Prepared Bed
(Land Treatment)
Pile Treatment
Treatment in which soil, sludge, or sediment is mixed with water to form
a slurry. The slurry is placed in a lagoon and mechanically agitated so
that the biomass is kept suspended in liquid with aeration. Nutrient,
oxygen, pH, and temperature conditions are controlled. After the
process is completed, the slurry is dewatered and the treated material is
disposed of.
Process in which waste is applied onto or incorporated into the soil
surface in a facility or lined treatment bed. Contaminants are treated
with microorganisms typically indigenous to the existing soil matrix;
nutrients, moisture, and oxygen can be added to optimize growth
conditions. If the waste remains at the facility after closure, the land
treatment facility becomes a disposal facility.
Process in which a noncontainerized accumulation of solid, nonflowing
waste is treated or stored under controlled nutrient, oxygen, pH, and
temperature conditions.
-------
In Situ Treatment Processes
In Situ Process
Intrinsic Bioremediation
Air Sparging
(Biosparging)
Bioventing
Confined Treatment
Facility for Sediments
In Situ Ground Water
Treatment
In Situ Sediment
Treatment
In Situ Soil Treatment
(Land Treatment)
Amendment
Process that leaves contaminated medium or media in place for
treatment
Intrinsic bioremediation relies on naturally occurring processes including
biodegradation, absorption, dilution, and dispersion accompanied by such
human interventions as site characterization, institutional and source
controls, and monitoring.
Air is injected below the water table, creating bubbles in contaminated
ground water. The air bubbles contact dissolved and adsorbed
contaminants in the aquifer, increasing oxygen concentrations and
stimulating indigenous microbial activity. Sparging also causes
contaminants to volatilize and be transported to the vadose zone, where
they can be treated by another technology, such as bioventing or soil
vapor extraction.
Injection or extraction wells are used to induce a dynamic flow of air
through contaminated soil above the water table. Air flow rates are
adjusted to increase soil oxygen concentrations and stimulate indigenous
microbial activity without releasing volatile emissions. In some bioventing
systems, a nutrient solution is injected with the air or percolated through
the soil.
Caissons are constructed to contain the sediments in the environment in
which they are found. Stirring mechanisms then can be used to agitate
the contaminated material, and incorporate microorganisms, nutrients,
and electron acceptors.
Injection wells are used to circulate microorganisms, nutrients, and
oxygen through contaminated aquifers. In most systems, ground water is
pumped through a recovery well downgradient of the contaminated area,
treated to some extent, then reinjected upgradient of the contaminated
area with additives that enhance biodegradation. The effectiveness of in
situ ground water bioremediation depends on maintaining contact
between contaminants and injected amendments.
Biodegradable contaminants are treated by microorganisms within the
environment in which they are found. This process usually is anaerobic
and involves the delivery of electron acceptors and other appropriate
amendments to the contaminated sediments.
Biodegradable contaminants are treated by microorganisms within the
environment in which they are found. This process usually is aerobic and
involves injection of oxygen, other electron acceptors, and other
appropriate amendments to the contaminated soil. Permeable soils with
high moisture content are most appropriate for in situ treatment
Nonmicroorganism addition to in situ processes for assistance in
biodegradation (e.g., nitrogen, phosphorus).
Media
Sediments
Soil
Sediments refer to aquifer materials including gravelly sand, clayey sand,
and sandy clay originating from sedimentary rock. Sediments also are
accumulations of such materials as sand and volcanic ash from the
atmosphere; of stream gravel, sand, and mud on the lands; and of
gravels, sand, clay, and organic remains on the sea floor.
Soil is the loose surface material of the earth in which plants grow.
-------
Media (continued)
Vadose Zone
Saturated Zont
Ground Water
The vadose zone is the region extending from the ground surface of the
earth to the upper surface of the principal water-bearing formation.
The saturated zone extends from the upper surface of saturation down to
underlying impermeable rock. Generally, the water table forms the
upper surface of the zone of saturation. This is defined as the surface of
atmospheric pressure and appears as the level at which water stands in a
well penetrating the aquifer.
Groundwater is water occurring in the zone of saturation.
Microorganism Growth Conditions
Aerobic
Anaerobic
In the presence of oxygen. Aerobic metabolism involves energy-yielding
oxidation reactions in which hydrogen is transferred to oxidized pyridine
nucleotides (NAD and NADP).
In the absence of oxygen. Anaerobic metabolism involves energy-yielding
reactions in which the final electron acceptor is a compound other than
molecular oxygen, such as sulfate or nitrate.
Microorganism Scarce
Indigenous
Exogenous
Occurring naturally at a site. Organisms that are moved from one
location at the site to another (e.g. to a reactor) to facilitate treatment of
the original contaminated medium are still considered indigenous.
Not native to a site. These include organisms that are brought in from
another site, cultured in a lab, or engineered.
Contaminants and Cleanup Level Data
Maximum Original
Concentration
Basis for Cleanup Level
Rate of Reaction
Lowest Concentration
Achieved
Time to Achieve Cleanup
Level
Maximum level of contamination detected prior to start of
bioremediation.
Regulatory or other standard that establishes cleanup levels.
Reduction of contaminant concentration per unit time (mg/L/day).
Lowest contaminant concentration at current scale of remediation, or
final concentration if full-scale bioremediation has been completed.
Time required to achieve cleanup goals for the entire contaminated area
being treated or tested.
Treatment Status
Laboratory Scale
Treatability or Feasibility
Studies
Pilot Scale
Full-Scale Remediation
Undertaken in the laboratory under controlled conditions.
Studies to test the effectiveness of specific techniques for remediating
specific media and contaminants. These studies also identify existing site
problems and examine potential remedial alternatives, considering
technical, regulatory, environmental, public health, and cost issues.
Performed on test plots and control plots under field conditions. If a
contaminated area is small enough, pilot-scale treatment may be able to
achieve cleanup level goals.
Remediation employing a specific technology or technologies to clean up
contaminants over an entire site or contaminated area. Full-scale
remediation often is preceded by treatability or feasibility studies.
-------
-------
Comment Form
-------
-------
BIOREMEDIATION IN THE FIELD
SEARCH SYSTEM (BFSS)
Comment Form
Please complete this form and send it to BFSS Technical
Support, Eastern Reseach Group, Inc., 110 Hartwell Ave.,
Lexington, MA 02173, or fax it to 617-674-2851.
Your Name: Date:
Phone Number: Fax Number:
Comment
(Please attach any supporting material, such as printed screens or reports.)
Additional sites
(If you are aware of other bioremediation sites not currently in BFSS, please provide informa-
tion on the second page.)
Date Received: ERG Software Applications Development Group
-------
0FSS Comment Form (cont.)
Site Name:
City/State:
Contact:
Phone:
Site Name:
City/State: _
Contact:
Phone:
Site Name:
City/State:.
Contact:
Phone:
-------
-------
-------
-------
------- |