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-94/511a
August 1994
SEPA Bioremediation in the
Field Search System
(BFSS)
User Documentation
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2 CAT
3 ELAL
4 Bioremediation in the Field Search System (BFSS)
5 user documentation
6 0894
7 EPA-540-R-94-511a
8 EPA-540-R-94-511a
9 elad
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BIOREMEDIATION
Field Initiative
Tie Bioremediation Field Initiative is a co-
operative 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.
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
Region 5, Library (PL- 12J)
77 West Jackson Boulevard, 12th Floor
Chicago, IL 60604-3590
Printed on paper that contains at
least 50 percent recycled fiber
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NOTICE
The data contained in the Biorernediation 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.
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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
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
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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 Reports:
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
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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
Bioremediation in the Field Questionnaire 49
Comment Form 63
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THE BIOREMEDIATION
IN THE FIELD SEARCH
SYSTEM
.>**"
<% i*
^i'* Tnis chapter provides background informa-
•* ^ Y(
r*4}j? tion on the Bioremediation in the Field
•f\("
|g|: Search System (BFSS) and briefly outlines
the contents of the user documentation.
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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 160 bioremediation sites—a number that is expected to double or tri-
ple in subsequent versions of BFSS. For each site, the database con-
tains information on the site location; media and contaminants being
treated; and the operation, status, and costs of the treatment technolo-
gies 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.
.2 Overview 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.
'.',4*
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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.
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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 3 megabytes
(Mb) of memory. Therefore, to install BFSS on a hard disk drive, a user
must have at least 3 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 3.5 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 HAM
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 information,
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.
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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)
Response
« - t'Of svt&nf
BASE/5300 Memory low, or
53O2 Conventional memory exhausted, or
5304 Conventional memory exhausted, or
5306 Conventional memory exhausted.
Problem:
Insufficient conventional memory
n'SMWw a*-"fiip« '•!,•« '-€li;s-'«
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.
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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//Hn.,
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-
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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 contirms 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.
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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
components and system inputs that allows
the user to interact with the search system.
This chapter also explains the on-line help
system.
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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-
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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
:ated in Californ
AMD Site involues treatment of ground uater
Search by media treated
"F4:Search F7:Peport FlOiClear Crifkr
PgUp:Scroll Up PgDn:Scroll Doun \
Main
Window
ia Shift FlOiClear fill
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.
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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
-L/T or <—/—> Move Cursor
PgUp
PgDn
HOME
END
Scroll Up
Scroll Down
Go to Top
Go to Bottom
Available
When...
Searching/Viewing
Description
. »./,«,! , IS
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.
V 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.
V 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.
V Moves highlight cursor between menu
items or sites.
T Scrolls main window text to previous page
V Scrolls main window text to next page.
V Scrolls main window text to top of first
page.
V Scrolls mam window text to end of last
page.
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Searching lor Sites:
HOW TO CONSTRUCT
AND PERFORM A
SEARCH
This chapter explains how to select search
^>
4^ criteria and perform a specified search.
A step-by-step example search is provided.
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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.
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Biorenediation in the Field Search Systen: SPECIFY SEARCH CRITERIA
-f Mane/Locat ion/Lead
Contaninants
Treatment
Site is located in EPA Region 1 or EPA Region 2 or EPA Region 3.
AMD Site inuolues treatnent of ground uater.
Search by media treated
Fl:Help F4:Search F7:Report F10:Clear Criteria Shift F10:Clear All
PgUp:Scroll Up PgDn:Scroll Doun ESC:Ex it
Menu Option
Description
Name/
Location/Lead
Media
Status
Contaminants
Treatment
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 state or EPA region, 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
contaminant categories, such as wood preserving wastes, or
(2) a list of specific contaminants, such as PGP. 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.
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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.
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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
ten: SPECIFY SEARCH CRITERIA
Mane/Location/Lead Media Status Contaminants Treatnent
Location (regioms) or statels))
Press Enter to specify site location by region(s) or state(s)
Fl:Help F10:Clear Criteria ESC:Done
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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.
Bioremediation in the Field Search Systen: SPECIFV SEARCH CRITERIA
Mane/Locat ion/Lead
Contaminant!
Treatment
EPA REGIONS AMD STATES:
Type first letter of state for quick access
MAME/LOCA
-T EPA Region 1
Checkmark J EPA Region Z
Name
Locatio
Lead
EPA Region 3
EPA Region 4
EPA Region 5
EPA Region 6
EPA Region 7
EPA Region 8
EPA Region 9
EPA Region 10
Alabama
Alaska
Arizona
•owe using: T:L)p l:Doun PgUp: PageUp PgDn :PageDoun Home: Go Top End:GoBottom
Enter:Toggle 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.
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Accessing Site Information:
HOW TO VIEW
ON-SCREEN
INFORMATION
I This chapter explains how to customize the
qualifying sites list and view on-screen site
information.
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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.
Bioremediation in the Field Search Systen: UIEU QUALIFYING SITES
Sites satisfying the search criteria: 26 of 164 (15.9X)
Sorted by lead or regulatory authority
ISITE NAME
I LEAD OR REGULATORY AUT
9 CA Koppers Company, Inc.
9 Cft Montrose Chemical Corporation of Cal
9 Cft Hamburg Ranch
9 Cft Harnon Field
9 Cft Hercules Incorporated
9 Cft Moore flotation
9 Cft Soluent Seruice
9 Cft Southern Pacific Transportation Conp
9 Cft Grouers Air Seruice
9 Cft Marine Corps Air/Ground Conbat Cente
9 Cft Beale Air Force Base
9 CA Maual Ueapons Station—Seal Beach
9 CA BKK Landfill
9 CA SEGS Solar Project
CEBCLA enforcenent lead
CERCLA enforcement lead
CERCLA state lead
CEBCLA 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
BCRA lead (federal)
State Lead
one using: t:Up i:Doun PgUp:PageUp PgDn:PageDoun Hone:GoTop End:GoBotton
Fl:Help EMTER:Uieu Site F5:Customize/Sort List F7:Report ESC:Done
The qualifying sites list has three columns. The first column displays
the site location (EPA region and state), and the second column dis-
plays the name of each site. The first time a new user performs a
search, the third column displays the category of organizational affili-
ation for each site's primary contact. The third column can be modi-
fied, however, to display various blocks of information about each site,
including each site's regulatory lead; predominant contaminant; or labo-
ratory-, pilot-, or full-scale status. The list also can be sorted based on
any of these variables.
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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.
Hiorenediation in tli
Moore fluiation
EPfl Region 9, Colusa, CA
ten: UIEU SITE INFORMATION
(First entered 05/01/9Z)
(Last updated 06/07/94)
SITE LEAD: CEHCLA state lead
PREDOMINANT CONTAMINANT(S): Pesticides
FACILITY OR SITE DESCRIPTION: Commercial pesticide applicator site, air
strip.
PRIMARY SITE CONTACT:
Christine Ho In
CA Regional Uater Quality Control Roard
3443 flout ier fioad
Sacramento, CA 95827
Phone: (916)255-3103
AFFILIATION:
State (or prouincial)
organization
T:Up i:Doun PgUp:Scroll Up PgDn:Scroll Doun Hone:Top End:Botton
Enter:Biotreatment Information Fl:Help F7:Report 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
i SAVE BFSS SITE
INFORMATION REPORTS
W&*-*f
This chapter explains how to generate
-\ *C reports of information contained in BFSS.
-------
.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
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
-------
Networking:
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.
All 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 (
-------
A.3.2 Invalid Directory for User Work Area Directories
If an invalid DOS directory name is specified in BFSS.CFG as a direc-
tory path for user work area directories, the following message is dis-
played:
Invalid DOS directory for network user work areas provided in BFSS.CFG.
Directory for network user work areas must exist. Please correct in
BFSS.CFG.
Execution will terminate.
To correct this problem, edit the BFSS.CFG file accordingly.
A.3.3 Problems Caused by System Crashes or Power Outages
A system crash or power outage experienced during the critical stage
of a search can have one or both of the following results:
• BFSS data files might remain locked by the failed session, pre-
venting other users from performing searches. If this occurs,
check SEARCHER.MEM for the user's BFSSUSER identifica-
tion and close the failed network session to release the BFSS
file locks.
• BFSS data files or indexes might become corrupted. Symp-
toms of this problem vary but can include system hanging dur-
ing initialization or system crashes while opening or updating
BFSS files. If this occurs, reinstall BFSS to replace the cor-
rupted files. BFSS user work areas should not require any ac-
tion, with the possible exception of the work area for the
individual searching during the initial system crash or power
outage. If this user cannot run BFSS while other users can, de-
lete the user's work area directory, and it will be reinitialized
the next time he or she accesses BFSS.
-------
Sample Reports
-------
Bioremediation in the Field Search. System Date: 07/25/94
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Time: 2:30 pm
Moore Aviation, SUPPLIED BY STATE (OR PROVINCIAL)
EPA Region 9, Colusa, CA (First entered 05/01/92)
(Last updated 06/07/94)
SITE LEAD:CERCLA state lead
PREDOMINANT CONTAMINANT(S): Pesticides
FACILITY OR SITE DESCRIPTION: Commercial pesticide applicator site, air
strip.
PRIMARY SITE CONTACT: AFFILIATION:
Christine Holm State (or provincial)
CA Regional Water Quality Control Board organization
3443 Routier Road
Sacramento, CA 95827
Phone: (916)255-3103
ADDITIONAL SITE CONTACT: AFFILIATION:
Bruce Locken Contractor/engineering
Western Environmental Science and firm
Technology
1046 Olive Drive, No. 3
Davis, CA 95616
Phone: (916)753-9500
Site Report
-------
BIOTREATMENT PROCESS 1 OF 1
STATUS:
Full-scale remediation 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, exogenous
organisms.
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 real promise.
Site Report (cont.)
-------
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-T, 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
CONTAMINANTS UNDER BIOREMEDIATION:
Contaminant: 2,4,5-trichlorophenoxypropionic acid (2,4,5-T)
Media: vadose soi I
Maximum original concentration.. 4.20 mg/kg
Target or required cleanup level
Basis for cleanup level
Lowest concentration achieved...
Time to achieve cleanup levels.. 1 year(s)
0.10 mg/kg
beneficial use water quality criteria
0.530 mg/kg
Site Report (cont.)
-------
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 soiI
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..
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
beneficial use water quality criteria
2.30 mg/kg
1 year(s)
Contaminant: dichlorodiphenyl dichloroethylene (DDE)
Media: vadose soi I
Maximum original concentration..: 2.40 mg/kg
Target or required cleanup level: 1.0 mg/kg
Basis for cleanup level : beneficial use water quality criteria
Lowest concentration achieved...: 1.0 mg/kg
Time to achieve cleanup levels..: 1 year(s)
Contaminant: disulfoton
Media: vadose soiI
Contaminant: endosulfan I
Media: vadose soiI
Maximum original concentration..: 2.0 mg/kg
Target or required cleanup level: 0.10 mg/kg
Basis for cleanup level : beneficial use water quality criteria
Lowest concentration achieved...: 0.10 mg/kg
Time to achieve cleanup levels..: 1 year(s)
Maximum original concentration..: 69.40 mg/kg
Target or required cleanup level: 7.40 mg/kg
Basis for cleanup level : beneficial use water quality criteria
Lowest concentration achieved...: 10.0 mg/kg
Time to achieve cleanup levels..: 1 year(s)
Site Report (cont.)
-------
Bioremediation in the Field Search System
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
Moore Aviation, SUPPLIED BY STATE
EPA Region 9, Colusa, CA
(OR PROVINCIAL)
Date: 07/25/94
Time: 2:3 0 pm
(First entered 05/01/92)
(Last updated 06/07/94)
CONTAMINANTS UNDER BIOREMEDIATION (CONTINUED):
Contaminant: endosulfan II
Media: vadose soiI
Contaminant: parathion
Media: vadose soil
Contaminant: propazine
Media: vadose soil
Basis for cleanup level : beneficial use water quality criteria
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..
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
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
Date: 07/25/94
Time: 09:33 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
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
Date: 07/25/94
Time: 09:32 am
Sites satisfying the search criteria: 10 of 159
Sorted by lead or regulatory authority
Site is located in EPA Region 9.
AND Site involves treatment of water.
LOG NAME
9 CA Fort Ord Army Base
9 CA J.H. Baxter
9 CA JASCO
9 CA Solvent Service
9 NV Naval Air Station--FalIon
9 CA Naval Weapons Station--SeaI Beach
9 CA BKK Landfill
9 CA San Diego Gas and Electric
9 CA Oakland Chinatown
9 CA Former Service Station
LEAD OR REGULATORY AUTHORITY
CERCLA enforcement lead
CERCLA enforcement lead
CERCLA enforcement lead
CERCLA state lead
Federal facility
Federal facility (state priority
RCRA lead (federal)
UST lead (federal)
UST lead (state)
UST lead (state)
PRIMARY SITE CONTACT
John Chestnutt
Kathy Setian
Rose Marie Caraway
Tony Mancini
Ron Hoeppel
Carmen LeBron
Carmen Santos
Paul Hadley
Donald Small beck
Tony Palagyi
PHONE
(415)744-2387
(415)744-2254
(415)744-2356
(510)286-0825
(805)982-1655
(805)982-1616
(415)744-2037
(916)324-3823
(415)883-0112
(206)774-6090
Qualifying Sites List
-------
_ Bioremediation in the Field
^:" Questionnaire
-------
BIOREMEDIATION IN THE FIELD QUESTIONNAIRE
The purpose of this questionnaire is to coflect infofmatiart about sites where bioremediation is
being considered or implemented, or has been completed. The following questions request
information on the current status of your site. This information will be added to a data base of site
information being developed by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency {EPA) as a resource
for EPA and state project managers, Consulting engineers, and industry personnel considering the
use of biorcmediation at contaminated sites. The data base currently contains information on over
160 bioremediation sites—a number that is expected to increase markedly over the next few years.
Information in the data base is accessible through the Bioremediation in the Field Search System.
(BFSS), a software application available on EPA's Alternative Treatment Technology
Clearinghouse (ATTIC) {703-908-2138), Cleanup Informattoa (CLU-IN) <301-589-8366), and
Office of Research and Development (ORD) (513-569-7610) electronic bulletin board systems. It
also is available on diskette front EPA by calling 513-569-7562. BFSS wiD allow the user to search
for information on specific types of sites, such as those treating a particular medium or
contaminant or those using a particular treatment technology, A summary of information in the
data base also appears in EPA's Bioremediation in the Field bulletin, a quarterly update on field
applications of bioremediation distributed to over 5,000 individuals.
The usefulness of both BFSS and the bulletin depends largely on the accuracy and
completeness of responses to this questionnaire.
Please answer all questions that apply to your site. For questions that do not apply, answer "NA."
For information that has not yet been established, please answer "NYE," If you have responded
to previous questionnaires, some answers already are completed. Please verify that the answers are
correct and current. If anything is inaccurateor has changed, please supply the correct information.
Refer to the glossary of terms on pages 12 and 13, if necessary.
Sent to: Return by to:
Ann Tran
Eastern Research Group, Inc. (ERG)
110 Hartwell Avenue
Lexington, MA 02173
Site:
-------
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.
2.
3.
4.
Site Name:
City/State:
Country.
EPA Region:
(if applicable)
Site Contact(s)
5. Please provide the following information for the primary contact at the site1
Name: Affiliation:
Q Federal (or National) Organization
Phone:
Fax:
Address:
Q State (or Provincial) Organization
Q Municipal (or Local) Organization
Q Industry
Q Contractor/Engineering Firm
Q Technology Vendor
Q Other (specify):
If there is an additional state or federal agency contact, please provide his or her information below:
Affiliation:
Q Federal (or National) Organization
Q State (or Provincial) Organization
Q Municipal (or Local) Organization
Q Industry
Q Contractor/Engineering Firm
Q Technology Vendor
Q Other (specify):
Name:
Phone:
Fax-
Address-
If there is an additional contact person, please provide his or her information below:
Name:
Phone:
Fax:
Address
Affiliation:
Q Federal (or National) Organization
Q State (or Provincial) Organization
Q Municipal (or Local) Organization
Q Industry
Q Contractor/Engineering Firm
Q Technology Vendor
Q Other (specify):
-------
PART ONE: GENERAL SITE INFORMATION
Site Lead
8 Please check the appropriate box best describing the lead at this site.
Q CRRCLA 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.
Q 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).
Q TSCA Lead (Federal): Depends on whether the state is authorized for enforcement.
Q TSCA Lead (State): See TSCA Lead (Federal).
Q Other (please specify)
Predominant Contaminant/Site Description
9 What is the predominant type of contaminant being biore mediated or considered for bioremediation at this
site? (Please check only one.)
Q Wood Preserving Waste
Q Petroleum
Q Pesticide/Herbicide
Q Solvent
Q Other (please specify) __
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):
Other Sites
11. If you are aware of other bioremediation sites not already listed in the "Field Applications of
Bioremediation" table in the Bioremediation m the Field bulletin, please specify the site(s) below.
Site Name: Site Name:
City/State. City/State:
Contact: Contact:
Phone: Phone:
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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.
*** PLEASE NOTE ***
If more than one biotreatment process is being considered or implemented at this site, please
photocopy and complete part two of the questionnaire for each process. 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.
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PART TWO: BIOTREATMENT PROCESS _ OF _
Treatment Technology
12. Please identify one biotreatment process being considered or implemented at this site.
(Check only one technology. To indicate the use or testing of more than one technology at the site, you must
photocopy and complete part two of the questionnaire for each technology.)
Ex Situ Processes
Treatments Involving a Reactor
Q Activated Sludge Reactor
Q Extended Aeration Reactor
Q 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
Q Land Treatment
Q Pile Treatment (Composting)
Q Other (please specify)
In Situ Processes
Q Air Sparging
Q Bioventing
Q Confined Treatment Facility for Sediments
Q In Situ Ground Water Bioremediation
Q In Situ Sediment Bioremediation
Q In Situ SoiJ Bioremediation (In Situ Land Treatment)
Q Other (please specify)
13 If the technology is in situ, what amendments are used?
G Hydrogen Peroxide
i—) Oxyg6*1 Source
Q Nutrients (please specify)
Q Other (please specify)
14. If the technology involves a reactor, does the reactor treat the material as a solid, liquid, or gas?
Q Solid
Q Liquid
G Gas
15. If the technology involves a reactor, how would you describe the reactor flow?
Q Batch
Q Plug
Q Completely Mixed
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PART TWO: BIOTREATMENT PROCESS _ OF _
16. What are the growth conditions for the microorganisms?
Q Aerobic
Q Anaerobic
17. What is the source'of the microorganisms?
Q Indigenous
Q Exogenous
Specify type(s) of exogenous organism:
IS. 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 Vitrification
Q Soil Washing
Q Vacuum Extraction
Q Thermal Desorption
Q Other (please specify) ^___
19. Please describe the treatment process in more detail. If the process is used in conjunction with a
nonbiological technology, please describe the treatment train.
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?
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PART TWO: BIOTREATMENT PROCESS _ OF _
Contaminated Media
21. Please identify the contaminated medium or media being treated or considered for treatment by this
biological technology.
Q Air Q Soil (please indicate zone below)
Q Sediments Q Vadose Zone
Q Sludge Q Saturated Zone
Q Water (please indicate type below)
Q Ground Water
Q Surface Water
22a. If applicable, provide all readily available information pertaining to the texture of soil.
23
USDA Texture Class
Q Sand
Q Loamy Sand
Q Sandy Loam
Q Loam
Q Silt
Q Silt Loam
Clay Loam
Silty Clay Loam
Sandy Clay
Q Silty Clay
Q Clay
Typical Particle Size Distribution
% Silt (0.002 to 0.05 mm)
% Sand (0.05 to 2.0 mm)
ASTM/USCS Texture Class
Q CH Q CL Q MH
Q SP Q SW Q GC
% Clay (<0.002 mm)
% Coarse Fragments (>2.0 mm)
Q ML
Q GM
Q SC
Q GP
Q SM
a GW
If applicable, provide all readily available information pertaining to the texture of sediments.
USDA Texture Class
Q Sand
Q Loamy Sand
Q Sandy Loam
Q Loam
Q sat
Q Silt Loam
Q Clay Loam
Q Silty Clay Loam
Q Sandy Clay
Q Silty Clay
Q Clay
Typical Particle Size Distribution
% Silt (0.002 to 0.05 mm)
% Sand (0.05 to 2.0 mm)
% Clay (< 0.002 mm)
% Coarse Fragments (>2.0 mm)
ASTM/USCS Texture Class
Q CH Q CL Q MH Q ML Q SC Q SM
a SP a sw a GC a GM a GP a GW
Please indicate the volume of contaminated media being treated 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
Biomnediation
2,000 cubic yards
Total Volume at Site
10,000 cubic yards
Percent or Total
Volume at Site
20%
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PART TWO: BIOTREATMENT PROCESS _ OF _
Contaminants and Cleanup Level Data
24. Please specify the media and contaminants being treated or considered for treatment 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.)
Medium
(Please select from
list In question #21)
soil (vadoae)
Contaminant
carcinogenic PAHs
Maximum Original
Concentration
1,500 mg*g
Target or Required
Cleanup Level
160«g*g
Basis for Cleanup Level
Risk-based
Rate of
Reaction
2 mg/kg/day
Lowest
Concen-
tration
Achieved
lOOmg/kg
Time to
Achieve
Cleanup
Level
2 years
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?
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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.
Q Yes, being conducted.
Q Yes, completed.
Q 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 stage1
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.
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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 technolofy. 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
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GLOSSARY OF BIOREMEDIATION TERMS
Ex Situ Treatment Processes
Treatments Involving a Reactor
Activated Sludge
Reactor
Extended Aeration
Reactor
Contact Stabilization
Reactor
Fixed Film Reactor
Fluidized Bed Reactor
Sequencing Batch
Reactor
Slurry Reactor
The biomass is suspended in liquid, captured in a clarifier, and recycled to the
reactor; the contact time between the waste and the biomass is controlled by
wasting excess biomass.
The 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.
The 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.
The biomass is retained in the system by using static support media.
Bacteria are attached to a support medium, which is fluidized in the reactor.
This self-contained treatment system incorporates equalization, aeration, and
clarification using a draw and fill approach on wastewater sludges.
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
Land Treatment
Pile Treatment
(Composting)
Air Sparging
Bioventing
Excavated 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.
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.
A noncontainerized accumulation of solid, nonflowing waste is treated or
stored under controlled nutrient, oxygen, pH, and temperature conditions.
In Situ Treatment Processes
Air is injected below the water table, creating bubbles in contaminated ground
water. The air bubbles contact dissolved and adsorbed contaminants in the
aquifer, causing the contaminants to volatilize and be transported to the
vadose zone. Contaminants then are removed 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.
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GLOSSARY OF BIOREMEDIATION TERMS (continued)
In Situ Treatment Processes (continued)
Confined Treatment
Facility for Sediments
In Situ Ground Water
Treatment
In Situ Sediment
Treatment
In Situ Soil Treatment
(Land Treatment)
•
TreatabilUj or
Feasibility Studies
Laboratory Scale
Pilot Scale
Full-Scale
Remediation
Aerobic
Anaerobic
Indigenous
Exogenous
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 welts 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.
Treatment Stains
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.
Undertaken in the laboratory under controlled conditions.
Performed on test plots and control plots under field conditions.
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.
Microorganism Growth Conditions
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.
Sooret of Microorganisms
Occurring naturally at a site.
Not native to a site.
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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 bioremed/ation sites not currently in BFSS, please provide informa-
tion on the second page.)
Date Received ERG Software Applications Development Group
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BFSS Comment Form (cont.)
Site Name:
City/State:
Contact:
Phone:
Site Name:
City/State:_
Contact:
Phone:
Site Name:
City/State:.
Contact: _
Phone:
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
Region 5, Library (PL-12J)
77 West Jackson Boulevard, 12th Floor
Chicago, IL 60604-3590
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