Did You

ISSUE # 7

(September-1999)

Federal Facilities Factsheet
EPA - REGION 6, 6EN-XP - 1445 Ross Avenue - Dallas, Texas 75202-2733
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MONITORED NATURAL ATTENUATION (MNA)

Controls on ground pollution can be applied in several ways, for example:

The polluted source can be excavated and removed to a controlled area
where it could be cleaned, or stored.

Its effects can be reduced or nullified by the use of chemical buffers.

Or by the easiest and most important method, not allowing it to happen.

One method that may be considered in the control of ground pollution would be "Natural
Attenuation", where the pollution is left in the ground and allowed to dissipate into the soil or be
absorbed harmlessly by the surface vegetation. This method would work best in areas away from
watersheds and communities, and where the pollutant has stopped migrating. Natural Attenuation is not
the ultimate cure for pollution prevention, but an alternative method to be used along with other
methods presently in use. One drawback in using this method is having to monitor the potential
migration of the spill, an event that may last a few months to several years. Migration of the spill could
be accelerated by storm water runoff, a	scenario that may give

positive or negative results. The positive results	would for the

runoff to spread the polluted sotI over larger area and	speed up

the dissipation of the polluy^k mc negative results would	be

for the polluted soil to be	round or underground	water

sources. A

The information in this fact-sheet is very general. For in-
depth information please contact the following sources at
EPA:

Lisa Price at (214) 665-6744 or Vincent Mallot at
(214) 665-8313

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