Science plus management equals successful remediation: A case study

Autor: Mark D. Buehlman, Frederick C. Payne, Daniel T. Rogers
Rok vydání: 1998
Předmět:
Zdroj: Environmental Progress. 17:111-119
ISSN: 1547-5921
0278-4491
Popis: In the past, owners of contaminated sites attempted to remediate as quickly as possible, usually by excavating contaminated soil or pumping and treating contaminated groundwater. Often, they started remediation before identifying all potential types and sources of contaminants, and before conducting a thorough hydrogeologic study. Such premature action usually resulted in the selected remedy not working, the contamination spreading, or unnecessary remedial activities. Today, successful site remediation is recognized as a complex and time-consuming undertaking–requiring a combination of careful scientific study, effective negotiation with the regulatory agencies and skillful management of multidisciplinary efforts. A case study involving a brownfields site in southeastern Michigan clearly illustrates the elements of successful remediation. The site's soil was contaminated with polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) and its groundwater with a variety of chlorinated solvents. The original estimate for remediation had exceeded $30 million. Several phases of investigation were conducted to evaluate the nature and sources of contaminants, the site's hydrogeology, potential risks to human health and the environment, and feasible remedial technologies. Multiple cleanup criteria were established for different affected areas based on the results of the investigations, changes that were taking place with the state cleanup regulations and standards and subsequent negotiations with state and federal regulators. Innovative remedial technologies were selected. The result was a remediation that met or exceeded all soil and groundwater cleanup objectives, was performed on schedule, and was highly cost-effective. The final cost was limited to $3 million–one-tenth of the original estimate. The success of this project involved meticulous scientific study and comprehensive understanding of applicable regulatory requirements and available remediation technologies. It also required effective project management to coordinate the multidisciplinary efforts involved and to maintain the constant vertical and horizontal communications necessary to ensure sound decisions at every step in the process.
Databáze: OpenAIRE
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