Objective:

The objective of this project is to provide environmental managers and regulators at Department of Defense (DoD) sites with tools, metrics, and information needed to evaluate alternative endpoints for groundwater remediation at complex sites. DoD has many complex sites where remedial time frames to achieve maximum contaminant levels (MCL) or background concentrations in groundwater throughout the aquifer are on the order of 100 years or more. In attempts to reach MCLs or background concentrations throughout the groundwater aquifer, DoD is projected to spend millions of dollars and other resources while achieving little practical or measurable benefits (i.e., the cost-to benefit ratio of attempting to achieve MCLs is low). This project will broaden DoD staff knowledge of alternative endpoints and metrics, particularly the technical analyses used to formulate and document the cost, time frame, and measurable impact of potential remedial approaches and endpoints at other sites.

Technology Description:

Alternative endpoints for groundwater remediation include Applicable or Relevant and Appropriate Requirement (ARAR) waivers, similar designations established for sites under state and local jurisdictions (e.g., California Regional Water Quality Control Board containment zones), and Alternate Concentration Limits (ACL). Alternative endpoints may take the form of alternative designations of cleanup goals and remedial action objectives such as mass removal to the extent practicable. Numeric cleanup goals depend on site circumstances (including current and future resource/land use), the location of points of compliance, and stakeholder agreement on an acceptable time frame to achieve cleanup goals. Flexibility in one or more of these variables can serve as the basis for alternative remedial endpoints. This project will provide DoD and regulators with an analysis of case studies that have incorporated alternative endpoints into the final remedy. By hosting workshops for DoD, their consultants, and regulators, this project also will improve understanding and promote dialogue about the underlying limitations to complete groundwater restoration and lines of evidence used to predict restoration potential.

Expected Benefits:

Since complex sites frequently constitute the majority of a cleanup program budget, alternative remedial endpoints may lead to significant cost savings while providing the same level of protection to human health and the environment. Other benefits of alternative groundwater remedial endpoints include the ability to move DoD sites forward in the remedial process towards site closure and the latitude to define realistic performance objectives for source reduction or containment technologies. The survey of sites that have incorporated alternative endpoints and metrics into their final remedies will benefit DoD and other Federal agencies by providing tools, metrics, and information needed to evaluate alternative endpoints at complex sites. Workshops will stimulate discussions on evaluating alternative endpoints for groundwater cleanup, promote knowledge/technology transfer, and help DoD and regulators recognize the opportunity for alternative endpoints and metrics at complex sites. (Anticipated Project Completion - 2010)

Principal Investigator:
Dr. Rula Deeb
Malcolm Pirnie, Inc.
2000 Powell Street, Suite 1180
Emeryville, CA 94608
Telephone: (510) 735-3005
Fax: (510) 596-8855
E-mail: rdeeb@pirnie.com

DoD Liaison:
Ms. Erica Becvar
HQ AFCEE/TDE
3300 Sidney Brooks
Brooks City-Base, TX 78235-5112
Telephone: (210) 536-4314
Fax: (210) 536-5989
E-mail: erica.becvar@brooks.af