\ SUPERFUND
fSSgz? TECHNICAL SUPPORT
***~ f PROJECT
GUIDE FOR REGIONAL PROJECT MANAGERS
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July 1992
SUPERFUND
? TECHNICAL SUPPORT -
PROJECT
GUIDE FOR REGIONAL PROJECT MANAGERS
Technology Innovation Office
Office of Solid Waste and Emergency Response
Walter W. Kovalick, Jr., Ph.D., Director
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Preface
This document provides OSCs, RPMs, and other Regional project managers with a
detailed description of the Technical Support Project (TSP) and how the Project can be
accessed to provide technical assistance from ORE) laboratories and other offices in EPA to
support the remediation of hazardous waste sites. Also included in this document are
descriptions of each of the Technical Support Centers (TSCs) that provide these services, and
the names and telephone numbers of TSP Forum members and TSC contacts.
This second edition of the Technical Support Project Users Guide includes information
on the new TSC for Radiological and Chemical Assessment at the National Air and Radiation
Environmental Research Laboratory (NAREL), operated by EPA's Office of Radiation
Programs, as well as updates from the ORD laboratories. The project has recently been
expanded to incorporate RCRA Corrective Action staff in the Regions, and differences in
procedures between the two programs are noted where applicable.
Walter W. Kovalick, Jr., Ph.I
Director, Technology Innovation Office
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Superfund Technical Support Project Guide
Contents
OVERVIEW Background and Objectives 1
Technical Support Centers 1
Technical Support Forums . 2
Project Funding 2
PROCEDURES Initiating a Technical Assistance Request 3
Special Procedures 7
Follow-up Activities for Projects 8
Project Tracking 8
CENTERS Selecting a Technical Support Center 9
Robert S. Kerr Environmental Research Laboratory (RSKERL) 10
Risk Reduction Engineering Laboratory (RREL) 10
Environmental Monitoring Systems Laboratory, Las Vegas (EMSL-LV) .. 11
Environmental Research Laboratory, Athens (ERL-Athens) 11
Environmental Response Team (ERT) 12
Environmental Criteria and Assessment Office (ECAO-Cincinnati) 12
National Air and Radiation Environmental Laboratory (NAREL) 13
APPENDICES TSP Forum Members 17
RSKERL-Ada 23
RREL-Cincinnati 27
EMSL-LV 29
ERL-Athens 33
ERT-Edison 35
ECAO-Cincinnati 37
NAREL 39
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Superfund Technical Support Project Guide
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Superfund Technical Support Project Guide
OVERVIEW
Background and
Objectives
The Office of Solid Waste and Emergency Response (OSWER), Regional
Superfund Offices, and the Office of Research and Development (ORD)
established the Superfund Technical Support Project (TSP) in 1987 to provide
technology-based assistance to Regional Remedial Project Managers (RPMs)
and On-Scene Coordinators (OSCs) through ORD laboratories. The Project
consists of a network of Regional Forums, seven specialized Technical
Support Centers (TSCs) located in ORD laboratories, the Office of
Emergency and Remedial Response, the Environmental Response Team
(ERT), and the Office of Radiation Program's National Air and Radiation
Environmental Laboratory (NAREL). The objectives of the TSP are to:
Provide the opportunity for Headquarters, Labs, and Regions to work
toward a mutual goal of identifying specific needs of Regional Project
Managers and Regional technical staff and providing them with state-of-
the-science technical assistance;
Improve communications among Regions and ORD laboratories;
Ensure coordination and consistency in the application of remedial
technologies;
Furnish high-technology demonstrations, workshops and state-of-the-
science information for RPMs, OSCs, and other project managers; and
Facilitate the evaluation and application of alternative investigatory and
remedial techniques at hazardous waste sites.
Technical Support
Centers
Technical Support Centers provide technological support and assistance
through telephone communications, site visits, document review, technology
evaluation, information clearinghouses, the OSWER Cleanup Information
Bulletin Board, demonstration projects, and technical workshops. There are
seven TSCs providing these services through the TSP. The Centers provide
technology-based assistance in the areas of:
Monitoring and Site Characterization
Ground-Water Fate and Transport
Engineering and Treatment
Exposure and Ecorisk Assessment
Emergency Response, Remedial and Removal Technologies
Health and Risk Assessment
Radiological and Chemical Assessment
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Superfund Technical Support Project Guide
Technical Support Technical Support Forums are comprised of one or more technical specialists,
Forums RPMs, or OSCs from each of EPA's ten regions. Two Forums have been
established to date: Ground-Water Fate and Transport and Engineering, with
members from both Superfund and RCRA offices in the Regions. Forum
members provide information to Project Managers in their Regions regarding
TSP efforts, research undertaken by the Centers, and problems and successes
experienced by other Regions including the application of remedial
technologies at hazardous waste sites. Forum representatives:
Channel communications among the Regions, TSCs, Headquarters
personnel, and existing EPA technical programs;
Identify specific technical issues and needs, and work with the Centers
to address these issues in order to facilitate successful completion of site
remediation;
Act as a technical resource to the Regions and the Centers; and
Route technical assistance information to Regional colleagues.
Project Funding
The TSP is accessed by a telephone call or letter to one of the Center
Directors. Any Regional staff member involved in the Superfund or RCRA
programs can contact the Centers directly or with the assistance of a Forum
member in their Region. The Center Director will discuss your problem, and
if substantial assistance is needed to solve the problem (e.g., more than two
person-days of effort), he or she will initiate a TSP project. All such projects
must be formally requested by the Regional recipient in writing (see next
page).
Each Superfund site is limited to a ceiling of $50,000 in extramural support
through the TSP, unless special written approval is granted from the TSP
Project Manager.1 Additional funding from the Regions is encouraged using
site-specific Regional funds that have been allocated through the Superfund
Comprehensive Accomplishments Plan (SCAP). The TSCs are responsible
for establishing budgets and tracking expenditures for each request and each
site. This is important information for determining the level of potential cost
recovery for each site and ensuring that the limited resources available under
the TSP are equitably distributed among the Regions.
1 To determine the current TSP funding status of a specific site, contact
your Forum member or the TSP Project Manager. RCRA projects are limited
to a lower ceiling; check with the laboratory or a Forum member.
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Superfund Technical Support Project Guide
TECHNICAL SUPPORT
PROJECT PROCEDURES
Initiating a Technical All technical support project requests must be in writing. To initiate a
Assistance Request technical assistance request, follow the procedures outlined below:
1. Contact the appropriate TSC directly to discuss specific technical
questions and the nature of the request. This is particularly important to
situations where issues may be resolved or questions answered by
telephone. It will also assist both you and the TSC in project planning
and logistics.
The TSCs may be accessed either directly or through Regional Forum
representatives. If you are unsure which Center to call, or would like to
discuss your need for technical assistance, please contact one of your
Regional Forum members or the TSP Project Manager. A list of Forum
members and their phone numbers is available in Appendix A. Forum
members are well informed of current TSP projects and Center
capabilities and will be able to advise you based on their experience.
2. Once it has been established that the TSC can provide the requested
services, a written request must be transmitted to the Center. The
Regional Branch Chief and the TSP Project Manager must receive
copies of all written requests. The following information should be
included in each written request:
Requestor's name and position
Site name and CERCLA (or other) site number
Lead status (Superfund/Enforcement/Federal Facilities/ )
Specific product expected from the Center
Deadline by which it will be needed
« Project funding information, if it is anticipated that funds in addition
to those provided by the TSP will be required.
Written requests may be submitted as a letter or by completing a
"Request for Technical Support" form. Examples of each format and a
blank request form are provided on the following pages.
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Superfund Technical Support Project Guide
Sample
Technical Support Project Request Letter
MEMORANDUM
SUBJ: Request for OSWER Technical Support Project Assistance
FROM: Jane Doe, Remedial Project Manager
Region XX
TO: John Smith, Director
Technical Support Center
XYZ Laboratory
The purpose of this memorandum is to request Superfund Technical Support Project assistance.
This assistance is required for the ABC Landfill enforcement-lead Superfund site, CERCLA site
number YZD078964734.
A remedial action Statement of Work (SOW) for the ABC Landfill site is attached. Task 2 of
the SOW details the work to be performed in evaluating in situ waste stabilization. Expert technical
assistance is required in assessing the evaluation. Because of the potential importance of this
evaluation, it is necessary that written comments from the Center be provided by no later than
January 17, 1991.
This assistance is not expected to exceed $50K in value, however, should this limit be
approached, Region XX must be informed so that alternate funding may be pursued. Alternate
funding was not considered for this project as it is not expected that TSP work at this site will
exceed $50K. Please inform me of your receipt of this request, and let me know whether any
problems in meeting the required deadline are anticipated.
Attachment
cc: Rich Steimle,
TSP Project Manager
Jann Johnson, Chief
Superfund Programs Branch, Region XX
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Request for Technical Support
RSKERL-Ada H RREL-Cincinnati
ERL-Athens Q] EMSL-Las Vegas
n ECAO-Cincinnati Q ERT-Edison
NAREL-Montgomery Q Other
Date: May 15,1998
Requestor: Jane Doe
Region & Division: Region XX, Superfund Construction Section
Site Name & NO.: ABC Landfill - YZD078964734
n Fund Lead 0 Enforcement Lead D State Lead D Federal Facility
D Other (specify)
Nature of Request
Review Statement of Work for ABC LandfillTask 2. Evaluating in situ
waste stabilization
Deliverables and Due Dates
Written comments on SOW, due January 17,1999
List of Attachments
Statement of Work
cc: Branch Chief
TSP Project Manager, OSWER/TIO (OS-110W)
Technology Innovation Office U.S. EPA 401 M Street, S.W. Washington, DC 20460
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Request for Technical Support
RSKERL-Ada D RREL-Cincinnati ^v \
ERL-Athens D EMSL-Las Vegas 5 ' ' *
ECAO-Cincinnati D ERT-Edison
ii ro'ocl
NAREL-Montgomery Q Other
Date:
Requestor:
Region & Division:
Site Name& No.:.
Fund Lead D Enforcement Lead D State Lead D Federal Facility
Other (specify)
Nature of Request
Deliverables and Due Dates
List of Attachments
cc: Branch Chief
TSP Project Manager, OSWER/TIO (OS-110W)
Technology Innovation Office U.S. EPA 401 M Street, S.W. Washington, DC 20460
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Superfund Technical Support Project Guide
The Center Director may assign your project to one or more members of the
Center's Technical Support staff depending on the type(s) of expertise
needed. You will work directly with that person and the Center Director to
see that your technical assistance needs are filled. The Centers have
established methods for providing quick response to technical assistance
needs ranging from simple requests for information to detailed technical
review of contractor reports or work plans to full-scale treatability studies or
other work requiring a site visit. If the needed expertise is not available
within the laboratory, the Director can arrange for expert consultants from
academia or the private sector to assist you.
Special Procedures The TSP was designed to provide quick-response technical assistance to
Regional field staff through short-term, relatively inexpensive projects
conducted by ORD laboratories or other technical experts. The procedures
described above are applicable to more than 80% of requests received by the
TSP to date. However, special procedures apply in certain circumstances:
When the budget for responding to your request is expected to exceed
the $50,000 per site limit, prior written approval by the TSP Project
Manager is required. If a critical assistance project is expected to
require additional resources, the Region is encouraged to contribute
utilizing site-specific Regional funds.
If a technical workshop or training course is requested, the request must
be signed by the Regional Branch Chief. While it is possible to provide
this type of service through the TSP if Regional management is
convinced of the need, it is expected that other sources of funds will
normally be sought. Requests of this nature may be forwarded to the
OSWER Training Program (Marlene Suit, 703/308-8847).
Research projects, the development of standard protocols, and complex
treatability studies are examples of projects which are outside the scope
of the TSP. These types of projects should be discussed with the
Centers to determine alternate funding approaches.2
Multiple requests at a single site can lead to a few Regions or a few
sites receiving substantial support while others are not addressed. It is
expected that if a particular site requires substantial technical assistance
due either to the nature of the site or the type of remedy, the Region
would make provisions for providing funds for technical assistance.
Such sites may also be candidates for support from ORD's Superfund
Technical Assistance Response Team (START).
2 For information on other technical support resources, see Technical
Support Services for Superfund Site Remediation and RCRA Corrective
Action (EPA/540/8-91/091).
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Superfund Technical Support Project Guide
Follow-up Activities
For Projects
Once the project has been initiated, the requestor should maintain contact
with the TSC to track the project's progress and resolve any deviations from
the initial request. It is your responsibility to ensure that the Center obtains
any necessary information or documentation on the site. Be very clear in
your communication with the Center as to what is needed by what date.
Also be sure to inform them if sensitive or confidential data is involved.
Project tracking information is available from your Forum representative.
Each Technical Support Center prepares quarterly status reports of projects
undertaken and funds expended. Copies of quarterly Technical Support
Project reports are provided to Regional Forum representatives by the TSP
Project Manager. Forum representatives may have copies of summaries
distributed within their Regions. Regional Forum representatives also have
access to project descriptions, progress narratives, and information on funds
budgeted and expended.
If you experience any problems that can not be resolved by either you or the
TSC Director, call your Region's Forum representative or the TSP Project
Manager. They are available to provide you with assistance. Their phone
numbers are located in the Appendices to this Guide.
Project Tracking
In order to track technical assistance requests issued under the TSP, a project
management database has been developed specifically for the project. The
database, TSP TRACK, includes the following information for each reported
request:
Region
Name of Requestor
TSC
TSC Contact
Site Name and ID Number
Date Request was Issued
Nature of Request
Completion Date
Funds Budgeted (established by
TSC)
Funds Expended
Lead Status (Superfund or
Enforcement)
This data is derived primarily from copies of written technical assistance
requests sent to the Project Manger and quarterly project reports submitted by
the TSCs.
The database facilitates project tracking and reporting processes such as
determining the amount of total funds expended for any given site and the
number of projects for each Region or each TSC. Information is presented in
text, graphic, and accounting formats.
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Superfund Technical Support Project Guide
TECHNICAL SUPPORT CENTERS
Selecting a Technical Projects implemented under the Superfund program require a vast array of
Support Center
technical knowledge and expertise. This expertise is made available by the
Technical Support Centers to all RPMs and OSCs in support of their
Superfund projects. Prior to initiating a technical assistance request, the
appropriate receiving TSC should be determined. The following shows seven
broad areas of technical expertise and the corresponding Centers that provide
this expertise through the TSP.
TECHNICAL EXPERTISE
Ground Water Fate and Transport
Engineering and Treatment
Monitoring and Site Characterization
Exposure and Ecorisk Assessment
Emergency Response and Remedial
Project Experience
Health and Risk Assessment
Radiological and Chemical
Assessment
TECH SUPPORT CENTER
Robert S. Kerr Environmental
Research Laboratory (RSKERL),
Ada, OK
Risk Reduction Engineering
Laboratory (RREL), Cincinnati, OH
Environmental Monitoring Systems
Laboratory (EMSL-LV), Las Vegas,
NV
Environmental Research Laboratory
(ERL-Athens), Athens, GA
Environmental Response Team
(ERT), Edison, NJ
Environmental Criteria and
Assessment Office (ECAO),
Cincinnati, OH
National Air and Radiation
Environmental Laboratory
(NAREL), Montgomery, AL
The following subsections include examples of a few of the technical
resources available through the TSCs. Additional information regarding the
expertise of TSC staff members is contained in Appendices B through H of
this Guide.
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Superfund Technical Support Project Guide
Ground Water Fate and Transport Technical Support Center
Robert S. Kerr Environmental Research Laboratory (RSKERL)
RSKERL, Ada, Oklahoma, is EPA's center for fate and transport research,
focusing its efforts on transport and fate of contaminants in the vadose and
saturated zones of the subsurface, methodologies relevant to protection and
restoration of ground-water quality, and evaluation of subsurface processes
for the treatment of hazardous waste. The Center provides technical
assistance in:
Pump-and-treat aquifer remediation
Bioremediation of soils and ground water
Subsurface geochemistry
Contaminant transport modeling
Subsurface contaminant transformation
In situ treatment processes
Contact: Don Draper
(405) 332-8800
Engineering and Treatment Technical Support Center
Risk Reduction Engineering Laboratory (RREL)
RREL, Cincinnati, Ohio, plans and conducts engineering, research and devel-
opment related to treatment of solid and hazardous wastes. RREL personnel
provide technical services involving specific treatment technologies and
Superfund response processes including:
Treatability studies
Remedial design/remedy selection review
Construction QA/QC methods
Source control and geotechnical test methods
Contact: Ben Blaney or Joan Colson
(513) 569-7406
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Superfund Technical Support Project Guide
Monitoring and Site Characterization Technical Support Center
Environmental Monitoring Systems Laboratory, Las Vegas (EMSL-LV)
EMSL, Las Vegas, Nevada, provides scientific and technical assistance in
sampling/monitoring design, contaminant detection, hydrologic monitoring,
site characterization, data interpretation and geophysics. Services include:
Saturated and unsaturated zone monitoring
Remote sensing, mapping, and geostatistics
Analytical methods and quality assurance
Bore-hole and surface geophysics
X-ray florescence field survey methods
Sampling and monitoring design assistance
Mixed waste assistance
Radiological analysis
Contact: Ken Brown
(702) 798-2270
Exposure and Ecorisk Assessment Technical Support Center
Environmental Research Laboratory, Athens (ERL-Athens)
The Environmental Research Laboratory at Athens, Georgia, emphasizes
multimedia exposure and risk assessment modeling of remedial action
alternatives. An electronic bulletin board (BBS) has been established to
disseminate models and databases and to exchange modeling information.
The technical support services include:
Models, databases and analytical techniques
Multimedia modeling of organic chemical and heavy metal pollutant fate
SoiVwater and surface water/sediment systems
Ecological impact and ecorisk assessments
Contact: Bob Ambrose
(706) 546-3130
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Superfund Technical Support Project Guide
Environmental Response Team Technical Support Center
OERR Environmental Response Branch (ERT)
ERT, Edison, New Jersey, provides support in responding to releases of
hazardous waste, chemicals and oil. ERT also provides support in risk
assessment, multi-media sampling and analysis, health and safety, cleanup
techniques, and training for response personnel. Services include:
Response techniques for emergency hazardous chemical releases
Treatment technologies, sampling plans, and contaminant assessment
Technical review for remedial and removal technology, safety, and
preparedness
Hazardous Materials Incident Response Training Program
Site-safety plans, personnel protection, and safety
Contact: Joseph Lafornara
(908) 321-6740
Health Risk Technical Support Center
Environmental Criteria and Assessment Office (ECAO)
The ECAO in Cincinnati, Ohio, functions as the focal point within the Office
of Health and Environmental Assessment (OHEA) to coordinate Agency-wide
assistance in the area of human health risk assessment. This assistance is
coordinated with OERR's Toxics Integration Branch to identify future
research issues and to ensure consistent dissemination and use of risk
assessment toxicity values and other guidance. A hotline has been
established (513/569-7300). Technical support services available from ECAO
include:
Chemical specific and chemical mixture toxicity information
Interim or default recommendations for risk assessment
Support for the Health Effects Assessment Summary Tables (HEAST)
Support for the "Risk Assessment Guidance for Superfund (RAGS):
Human Health Evaluation Manual"
Technical review and comment on site-specific Superfund risk
assessments
Coordination of information for the Risk Assessment teleconference for
Superfund (RATS)
Contact: Kenneth A. Poirier
(513) 569-7523
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Superfund Technical Support Project Guide
Radiological and Chemical Assessment Support Center
Radiation Environmental Laboratory (NAREL)
NAREL, Montgomery, Alabama, can assess, characterize, and remediate
radiologically and chemically contaminated sites. In addition, this laboratory
offers an expanding capability for analyzing heavy metal and organic waste
contaminants. Specific NAREL services include:
Conducting/monitoring radiological assessment of sites
Design, evaluation, and demonstration of remediation technology
Analysis of samples for radionuclides
Dose and risk calculation and assessment using PC software codes
Radon field measurements and instrument evaluation, calibration, and
quality assurance
A nuclear emergency response team
Contact: Jon Broadway
(205) 270-3400 or 3434
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Superfund Technical Support Project Guide
APPENDICES
Telephone numbers and locations of Technical Support Project contacts are
listed in the following appendices. They include:
Regional Forum Representatives
Headquarters TSP Staff
Technical Support Centers
Additional information relating to technology-based support available at each
Technical Support Center is also included within each Centers' respective
Appendix.
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Superfund Technical Support Project Guide
APPENDIX A
SUPERFUND TECHNICAL SUPPORT PROJECT FORUM MEMBERS
Superfund Ground Region Forum Contact
Water Forum
1 Richard Willey
Yoon-Jcan Choi
Matt Hoagland
2 Kevin Willis*
Alison Hess
Fredrick Luckey
3 Kathy Davies
Phil Rotstein
4 Ralph Howard
Galo Jackson
5 Doug Yeskis*
Luanne Vanderpool
6 Ruth Izraeli
7 Bill Pedicino
Mark Collins
8 Darcy Campbell
Paul Osborne
9 Herb Levine
Richard Freitas
10 Rene Fuentes
Bernard Zavala
Howard Orlean
Telephone
(617) 573-9639
(617) 223-5505
(617) 573-9666
(212) 264-6607
(212) 264-6040
(212) 264-6786
(215) 597-6488
(215) 597-8185
(404) 347-7791
(404) 347-2643
(312) 886-0408
(312) 353-9296
(214) 655-6735
(913) 551-7629
(913) 551-7626
(303) 294-7596
(303) 293-1418
(415) 744-2408
(415) 744-2315
(206) 553-1599
(206) 553-1562
(206) 553-6903
* Forum Co-Chair
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Superfund Technical Support
RCRA Ground Region Forum Contact
Water Forum
1 John Smaldone
Alison Simcox
2 Phil Clappin
Zintars Zadins
3 Tom Buntin
4 Jason Darby
Mike Arnett
5 Carol Witt-Smith
Thad Slaughter
6 Keith Phillips
Vince Malott
Jon Rinehart
Dave Vogter
7 Bill Pedicino
Mark Collins
8 Stan Zawistowski
9 Chris Prokop
10 Marsha Bailey
Project Guide
Telephone
(617) 573-9657
(617) 573-5746
(212) 264-5947
(212) 264-8654
(215) 597-2745
(404) 546-3300
(404) 347-3433
(312) 886-6146
(312) 886-4460
(214) 655-6480
(214) 655-6480
(214) 655-6790
(214) 655-6790
(913) 551-7626
(913) 551-7626
. (303)293-1503
(415) 744-2045
(206) 553-0684
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Superfund Technical Support Project Guide
SUPERFUND TECHNICAL SUPPORT PROJECT FORUM MEMBERS
Superfund
Engineering
Forum
Region Forum Contact
1 Lynne Jennings
Michael Jasinski
2 Laura Lombardo
Richard Ho
3 Paul Leonard*
Terry Stilman
Frank Vavra
4 Jon Bornholm
Martha Berry
5 Anthony Holoska
Kaushal Khanna
6 Deborah Griswold
John Meyer
7 Steve Kinser
Mark Doolin
8 Henry Schroeder
9 Ken Erickson*
Vance Fong
10 Bob Stamnes
Kevin Rocklin
Telephone
(617) 573-9634
(617) 573-5786
(212) 264-6787
(212) 264-9543
(215) 597-8485
(215) 597-6680
(215) 597-0676
(404) 347-7791
(404) 347-2643
(312) 886-7503
(312) 353-2663
(214) 655-8520
(214) 655-6735
(913) 551-7728
(913) 551-7169
(303) 294-1981
(415) 744-2324
(415) 744-2311
(206) 553-1512
(206) 553-2106
* Forum Co-Chair
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Superfund Technical Support Project Guide
RCRA
Engineering
Forum
Region Forum Contact
1 Regina Snyder
2 Sin-Kie Tjho
Ton Moy
3 Mary Beck
4 Joane Benante
5 David Petrovski
Sherri Bianchin
6 Gregg Lyssy
Mike Herbert
Bert Gorrod
Rich Mayer
Byron Heineman
7 Wes Bartley
8 Marshall Fischer
9 Ron Leach
Telephone
(617) 573-9674
(212) 264-3059
(212) 264-1785
(215) 597-7239
(404) 347-3433
(312) 886-0997
(312) 886-4446
(214) 655-6480
(214) 655-6480
(214) 655-6790
(214) 655-6775
(214) 655-6480
(913) 551-7623
(303)294-1128
(415) 744-2031
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Superfund Technical Support Project Guide
SUPERFUND TECHNICAL SUPPORT PROJECT CONTACTS
Headquarters
Contacts
Rich Steimle
TSP Project Manager
no (os-now)
Meg Kelly
Deputy Director, TIO
Mark Johnson
Project Assistant
EMS
Contractor Support
Ken Skahn
OERR (OS-220W)
Matt Charsky
OWPE (OS-510)
Ken Lovelace
OERR (OS-220W)
Peter Feldman
OERR (OS-220W)
Rose Lew
OWPE (OS-520)
Hugh Davis
OSW (OS-321)
(703) 308-8846
(703) 308-8800
(703) 308-8807
(301) 589-5318
(703) 308-8355
(202) 260-3106
(703) 308-8362
(703) 308-8364
(202) 260-6720
(202) 260-7656
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Superfund Technical Support Project Guide
APPENDIX B
ROBERT S. KERR ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH
LABORATORY (RSKERL)
Kerr Lab Road - P.O. Box 1198
Ada, Oklahoma 74820
Contact: Don Draper
(405) 332-8800
RSKERL serves as EPA's center for ground-water research, focusing its
efforts on studies of the transport and fate of contaminants in the subsurface,
development of methodologies for protection and restoration of ground-water
quality, and evaluation of the applicability and limitations of using natural
soil and subsurface processes for the treatment of hazardous wastes.
RSKERL has been responsible for the development and demonstration of
cost-effective methods of land treatment of municipal waste-waters and
petroleum refining and petrochemical wastes, as well as developing tech-
nologies for the protection of ground-water quality. RSKERL carries out
research through in-house projects and through cooperative and interagency
agreements with universities, national laboratories and other research centers.
The following page contains additional information about RSKERL's
capabilities including examples of some technical problems that may be
encountered and corresponding ground-water fate and transport support
available through RSKERL. If you have additional questions regarding
RSKERL's activities, contact either Don Draper or your Forum
representatives.
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Superfund Technical Support Project Guide
Examples of Ground-Water Fate and Transport
Support Available through RSKERL, ADA, Oklahoma
If You Have Problems With Technical Support Available
Soil and Subsurface Remediation In situ Biorestoration
Pump and Treat Evaluation
Toxicity Testing
Geochemistry Soil Chemistry
Analytical Chemistry
Contaminant Transport Modeling Ground-Water Modeling
Unsaturated Zone Modeling
Training and Software
Ground-Water Monitoring Monitoring Well Construction
Sampling Techniques
Subsurface Coring Techniques
Underground Injection Mechanical Integrity
Case Study North Cavalcade Superfund Site, Houston, TX - This site is an abandoned
wood treating facility that operated for approximately 50 years. Major soil
and ground water contaminants include those associated with creosote treating
operations, particularly the PAHs. The RPM requested RSKERL to provide
technical assistance during the remediation selection and implementation
process. From April, 1988 through October, 1991, the RSKERL-TSC was
involved in the following activities:
Comments on the initial site remedial design plan were provided to the
RPM. Reviewers found that the remedial design covered the needs but
considerable work on biodegradation process was indicated.
A review of the field sampling and analysis plan suggested that
substantial revision was needed in the areas of: 1) soil bioremediation
treatabuity studies; 2) soil sampling; 3) free phase product isolation and
recovery; 4) pump tests; 5) ground water treatability studies; and 6)
potential presence of dioxins and furans at the site.
Three versions of the Field Study Work Plan and the Field Sampling
and Analysis Plan were reviewed. In addition, there were two trips to
meet with the Region, State, and contractor to discuss in situ
bioremediation, a site hydrogeological investigation, and location and
removal of DNAPLs.
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Previous investigations at the site resulted in conflicting hydrogeological
information. Region VI requested RSKERL to assist in further studies to
collect data to be used in remediation planning. TSC staff completed the
work by logging eight wells and carrying out an aquifer test. A
meeting was held to discuss results from the field study. It was
determined that the low permeability found at the site precluded the use
of in situ bioremediation. Bench and pilot studies were planned to
determine the merits of using soil slurry reactors and/or land treatment.
Reviewed workplan for Ground Water Operable Unit. The response
suggested that biological treatment of the soil and aquifer material
appears to be the most effective alternative presented for reducing PAH
concentrations at the site.
Three members of the TSC completed a review of "A Treatability Study
of Biotreatment and Soil Washing of Soil from the North Cavalcade
Superfund Site, Houston, TX." In general, findings were that conclusions
and recommendations made in the report are not strongly supported by
the data presented.
Provided review comments to the RPM concerning two remedial design
documents for the Ground Water Operable Unit The comments pointed
out a number of problems in several areas. Among these were the
selection of mud-rotary as the drilling technique of choice, the proper
consideration of DNAPLs in estimating the time necessary for
remediation, as well as a number of hydrogeological errors.
Provided review comments on documents entitled "Prefinal Remedial
Design (90% Submittal), Ground Water Remediation/Source Removal,
North Cavalcade Superfund Site, Harris County, Texas." In general,
RSKERL stated that most of its earlier concerns were addressed in the
documents; however, the strategy did not adequately deal with the
question of DNAPLs.
Two members of the RSKERL TSC met in Dallas with the RPM, State
personnel and State support contractor, to discuss a preliminary remedial
design report for the site.
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APPENDIX C
RISK REDUCTION ENGINEERING RESEARCH LABORATORY
(RREL)
26 Martin Luther King Drive
Cincinnati, Ohio 45268
Contact: Ben Blaney or Joan Colson
(513) 569-7406
RREL is one of EPA's largest research centers, with responsibility for
implementing engineering research and development related to solid and
hazardous wastes. RREL personnel can provide a variety of technical
services involving several treatment technologies. The Technical Support
Center assists OSC/RPMs with the following Superfund response processes:
Remedial Investigation/Feasibility Study
Determining treatment alternatives
Determining feasibility of a treatment alternative, through data review or
in-house treatability studies
Establishing protocols for determining site-specific feasibility of
treatment alternative
Remedial Design
Determining scale-up requirements
Fine tuning design by reviewing data or performing in-house treatability
studies
Remedial Action and Operation/Maintenance
Troubleshooting assistance
Monitoring scheme development
The following page provides examples of problems OSC/RPMs might
encounter and corresponding technical assistance that RREL could provide.
If you have questions regarding support available from RREL, please contact
either Ben Blaney, Joan Colson, or your Forum representatives.
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Examples of Engineering/Treatment Support
Available through RREL, Cincinnati, Ohio
If You Have Problems With
Remedial Actions
Construction QA/QC
Contaminant Source Control and
Related Geotechnical Test Methods
Soil and Water Chemistry
Technical Support Available
Leachate Treatment
Stabilization
Biodegradation
Incineration
KPEG
Low Temp. Thermal Desorption
Soil Washing/Flushing
Methods
Ground-Water Modeling
Permeability Tests
Soil Physical Testing
Waste Leaching
Covers/Liners
Slurry Walls
Inorganic
Organic
Case Studies
Whitehouse Oil Pits - The Center conducted a treatability study for the
Whitehouse Oil Pits Superfund site in Region 4. Region 4 initiated the
project and was interested in trying an alternative technology: solidification/
stabilization was chosen. However, the soil at the site suffered from both
organic and metals contaminationpresenting a challenge for stabilization
techniques and materials. The test was conducted using an organophillic
binder since traditional pozzolanic binders do not work for organics. In
general, the metals appear to have been stabilized, but a definitive test
method for organics leaching has yet to complete peer review. No final
report has been published as yet. The site is an especially complicated one
that will be turned over the Army Corps of Engineers for RD/RA.
Rocky Mountain Arsenal - For the Rocky Mountain Arsenal site in Region
8, RREL reviewed the draft treatment assessment report and provided
comments on the treatment options that were developed by the Department of
the Army and Shell Oil. Alternatives reviewed included stabilization, wet air
oxidation, electric melting furnace, and submerged quench incineration.
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APPENDIX D
ENVIRONMENTAL MONITORING SYSTEMS LABORATORY
(EMSL-LV)
University of Nevada - Las Vegas
P.O. Box 93478
Las Vegas, Nevada 89193-3478
Contact: Ken Brown
(702) 798-2270
EMSL's Technical Support Center for Monitoring and Site Assessment
provides scientific and technical support to the Regions. The Center's key
monitoring issues are:
Sampling/Monitoring design
Extraction of representative samples
Well spacing and sampling depths
Sampling frequency
Unsaturated zone monitoring
Distribution and use of hydrogeologic information
Application of innovative sampling and assessment technologies
Contaminant identity and distribution
Areas of assistance include sampling and monitoring design assistance;
remote sensing, mapping, and geostatistics; analytical methods and quality
assurance; bore-hole and surface geophysics; field portable X-Ray florescence
field methods; mixed waste and chemical and radiological analysis.
Technical assistance is provided in a variety of ways, including information
research and retrieval, technology transfer, teleconferencing, video produc-
tions, on-site demonstrations, training programs, seminars and workshops.
The following provide examples of problems OSC/RPMs might encounter
and corresponding technical assistance that EMSL can provide. For
additional information on EMSL's capabilities for providing technical
assistance, contact Ken Brown or your Region's Forum representatives.
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Examples of Monitoring/Site Characterization Support
Available through EMSL-LV, Las Vegas, Nevada
If You Have Problems With
Site characterization
Data interpretation
Sampling requirements for
geostatistics, hydrologic monitoring,
geophysics, XRF, and soil gas
monitoring
Metals and organics analysis
Technical Support Available
Chemical and radiological analysis
Monitoring design
On-site geophysics, soil gas, and
XRF measurements
Geostatistics
GIS
Quality assurance
Development of sampling
techniques/approaches and review of
work plans
Chemical and X-ray fluorescence
Case Studies
XRF Support - At the request of Region 2, the Center provided FPXRF
(Field Portable X-Ray Fluorescence) assistance resulting in the identification
of an underground leak of solid and liquid waste from one of the buried tanks
at the Nascolite site. Additionally, surficial inorganic contamination was
discovered and measured. Severe lead contamination as well as significant
levels of copper, antimony, and cadmium were recorded. This abandoned
plexiglass manufacturing plant site has both organic and inorganic
contamination, surficial and underground waste sources. FPXRF provided a
quick and inexpensive method for remedial investigation to determine the
type and extent of contamination.
The Center has provided FPXRF technical assistance for dozens of Superfund
sites in Regions 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 8, 9, and 10. As the program grows, demands
for this technology have increased.
Geophysics Support - At the request of Region 9, EMSL-LV sent a
geophysics field team to the Brown and Bryant site to obtain information
about the stratigraphy of the subsurface. By estimating completion depths
and interpreting the complex subsurface conditions at the site, EMSL-LV
personnel were able to apply electric resistivity, seismic refraction, and down-
hole seismic measurements to identify and qualify: acoustic and electrical
properties of various sediment and rocks; source of acoustic, electric and
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magnetic noise; amplitude and frequency of noise; and other factors that
could influence measurements at the facility. The geophysical information
obtained at the Brown and Bryant site, combined with some historical
logging data, will form a basis for monitoring well placement and future site
remediations. The Center has provided geophysical assistance for several
Superfund sites through the TSP, including sites in Regions 1, 3, 6, 7, 9.
Sampling Quality Assurance Support - At the request of Region 7, the
Center worked with ORD Quality Assurance Management staff to develop an
effective sampling strategy to locate and cleanup dioxin contamination. Due
to the notoriety and public concern about sites with 2,3,7,8-dioxin, the Center
implemented an in-depth QA program to isolate sources of variability in the
measurement process. The study takes into account sampling variability,
which is suspected to be a major contributor to overall error, as well as
handling, transportation, subsampling, batch, and analytical factors. Careful
sampling design and special attention to sources of variability aided Region 7
personnel in obtaining an accurate evaluation of this site. Based on the
applied statistical method described in "A Rational Document for the
Assessment of Errors in the Sampling of Solid" EPA 600/4-90/013, May,
1990, which was successfully applied at this site, EMSL-LV developed a
public domain Fortran program, ASSESS, which may be used to calculate
sources of variability.
The Center has provided applied statistical assistance for Superfund sites in
Regions 3, 6, 7, and 10. As more and more sites are successfully evaluated
and remediated, EMSL-LV will expand the statistical capabilities and
enhance their applicability to Superfund sites.
Soil Monitoring Support - EPA Region 10 requested a soil-gas survey to
help clarify the source of contamination by chlorinated solvents detected in
monitoring wells at the Frontier Hard Chrome site in Vancouver, Washington.
A soil-gas survey in 1988 indicated high soil-gas concentrations that appeared
to be coming from a location upgradient of the site. A more extensive
survey in 1989 indicated that contamination was localized, and probably from
a near-surface or shallow water table source. A dry well was subsequently
discovered immediately adjacent to the site on property formerly occupied by
an automotive shop.
The Center offers soil-gas technical assistance on questions related to field
collection and analysis of soil-gas, soil, or ground water samples
contaminated with volatile or semivolatile organic compounds. In addition to
field surveys with on-site analysis capability, the Center also provides
technical review of proposed work plans and of results of site characterization
activities performed by Regional contractors. The Center has provided soil-
gas technical assistance to EPA Regions 3, 5, 6, 9, 10.
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APPENDIX E
ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH LABORATORY - ATHENS
(ERL-Athens)
College Station Road
Athens, Georgia 30613
Contact: Robert B. Ambrose, Jr.
(706) 546-3130
ERL-Athens develops aquatic and terrestrial exposure models and measures
or estimates the physical, chemical, and biological properties (rate and
equilibrium constants) that are needed for model operation. Environmental
decision-making tools include:
Pollutant fate and exposure models
Conventional pollutant loading and ecosystem response models
» Knowledge-based expert systems
Multimedia assessment, management, and control strategy development
and evaluation methodologies
Procedures for conducting uncertainty analysis.
Models are applicable to watersheds, surface and ground waters, agricultural
areas, hazardous waste sites, spill sites, water treatment plants, wildlife
habitats, etc. The Center for Exposure Assessment Modeling (CEAM),
located within ERL-Athens, was established in July 1987 to meet the
scientific and technical exposure assessment needs of EPA's Program and
Regional offices and of State environmental agencies. CEAM provides
training, maintains and distributes models through an electronic bulletin
board, and provides assistance through "expert witness" testimony and in-
depth support for high priority Agency projects.
The following pages provide examples of problems OSC/RPMs might
encounter and corresponding technical assistance available through ERL and
CEAM. Contact Bob Ambrose or your Forum representatives if you would
like additional information about ERL-Athens' capabilities.
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Examples of Exposure and Ecorisk Assessment Support
Available through CEAM, Athens, Georgia
If You Have Problems With
Multimedia modeling of heavy metal
pollutants
Dose response
Sustaining a challenge
Conducting exposure risk
assessments
Technical Support Available
Aquatic and terrestrial organic
chemical and exposure models
Evaluation of rate and equilibrium
constants needed for operating
models
Physiologically based
pharmacokinetic models
Expert witness testimony in court for
modeling problems
Exposure assessment and ecological
instruction and training
Technical assistance
Case Studies
Upper Clark Fork Site - Four Superfund sites are located in the area along
the Clark Fork River in Region 8: Montana Post & Pole, Butte, Anaconda,
and Mill Town Dam. Copper, zinc, and cadmium pollution has been killing
trout in the river, and the toxicity is related to periodic high loadings of
contaminants in the surface water. The Center used predictive models as part
of an exposure analysis, toxicity assessment, and ecorisk assessment.
A combination of four models were used in the evaluations. The model
MINTEQ predicted the chemical compounds that would form given the
various elements present. PRZM evaluated the amount of metal entering the
river from runoff, erosion, and leaching. PSTOUT4D was used to model
flow and mixing, and GCTRAN was able to predict large colloid transport.
Model output compared favorably with empirical data collected upstream
during the winter months, but failed downstreamimplying that sources not
accounted for in the models were active. Year 'round, the models accurately
predicted several observed high concentration events.
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APPENDIX F
ENVIRONMENTAL RESPONSE TEAM (ERT)
Woodbridge Ave., Mail Stop 101
Edison, New Jersey 08837
Contact: Joseph Lafornara
(908) 321-6740
The Environmental Response Team (ERT) serves as EPA's center for
expertise and assistance in responding to releases of hazardous wastes,
chemicals, and oil. ERT responds to unusual emergency response situations
both nationally and internationally and provides technical support to both
removal and remedial programs. Specific technical support is provided in
risk assessment, multi-media sampling and analysis, on-site health and safety,
cleanup techniques, and training for response personnel. ERT is located in
the EPA facility in Edison, New Jersey and the EPA Facility in Cincinnati,
Ohio. ERT provides:
On-site technical support for removal and remedial activities
Technical support to the Chemical Emergency Preparedness Staff
Development and implementation of Superfund safety program activities
Technical review capabilities for Superfund
Response training
Contract management
On-Site Technical Since its inception in 1978, the ERT has responded to over 700 requests from
Support the Regions for technical assistance at sites and releases, including remedial
and removal Superfund responses, oil and chemical spills and expert witness
requests from the Agency's enforcement personnel. This assistance has
included:
Advising on approaches and methodologies to respond to hazardous
chemical releases
Recommending specific treatment and control technologies
Developing and implementing sampling plans for soil, water and air
contamination
Developing and implementing ground water and soil studies to
determine contaminant levels and recommend cleanup levels
Advising and providing guidance to RPMs on approaches to Expedited
Response Actions
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Preparedness Staff
Technical Support
In 1984, EPA created the Chemical Emergency Preparedness Program
(CEPP) in order to prevent catastrophic chemical accidents. CEPP included
provisions for implementing effective emergency response actions in the
event that a catastrophic release did occur. Title ni of SARA provided the
statutory authority for the CEPP and added specific enforcement provisions
for obtaining industry compliance, ERT provides the Preparedness Staff with
technical assistance and training concerning emergency response issues, and:
Assists with inspections in chemical plant facilities to develop
technology and practices for prevention of toxic chemical air releases
Provides data and information on status of technology to monitor, detect,
and prevent significant releases of hazardous substances
Advises and assists OSCs, CEPP coordinators, State and local officials,
and industry in implementing new procedures and practices to prevent
the release of toxic chemicals
Superfund Safety
Program
Implementation
ERT is responsible for developing health and safety plans for all EPA
employees involved with Superfund field activities. This includes:
Testing and evaluating new safety equipment in the field and in
controlled environments to support development of new technology
Coordination with the Department of Labor (OSHA) in developing
standards for health and safety protection of workers in hazardous waste
operations
Proposing and promulgating standards identical to the OSHA standards
for those states that do not have an OSHA-approved State plan
Ensuring safety of ERT employees by providing state-of-the-art safety
equipment and training
Superfund Technical
Review & Training
Because of its multi-disciplinary technical expertise, ERT is frequently
asked to review and comment on draft documents related to remedial and
removal technology, safety, and preparedness. In this same capacity, ERT
participates in work groups, task forces, Regional Response Teams (RRTs),
and the National Response Team (NRT). OERR is responsible for EPA's
program for protecting the public and the environment from releases or
potential releases of hazardous materials. As part of this program, ERT has
developed a Hazardous Materials Incident Response Training Program for
personnel who respond to emergencies or who investigate and cleanup
abandoned hazardous waste sites. Training is provided in safety and health
as well as in various technical operations needed to identify, evaluate, and
control hazardous substances that have been or could be released.
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APPENDIX G
ENVIRONMENTAL CRITERIA AND ASSESSMENT OFFICE
(ECAO-Cincinnati)
26 Martin Luther King Drive
Cincinnati, Ohio 45268
Contact: Kenneth A. Poirier
(513) 569-7523
The Superfund Health Risk Technology Support Center, located within
ECAO-Cincinnati for OHEA, was established in January, 1990 to respond to
the technical support needs of Superfund Regional and Headquarters staff,
and others engaged in Superfund risk assessment. The following list provides
an overview of the types of technical assistance available through the Center:
Provide chemical specific and chemical mixture toxicity information
Interpret and answer questions regarding the "Risk Assessment Guidance
for Superfund (RAGS): Human Health Evaluation Manual"
Develop interim or default recommendations or rationale on issues
applicable to risk assessment for Superfund sites
Develop and provide support for the Health Effects Assessment Tables
(HEAST)
Provide review and comment for site-specific Superfund risk
assessments
The Center for Health Risk Assessment has the expertise for responding to a
wide variety of questions dealing with health risk assessment, including site
scoping, toxicology, exposure assessment, structure-activity relationships, and
risk characterization. The Center can also recommend available Superfund
risk assessment tools, as well as provide information on the current status of
chemicals.
The Center was established to promote consistency in Superfund risk
assessment both within and outside the Agency. In order to facilitate
interaction and information exchange, the Center, the Toxics Integration
Branch of OERR, and Regional lexicologists conduct a monthly tele-
conference on the second Tuesday of every month. All Regional risk
assessors are encouraged to participate in the monthly discussion.
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APPENDIX H
NATIONAL AIR AND RADIATION ENVIRONMENTAL
LABORATORY (NAREL)
1504 Avenue A
Montgomery, Alabama 36115-2601
Contact: Jon Broadway
(205) 270-3400
NAREL serves as EPA's Center for Radiological and Chemical Assessment
of contaminated materials when radiological hazards are a primary but not
necessarily and exclusive concern. NAREL offers extensive radioanalytical
capability and experience working with multi-media samples from a variety
of sources including industrial, governmental, municipalities, and medical
industries.
The breadth of experience at NAREL has included ocean disposal, federal
facilities, and assessments of operating industrial plants. Some studies may be
limited to initial site surveys of two to four days while other more
comprehensive projects have lasted several years. Recently, NAREL has
developed and demonstrated remediation technology for contaminated soils.
Such technology often is quite attractive from an economic perspective.
NAREL conducts its projects through in-house work and through cooperative
and interagency agreements in order to expand the range of expertise
available.
The following page contains additional information about NAREL's
capabilities, including some categories of problems that may be encountered
and corresponding services that NAREL may provide to address these
problems. If you have additional questions regarding how NAREL may
assist your specific needs, please call Jon Broadway or your Region's Forum
Representative.
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Examples of Radiological and Chemical Assessment Support Available
through NAREL, Montgomery, Alabama
If You Have Problems With
Potential radiologically contaminated
sites
Large volumes of radiologically
contaminated soils for disposal
Multimedia samples requiring
radiological and chemical analysis
Assessing Dose and risk from
contaminated soils, waste burial, or
atmospheric releases
Potential excessive radon levels in
indoor environments
Soils that need characterization for
remediation options
Radiological or nuclear-accident
emergency
Technical Support Available
Site visits, preliminary
survey/assessment
Study of disposal options, analytical
costs, development and
demonstration of remediation
technology
Analytical laboratory services
Computer codes for calculation of
ground water contamination, off-site
dose and risk through aquatic, air,
and terrestrial pathways
Full range radon measurement and
instrument calibration capability
Soil characterization laboratory,
bench scale and pilot plant design
and operation
A nuclear emergency response team
Case Studies
Montclair-Glen Ridge, New Jersey: House to house radon surveys, soil
characterization, design, construction, and testing of soil remediation
equipment.
Industrial Excess Landfill, Uniontown, Ohio: Review of contractor data,
analysis of samples for water, soil, and leachate, and the related quality
assurance.
Maywood, New Jersey: Characterization of soil components that
contain radioactive species, cost analysis for remediation operation
options.
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Detailed site surveys (e.g. Edison, New Jersey, munitions storage and
assembly area and Norton AFB, California) wherein a team of EPA
persons did several week-long surveys to characterize a potential
contamination problem.
Rocky Flats, Colorado: Deployment of nuclear emergency response
team to discover and assess radiological hazards. Review of Quality
Assurance Plans. Recommendations for analytical methodology.
Savannah River Laboratory, Aiken, South Carolina: Field studies to
measure and validate atmospheric release data and related atmospheric
dispersion software.
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