United States
Environmental Protection
Agency
Office of
Research and Development
Washington DC 20460
EPA/600/M-90/020
November 1990
Vol.2
ORD ENGINEERING
HIGHLIGHTS
A bi-monthly compilation of EPA's Office of Research and Development engineering research activities
and results and related research activities in pollution prevention and mitigation. To discuss any of these
activities, contact the ORD lead person listed below. For general information, contact Darlene Williams of
the Office of Technology Transfer and Regulatory Support, Phone : FTS 382-7891.
Research in Progress
Reopening of Oil and Hazardous Materials Simulated
Environmental Test Tank (OHMSETT) Facility
The OHMSETT Interagency Technical Committee (OITC)
met on September 10 and 11, 1990, at the offices of the
Department of Interior's Minerals Management Service
(MMS) in Herndon, VA, to review progress on reopening the
OHMSETT facility and to begin planning for the first test
season. OITC members represent MMS, Coast Guard, Navy,
and EPA, who have all historically funded oil spill research at
the facility. OHMSETT was designed and constructed on the
grounds of a Navy Base in Leonardo, NJ, under an EPA
contract in the early 1970's. EPA conducted oil spill cleanup
research at OHMSETT until 1989, when the facility was
turned over to the Navy. The MMS has an agreement with
the Navy to conduct similar research at the facility and will
complete basic refurbishment of the facility. They estimate
that the facility will open mid-1991.
The research projects to be conducted at OHMSETT will
include evaluations of chemicals that enhance mechanical
recovery of oil, further development and evaluation of sensors
to locate/detect oil pockets, and evaluation of novel skimming
methods, especially those most suitable in broken ice fields or
brash ice. EPA's role in future activities will be primarily
advisory. The OITC will also address the provisions in the
new Oil Pollution Act that prescribe committee involvement
with approximately 8 other U.S. Agencies not currently on the
OITC. (Rich Griffiths, RREL, FTS 340-6629)
Nonfriable Asbestos Demonstration Conducted
Recent research of asbestos tile removal conducted in test
cells indicate that the aggressive dry removal method is
undesirable. Six test cells (approximately 15' x 36' each)
were constructed at Fort Sill, OK, to measure asbestos fiber
emissions resulting from asbestos floor tile removal from
concrete floors. Initially each cell was decontaminated by: 1)
Dry HEPA Vacuuming, 2) Wet Wipe Cleaning, 3) Wet
Mopping and Wet Vacuuming, and 4) HEPA Negative Air
Machine Recirculation for 100 Minutes (equivalent to 50 cell
air changes). Aggressive leaf blower testing was then
conducted and the Transmission Electron Microscope (TEM)
indicated a low level of airborne asbestos (0.004
structures/cmS). A static test prior to tile removal was then
conducted with no asbestos structures observed. The floor tile
was then removed using the #4 Scenario of Removal,
Aggressive Dry Removal from concrete floor by hand,
utilizing a maximum of workers to accomplish removal in
minimal time. An average airborne level of 0.116 asbestos
structures/cm3 resulted from the aggressive dry removal
method, indicating the undesirability of this technique.
(Thomas J. Powers, RREL, FTS 684-7550)
CIS Cooperative Agreement With Ohio River Valley Water
Sanitation Commission
RREL and the Ohio River Valley Water Sanitation
Commission signed a cooperative agreement to develop
geographic information systems (GIS). The objective of the
two year project is to develop and demonstrate a GIS that
integrates: (1) a graphic mapping system with a water quality
model modified for the Ohio River and, (2) a historical and
ongoing data base of spatially related Ohio River Basin
information.
This research involves spill tracking and water quality
characterization of real and simulated interstate spills to the
Ohio River. Data output will include information necessary to
provide notification of utilities at risk, determination of
environmentally sensitive areas, and identification of spill
response resources and Ohio River access points. Spatially
related data bases such as SARA Title III chemical inventory
data, land use, groundwater quality, and political boundaries
will be included in the GIS for analysis. Tasks include: (1)
comparing the cost and benefits of treating industrial and
municipal wastes at the source instead of at downstream water
utilities, (2) evaluating the relationship of stream water quality
standards to various small systems' abilities to meet the Safe
Drinking Water Act requirements, (3) determining the
contributions of contaminated groundwater and surface
run-off to river quality degradation, and (4) mapping areas
near the Ohio River with large quantities of hazardous
chemicals or potential for uncontrolled discharges into the
water supply. (James Goodrich, RREL FTS 684-7605)
Radon Diagnostics and Mitigation Program Expanded in
Schools
AEERL's radon program in schools has been expanded by
addressing new geographic areas, soils, and construction
types. Radon diagnostics were recently performed in two
schools in Colorado and two schools in Washington with
elevated radon levels. Measurements indicated that the radon
problems in two of the schools would best be solved by
installing active subslab depressurization (ASD) systems and
that the problems in the other two schools would best be
addressed initially by modifying the operation of the school's
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heating, ventilating, and air-conditioning systems. Detailed
mitigation system designs will be prepared and installed by the
schools and evaluated by EPA. It is also expected that one of
the Colorado schools will be used for long-term research in
conjunction with EPA's Regional Radon Training Center at Ft.
Collins, Colorado. (Kelly Leovic, AEERL, FTS 629-7717)
Field Study of Oil Biodegradation
A field study evaluating two commercial microbial products
used for enhancing oil biodegradation in Prince William Sound
was recently completed. The study involved a statistically
designed experiment with four treatments on four similar
beach segments. Nutrients and products were applied every 4
days, and samples were collected every 9 days. Samples were
processed for growth of oil degraders, disappearance of
aliphatic hydrocarbons as measured by gas chromatography,
and decrease in oil residue weight All four plots receiving one
of the commercial products developed sulfide odors after 9
days, suggesting the onset of anaerobic conditions. These
conditions were not observed with any other treatment A
progress report will be prepared containing results and
conclusions obtained from analytical chemistry and
microbiology data. (Dr. Albert D. Venosa, RREL, FTS
684-7668)
Radon Mitigation Program Re-directed
A recent peer review of the existing-house portion of
AEERL's indoor radon mitigation program drew support for a
re-direction of the program recently implemented by the
Laboratory following an intensive strategic planning effort.
The re-direction involved an increased emphasis on basic
research, and a de-emphasis of field demonstration of radon
mitigation systems in existing houses. The field demonstration
effort had previously been the central component of the
existing-house program. This re-direction was implemented
based upon the recognition that the field demonstration effort
for existing houses has now largely accomplished its purpose
of developing and demonstrating existing technology. More
basic research is needed in order to define promising new
approaches to existing and innovative mitigation techniques
before further field demonstrations for existing houses are
warranted. (Bruce Henschel, AEERL, FTS 629-4112)
Hold Placed on Construction of Environmental Technology
and Engineering Facility (E-TEC)
On September 13, 1990, the Senate Appropriations
Committee recommended that construction of RREL's E-TEC
Facility be placed on hold. EPA is planning to build and
operate an environmentally safe place to conduct controlled
hazardous waste tests of Superfund treatment technologies.
This fully-permitted facility will be able to accommodate a
wide range of technology evaluations, from laboratory-scale to
full-scale. Although the committee supports research and
development of innovative hazardous waste treatment
technologies, they froze all funds previously appropriated for
the facility until the environmental concerns of local officials
are satisfied and the support of the State is secured. EPA
contends that the proposed facility is safe and that the State
fully supports the project. After obtaining support from local
and State officials, EPA plans to make a formal request for the
additional construction funds needed.(Daniel Sullivan, RREL,
FTS 340-6677)
Biorestoration of Jet Fuel Contaminated Aquifer
RSKERL obtained background data for a field investigation
on the biorestoration of an aquifer contaminated with JP-4 jet
fuel at a U.S. Fuel Supply Depot in Hanahan, SC. The U.S.
Geological Survey (USGS) is currently engaged in the design
and construction of a full-scale remediation system employing
infiltration galleries to deliver nitrate and nutrients to the
aquifer. RSKERL acquired continuous core samples to
delineate the vertical extent of contamination and to provide
aquifer material for microcosm studies by both the USGS and
RSKERL. In addition, cluster monitoring wells were placed
to provide water quality information at various depths and
existing wells were sampled. RSKERL is considering the site
for a possible cooperative agreement with the USGS for a
second field study on nitrate-based biorestoration. (S.
Hutchins, RSKERL, FTS 743-2327)
MINTEQ Model Updated
MINTEQ A2, a computer model for estimating the dissolved
fraction of heavy metals in ground or surface water at a waste
site, has been improved and updated. MINTEQA2 is a
geochemical equilibrium speciation model with a database that
includes many of the heavy metals that are of concern at
Superfund and other waste sites. The model calculates the
mobile fraction of total metal by estimating the precipitated
and adsorbed fractions. When used in conjunction with a
hydrologic transport model, downgradient metal
concentrations can be estimated in ground or surface waters.
In this latest release (version 3.00), MINTEQ A2 has been
updated to provide a built-in file of adsorption reactions
applicable to many aqueous systems of concern to EPA. Also,
an option that allows titrations to be modeled has been added,
the execution speed of the model has been improved, and its
output has been made easier to understand. (David Brown,
ERL-Athens, FTS 250-3310)
Technology Transfer
Field Seaming Procedures
RREL hosted a meeting of representative liner installers
from the thermoplastics industry to develop a draft document
for field seaming polyvinyl chloride, chlorinated polyethylene,
chlorosulfonated polyethylene and ethylene interpolymer alloy
geomembranes for waste management facilities. During the
four day meeting the group discussed geomembrane and
equipment preparation, test strips, the actual seaming process,
procedures to follow after seaming and unusual seaming
conditions. The information developed will be combined with
an existing Agency manual on high density polyethylene to
provide the Agency, States and engineering community with a
state-of-the-art resource document on field procedures. The
manual is expected to make a major impact on improving the
performance of liners in field installations. (Robert E.
Landreth, RREL, FTS 684-7871)
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Membrane Workshop
The American Water Works Association, EPA's Office of
Drinking Water, and RREL's Drinking Water Research
Division met with several membrane manufacturers, and
university and private sector researchers to discuss the
feasibility of using ultrafiltration membranes for removing
precursors of disinfection by-products from drinking water.
Presentations and discussions were held on research that has
been or is being done with membranes relative to drinking
water, future research anticipated, types of membranes
available and expected in the future, and the possibility of
membranes being designated as Best Available Technology
for future federal regulations. (Ben Lykins, RREL, FTS
684-7460)
Landfill Design Criteria Exposition
The EPA exposition on landfill design criteria was attended
by over 1,000 representatives from federal, state and local
governments, consultants, equipment manufacturers and
suppliers, and the general public. The meeting consisted of
technical sessions on all aspects of municipal solid waste
management including legal requirements, recycling, disposal,
composting and leachate treatment. Individual technical
sessions focused on the current state of scientific and technical
knowledge in solid waste management. In reviewing the
newer equipment, a seaming machine for synthetic liners was
on display during the exposition that may be beneficial to the
liner installation industry. (Robert E. Landreth, RREL, FTS
684-7871)
RREL Engineers Lecture to Graduate Students
A lecture entitled "Cost Modeling for Drinking Water Unit
Process" was presented to about 15 University of Cincinnati
graduate students and their professors. The lecture represents
the last of a series of 13 lectures given by RREL staff to the
students as part of their graduate course, "Advanced
Physical-Chemical Treatment." (Robert M. Clark, RREL, FTS
684-7201)
Cable News Network Coverage
A Cable News Network (CNN) Science News film crew
interviewed key personnel and videotaped experiments in
progress at the AREAL Fluid Modeling Facility in Research
Triangle Park on September 5, 1990. The three-minute
presentation was aired on October 12-13,1990 on CNN News,
CNN Headline News, and on the program entitled: "Science
and Technology Week" which aired on October 14,1990. The
presentation showed the simulation of flow and dispersion of
atmospheric pollutants in the 60-foot long wind tunnel and the
80-foot long water tank. Last year, the Fluid Modeling
Facility was featured in a national television production
program entitled, "How about... in Science". (Bill Snyder,
EMSL-LV, FTS 629-1198)
SCAMP Research
RSKERL hosted a meeting to plan research to be carried
out under the Subsurface Cleanup and Mobilization Processes
(SCAMP) initiative. SCAMP research will start this fiscal
year and is designed to acquire information that will allow the
development of a decision-making framework for evaluating
the appropriateness of pump and treat remediation of
contaminated ground water and to assist the Superfund
program in improving its efficiency. The information will
include site characterization, immiscible fluid flow,
heterogenous media, sorption, accelerated remediation, and
technical assistance. Meeting participants included
representatives from EPA Headquarters and regional offices,
universities, engineering consultants, and RSKERL staff. A
final research plan for SCAMP is expected to be completed
early in 1991. (S. Schmelling, RSKERL, FTS 743-2434)
Pollution Prevention Manuals Published
Six pollution prevention publications were published during
the past two months. These guides provide an overview of the
operation that generates wastes within industries and
institutions, identify techniques that would allow companies to
reduce their wastes through source reduction and recycling,
and provide a set of self-auditing checklists to assist these
industries in setting up a waste reduction program. The
Pollution Prevention Research Branch is working on eleven
additional industry specific manuals for this year. (Lisa M.
Brown, RREL, FTS 684-7634).
EMSL-LV Monitors Space Shuttle Launch
ORD scientists, as part of an interagency emergency
response team, monitored the recent launch of the space
shuttle DISCOVERY. Because EPA establishes guidelines
for radiation levels in the environment, Agency scientists and
staff have supported space launches since the 1960's and more
recently through their participation with the Federal
Radiological Monitoring Assessment Center, an interagency
organization that responds to radiological emergencies.
On this flight, the shuttle carried "Ulysses," a space probe
which will ultimately orbit the sun to collect scientific data.
Ulysses contains 135,000 Curies of radioactive material,
Plutonium-238, to provide electrical power to the Ulysses
instrumentation. Under EPA guidance, ten field teams with
special portable detection instrumentation established a
32-station air sampling network downwind from the launch
site. The air sampling network was activated during the space
shuttle fueling process, eight hours prior to the launch, and
continued until the shuttle was out of the Earth's orbit. In the
event of an accident, EPA would have been able to provide
data on crop and population contamination to the Federal
Emergency Management Agency, the Department of
Agriculture, and state and local authorities. (Robert N.
Snelling, Director, EMSL-Las Vegas, FTS 545-2525)
REGIONAL ASSISTANCE
Multiple Technology Treatability Study
Under the direction of RREL's START team, a multiple
technology treatability assessment was performed for the
Halby Chemical Manufacturer site located in Delaware
(Region 3). Four treatment technologies were evaluated:
biological, low temperature desorption, solidification/stabizat-
ion and flotation. The desorption process was followed by
stabilization for a treatment train evaluation. The results
suggested that the carbon disulfide and thiocyanate
compounds may be able to be degraded with indigenous
microorganisms. Low temperature desorption removed the
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volatile and semi-volatile compounds. The effectiveness of
stabilization could not be determined since the raw material
did not leach. Flotation was not effective. The Region will
combine these data with a risk assessment A valuable
engineering study is recommended because of the unique
hydrogeological conditions of the site. (Ed Earth, CERI, FTS
684-7566)
University Biotechnology Center
On October 22, 1990, top ORD officials met with the
Chancellor of the University of Florida System and the
President of the University of West Florida (UWF) to
announce the opening of the Environmental Diagnostics and
Bioremediation Center, a biotechnology center at UWF. The
Center was funded by a grant from the State of Florida and a
cooperative agreement between the EPA and UWF. The
Center will initially staff 4 faculty members and post doctoral
research assistants who will conduct bioremediation projects
at UWF as well as the ERL facility in Gulf Breeze.
Cooperative research between UWF and ERL-Gulf Breeze has
been going on for a number of years, especially research on
development of bioindicators for bioremediation studies.
(R.E. Menzer, ERL-Gulf Breeze, FTS 228-9208)
Incineration Meeting on Flint, MI Superfund Site
A slide presentation on hazardous waste incineration,
followed by specific questions on modern transportable
incinerators, was given in Hint, Michigan, on August 9. The
focus of the four-hour public meeting was the remediation
plan developed jointly by EPA and the Michigan Department
of Natural Resources for incinerating the remair:ng
contaminated soil and water at the 20-year-old Berlin and
Farro Superfund site. A large inventory of waste drums and a
core volume of the more heavily contaminated soils were
removed and incinerated off-site, but the remediation plan
now specifies excavation and on-site incineration of
residuals. Approximately 150 participating citizens voiced
strong objections to any on-site incineration plan because of
their recollection of smoke and odors associated with a
previous "incinerator" that formerly processed waste at the site
during the early 1970's. The citizens requested a follow-up
public meeting to include participation by the Regional
Administrator and details on other sites successfully
remediated by incineration. (Donald A. Oberacker, RREL,
FTS 684-7510)
Seminar on Solidification/Stabilization, Soil Washing and
Extraction
RREL presented a brief seminar in Chicago, IL, to the
Regional Project Managers and the On-Scene Coordinators
regarding potential treatment technologies for lead
contaminated soils. Technologies covered in the seminar
included solidification/stabilization, soil washing, and
extraction. In-situ vitrification, flash smelting, and
electrokinetics were also discussed. Results for treatability
testing involving these technologies and lead were
summarized. Approximately 40 regional personnel attend the
two-hour seminar. (David Smith, RREL, FTS 684-7957 or
Paul DePercin, RREL, FTS 684-7797)
Metal Speciation Studies at Superfund Site
The ERL staff used the MINTEQ metal speciation model
to analyze potential mobility and bioavailability of cadmium,
copper, lead, zinc, and barium in sediments adjacent to the
duPont Newport Superfund Site in Delaware. These studies,
carried out for Region 3, clarified the need for chemical
analyses at the site, as suggested by an earlier ERL technical
assistance project. The simulations predicted that oxidizing
conditions would, in general, cause the highest degree of
solubility in all these metals except barium, which would be
most soluble under reducing conditions. (Robert Ambrose,
ERL-Athens, 250-3130)
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