Subsurface Monitoring Research Activities : Advanced Monitoring Systems Division ; Aquatic and Subsurface Monitoring Branch

United States
Environmental
Protection
Agency
Environmental Monitoring
Systems Laboratory
P.O. Box 93478
Las Vegas NV 89193-3478
March 1990
Research and Development
SUBSURFACE MONITORING
RESEARCH ACTIVITIES

Advanced Monitoring
Systems Division
Aquatic and Subsurface
Monitoring Branch

-------

-------
TABLE OF CONTENTS
-------
-------
TABLE OF CONTENTS (Continued)

RCRA Rapid Field Screening Techniques for Hazardous Waste Sites ... 37
Rapid Soil-Gas Field Screening Methods 38
Development/Demonstration/Evaluation of Field Monitoring Systems . . 39
Field Screening Methods for PNAs and PCBs .- . 40
Support for Field Screening Methods - XRF 41
Development of Prototype USRADS to Portable XRF 42
Data Management for Rapid Field Screening Methods 43
Bioremediation Monitoring Around UST 43
Detection and Monitoring of Subsurface Gasoline ..... 44
Field Screening Techniques Evaluation 45
UST Technology Transfer 45
Porous Glass Suction Lysimeter . 46
-------
-------
AQUATIC AND SUBSURFACE MONITORING (AMW) BRANCH STAFF
ADVANCED MONITORING SYSTEMS DIVISION
Name
Discipline^
Responsibilities
Joseph J. DLugosz

Philip B. Durgin

Kenneth R. Scarbrough

Aldo T. Mazzella

Jane E. Denne

Steven P. Gardner

William H. Engelmann

J. Lary Jack

Lawrence A. Eccles

M. S. (Doug) Bedinger

Regina M. Bochicchio

Valerie A. Gutierrez

Roy C. Baumann

Charles 0. Morgan

New hire

Glen P. Bonner

Douglas Elliott
Hydrogeologist

Hydrogeologist

Geologist

Geophysicist

Bydrogeologist

Geohydrologist

Geochemist
Engineering
Geologist

Hydrologist
Hydrologist

Geophysicist

AMV Office
Manager

Project Officer
Assistant

Hydrogeologist

Hydrologist

Computer Aide

Technical Editor
Monsiri (Pom) Jintasawang Clerk-Typist
Branch Chief, Hydrogeologic site
characterization

UST/vadose zone hydrology

Field methods,
hydrology/geophys i cs

Surface/borehole geophysics

Saturated zone hydrology

Wellhead protection/saturated
zone hydrology

Advanced field screening
methods/monitoring parameters

Geophysics technical
support/TSC coordinator

Advanced field screening
methods/vadose zone hydrology

Aquifer properties, modeling

Field geophysics

Branch support - all areas

Financial accounting

Database management/saturated
zone hydrology

Data analysis and interpretation

Computer support to AMW

Report review

TSC correspondence
-------
SUBSURFACE MONITORING .RESEARCH AT THE EMSL- LV

The Environmental Monitoring Systems Laboratory in Las Vegas (EMSL-LV) is

conducting ground-water monitoring research to support the Underground

Injection Control (UIC) Regulations of the Safe Drinking Water Act (SWDA); the

Ground-Water Protection Regulations of the Resource Conservation and Recovery

act (RCRA); and the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation and

Liability Act (CERCLA), as amended, which is frequently referred to as

Superfund. Geophysical research and technical support programs to assist

Superfund hazardous waste site investigations are also being conducted. The

program includes research into the geophysical and geochemical detection and

mapping of shallow contaminant plumes with both surface-based and downhole

methods; the more difficult problem of mapping deeply-buried contaminant

plumes associated with injection wells; the validity of indicator parameters

for ground-water monitoring; monitoring methodology for the unsaturated or

vadose zone; advanced monitoring methods such as real-time, in situ monitoring

of ground water with fiber optic sensor technology; and external leak detec-

tion devices for underground storage tanks (USTs).

ADVANCED TECHNOLOGY FOR GROUND-WATER MONITORING
In situ monitoring of ground-water contaminants with fiber optics tech-

nology and fluorescence spectroscopy may offer cost savings over conventional

methods and has other operational advantages, such as real-time measurement.

2
-------
The EHSL-LV is sponsoring exploratory research at the Lavrence Livermore

National Laboratory and field validation and characterization at EMSL-LV for

the.development of fiber optics technology for ground-water monitoring.

Remote fiber fluorescence spectroscopy involves the excitation of target

substances via fiber optic cables and the detection and measurement of the

target substances based on their fluorescence emission spectra. Optrodes for

measurement of nonfluorescing chemicals react with the substance of interest

and a fiber coating or other substrate to yield a product which fluoresces.

Measurement of other parameters such as temperature require optrodes using

substances such as ruby which have temperature-dependent fluorescence spectra.

The recent development of high quality fiber optic cables at relatively low

cost promises to make feasible the remote measurement of chemical concentra-

tions and parameter values at distances of up to 1 km from the spectroscopy

processing unit. Concentrations in the part-per-billion range can be measured

for some compounds.

VADOSE ZONE MONITORING
RCRA regulations require unsaturated zone monitoring at permitted land

treatment or landfarming disposal areas. Monitoring in the vadose zone is

designed to detect leaching and percolation of pollutants from hazardous

wastes before the pollutants reach the water table. While several methods for

vadose zone monitoring have been used in agriculture, they have not been

characterized or validated for use at hazardous waste sites. EMSL-LV vadose

zone research is intended to select the best available equipment, establish
-------
installation and operational procedures, determine equipment limitations, and

describe methods for data interpretation.

GROUND-WATER MONITORING

The SDWA, CERCLA, and RCRA require that underground drinking water

sources be protected from contamination. Assurance that protection is being

obtained is provided by water quality data from monitoring wells. Continued

development of new sampling techniques and equipment, improvements in under-

standing the processes of ground-water contamination, and the unique

character of every monitoring situation are important considerations in

obtaining ground-water samples that are representative of in situ conditions.

A number of variables are being examined.

Research is directed at a better understanding of monitoring well con-

struction methods and their impact on monitoring. A handbook on monitoring

well construction is to be provided. Studies of seasonal variability are

being conducted at several sites to investigate the role of temporal varia-

bility in ground-water monitoring. Ground-water sampling methods are being

evaluated. Site characterization, well placement, and spatial variability are

other topics under investigation.

UNDERGROUND STORAGE TANKS

EMSL-LV has been evaluating leak detection systems for use outside USTs.

Four areas of research have been: instrumentation evaluation, network design,
-------
data analysis, and technical guidance. Performance tests have been developed

for instruments that include accuracy, precision, response time, and speci-

ficity. Field studies have been completed to evaluate the background con-

centration of hydrocarbon vapors and changes over time. The research for

network design has included computer modelling and physical modelling in the

laboratory and in two full-scale tanks. Field-screening techniques are being

developed and field tested for site investigations of service stations. The

"monitoring only" option of remediation is being demonstrated in the field

with guidance for this alternative being developed.

INDUSTRY-SPECIFIC MONITORING PARAMETERS FOR GROUND-WATER MONITORING

The EMSL-LV is conducting research into indicator parameters that will

give a reliable indication of subsurface leakage on an industry-by-industry

basis. For cost-effective monitoring, a short list of parameters, which will

be reliable and inexpensive to measure is desired. Indicator parameters are

measured during the detection monitoring.phase. A more complete assessment of

hazardous chemicals is done in the compliance monitoring phase.
Among the factors to be considered in specifying parameters to be moni-

tored are the following: (1) the mobility, -stability, and persistence of

waste constituents or their reaction products in the unsaturated zone beneath

the facility; (2) the detectability of the parameters in the ground water; and

(3) the concentrations and amount of variation of the proposed monitoring

parameters in the ground-water background.
-------
The objectives of this project are: (1) Identify process chemicals and

waste products for specific industries (source profile); (2) Identify hydro-

logic contamination typical of industry-specific activities (contamination

profile); (3) Assess the effect of hydrologic and hydrogeologic parameters, as

appropriate, on the contamination profile; and (4) Identify analytes that may

be used as direct or indirect indicators of industry-specific chemical

releases.

QUALITY ASSURANCE/FIELD METHODS STANDARDIZATION

The EMSL-LV is working towards the development of standards in the area

of ground-water monitoring. These standards are needed for the quality

assurance of field investigations being performed at RCRA and Superfund sites.

Standards are needed in the areas of: (1) borehole geophysics; (2) vadose

zone monitoring; (3) monitoring well drilling and soil sampling practices;

(4) determination of hydrogeological parameters; (5) monitoring well design

and construction; and (6) ground-water sample collection, handling, and field

analysis.
The Laboratory is in the process of setting up a cooperative agreement

with ASTM to have voluntary consensus standards written in these areas. ASTM

has set up a new subcommittee, D-18.21 on Ground-Vater Monitoring, to write

standards in this area. The cooperative agreement is designed to accelerate

the development of standards in this area, to support RCRA and Superfund in

this area as quickly as possible.
-------
TECHNICAL SUPPORT CENTER

The EHSL-LV developed a program to provide assistance to the Superfund

program. A facility will be developed at Pittman, Nevada, to serve as a

staging area for the Technical Support Center and to store equipment to be

used for ground-water research. Principal activities include the development

and distribution of training materials, technical transfer of new technologies

through field programs, and technical support in areas of specialized

expertise.

GEOPHYSICAL RESEARCH PROGRAM

In research programs funded under RCRA, SDVA, and CERCLA, geophysical

techniques for determining subsurface structure and detecting and mapping

ground-water contamination are being developed, tested, and applied in field

investigations. The use of geophysical and geochemical methods for detecting

and mapping underground contamination is part of a cost-effective approach to

ground-water monitoring.
Geophysical and geochemical methods can be used to ensure proper place-

ment and completion of monitoring wells for detection and compliance monitor-

ing to meet RCRA Land Disposal Regulations. CERCLA requires the assessment of

ground-water contamination at uncontrolled hazardous waste sites for remedial

action. The UIC Regulations promulgated under the SDWA requires surveys of

the zone of influence of proposed new injection wells prior to granting

permits for the construction of the wells.
-------
Research in geophysical and geochemical methods will demonstrate and

evaluate these techniques for detection and mapping of subsurface properties

and ground-vater contaminant plumes. In the area of dovnhole sensing, the

research objectives are to survey, develop, test, and evaluate dowahole

sensors and methods which can be used for hazardous waste site monitoring and

for pre-construction hydrogeologic investigations, principally using small-

diameter, shallow-depth boreholes. In the area of mapping fluids from

injection wells, several techniques are being evaluated for use on the

detection of deeply buried contaminant plumes. Magnetometers along with

aerial photography have been evaluated for locating abandoned wells in the

vicinity of proposed new injection wells.

GEOPHYSICAL TECHNICAL SUPPORT FOR SUPERFUND HAZARDOUS WASTE SITE ASSESSMENT
Much of the EMSL-LV geophysical research is directly applicable to CERCLA

site investigations. To take advantage of these benefits, the EMSL-LV has

initiated a program to provide technical support in the use of geophysical

methods in hazardous waste site investigations. Support will be provided

through the Emergency Response Branch (ERB) of the Office of Emergency and

Remedial Response (OERR) to the 10 EPA regional offices. The primary program

goal is to assist field teams from OERR/ERB and the regional offices in

performing hazardous waste site assessments, with emphasis on better utili-

zation of the geophysical capabilities that these groups already have. First

priority is given to developing EMSL-LV products which will be of immediate

use to field teams already possessing some geophysical capability. Quality
-------
assurance services for geophysical measurements vill also be provided to

regional office teams on request.

ADVANCED FIELD MONITORING METHODS

Rapid field x-ray fluorescence (XRF) analytical techniques are being

developed for screening Superfund sites that may be contaminated vith toxic

metals. These results vill optimize Superfund field efforts from the initial

investigation through the remediation steps by being able to readily provide

on-site data.

When site screening requires a "contour" plot of contaminant intensity

over the actual site coordinates there is recently-developed instrumentation

that uses the XRF spectrometer in combination vith an ultrasonic ranging and

data system (USRADS). Speed in developing contour plots is increased about

one to tvo orders of magnitude, over that of conventional methods.
Vith the XRF-USRADS system, data points are gathered, typically at a

frequency of one intensity point per second, as the site is valked in a criss-

cross pattern by the technician. The points are sent ultrasonically from the

back-pack that contains the transmitter to an array of ultrasonic receivers.

The signals are used in a surveyor's "triangulation" calculation to determine

the exact geographical position. Each position or point in this "grid" is

coordinated vith an XRF value. Under computer control, a plot is rapidly made

that gives a contour perspective, vith the highest points being those of the

strongest signals. Such capability vill save much time and cost and enable
-------
Superfund site managers to make better and much more timely decisions while

on-site. This is an important technological tool that should greatly speed up

the site remediation process.

Surface geophysical surveying is also available as a rapidly developed

plot using an electromagnetic induction instrument linked to the USRAOS.

Other geophysical devices have the potential to be linked to the USRADS. Any

device that emits a measurement, and that needs to be coordinated with geo-

graphical positioning can be adapted.

In addition to fluorescence measurements from x-rays, there are also

relatively new technologies that use other types of fluorescence.

Ultraviolet-visible (UV-vis) fluorescence of organic molecular compounds is a

phenomenon that is now being developed into field instruments for detection

and quantitation of polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) and for polyaromatic

hydrocarbons (PAHs). Small portable, or mobile-van instruments, as they

become widely available in the 1990s, will enable determination of this class

of contaminants on-site. Quality decisions will follow for remediation work

on hazardous waste sites that might contain these contaminants.
10
-------
TITLE: Evaluation of a Multi-Layer Ground-Water Sampler

GOAL: Provide a fully evaluated ground-water profiler for simultaneous
collection of water from various depths.

RATIONALE: The need for new methods to help characterize and monitor ground
water at RCRA and Superfund sites is increasing as the number and knowledge of
the complexity of the sites is increasing. RPM's, OSC's and EPA remediation
contractors have had problems characterizing the hydrologic properties of
their sites. The development of new methods to provide insight into the
hydrological properties of sites should greatly decrease the remediation
process, which would then decrease the cost of remediation.

APPROACH: This project will use the data and field experience acquired during
the previous testing phase of the Ronen/Hagaritz (R/M) sampler at Brookhaven
National Laboratory. The initial testing of the R/M sampler proved to work
well for inorganics, but cannot be generally applied to organics. The sampler
was constructed out of rubber, PVC and other material that adsorbed the
organics. The new ground-water profiler will be constructed of optimum
materials (stainless steel, teflon and glass) so as to not contaminate the
sample or adsorb contaminants during the sampling procedure. This sampler
will be tested at the same veil that the R/M sampler testing was performed.
EPA Coordinator: K. R. Scarbrough
FTS 545-2645
(702) 798-2645
TITLE: "In-Soil" Diffusion Coefficient (UST)

GOAL: 1) To determine the "in-soil" diffusion coefficients of trichloro-
ethylene and butane. 2) Try to establish a functional relationship between
concentration levels, location of contaminants and time of contamination. The
results will be used to predict concentration levels at depths and the time
sequence of contamination associated with spills or leaking tanks from
contaminant releases at the soil surface. 3) Attempt to scale down the
apparatus and define the barrier effects.

RATIONALE: The Office of Underground Storage Tanks (OUST) is now placing
emphasis on remediation of UST sites. This study will provide valuable
information for remediation as well as monitoring.

APPROACH: Six small-scale cylindrical containers will be constructed for test
chambers. These cylinders will be filled with a mixture of sand and silt to
produce a porosity of .25 to .40. Then, a constant source of chemical
contaminate (vapor) will be placed at the bottom of each cylinder. The
cylinders will be equipped to measure the diffusion rate of the gas through
them using ports in the side of the cylinder. During these experiments
external factors (i.e., temperature, humidity and soil moisture) will be
controlled. Once the initial test are completed we will build a smaller
scaled versions to test the barrier effects.
11
-------
EPA Coordinator: K. R. Scarbrough
FTS 545-2645
(702) 798-2645
TITLE: Free Product Thickness in a Shallow Aquifer

GOAL: To develop and field test a device that can measure accurately and
quickly the thickness of a free product plume on a shallow aquifer. To test
methods for measuring free product thickness.

RATIONALE: The Office of Underground Storage Tanks (OUST) is placing their
emphasis on remediation of UST sites. This project would support that
emphasis by providing a quick screening tool for site characterization of an
UST site. It also would help determine the progress of remediation efforts.

APPROACH: A prototype device will be designed and constructed. This device
will consist of two tubes, one inside the other. The outer tube will be
stainless steel with a longitudinal slot. It also will have a resistivity
device to detect when the device contacts the saturated zone. The inner tube
will be made of plastic. This tube will be rotated inside the outer tube to
expose the detectors (dye material or electric sensors) that will indicate
fuel thickness. This device will be field tested at the Oregon Graduate
Institute sand tanks and appropriately characterized contaminated UST sites.
Research also will be conducted to evaluate the influence of hydrophobic well-
construction materials in free-product monitoring.
EPA Coordinator: K. R. Scarbrough
FTS 545-2645
(702) 798-2645
TITLE: Use of Peat for Adsorption of Hydrocarbons from UST

GOAL: This study will be concerned with laboratory testing of a permeable
peat barrier to remove petroleum contaminants from the ground water. Once the
laboratory testing is complete, EPA will field test this technology.

RATIONALE: There is a need to study passive methods of remediation at UST
sites. The conventional practices (i.e., pump and treat, injection,
excavation and removal) are usually effective in porous/high yield soils but
are not in tight formations with low hydraulic conductivities. This study
will investigate the use of a permeable peat barrier as a remediation tool.

APPROACH: The physical and chemical characteristics of three different peats
will be identified. These peats will then be tested to determine quanti-
tatively the equilibrium sorption characteristic of each peat. The peats will
then be placed in a column to assure that kinetic problems will not limit the
effectiveness of peat as a sorbent for organic constituents. The second phase
will be to field test this technology at a contaminated abandoned gas station.
It is proposed to construct a peat barrier (trench) and monitor the influent
and effluent water for hydrocarbons.

12
-------
EPA Coordinator: K. R. Scarbrough
FTS 545-2645
(702) 798-2645
TITLE: Ground-Water Monitoring in Karst Terrain

GOAL: To develop a Karst map of the United States; this map would be used to
assist in the siting of new RCRA facilities.

RATIONALE: Much of the Agency's efforts concerning ground-water monitoring
have focused on hydrogeologic environments comprised of unconsolidated
materials. New and existing RCRA facilities may be located in or near Karst
terrains, therefore, monitoring strategies unique to this type of hydro-
geologic environment are being developed and guidelines prepared for use by
the regulator and the regulated community. *This map would complement the
monitoring strategies and guidelines presently being prepared for Karst
environments.

APPROACH: The approach to this problem would be to map into two existing
sources of information and get these to produce the map. First would be to
access Dr. James Quinlan (formerly U.S. National Park Service) to compile the
information or the different zones of Karst Hydrology in the U.S. Then we
would access a map manufacture or a GIS Service (possibly EMSL-LV) to
manipulate this information into the finished product.
EPA Coordinator: K. R. Scarbrough
FTS 545-2645
(702) 798-2645
TITLE: Industry-Specific Monitoring Parameters

GOAL: Primarily, to provide recommendations of ground-water monitoring
parameters for each of the two specific industries: (1) Municipal/Sanitary
Landfills, and (2) Incinerated Municipal Waste Ash Monofills. Secondarily,
source profiles and contamination profiles will subsequently be developed for
seven additional industries: aerospace, chemical manufacturing, metal
manufacturing, military, oil refining, wood treatment, and hazardous waste
disposal.

RATIONALE: RCRA subtitle D landfill disposal regulations require the
continual monitoring of ground water at most facilities for both detection and
compliance monitoring. Most landfills, as they leak, release volatile organic
compounds (VOCs) as principal contaminants. Many of the VOCs are chlorinated
compounds. For detection monitoring to be cost-effective, a short list of
low-cost parameters is desired.

APPROACH: A data base of RCRA, Superfund, and DOD monitoring data has been
developed, from information supplied by Waste Management, Inc. (WMI), one of
the largest operators of municipal landfill sites in the U.S. Additional data

13
-------
will be gathered to link specific chemicals with the specific industries noted
above. Chemicals will then be identified that may be used as direct or
indirect indicators of chemical contamination in ground water. The FY89
effort focused on the organic contaminants at wood treatment hazardous waste.
The FY90 emphasis will be on possible inorganic indicators for all seven of
the above industries. Temporal variability of the indicator and contaminant
chemicals will also be studied through charting the variances, with time, of
each contaminant concentration to determine seasonal changes in concentration.
EPA Coordinator: V. H. Engelmann
FTS 545-2664
(702) 798-2664
TITLE: Information Integration Software for Ground-Water Quality Assessments

GOAL: To provide a "toolbox" of software packages and methods for extracting
useful information from data bases of ground-water monitoring information. To
disseminate this methodology among ground-water professionals, researchers,
and policy makers.

RATIONALE: Under the Resources Conservation and Recovery Act, as amended in
1984, and The Safe Drinking Water Act Amendment of 1986, many state and local
agencies routinely collect environmental data to meet a variety of objectives.
Many large data bases are being compiled by the EPA, other federal agencies
in the Department of Defense, and state and local governments. A need exists
for a methodology to cost effectively extract knowledge from the vast amount

APPROACH: The University of Iowa has implemented several major ground-water
quality data bases at the University of Iowa Computing Facility. These data
bases include several million chemical (analytical) measurements from
thousands of wells at ambient locations, public water supply systems and
hazardous waste sites. They have acquired additional hardware and software
resources to process, analyze, and interpret the data in these data bases.
With the assistance of existing software, they have developed procedures to
create several transformed data bases from each original data base. They have
also written numerous macro-procedures to produce plots, charts, tables,
statistical tests, and analyses of data from these data bases. What is
missing is the documentation for this step-by-step process by which data from
diverse data bases have been brought together to answer specific analytical
questions. As a part of this effort, an information-integration document will
be developed based on findings published in the open literature as well as the
results of research from the last five years of effort at the University of
Iowa, Iowa Department of Natural Resources, and the US EPA.
EPA Coordinator: S. P. Gardner
FTS 545-2580
(702) 798-2580
14
-------
TITLE: Ground-Water Monitoring Methods Standardization

GOAL: To produce voluntary consensus standards for field methods in the area
of environmental monitoring of ground water.

RATIONALE! Subtitle C of the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act requires
ground-water monitoring at licensed hazardous waste sites. There is an
ongoing EPA program for the quality assurance of chemical analyses produced
from these monitoring systems, but no program to assure samples are collected
correctly, or that field data gathering is performed according to a set
protocol. Field data must be comparable and consistent, these standard
methods help assure that they are. This program will provide the scientific
basis to standardize the EPA approach to subsurface monitoring.

APPROACH: Six task groups have been set up under ASTM guidelines to write
draft standards in the areas of 1) borehole geophysics, 2) vadose zone
monitoring, 3) monitoring well drilling and soil sampling, 4) determination of
hydrogeologic parameters, 5) monitoring well design and construction, and 6)
ground-water sample collection, handling and field analysis. A person
affiliated with EMSL-LV with expertise in the field, has been assigned to each
task group. These task groups meet concurrently and develop draft standards
for delivery to ASTM for balloting. At the same time, they are delivered to
EPA as internal reports for dissemination and comments by the laboratories,
program offices, and regional offices. These standards will provide a means
of quality assurance of ground-water quality monitoring and are a method of
transfer of knowledge and technology from experts in various phases of ground-
water monitoring.
EPA Coordinator: S. P. Gardner
FTS 545-2580
(702) 798-2580
TITLE: Wellhead Protection Technical Assistance/Technology Transfer

GOAL: To provide technical assistance and technical transfer of information
developed during monitoring and GIS research supported by C104/F89/01 Projects
01 and 02 and C104/F81/01 Project 03. The recipients of this information will
be state and local managers and technical staff working in wellhead
protection.

RATIONALE: As a result of the passage of the 1986 amendments to the Safe
Drinking Water Act a nationwide program to protect ground-water resources used
for public supplies was established - the Wellhead Protection Program. EPA is
responsible for providing guidance to the states to implement and manage well-
head protection programs. This task, will provide the vehicle to transfer
information developed in other Wellhead Protection research projects to the
local managers of Wellhead Protection Areas. This will help them make
informed decisions regarding ground-water monitoring and information
management at the local level.
15
-------
APPROACH: EMSL-LV operates a Technology Support Center for Monitoring and
Site Characterization, which provides assistance to EPA Regional personnel
working with sites regulated under CERCLA and RCRA. This assistance includes
geophysical, ground vater, and vadoze-zone investigations. Questions per-
taining to hydrogeology, contaminant chemistry, and ground-water monitoring
are also addressed. The EMSL-LV Geographic Information System Research Group
is currently providing support to the Regions for delineating VHPAs by
coupling ground-water models with a GIS system. EMSL-LV will increase its
level of technical support to include state and local agencies through:

• Technical review of site-specific VHP plans, monitoring network
designs, sampling plans, delineation methodology, and source
identification and characterization documents.

• Site visits to participate in routine field work, implement and test
laboratory-developed technologies, and document case-studies
research.

* Preparation of educational materials to facilitate information
dissemination in such forms as electronic bulletin boards, technical
assistance documents (TADs), brochures, pamphlets, and short
courses.
EPA Coordinator: S. P. Gardner
FTS 545-2580
(702) 798-2580
TITLE: Ground-Water Monitoring Strategies for Wellhead Protection

GOAL: The purpose of this effort is to prepare a guidance document concerning
monitoring strategies for wellhead protection areas (VHPA). Monitoring is a
type of management strategy that can be used in wellhead protection areas
along with land use controls for early warning and pollution prevention.

RATIONALE: As a result of the passage of the 1986 amendments to the Safe
Drinking Vater Act a nationwide program to protect ground-water resources used
for public supplies was established - the Wellhead Protection Program. EPA is
responsible for providing guidance to the states to implement and manage
wellhead protection programs. Guidance for delineating WHPAs has already been
provided, the next step is to develop guidance for the design of monitoring
networks. Elements of the Wellhead Protection Program include delineation of
a Wellhead Protection Area, identification of contaminant sources, selection
of management approaches, and development of contingency plan. Monitoring
networks in Wellhead Protection Area can provide hydrogeologic information to
support area delineation, detection of unknown contaminant sources, and be
used as a management approach.

APPROACH: This project will include four tasks. These include contacting
state and local agencies which are implementing or trying to implement a WHP
program, develop the background information for monitoring network design,
develop and discuss case studies and prepare a guidance document for distri-

16
-------
bution to the states. Case studies will be funded with 4 to 6 small co-
operative agreements to municipalities. These municipalities will design a
monitoring network for their wellhead protection area based on their unique
hydrogeology and contaminant distribution. These case studies will be tracked
by LESC and included in the monitoring strategy document. Municipalities
funded in FY89 include Littleton, MA; Dover, NH; Stevens Point, VI;
Springfield, MO; and Souix Falls, SD. A case study in Monterey County,
California may be funded to design a monitoring system in a confined hydro-
geology. Funding for GIS support in Monterey County may come from Region 9.
EPA Coordinator: S. P. Gardner
FTS 545-2580
(702) 798-2580
TITLE? Innovative Monitoring Devices for Wellhead Protection

GOAL: To provide guidance to state and local managers of Wellhead Protection
Areas regarding innovative and cost effective methods of monitoring large
areas.

RATIONALE: As a result of the passage of the 1986 amendments to the Safe
Drinking Water Act a nationwide program to protect ground-water resources used
for public supplies was established - the Wellhead Protection Program. EPA is
responsible for providing guidance to the state to implement and manage well-
head protection programs. Guidance for delineating WHPAs has already been
provided, and guidance for the design of monitoring networks is currently
being developed under C104/F81/01/03. Monitoring is one type of management
strategy that can be used alone, or in conjunction with land use controls, to
prevent new pollution of an aquifer and provide early detection of contami-
nation. Wellhead Protection Areas are areally extensive and innovative and
more cost effective ways of monitoring for contamination must be found. All
types of information, not just chemical analyses, must be integrated by the
Wellhead Protection Area Manager to make decisions regarding aquifer
management.

APPROACH: Literature and laboratory survey.s will assess continuous monitoring
and sample extraction devices for WHPA monitoring. Devices that can quantify
in situ analyte concentrations could have particular applicability in moni-
toring the large areas of WHPA's. These devices could provide a screening
method for early detection of contaminants and may provide a large cost
savings over the traditional methods of monitoring well sampling and lab-
oratory analysis. This research would assess the current and emerging
technology related to innovative monitoring devices applicable to WHP program.
Various thermal, mass, electrochemical, and optical sensors will be evaluated
in terms of their development and the immediate needs of the WHP community. A
guidance document will be prepared on the use of innovative monitoring devices
in WHPA's for delivery to state and local managers implementing monitoring in
their WHPA's. An internal report identifying promising new technologies
deserving further research and development will be delivered to EPA.
17
-------
EPA Coordinator: S. P. Gardner
FTS 545-2580
(702) 798-2580
TITLE: Well Construction

GOAL: To provide information regarding state-of-the-art equipment, materials,
and methods for the design, installation and completion of monitoring wells in
various regions and hydrogeologic settings to ensure that the veils provide
representative ground-water samples and do not themselves contribute to
contamination of water.

RATIONALE: SDVA, CERCLA, and RCRA require that underground drinking water
sources be protected from contamination. Assurance that protection is being
attained is provided by water quality data from monitoring wells. These wells
should provide representative water samples and should not themselves produce
contamination. EPA Program Office and Regional personnel as well as others
involved with ground-water monitoring have expressed concern regarding well
construction materials and methods, and their questions are addressed in the
"Handbook of Suggested Practices for the Design and Installation of Ground-
Water Monitoring Wells."

APPROACH: Literature has been reviewed, and drilling and well construction
methods typically used have been assessed from publications and inquiries.
Interviews with professionals from the EPA Regions were conducted to determine
well construction techniques and to discuss problems and potential solutions.
The Project's Advisory Committee, composed of members from private industry
and U.S. EPA staff from Headquarters Program and Regional offices and the R.
S. Kerr Lab reviewed draft documents. Products included the journal article,
"Drilling and Constructing Monitoring Wells with Hollow-Stem Augers" and the
"Handbook" which is in final review.
EPA Coordinator: J. E. Denne
FTS 545-2655
(702) 798-2655
TITLE: Site Characterization, Spatial and Temporal Variability

GOAL: To provide a practical, field-tested methodology for site charac-
terization which will allow consistent collection, analyses, and interpre-
tation of site data and to provide current monitoring information regarding
spatial and temporal variability for assessment of volatile organic
contamination in a large urban, industrialized area with a sub-humid
environment.

RATIONALE: RCRA regulations require a ground-water monitoring program at most
facilities, and volatile organic compounds (VOCs) are commonly found in
contaminated ground water. Therefore, the temporal and spatial behavior of
these chemicals and site characterization of a VOC-contaminated area are
important factors to be considered when designing a monitoring system as well

18
-------
as evaluating and interpreting data. State-of-the-art monitoring information
is needed to make scientifically valid and cost-effective decisions for
investigating and monitoring subsurface and ground-water conditions at RCRA
and Superfund sites. Temporal variability and site characterization research
results from this project, together with those from other EMSL-LV studies in
areas with different climatic and hydrogeologic conditions, may be applied
throughout the country to improve the consistency and comparability of ground-
water monitoring data. Region 5 is also very interested in site-specific
results of this study.

APPROACH: An approximately 10-square mile area of southeast Rockford, IL was
selected because it overlies an extensive sand and gravel aquifer (typical of
many hazardous waste sites) contaminated with volatile organic compounds.
Both public water supply and private wells have been contaminated by a number
of industrial sources. State-of-the-art hydrogeologic and chemical data
collection and interpretive methods will be used in the project which will be
conducted in three phases. The first is reconnaissance (including compilation
of existing data and use of field contamination survey techniques) and
development of hydrologic and geochemical monitoring systems. Survey methods
will include analyses of soil gas, ground-water headspace, and aquifer core
materials. Results will be integrated with hydrologic and chemical data
collected during well tests to estimate spatial variability in contaminant
sources. A real-time meteorologic and hydrologic data measurement system will
be installed to maintain continuous records. The second phase will include
use of a GIS and modeling for refinement of sampling well and piezometer
arrays. Monitoring of the temporal variability of the spatial distribution of
the principal organic contaminants will be initiated. Synoptic experiments
under pumping and nonpumping conditions will be designed to estimate the
effects of transient flow regime. Results will be reported in an article
comparing sampling and surveillance methods. The third phase will consist of
data analysis, refinement and repetition of the synoptic experiment, and
provision of a conceptual model. A guidance document for methods to
characterize sites and assess contamination will be prepared based on study
results.
EPA Coordinator: J. E. Denne
FTS 545-2655
(702) 798-2655
TITLE: Temporal Variability (Arid) and Sampling Procedures

GOAL: To provide an understanding of the statistical nature and temporal
variability of ground-water quality (especially volatile organic compounds) in
an arid environment and to provide an assessment/validation of elements of
ground-water sampling protocols.

RATIONALE: RCRA regulations require a ground-water monitoring program at most
facilities. Results of both major parts of this research project (evaluation
of temporal variability and validation of selected elements of sampling
protocol) have the potential of increasing the quality and consistency and
reducing the cost of hydrogeologic data gathered in RCRA and Superfund site

19
-------
investigations and monitoring. Behavior of volatile organic compounds (VOCs,
a major source of ground-water contamination) in the natural environment must
be studied in order to design better monitoring networks and sampling fre-
quencies to detect contamination. Results of this arid zone temporal
variability research together with those of other EMSL-LV studies in areas
with different climatic and hydrogeologic conditions may be applied in varied
settings across the nation. Evaluation of elements of sampling protocols
(well purging in low-permeability materials, field filtration methods for
ground-water samples, and equipment decontamination procedures) should allow
determination of appropriate methods to collect representative samples in a
consistent manner.

APPROACH: For evaluation of temporal variability of ground-water quality in
an arid environment, sampling points will be selected in a VOC-contaminated
aquifer and in an uncontaminated area of southern Nevada. Four wells will be
instrumented and monitored. Data will be analyzed to determine their
statistical nature and the temporal variability of water quality. Cross-
correlation between chemical indicator parameters and dissolved constituents
of the water will be evaluated for use of indicator parameters as predictors
of water chemistry. For assessment of sampling protocol elements, experiments
will include purging in low permeability materials, field filtering, and
decontaminating equipment. Field purging studies in a monitoring well will
address the extent of draw-down during purging, time of sampling during well
recovery, and location of sampling device with respect to the screened
interval; in situ devices that do not need to be purged will be evaluated and
compared to monitoring well results. Filtering experiments at the field site
will include a monitoring well and in situ devices; in-line, barrel-type,
vacuum-type, and internal filters; and varied pre-filtration holding times.
Laboratory investigation of decontamination will involve a bladder pump
exposed to a tracer fluid and the use of several types of rinses and cleansers
for varying times.
EPA Coordinator: J. E. Denne
FTS 545-2655
(702) 798-2655
TITLE: Technology Transfer and Hands-On Demonstration

GOAL: To provide technology transfer and hands-on demonstration of current,
rapidly evolving, state-of-the-art ground-water monitoring technology to EPA,
State, and other professionals involved with ground-water monitoring.

RATIONALE: SDVA, CERCLA, and RCRA require that underground drinking water
sources be protected from contamination. Ground-water monitoring data provide
assurance that protection is being attained and may be used in assessment or
remediation of ground-water contamination. As new technology and methods are
developed and properly applied, the quality, comparability, and cost-
effectiveness of hydrogeologic data gathered in RCRA and Superfund site
investigations and monitoring, as well as in other EPA-related activities,
should be significantly improved. This project will allow a wide range of
monitoring professionals to keep abreast of state-of-the-art equipment and

20
-------
methods that will enhance their ability to effectively monitor and protect
ground water.

APPROACH: Four activities are to be performed for technology transfer. They
are: 1) videotaping of hands-on demonstrations and conferences, 2)
coordination of hands-on demonstrations, 3) publication of a biannual
bibliography/newsletter, and 4) ground-water technology transfer for
hazardous waste sites. Videotapes and demonstrations will emphasize topics of
current concern to practicing professionals. Monitoring topics to be covered
include, but are not limited to, unsaturated and saturated zone monitoring
(e.g., soil gas monitoring, drilling, and well design and installation);
surface geophysical methods; site characterization; aquifer tests; and ground-
water sample collection, handling, and field analyses. The bibliography/
newsletter will describe current monitoring literature, legislation, and the
Technology Support Centers and will be submitted for publication in Ground-
Water Monitoring Review. Technology transfer activities will include research
into the best methods for quickly and cost-effectively providing information
to those who need it. One example includes computerization of parts of the
Monitoring Well Handbook together with updated references.

EPA Coordinator: J. E. Denne FTS 545-2655
(702) 798-2655
TITLE: Comparative Testing

GOAL: To provide information regarding monitoring-well sampling equipment and
procedures for obtaining representative water samples and to provide standard
test procedures for evaluating water quality sampling devices.

RATIONALE: RCRA regulations require a ground-water monitoring program at most
facilities. Good and cost-effective ground-water monitoring methods are very
important not only for RCRA sites but also Superfund and other programs that
address water-quality issues. Durable sampling devices that provide
reproducible results and do not degrade the integrity of the sample are
needed. For QA, standardized procedures also are needed to assure that the
various methods used are comparable. This research program is of great
interest to EPA Program and Regional Office personnel as well as other
monitoring professionals who have raised questions regarding ground-water
sampling methods and equipment and who need guidance. Several techniques
exist for samples to be collected from ground-water monitoring wells (e.g.,
bailing, pumping, and in situ samplers). In situ samplers are significant
because they generally avoid the need for well purging. Results of this
research will be useful for the selection of equipment and methods that ensure
cost-effectiveness and the representativeness of collected samples to the
actual water quality.

APPROACH: Ground-water monitoring literature was reviewed, and an annotated
bibliography and a sampling device matrix were prepared. Selected sampling
devices have been compared in the field at the Pittman site in Henderson, NV;
a thorough QA/QC plan was written before sampling began. Early results of the

21
-------
study have been reported, and quarterly sampling and evaluations of data are
continuing. A literature search for information dealing with sampling
artifacts was completed, and a simulated veil environment is being constructed
for development and testing of the ground-water sampler testing protocol.
Purging and sampling experiments vill be conducted in a controlled laboratory
environment (equipment designed for this study) to evaluate veil purging
procedures appropriate to low-permeability conditions. Results of research
vill be included in reports and presentations described below which vill be
used by EPA Program and Regional Office, state, and other ground-water
monitoring professionals.
EPA Coordinator: J. E. Denne
FTS 545-2655
(702) 798-2655
TITLE: Veil Casing Material Comparison

GOAL: To provide guidance on the effects of various veil casing materials on
water quality sample integrity for varying hydrogeochemical conditions.

RATIONALE: SDVA, CERCLA, and RCRA require that underground drinking water
sources be protected from contamination. Assurance that protection is being
attained is provided by water quality data from monitoring wells. These wells
should provide representative water samples and should not themselves produce
contamination. EPA Program Office and Regional personnel as well as others
involved with ground-water monitoring have expressed concern regarding the
effects of well casing and screen materials on the validity of water quality
samples. At least one Region is currently being challenged over its well
casing materials position. The combination of field and laboratory research
should provide effective answers to questions about appropriate well casings
and screens for various hydrogeochemical conditions.

APPROACH: Laboratory and field studies will be conducted that go beyond the
preliminary EMSL-LV research efforts with the Illinois State Water Survey and
National Vater Veil Association. A field comparison of 304 and 316 stainless
steel, fiberglass, PVC, and PTFE casing for low level volatile organic and
metallic parameters is to be done at a former, permitted hazardous waste
disposal facility near Vilsonville, IL. A long-term PVC casing field test
will be done to evaluate casing integrity in ground water with low levels of
organic contaminants. Laboratory studies will compare different casing and
screen materials under a variety of conditions. Frequency and timing of
sample collection will be selected with consideration of field ground-water
sampling procedures. Results will be compiled in a guidance document.
EPA Coordinator: K. R. Scarbrough
FTS 545-2645
(702) 798-2645
22
-------
TITLE: Ground-Water Monitoring for Municipal Waste Combustion Ash Disposal

GOAL: Identify key ground-vater monitoring issues pertaining to municipal
waste combustion (MWC) ash disposal facilities. Provide technical guidance to
regulators of MVC ash units on monitoring well sampling and leachate
characterization.

RATIONALE: Legislation is pending in Congress that would exempt MWC ash from
RCRA, Subtitle C (Hazardous Waste) and require EPA to develop special
regulations for MWC ash under Subtitle D (Non-Hazardous Waste). Technical
information will be required to support the development of regulations for
monitoring of ground water at Subtitle D ash disposal facilities.

APPROACH: Data on leachate characteristics from various types of existing
Subtitle D facilities which receive MWC ash have been collected and evaluated.
This initial effort has indicated that only a small number of constituents
(sodium, calcium, magnesium, potassium, chloride, sulfate, and bicarbonate)
account for 99 percent of the readily mobile contaminant mass associated with
MWC ash. In order to verify these results, ash samples from several active
MWC ash generators will be obtained and subjected to laboratory leaching.
experiments. The objective will be to characterize the behavior of MWC ash in
standardized laboratory test procedures and to evaluate the sensitivity of.
leaching results to controllable factors such as solid-liquid ratio, leaching
time, replicate analysis, and sampling frequency. In addition, the laboratory
results will be substantiated by comparison with leachate data and ground-
water monitoring data generated by each of the facilities included in the
study. The results will provide the technical basis for a cost-effective
ground-water monitoring strategy and the necessary implementation guidance
that is appropriate for RCRA Subtitle D MWC ash monofills.

EPA Coordinator: W. H. Engelmann FTS 545-2664
(702) 798-2664
TITLE: Surface/Surface to Borehole Geophysical Methods

GOAL: To provide surface and surface to borehole geophysical methods and
strategies for monitoring at RCRA hazardous waste sites.

RATIONALE: RCRA Land Disposal Regulations require the establishment of a
ground-water monitoring program at most facilities, including detection and
compliance monitoring, involving the saturated and vadose zone. Surface and
downhole monitoring techniques are required. Site characterization of the
area is of prime importance in the location of the monitoring wells and
vertical location of the screens. Geophysical methods have proven effective
in delineating subsurface contamination and properties. A number of new
instruments and techniques have been developed recently. The capabilities of
these techniques have not been evaluated fully for hazardous waste site
investigations. This research task is to evaluate these new methods for
monitoring and hazardous site investigations.

23
-------
APPROACH: A new research proposal has been submitted by DRI and is undergoing
external review. Three tasks were outlined in the original proposal. One
task involves technology transfer and is covered and funded under Y105/F06.
The other two tasks, involving seismic and electromagnetic research, are
covered under this Task Description. The first task involves the development
of seismic tomography techniques using the full wave signal and diffraction
theory. This technique will be evaluated for hazardous waste site
investigations. In a recent review, it was pointed out that some of the
proposed tomography research already has been performed at the Oak Ridge
National Laboratory with good success. This work was funded by DOD and DOE.
Discussions are currently underway with the Oak Ridge scientists to coordinate
with their research efforts and provide technology transfer of their recent
research. The second DRI task involves electromagnetic research. A new
transient electromagnetic (TEM) sounding instrument has recently been
developed for very shallow soundings. In addition, a number of theoretical
TEM interpretation programs have been developed and new field data acquisition
procedures have been proposed. Recently, a LBL and University of Utah
research proposal has been partially funded by DOE on evaluating these
interpretation procedures. Coordination with these researchers is currently
underway for a joint field data evaluation program applicable for hazardous
waste site investigations. Field evaluation of these programs and procedures
require a site where the complete geological structure is known down to^a
depth of 50 meters. This will be done by using a number of standard surface,
borehole, and surface to borehole geophysical techniques along with coring of
the wells. Once a site has been characterized, a change in the subsurface
physical properties will be induced by fluid injection and monitored with the
geophysical techniques, such as TEM and seismic tomography. Ground truth
would be established by the monitoring wells in the area.
EPA Coordinator: A. T. Hazzella
FTS 545-2254
(702) 798-2254
TITLE: Seismic Shear-Wave Source Development

GOAL: To provide better seismic shear-wave sources for hazardous waste site
investigations.

RATIONALE: Superfund (CERCLA) as amended in 1986 requires a national program
to protect human health and environment from the hazards of inactive waste
sites and spills or releases of hazardous substances. Regional OSCs and RPMs
require monitoring techniques that quickly and effectively assess the degree
of hazard posed at waste sites. Seismic techniques have proven effective for
determining the subsurface site characterization at many locations. In
particular, seismic shear-wave methods in combination with compression-wave
surveys have proven very effective. A good three-dimensional shear-wave
source for use in an urban environment does not exist. This research task is
to design, develop, test and evaluate a three-dimensional shear-wave source to
conduct high resolution seismic surveys at hazardous waste sites.
24
-------
APPROACH: Based upon a number of shallow seismic studies conducted in the
past three years under another project, it became evident that a good three-
dimensional shear-wave source for shallow seismic studies was needed. The
concept of such a source exists. The USGS is developing such a source for
borehole surveys. This project will take advantage of the experience gained
in the development of the borehole source. The design of the surface source
and the software for the data acquisition system for the surface surveys will
be developed with FY89 funding, project starting date 8/89. A prototype will
be constructed, initial testing will start, and working drawings plus
instructions for its operation will be written with FY90 funding. Acceptance
criteria of the source will involve the following field testing: Evaluate the
non-destructive aspects of its use. It should be usable on pavements without
destroying the surface. The amplitude level and repeatability of the signal
output should be sufficiently good that standard stacking techniques can be
used. The source performance will be compared to the best non-destructive
sources currently in use. The third year of the project, with FY91 funding,
will involve completion of the testing and conducting field investigations at
the Sand Creek CERCLA site in Denver, CO.
EPA Coordinator: A. T. Mazzella
FTS 545-2254
(702) 798-2254
TITLE: Evaluation of Ground Penetrating Radar

GOAL: To provide better ground penetrating radar systems for hazardous waste
site investigations.

APPROACH: EPA Region 5 has been funding Dr. Jeff Daniels at Ohio State
University to evaluate the GPR system for investigations in the Mid-west
portion of the country. In the first year of this project, ORD funding was
added to Region 5 funds to start a basic investigation into improving the GPR
system for hazardous waste site surveys. Specific items that will be
investigated are 1) new antenna designs, 2) fiber optics cables for low noise,
3) a method for improvement of data acquisition, and 4) an evaluation of a
USGS processing program for enhancement of data interpretation. In the first
year of this project, efforts are being concentrated on the new antenna
designs and their evaluation. The best designs will be field tested in the
second year along with the fiber optics transmission cable modifications. The
USGS is behind on their processing program development (item (4) above). This

25
-------
is not being funded by the EPA. The exact status of this work will be studied
and possible modifications to the coop may be required. Full evaluation of
the system is not expected until the third year along with investigations at
Superfund sites.
EPA Coordinator: A. T. Mazzella
FTS 545-2254
(702) 798-2254
TITLE: Surface to Borehole Geophysical Surveys for the UIC Program

GOAL: To provide geophysical methods to delineate and monitor deep subsurface
contamination associated with injection well disposal.

RATIONALE: The Underground Injection Control Regulations require the assess-
ment of the potential for contamination of ground water from the disposal of
contaminants through injection wells. This project addresses the monitoring
of inorganic contaminants disposed of in Class 1 or Class 2 wells. Injection
zones for these contaminants are usually at depths greater than 700 meters
(2000 feet). Surface geophysical electrical methods have proven effective in
detecting inorganic contamination in the subsurface, usually at fairly shallow
depths (100 meters). The surface methods lack the resolution and sensitivity
necessary for monitoring-at great depths. Borehole geophysical methods can
provide the necessary resolution and sensitivity, however, the borehole
methods are limited to a zone of detection that is very close to the borehole
(2 meters). Borehole to surface geophysical methods provides a technique than
combines the characteristics of the two methods. Depth resolution and
detectability will be improved over the surface method and the zone of
measurement can cover hundreds of meters laterally. This research task is to
evaluate the use of the borehole to surface d.c. resistivity methods to
delineate the deep subsurface structure, site characterization, and monitor
the deep inorganic contamination.

APPROACH: Previous work on this project has developed a new method of
treating borehole to surface d.c. resistivity data in order to provide better
deep subsurface resolution. Theoretical treatment for the effects of metal
well casings has also been developed. The equipment for conducting field
surveys at depths to 2000 feet has been developed and has successfully
undergone extensive field calibration tests. An extensive effort has been
devoted to getting permission to conduct a field experiment at a Class 1
injection well facility. This has been met with limited success. Approval
has been tentatively granted to conduct an experiment in a Oupont test well
near a Class 1 injection facility. The FY90 task will be to conduct this
field experiment and interpret the results.
EPA Coordinator: A. T. Mazzella
FTS 545-2254
(702) 798-2254
26
-------
TITLE: Airborne Geophysical Surveys

GOAL: To provide geophysical methods to monitor brine contamination of near
surface aquifers resulting from underground injection well disposal.

RATIONALE: The Underground Injection Control Regulations require the
assessment of the potential for contamination of ground water from the
disposal of contaminants through injection wells. This project addresses the
disposal of brine in Class 2 wells. Near-surface brine contamination in most
oil fields can arise from a number of sources. For example, even though the
practice of disposal of brine in surface pits was banned around 1976, a brine
contaminant plume from this past practice still could be spreading throughout
a region. Contamination can also arise from the present brine disposal
practice due to poor integrity of the injection wells, improperly plugged
abandoned wells, and vertical fractures. For a typical oil field, this region
can cover a 40 square mile area. Geophysical methods have proven effective in
detecting brine contamination in the subsurface. In order to distinguish
between the past and current contamination, and between different possible
sources, geophysical data must be acquired at fairly close spacing. Many
areas are inaccessible for surface based surveys and to cover large areas can
be very expensive. Airborne geophysical methods, electromagnetic induction
(EM) and magnetometer methods, can cover large areas in a cost effective
manner. This research task is to evaluate the use of the airborne EM and
magnetometer methods to delineate the subsurface structure, the brine
contamination plumes, and to identify the possible contamination sources.

APPROACH: Under a previous project, an airborne EM and magnetometer survey
was conducted over the Brookhaven oil field, MS. This previous project
established that usable airborne data could be obtained in this oil field
production environment. The first phase of this task (FY89), which has just
started, is to put the data into a GIS system, start a detailed interpretation
of the airborne EM and magnetometer data, evaluate the need for ground and
additional existing airborne EM surveys, and correlate the data with the
location of all the wells and old surface brine pits. A discrepancy has been
observed between the location of wells from the Petroleum Information data
base and USGS topographic maps for this area. Historic and present air
photographs also are being studied. Resolving these location discrepancies
and correlating the well locations with the magnetic data may take more effort
than was initially planned. Modelling interpretation of the EM data has just
started. However, plans are being made with FY90 funds to conduct ground
based geophysical surveys to "ground truth" these interpretations. At the
same time it is proposed to fly a new prototype 60 HZ airborne system
developed by the USGS. The first survey provided information about the
contamination of the upper aquifer. This new system will sense deeper and
should provide information about the brine contamination of the second, deeper
aquifer in the area. Because of the problems locating all the wells in the
area, airborne magnetic data will be obtained simultaneously with the EM data.
In this case, it is proposed to use a high resolution 3 component fluxgate
magnetometer to provide better lateral resolution than what was obtained in
the first survey. These data will be incorporated into the GIS system and
preliminary evaluation and interpretation will be performed. Detailed
interpretation and modelling will be conducted in FY91.

27
-------
EPA Coordinator: A. T. Mazzella
FTS 545-2254
(702) 798-2254
TITLE: Geophysics Expert System

GOAL: To provide a geophysics advisor expert system for hazardous vaste site
investigations.

RATIONALE: Superfund (CERCLA) as amended in 1986 requires a national program
to protect human health and environment from the hazards of inactive vaste
sites and spills or releases of hazardous substances. Regional OSCs and RPMs
require monitoring techniques that quickly and effectively assess the degree
of hazard posed at vaste sites. Many geophysical techniques have proven
effective in locating and mapping contamination and in determining subsurface
characterization at hazardous vaste sites. The techniques are not necessarily
successful at all sites and in all cases. There are many things, such as
cultural interferences, that can influence these results and these should be
considered. A competent geophysicist is avare of these problems, however,
most OSCs and RPMs do not have this level of background. In order to check
vhether a proposed geophysical survey from a contractor had reasonable merit,
a considerable amount of'effort in literature search or consultation from an
additional outside geophysicist vould be required. By the development of a
geophysics advisor expert system computer program, this research task is
designed to aid the non-geophysicist in the decision-making process of which
geophysical techniques should be considered for the different types of
targets and environments. This vould allow the manager a simple check on
vhether the proposed geophysical methods had merit, and a point for further
discussions vith the contractor.

APPROACH: An IBM-PC compatible computer program, Geophysics Advisor Expert
System, Version 1.0, has been developed to advise on the use of different
geophysical techniques for hazardous vaste site investigations. The program
generates a list of questions and ansvers, vhich are matrixed against the
characteristics of the different geophysical techniques to produce a veighted
recommendation of vhich geophysical methods to consider. This program is
currently in use. The present, second phase of this project is to introduce a
database of the physical and chemical properties of 100 toxic organic and
inorganic chemicals into the computer program. These properties have been
compiled from an extensive literature search and are currently undergoing
reviev. The second version of the program then will provide to the user a
menu of contaminants, and the program vill have the necessary ansvers to
determine the best geophysical method for monitoring. Information on
additional geophysical methods that vere not included in the first version are
currently being researched. If sufficient data are available, these methods
vill be added in the second version. The program vill be revieved against
known case studies and the results of current research, such as the
geophysical studies for chlorinated solvents, vill be incorporated.
28
-------
EPA Coordinator: A. T. Mazzella
FTS 545-2254
(702) 798-2254
TITLE: Electromagnetic Methods Development

GOAL: To provide better electromagnetic methods for hazardous waste site
investigations.

APPROACH: In the frequency band of 100 KHz to 30 MHz, the EM response will be
dependent upon the dielectric constant and electrical conductivity. In the
first phase of this work computer programs were developed to study the EM
response at these frequencies. These programs then were used to study the
response of design parameters to different earth models. It was shown that a
transmitted loop - receiver loop system, operating in the frequency range of
100 KHz to 30 MHz, could detect changes in the dielectric properties of a
layered earth, simulating the presence of such contaminants as gasoline. The
transmitter-receiver separation was shown to be critical, operating from one
to tens of meters separation. However, the optimum separation for a
particular model was not easily determined. This would have to be determined
using multiple loop-loop separations on an actual survey. The modelling
results indicated that the most significant response occurs at the high
frequency end of the spectrum, 1 to 30 MHz. Based on these studies, a proto-
type system is currently being developed. In order to check the computer
models and the prototype system, analog scale tank model experiments are being
developed. These experiments will compare the theoretical computer model
results to the* tank model measurements for a homogenous half space with
various dielectric constants. Additional experiments for a two-layer case
also will be compared with various conductivities, dielectric constants, and
thicknesses. This work is in progress. Field testing of the prototype system
is scheduled for the third year of the project. These experiments will test
the system against standard EM and GPR methods under actual cultural noise
environments.
EPA Coordinator: A. T. Mazzella
FTS 545-2254
(702) 798-2254
29
-------
TITLE: Borehole Geophysical Methods

GOAL: To provide borehole geophysical methods and strategies for monitoring
at RCRA hazardous waste sites.

RATIONALE: RCRA Land Disposal Regulations require the establishment of a
ground-water monitoring program at most facilities, including detection and
compliance monitoring, involving the saturated and vadose zone. Surface and
downhole monitoring techniques are required. Understanding the hydrological
characteristics of the area is of prime importance in the location of the
monitoring veils and vertical location of the screens. Borehole geophysical
tools to determine subsurface properties have been in use many years in the
petroleum industry, however their use for hydrologic studies has not been
evaluated fully. This research project is to develop and evaluate a strategy
using borehole geophysical tools to determine the vertical hydraulic
conductivity, hydraulic anisotropy and hydrogeological characterization of an
area.

APPROACH: In a previous project, a strategy was developed to determine the
hydraulic anisotropy of an area with borehole flowmeters. Evaluation of an
existing thermal flowmeter indicated that it did not have the sensitivity
needed for the strategy. Further testing of other flowmeter methods led to
limited success, hence, the original strategy to determine anisotropy of the
hydraulic conductivity could not be performed. Therefore, efforts were
devoted to evaluating an EM borehole tool and testing a field procedure using
it to determine the vertical distribution of the hydraulic conductivity. This
was successfully tested in the field and the results were reported in the
literature. Many of the interpretations of borehole data are influenced by
the presence of clay. The present efforts are being devoted to an evaluation
of borehole gamma and induced polarization tools to delineate thin clay lenses
in the subsurface. This work is in the final stages and should be completed
by 3/90. The remainder of the FY90 activities will be devoted to the
completion of the final project report.
EPA Coordinator: A. T. Mazzella
FTS 545-2254
(702) 798-2254
TITLE: Geophysical Technical Support

GOAL: To provide geophysical technical support to the Regions for hazardous
waste site investigations.

30
-------
effective in locating and mapping contamination and in determining subsurface
characterization at hazardous waste sites. There are a vide variety of
techniques and applications. Many of these are not known to Regional
personnel. The Geophysics Advisor Expert System computer program can help
solve some of the problems, particularly those that are routine. However,
some sites may require a higher level of expertise, more than that which the
Regional support contractor can provide. This task is to assist the Regions
with this higher technical level of support.

APPROACH: Geophysical support to conduct surveys will be provided through the
USGS, LESC, DRI, COB, Ohio State, and EPA EMSL-LV personnel. Research
projects with some component of technical support are in place with these
organizations. This task is to provide some base level support for these
support activities. The funding to DRI and COE is to partially support co-
located personnel from those organizations at EMSL-LV. They provide the basic
support for the organizational aspect of the program. Funding to Ohio State
is for partial support for site specific investigations in Region 5 using a
number of geophysical methods to evaluate the GPR system. The research aspect
of this coop is funded under Y105/A04/01/OS, Evaluation of Ground penetrating
Radar Systems. The funding to LESC is for base level maintenance and support
of the geophysical equipment and initial site specific visits. A number of
different organizations are involved in the geophysical technical support to
take advantage of specialized expertise that lies in the different organi-
zations. This is necessary because of the large number of different
geophysical techniques that could be considered in an investigation. Some of
the surface geophysical techniques are as follows: ground penetrating radar,
EM, d.c. resistivity, magnetometer, refraction and reflection seismic
(includes both P and S wave studies), gravity, and electrokinetic methods. In
addition to these there are a number of marine, borehole, surface to borehole,
cross borehole, and airborne geophysical methods that can be considered for a
specific site problem.

EPA Coordinator: A. T. Mazzella FTS 545-2254
(702) 798-2254
TITLE: Geophysical Studies for Chlorinated Solvents

GOAL: To provide better geophysical methods to detect chlorinated organics in
the subsurface.

RATIONALE: Superfund (CERCLA) as amended in 1986 requires a national program
to protect human health and the environment from the hazards of inactive waste
sites and spills or releases of hazardous substances. Regional OSCs and RPMs
require monitoring techniques that quickly and effectively assess the degree
of hazard posed at waste sites. This problem is particulary difficult if the
contaminants are buried or are migrating in the subsurface. Geophysical
methods can provide useful information for these subsurface problems. Such
geophysical methods as ground penetrating radar and complex resistivity have
detected organic contamination in the subsurface. Little work has been

31
-------
conducted under controlled field experiments to study these responses and
fully evaluate the methods.

APPROACH: This project will fund the USGS to participate in a multi-year (a
total of 5 years) field experiment with the University of Waterloo, Oregon
Graduate Center, and Colorado State University. These other institutions are
being funded at a level of $1,000,000 per year from private corporations. At
a site in Canada, a number of experiments with controlled spills of chlo-
rinated solvents, such as TCE, will be conducted. A single solvent will be
studied at a time and its fate, transport, and remediation investigated.
This area will be monitored by geophysical techniques before and after the
contamination is released and after final remediation. The site charac-
teristics, hydrology, and ground truth will be evaluated by the other
researchers. For example, the addition of a dye to the chlorinated solvent,
will permit photographic documentation of the lateral distribution of
residual liquid in the subsurface exposed by excavation. By previously
evaluating any natural occurring temporal variations, these experiments will
indicate the detection limits and resolution abilities of geophysical methods
such as GPR and complex resistivity to detect and delineate areas of
subsurface contamination.
EPA Coordinator: A. T. Mazzella
FTS 545-2254
(702) 798-2254
TITLE: Effects of Drilling Methods on Water Quality

GOAL: To determine temporary or permanent geochemical changes in monitoring
well sampling zones resulting from both drill type and method used in
monitoring veil-bore development.

RATIONALE: Compliance with RCRA regulations depends on reliable water quality
data from monitoring wells for detection and assessment monitoring phases, yet
there is a considerable lack of information on the significant geochemical
disturbances that occur as veils are drilled. Some changes near the well bore
are permanent, while others are temporary, pending re-establishment of the
ionic equilibria within the sampling volume of the well. This study will
eventually provide for closer control of drilling methods and sampling
protocol to ensure meaningful water quality data from monitoring wells.

APPROACH: This study will initially be run in-house, until the approach can
be clearly defined and an appropriate research direction formulated. The
characterization of geochemical disturbances will be reached through two
pathways: 1) drilling technology literature and 2) conferring with other
workers in the field, for latest trends in geochemical research. The task
will then be advertised in the CBD, calling for Letters of Interest from
groups who might conduct the research. A further step of formal selection RFP
route suggested of the contractor will follow.
EPA Coordinator: V. H. Engelmann
FTS 545-2664
(702) 798-2664
32
-------
TITLE: UST Sensor Evaluation

GOAL: Development of preliminary test criteria document and standard test
procedures that presumably will become ASTM standards. To provide validated
test methods/ASTM standards for evaluating UST monitoring devices.

RATIONALE: As the new UST regulations are implemented, a variety of
monitoring devices will become available. The performance characteristics of
external leak detection monitoring systems need to be understood and test
protocols developed. The essential characteristics of this hardware should be
identified and the response function characterized. Standard test procedures
need to be established so that tests and comparisons can be made on existing
and future devices. Such tests and the resulting comparisons will help
consumers select devices best suited to their needs.

APPROACH: 1) To develop minimum preliminary performance criteria for instru-
ment manufacturers to aid in their development and testing of external leak
detection monitoring methods; 23 to develop standard test methods to allow
external leak detection instruments to be evaluated on a common basis and to
promote the reporting of instrument specifications against a common test
method; 3) to establish the response function for the hardware that will be
useful in evaluating the total response of a monitoring system; 4) to
validate the test procedures by conducting interlaboratory tests; and 5) to
develop ASTM standard test procedures.
EPA Coordinator: P. B. Durgin
FTS 545-2623
(702) 798-2623
TITLE: Geophysics Technical Support

GOAL: To provide geophysical technical support for Regional hazardous waste
site investigations.

RATIONALE: Superfund (CERCLA), as amended in 1986, requires a national
program to protect human health and environment from the hazards of inactive
waste sites and spills or releases of hazardous substances. Regional OSCs and
RPMs require investigative and monitoring techniques which are able to provide
information on subsurface pollutants at Superfund sites. Geophysical tech-
niques, generally employed early in the overall investigative program, have
proven to be effective in detecting and defining subsurface wastes quickly and
economically. However, geophysics is a highly technical field having a wide
variety of individual techniques and applications not generally known to
Regional personnel. While the Geophysics Advisor Expert System (developed by
AMW) and the Regional support contractor can often handle routine geophysical
applications, some problems require a higher level of expertise. This task
provides the Regions with that higher level of geophysical support needed in
such circumstances and/or QA/QC for Regional geophysical activities.

33
-------
APPROACH: Geophysical support to assist in planning, conducting special
geophysical surveys, or to provide QA/QC assistance is provided through LESC,
DRI, USGS, COE, and EPA EMSL-LV personnel. Research projects, with some
component of technical support, are in place with these organizations. This
task is to provide some base level support for these activities. The funding
to DRI and CoE is to partially support co-located personnel from those
organizations at EMSL-LV who provide the basic support for the organizational
aspects of the program. Funding to Ohio State is for partial support for site
specific investigations in Region 5 using a number of geophysical methods to
evaluate the GPR system. The research aspect of this coop is funded under
Y105/A04/01/05, Evaluation of Ground penetrating Radar Systems. The funding
to LESC is for base level maintenance and support of the geophysical equipment
and initial site specific visits. Mechanisms, to provide technical support,
are in place with all of these organizations to take advantage of specialized
expertise that lies in each. This is necessary due to the large number of
different geophysical techniques that could be considered in an investigation.
Some of the geophysical techniques are as follows: ground penetrating radar,
EM, d.c. resistivity, magnetometry, seismic studies, and electrokinetic
methods. In addition to these, there are a number of marine, borehole, and
airborne geophysical methods that can be considered for a specific site
problem.
EPA Coordinator: A. T. Mazzella
FTS 545-2254
(702) 798-2254
TITLE: Geophysics Technical Support (SCAP funded)

GOAL: To provide geophysical methods for the detection and assessment of
contamination at Superfund sites, through geophysical technical support.

RATIONALE: Regional OSCs and RPMs require investigative and monitoring
techniques which are able to provide information on subsurface pollutants at
Superfund sites. Geophysical techniques have proven to be effective in
detecting and defining subsurface wastes quickly and economically, and are
generally employed early in the overall investigative program. However,
geophysics is a highly technical field having a wide variety of individual
techniques and applications not generally known to Regional personnel. While
the Geophysics Advisor Expert System (developed by AMV) and the Regional
support contractor can often handle routine geophysical applications, some
problems require a higher level of expertise. This task provides the Regions
with that higher level of geophysical support needed in such circumstances,
QA/QC for Regional geophysical activities, and the presentation of the
geophysics training course as requested.

APPROACH: Geophysical support to assist in planning, conducting special
geophysical surveys, or to provide QA/QC assistance is provided through LESC,
DRI, USGS, COE, and EPA EMSL-LV personnel. Mechanisms, to provide technical
support, are in place with all of these organizations to take advantage of
specialized expertise that lies in each. This is necessary due to the large

34
-------
number of different geophysical techniques that could be considered in an
investigation. Some of the geophysical techniques are as follows: ground
penetrating radar, EM, d.c. resistivity, magnetometry, seismic surveys, and
borehole geophysical loggers. This task provides for the overhead, workplans,
assistance, and reports for these SCAP technical support activities. Other
tasks under this project provide for related activities. To insure Regional
personnel are familiar with geophysics, an introductory course has been
developed which is presented periodically in the Regional offices. FY-90
funding levels are estimates; all FY-90 funds will be from regional offices
requesting the technical support (SCAP funds estimated at $100K) or OSWER
(Technical Support Center funds, also estimated at $100K).

EPA Coordinator: J. L. Jack FTS 545-2373
(702) 798-2373
TITLE: Cone Penetrometer Evaluation

GOAL: To provide methods for the detection and assessment of contamination at
Superfund sites, using a cone penetrometer tool.

RATIONALE: CERCLA as amended in 1986 requires a national program to protect
human health and environment from the hazards of inactive waste sites and
spills or releases of hazardous substances. Regional OCSs and RPHs require
monitoring techniques that quickly and effectively assess the degree of hazard
posed at waste sites. Traditional borings require significantly more time
and expense to complete and may result in uneven holes or masking of actual
bore wall materials. Geophysical techniques using a cone penetrometer, a
probe pushed into unconsolidated sediments with various logging devices, may
prove effective in locating and mapping contamination at depth without the
expense and delay of drilling boreholes. However, methods of equating
geophysical measurements made using cone penetrometers with more traditional
tools need to be developed and/or validated prior to wide implementation.
Cone penetrometers can provide logs of natural parameters not obtainable via
conventional drilling and eliminate some of the deleterious effects of rotary
drilling and drill mud.

APPROACH: The primary requirement is being able to make direct comparisons
between geophysical measurements made with older methods and those made with
the cone penetrometer (CPT). Essentially, electrical resistivity logs
acquired using CPT need to be compared to similar resistivity logs from a
conventionally drilled and logged hole. During FY-89 work began on the
Quality Assurance Plan while FY-90 will see completion of that and the actual
acquisition of CPT data taken in close proximity to an existing borehole used
as a standard for traditional logging equipment. During these tests various
multiple electrode array spacings will be evaluated, as will various surface
to borehole resistivity configurations. Should reliable correlation be
obtained at the initial calibration hole, there will need to be similar
testing done adjacent to other well-logged holes which penetrate different
geologies/soils. Once reliable correlation to traditionally obtained data and
actual sample material is achieved and reported, this technique will be

35
-------
available to be used and further verified via the SCAP funded, Geophysics
Technical Support (Y105, Project 02, Task 01).
EPA Coordinator: L. A. Eccles
FTS 545-2385
(702) 798-2385
TITLE: Seismic Noise Studies to Detect Contaminant Migration

GOAL: To provide geophysical techniques to delineate subsurface
contamination movement associated with underground injection wells.

RATIONALE: The Underground Injection Control Regulations require the assess-
ment of the potential for contamination of ground water from the disposal of
contaminants through injection veils. This means fully understanding where
the injected contaminants are going. This project addresses the monitoring of
contaminants disposed of in Class I or Class II wells. Injection zones for
these contaminants are usually at depths greater than 700 meters (2100 feet).
Surface geophysical methods have proven effective in monitoring contamination
in the subsurface, usually at fairly shallow depths (100 meters). Previous
surveys, under a separate task, have concentrated upon the evaluation of
borehole to surface electrical methods for the detection of deep inorganic
contamination. Detection of organic contamination by these electrical methods
is not highly probable. The movement of the contaminant fluids in the
subsurface should generate microseismic noise. This task is to evaluate
whether this microseismic noise can be detected over background noise at UIC
sites.

APPROACH: The movement of injected fluids in the subsurface generates
microseismic noise. A considerable amount of attention and research has been
devoted to detecting this passive seismic noise for geothermal exploration
and hydrofracture monitoring over the past 15 years. The first phase of this
task will be to investigate whether this microseismic noise can be detected
over the background noise at UIC sites. An array of seismic geophones will be
placed down a fairly shallow borehole (less than 50 feet) near the injection
wells and the signals monitored over a period of time (about a week).
Spectral analysis of these signals will indicate whether fluid migration was
detected. This experiment will be conducted at five different injection
sites around the country under different geological and background noise
conditions. In the second phase of the project, additional experiments will
be conducted at those sites where microseismic noise associated with fluid
migrations was detected. Multiple geophone arrays in boreholes around the
injection well will be monitored in order to fully evaluate the ability of
the passive seismic method to detect and delineate the fluid movement
associated with the underground injection process.
EPA Coordinator: A. T. Mazzella
FTS 545-2254
(702) 798-2254
36
-------
TITLE: In Situ Fiber Optic Field Spectrofluorimeter (Luminoscope)

GOAL: Provide advanced-design portable UV-visible spectrofluorometic
(luminoscope) capability for in situ screening for polynuclear aromatic (PNA)
contaminants in water, oils, and waste materials. Provide improved
luminescence analytical methods, including synchronous scanning capability for
less spectral overlap and improved PNA "fingerprints". Provide technology
transfer to commercial manufacturer and methods acceptable for eventual
standardization by ASTM.

RATIONALE: Subtitle C of RCRA requires EPA to promulgate regulations for
protecting ground water from releases of hazardous waste. Development of
rapid on-site analytical spectroscopic capability will support RCRA
remediation efforts enabling more timely on-site decision making. This will
also provide a method for rapid screening by luminescent techniques; also for
screening samples at abandoned waste storage, treatment, and disposal
facilities; and rapid evaluation of RCRA sites and personnel for potential
exposure to hazardous materials in emergency response situations. Therefore,
luminescence screening of waste materials and samples at abandoned sites is a
highly-desired rapid spectroscopic method and is an essential method to keep
analysis costs down and to shorten the time before implementing RCRA
remediation procedures.

APPROACH: Develop and modify a portable UV-vis spectrofluorometer (lumino-
scope), adding a remote fiber-optic probe to detect polynuclear aromatics
(PNAs) in water, soils, and in municipal and industrial incinerator residues.
The luminoscope will be modified for synchronous scanning capability for
improved PNA "fingerprint", resulting from less spectral overlap. In this
mode of operation the excitation beam and the fluorescent beam are tuned with
a constant small wavelength difference (usually 3-7 nanometers). Correlation
with GC-MS data is expected to be sufficient to eventually allow this advanced
spectroscopic technology to replace the need for GC-MS analysis. The
analytical methods and system support software that are developed will be
demonstrated. Methods also will be presented to appropriate ASTM committees
for acceptance. The versatile capability of the instrumentation and the
analytical methods for screening personnel for exposure to PNAs will be
evaluated. Finally technology transfer to a commercial manufacturer will also
be provided.
EPA Coordinator: V. H. Engelmann
FTS
(702)
545-2664
798-2664
TITLE: RCRA Rapid Field Screening Techniques for Hazardous Waste Sites

GOAL: Provide field portable luminescence analytical methods for detecting
and characterizing PNAs and PCBs in water and soil samples and for in situ
analysis for PNAs in soils.

RATIONALE: Subtitle C of RCRA, as amended by HSWA in 1984, requires EPA to
promulgate regulations for owners and operators of hazardous waste storage,

37
-------
treatment, and disposal facilities. These regulations are contained in 40
CFR, Part 264. Many RCRA and Superfund sites contain PNAs and PCBs from heavy
petroleum oils, tars, and creosotes; and from both incinerated and nonincin-
erated organic refuse. PNAs are of concern since many are carcinogenic
(example - benzo(a)pyrene). PCBs are also of concern because of their
ubiquity, chemical inertness, and relatively high toxicity at low ppm levels.
Further, if PCBs are incinerated without complete combustion, they can be
transformed into even more toxic compounds, such as chlorinated dibenzo-
dioxins. Field methods of luminescence spectroscopy, as planned to be
developed here, will allow rapid RCRA-site analytical capability, in addition
to in situ field screening for many other hazardous compounds. This will save
both time and money and enable more timely on-site decision-making during
remediation of RCRA sites. Luminescence methods present the potential for
very fast analytical times in the following cases: (1) rapid-screening of
field samples, (2) sample screening in the laboratory, and (3) "standard11
laboratory spectro-analytical methods, once accuracy and precision are
perfected for

APPROACH: Portable instrumentation utilizing luminescence appears to be the
most promising route to on-site RCRA screening data for PNAs and PCBs. Two
approaches will be taken under this task. In one case, advanced analytical
protocols for field PNA methods, starting with existing ASTM and U.S. Coast
Guard methods, will be improved and submitted to ASTM. A draft ASTM method
for PCBs based on previous feasibility studies will also be developed. This
will allow a beginning of standardization in spectrochemical testing of
hazardous waste, sensitivity and detection limits, which should be commen-
surate with RCRA regulations applicable to specific contaminants. Methods for
data interpretation and spectral pattern recognition will be developed to
simplify rapid spectro-analytical work on pollutant identification. The other
approach involves using luminescence in combination with chemical sensors
(such as those based on fiber optics). The technology barrier in this case is
the development of coatings for the chemical sensors. These coatings are
needed to provide specific interactions with the analytes of interest in order
to achieve selectivity and sensitivity. Success in the coatings development
should allow considerable choice in the selection of the sensor itself.
Polymer films with immobilized indicator molecules will be examined initially
for various RCRA pollutants.
EPA Coordinator: V. H. Engelmann
FTS 545-2664
(702) 798-2664
TITLE: Rapid Soil-Gas Field Screening Methods

GOAL: Provide and demonstrate the utility of rapid soil-gas field screening
techniques and instrumentation for Superfund site assessments for volatile and
semi-volatile contaminants.

RATIONALE: Section 311c of SARA authorizes research for detecting hazardous
substances in the environment. The development of these rapid screening
methods will optimize field efforts from initial investigation through

38
-------
remediation by providing on-site data. This will save time and money and
enable Superfund site managers to make better and more timely decisions in the
field. These methods are intended to aid in making initial determination as
to whether or not soil and ground water at sites are contaminated with either
volatile or semi-volatile organic compounds and, if so, determine the extent.
These methods will also aid in reducing the cost and time to perform • •
subsequent detailed investigations by providing an abundance of rapid and
inexpensive screening data, as well as have applicability to monitoring active
and passive site bioremediation processes.

APPROACH: Rapid soil-gas field screening techniques and instrumentation will
be developed and demonstrated in the following way: the instrumentation
components planned for this task are portable vapor analyzers, sensors, and
field gas chromatographs modified for rapid analysis. Commercially-
available equipment that can be used directly, or easily modified for the
intended application will be evaluated. This includes soil-gas probes, probe
installation equipment, and analysis systems. Methods and equipment for
rapid data handling and interpretation will be demonstrated, including
portable computers and associated hardware and software for modeling, mapping,
and data transmission. Field screening will be demonstrated and an
evaluation will be prepared. Measurement of soil-gas carbon dioxide (C02)
levels as an indicator of (C02) subsurface hydrocarbon contamination will be
emphasized. Under aerobic conditions, C02 is the ultimate degradation product
of many petroleum hydrocarbons. As a result, C02 measurement may be of value
in 1) detection of volatile compounds in the subsurface (not present in the
overlying soil gases because of rapid degradation), 2) indirect detection of
low-volatility organic compounds (not otherwise detected in the soil gases due
to low partitioning to the gas phase), and 3) monitoring active or passive
in situ bioremediation. The first two potential applications will be field
tested, followed by tests at both Superfund and Air Force sites. Con-
currently, the system and methods will be made available through the Tech
Support/Tech Transfer Center, as was done with the development and application
of the XRF field-screening system. A commercial vendor for the equipment
developed under these tasks will be sought, possibly through a FTTA
Cooperative Agreement.

EPA Coordinator: W. H. Engelmann FTS 545-2664
(702) 798-2664
TITLE: Development/Demonstration/Evaluation of Field Monitoring Systems

GOAL: (1) Demonstrate and evaluate x-ray/UV-visible fluorescence and fiber
optic chemical sensor (FOCS) technologies at Superfund sites; (2) Communicate
effectively the results and advantages to the regulators and the regulated
community; (3) Transfer the new technology to the user community by encourag-
ing the commercial licensing of the technologies; (4) Identify technically
superior field monitoring methods that currently lack cost-effectiveness and
undertake developmental work on advancing the technology to achieve cost-
effectiveness to the degree necessary to facilitate commercialization.

39
-------
RATIONALE: Section 311(b) of SARA requires EPA to establish . . ."a program
of research, evaluation, testing, development, and demonstration of
alternative or innovative treatment technologies . . .". Accordingly, the
"SITE" program (Superfund Innovative Technology Evaluation) was developed.
The Monitoring and Measurement Technologies phase of SITE addresses this
requirement. The magnitude of environmental screening potentially requited by
the swelling number of Superfund sites is staggering. Development of rapid
field screening devices that are embodied as compact spectroscopic instru-
mentation and sensitive chemical sensors shows great promise to be the highly
useful tools to respond to this accelerating need for Superfund site
screening. EMSL-LV has supported early development of FOCSs and has also
successfully facilitated their commercialization. The task remains to
demonstrate further and evaluate improved FOCSs, as veil as related technical
improvements in chemical sensor films.

APPROACH: Technological innovation in field monitoring systems has generally
occurred as advances in electronic design, featuring faster speed, minia-
turization, increased sensitivity, more computer control of the data
management, as well as substantial innovations in the instrument's detector.
Likely new candidates for advancing field monitoring systems are novel
chemical films and coatings on the sensor that respond to UV-Visible light
when contracting PCBs on FNAs. Advances in field screening detectors or
instrumentation will be pursued closely (1) in the literature, (2) through
attendance at technical conferences where late-breaking innovations are
presented, and (3) through the RFP route to R and D contracts, or Cooperative
Agreements, all for picking up on the latest detector innovations or asso-
ciated instrumentation design improvements, including: sensitivity,
selectivity, accuracy, precision, broader operating temperature, ruggedness,
and reduced size. When new technology or innovations favorable for Superfund
site screening are uncovered, and there appears to be a need for seed, or
developmental funding, to bring it to a useful state faster, then negotia-
tions, if appropriate, will be started with the parties with the intellectual
property, protecting their possible patent rights, along with those of the
U.S. Government, as the inventions move toward reduction-to-practice and
interest grows toward licensing for manufacture (full Technology Transfer).
EPA Coordinator: V. H. Engelmann
FTS 545-2664
(702) 798-2664
TITLE: Field Screening Methods for PNAs and PCBs

GOAL: Provide molecular spectroscopic (UV-vis-near IR) fieldable and portable
instrumentation and methods for characterizing and semiquantitating PNAs in
water and soil and PCBs in soil.

RATIONALE: Section 311c of SARA authorizes research for detecting hazardous
substances in the environment. Advanced in situ screening and monitoring
methods and instrumentation allow major savings in time and analysis costs and
more efficient selection of samples if confirmation by other methods is
desired. Many Superfund sites contain hazardous PNAs from heavy petroleum

40
-------
oils, tars, creosotes, and both FNAs and PCBs from incinerated and non-
incinerated organic refuse and from discarded heavy-duty electrical
equipment. Development of spectroscopic techniques such as luminescent-based
methods will permit rapid on-site and possibly in situ analysis, enabling more
timely on-site decision making and cost savings. These methods may also be
used for rapidly screening samples sent to the laboratory. Application of
such methods in the laboratory, upon meeting the assurance and quality control
requirements of laboratory testing, should also result in time and cost
savings.

APPROACH: Two approaches are being evaluated for pollutants, such as PNAs and
PCBs. One involves luminescence, with portable instrumentation to obtain data
on site. Major classes of luminescing chemicals or even individual compounds
can be distinguished through wavelength selectivity or phosphorescence
lifetimes. Luminescence is especially applicable to PNAs and PCBs since they
have relatively high quantum yields of luminescence and spectral structure.
More portable, sensitive and selective instruments suitable for .screening
applications are now available and they will be used for PNAs and PCBs in soil
and water. Protocols for luminescence analysis of PNAs and PCBs for detec-
tion, classification and quantitation for screening will be refined for
possible ASTM tests. The other approach involves luminescence (or color
changes) of sensor films coated with pollutant-specific reagents. The
technology barrier is the coating chemistry that provides selectivity and
sensitivity. Success here should allow considerable choice in the physical
sensor itself (fiber optics or portable UV lamp). Spectroscopic techniques
also include fluorescence, phosphorescence and synchronous fluorescence.
Other spectroscopic "read outs" such as infrared, UV-visible absorption, and
surface-enhanced Raman techniques might also be applicable.

EPA Coordinator: W. H. Engelmann PTS 545-2664
(702) 798-2664
TITLE: Support for Field Screening Methods - XRF

GOAL: Provide rapid field x-ray fluorescence (XRF) analytical techniques for
screening Superfund sites contaminated with metals. Provide rapid in situ
measurement techniques that will reduce sample handling. Provide compre-
hensive field analytical capability resulting in complete elemental analysis
at the low pm level and fundamental parameters ("standardless") calibration.
Provide techniques for preparing calibration standards for field portable XRF
while on site.

RATIONALE: Section 311c of SARA authorizes research on detection methods for
hazardous substances in the environment. Regulations promulgating CERCLA or
SARA require the detection and quantitation of particular pollutants from
hazardous waste or Superfund sites. The development of these rapid screening
methods will optimize Superfund field efforts from initial investigation
through remediation by providing on-site data. These in situ XRF methods will
allow for site coverage not feasible with traditional sampling and analytical

41
-------
methods. This will save time and money and enable Superfund site managers to
make better and more timely decisions in the field.

APPROACH: Develop in situ XRF measurement techniques for rapid screening and
demonstrate at sites in various stages of investigation or remediation.
Develop methods for preparing site specific calibration standards suitable to
carry out field screening tasks. Develop methods for in situ homogenization
of contaminated soils. Develop a field method for analysis of contaminated
soils at the low ppm level for highly toxic elements, such as cadmium.
Develop specifications for an advanced field portable XRF analyzer system for
making in situ measurements. Prepare a comprehensive Project Report which
will include field data analysis and mapping methods developed under the
associated work of this project (task 02).
EPA Coordinator: V. H. Engelmann
FTS 545-2664
(702) 798-2664
TITLE: Development of Prototype USRADS to Portable XRF

GOAL: Ultrasonic Ranging and Data Systems (USRADS) to field-portable XRF
screening equipment for rapid field screening of sites contaminated by metals.
This will enable us to transmit data along with auto-location to an off-site
(beyond exclusion area) base station and feed it directly into a field
computer to process and map the data. Provide this capability for soil gas
portable instrumentation for sites contaminated with volatile organics and for
portable fluorescence analyzer systems used to screen for PNAs and PCBs in
soils as they become available. Provide capability for surface geophysical
surveying with the EM-31 electromagnetic induction surveying instrument used
for locating buried objects and covered trenches.

RATIONALE: Section 311c of SARA authorizes research on detection for
hazardous substances in the environment. The most time-consuming steps in
using data generated in the field by portable XRF and other sensing tech-
nologies is often determining the location of the measurement and loading it,
along with measurement data, into a computer for processing. The adaption of
the USRADS will enhance rapid screening methods and further optimize field
efforts from initial Superfund site investigation through remediation by
quickening the process of loading site analytical data into field computers
used to process the data into usable information. This will save time and
money and enable site managers to make better and more timely decisions in
the detailed surveys by providing an abundance of screening data that can be
handled rapidly and inexpensively.

APPROACH: USRADS was developed at ORNL and licensed for manufacture to
ChemRad, Inc. It is suitable for adaption to a number of advanced field
portable sensing systems, as well as to a number of the more conventional
analytical system. Through development of a computer interface module, the
USRADS will be able to receive data from new, rapid field-screening systems
(Columbia X-Met portable XRF and EM-31 electromagnetic induction tool). A
42
.
-------
computer will be adapted for managing and displaying all the outputs from the
instrumentation. This capability will be demonstrated on site.
EPA Coordinator: V. H. Engelmann
FTS 545-2664
(702) 798-2664
TITLE: Data Management for Rapid Field Screening Methods

GOAL: Provide data management techniques to support the large volume of data
generated under field screening development efforts.

RATIONALE: Section 311c of SARA authorizes research for detecting hazardous
substances in the environment. The rapid XRF screening methods are designed
to optimize field efforts .from the initial Superfund investigation stage
through final remediation and to rely on computer conversion of data into
information usable by the site managers. This includes data produced both on
and off site. These computer-managed techniques vill save both time and
money and enable the site managers to make better and more timely decisions
and minimize the data tracking, cataloging, interpretation, and retrieval
efforts.

APPROACH: Data management techniques for field screening vill be developed
with computer control and demonstrated at Regional Superfund sites. A series
of site investigation reports also vill be produced in conjunction vith task
01 under this Project. This vill include interfacing data acquired through
telemetry techniques vith automated mapping techniques done in the field. A
bar code system, applied to the sample container for inputing and tracking
XRF-generated data directly into computers for subsequent manipulation, vill
be developed and demonstrated. Additional automated methods to support the
production of interpretative reports in the field vill be developed, including
standardized pages for site information, instrument calibration, and quality
control procedures.
EPA Coordinator: V. H. Engelmann
FTS 545-2664
(702) 798-2664
TITLE: Bioremediation Monitoring Around UST

GOAL: Evaluate the important factors to monitor during both active and
passive bioremediation. Determine and develop inexpensive monitoring
techniques and promote protocols that use these techniques. Establish
demonstration projects that provide visibility for passive bioremediation.

RATIONALE: There is a tremendous number of contaminated underground storage
tank sites in this country vith plumes of petroleum hydrocarbons that are not
moving nor causing a serious threat. The contaminants are undergoing natural
biodegradation but regulators are hesitant to allow the ovner/operator to
simply monitor the situation vithout initiating cleanup procedures. This

43
-------
research would provide guidance on what only needs monitoring and provides
help on monitoring procedures. Active bioremediation is being pursued at many
sites but improvements in monitoring procedures could make the process more
efficient and cost effective. Bioremediation has the potential ;of being a
low-cost cleanup alternative however in reality it has been one of the most
expensive. This work will be accomplished in conjunction with the Ada Lab.

APPROACH! Study sites will be selected at the Sleeping Bear Dunes National
Lakeshore in northwestern Michigan. Investigations related to passive
remediation will be initiated in cooperation with the National Park Service
and RSKERL. The two service-station study sites at the University of
Connecticut will also be used for this research. The commercial station will
be the site of active bioremediation while the motor pool will be monitored
for passive bioremediation. LUST Trust Fund sites in Connecticut may also be
monitored if they are undergoing bioremediation. Prior to the start of the
UCONN project the microbial populations will be characterized. Changes in
the microbial population will be monitored as the sites are cleaned up and
easily-measured surrogate parameters will be chosen to help people monitor
their cleanup progress. Protocols for monitoring bioremediation will be
developed and provided to ASTM for standards development.
EPA Coordinator: P. B. Durgin
FTS 545-2623
(702) 798-2623
TITLE: Detection and Monitoring of Subsurface Gasoline

GOAL: To continue to develop an understanding of vapor and ground-water
monitoring problems around UST and devise practical solutions. To develop and
provide technology transfer of field-screening techniques. To further
characterize the site in preparation for bioremediation.

RATIONALE: This is work to be conducted during the third year of a co-
operative agreement with the University of Connecticut. This co-op has been
tremendously successful and should be continued because many of the projects
have not been completed. For example, a manual for field screening around UST
will be delivered in November. The monitoring will continue in order to
answer some questions about changes over time. The sites will soon undergo
bioremediation. In preparation for that, the microbiological conditions of
the site will be characterized. Work is continuing related to the impact of
well purging on hydrocarbon concentrations. The results of this research is
expected to impact RCRA and CERCLA as well as the UST program.

APPROACH: Studies will continue at the two service station study sites at the
University of Connecticut (UCONN). Soil-gas and ground-water monitoring will
continue as the sites undergo bioremediation. The sites have undergone
extensive physical and chemical characterization but a postdoc in microbiology
now will characterize the sites biologically. Vapor monitoring has not been
very successful at these sites because of high ground water. As a result, the
research has focused on ground-water monitoring. One aspect of that is
purging and the PI is working on the theory and practice of purging at UCONN

44
-------
and the Oregon Graduate Center. Several field-screening techniques have been
compiled into a manual.. The efforts during FY90 will be to have technology
transfer of this information through courses and a video.
EPA Coordinator: P. B. Durgin
FTS 545-2623
(702) 798-2623
TITLE: Field Screening Techniques Evaluation

GOAL: To determine the usefulness and value of a variety of field screening
techniques employed by trained technicians. To compare field results with
samples sent to the laboratory. To provide field validation of a guide to UST
field-screening techniques. To identify UST sites on Indian reservations of
Region 8 that need further site characterization and possible remediation.

RATIONALE: There is a strong need nationwide for quick, accurate, cheap, and
easy methods to determine if a tank has leaked. A set of protocols is being
developed at the University of Connecticut to conduct site assessments using
field-screening techniques, however it needs field validation. There is also
a need to identify problem UST sites on Region 8 Indian Reservations where EPA
is solely responsible for program implementation. The revised field-screening
protocols resulting from*this work is expected to be extensively used by
consultants and regulators.

APPROACH: The first phase (RARE funds) will be for Midwest Research Institute
to prepare a "scoping" document that integrates the concerns of Region 8,
OUST, and EMSL-LV into a plan that will fulfill the technical questions which
need to be answered. The second phase will include conducting the study on
the Indian Reservations of Region 8. The field-screening guide that is being
prepared by the University of Connecticut will be used in addition to any
other methods that may seem appropriate.• These methods will be revised and
refined. A data base will be developed during this study to compare variables
in differing environments.
EPA Coordinator: P. B. Durgin
FTS 545-2623
(702) 798-2623
TITLE: UST Technology Transfer

GOAL: To provide products to the public that will help to transfer the
research findings of EMSL-LV to UST problems. The goal will be to produce
issue papers that focus on practical information needs of regulators and
practitioners.

RATIONALE: There is a need in the UST program to provide information to a
wide range of people involved with tanks. There are a huge number of owner-
operators, consultants, and regulators that have an interest in these
problems. Most of these people are new to the field and there is a variety

45
-------
of information related to ground water, soils, hydrocarbon chemistry etc.
that they would benefit from learning about.

APPROACH: A series of papers will be produced through ERC entitled "Tank
Issues". The concept has been approved by OUST and they will be printed by
CERI. These issue papers will be based on field experience as well as
research and will be the result of a variety of specialists brought together
to hammer out answers to pressing issues based on the best available
knowledge. These papers will undergo thorough review.
EPA Coordinator: P. B. Durgin
FTS 545-2623
(702) 798-2623
TITLE: Porous Glass Suction Lysimeter

GOAL: To provide a prototype porous glass element for a suction lysimeter
that has increased efficiency for collecting target contaminants with an
acceptable operating capability over an adequate range of soil moisture
content.

RATIONALE: RCRA regulations under Subtitle C currently require vadose zone
monitoring at land treatment facilities to detect and remediate hazardous
constituents in leachates before they reach and contaminate ground water.
Currently available suction lysimeters that are used to collect soil-pore
liquid samples utilize a porous ceramic element which has a very poor
efficiency with respect to the collection of hydrophobic organic compounds.
Several researchers have attempted to overcome this problem with modest
success by applying coatings to available ceramic elements or by using
sintered metals, however, those options compromise other operational
characteristics. Advances in vitreous (glass) materials could be used to
develop a porous material especially designed to optimize the efficiency with
respect to the collection of hydrophobic organic contaminants in the vadose
zone and possibly be useful for ground-water monitoring well screens.
Development of a porous glass suction lysimeter element could have advantages
over those currently in use: (1) small pore size easily attainable, (2) can
be made strong and durable, (3) can control interaction with many target
contaminants, (4) can optimize operating range with respect to collection of
hydrophobic organic contaminants, (5) can be mass produce inexpensively, and
(6) quality

APPROACH: An updated review of the theory of operation of suction lysimeters
will be performed along with a review of applicable elements of multiphase
flow relevant to collecting hydrophobic, hydrocarbon contaminants in
unsaturated porous media. The information developed from this review will be
used to make a preliminary determination of optimum pore size and surface
properties that will be necessary to provide the desired operational charac-
teristics for porous element material. A review of literature for possible
existing glass formulations applicable to producing the desired properties for
the porous element will also be performed. From these reviews, possible
formulations will be selected from which to produce the desired material. The

46
-------
materials produced will be tested and evaluated for the desired properties.
If early results indicate that the desired material for a prototype porous
element is obtainable, the research will focus on materials development. If
no reasonable expectation of success is indicated at this time, termination of
the project at the end of the first budget period, which is one year, will be
considered. If indications are that a suitable material or combination of
materials can be developed, fabrication into a form suitable for use as an
experimental suction lysimeter will be performed. This will be followed by
testing at properly equipped laboratory facilities and in collaboration with
expertise in vadose zone monitoring; e.g., L.G. Everett at U.C. Santa Barbara
or J.C. Parker at Virginia Polytech. If laboratory testing indicates that the
material is suitable for use in making a useful suction lysimeter, an oper-
ational prototype will be fabricated and demonstrate in the field.
EPA Coordinator: L. A. Eccles
FTS 545-2385
(702) 798-2385
-------
-------