Contaminant Chemistry and Transport in Soil and Groundwater Training
Understanding petroleum, chlorinated hydrocarbons, and metal behavior in soil and groundwater
August 24 - 25, 2010, 8 A.M. to 5 P.M.
At the Silver Legacy Resort
407 N. Virginia St., Reno, NV 89501

Instructor: Erick McWayne, Northwest Environmental Training Center

Register Online | Directions | Accommodations | Course Brochure PDF | Course Catalog
Description: This course provides participants with an overview of key concepts essential for understanding soil and groundwater contamination and the selection of appropriate remediation approaches. This material is intended for environmental professionals who require a solid understanding of contaminant behavior, monitoring parameters, and how both relate to site remediation. This course is recommended for all environmental professionals working with contaminated soil and groundwater seeking a thorough review of essential topics. The course material will greatly enhance on-the-job training and is also recommended for project managers seeking a more thorough understanding of contaminant behavior.
Course Topics:

Contaminant Chemistry Overview
- Functional Groups, Chemical Properties, and Hazards

Transport Mechanisms
- Advection
- Mechanical Dispersion
- Diffusion (Chemical Dispersion)

Contaminant Solubility Rules
- Molecular Structure
- Effective Solubility

3- and 4-Phase Equilibrium Partitioning
- Adsorption and Absorption
- Applications of Kd, Koc, foc, Kow, and KH
- NAPL and the One Percent Rule
- Molar Fraction Calculations- Contaminant Mass Fraction Calculation
- Residual Saturation Calculation

Groundwater Transport
- Hydrogeology Review
- Three Point Problem
- Groundwater Velocity Calculations
- Retardation and Solute Velocity Calculations

Nonaqueous Phase Liquid (NAPL) Transport
- Capillary Fringe Interactions and Smear Zones
- Estimating LNAPL Thickness from Well Free Product
- Estimating DNAPL Critical Height

Vapor Transport
- Vapor Pressure, Solubility, Molecular Weight, and Vapor Density
- Contact Surface and Henry's Law Partitioning
- Vapor Diffusion and Air-Filled Porosity

Natural Attenuation
- Overview of Natural Attenuation Processes
- Biodegradation Pathways for Common Contaminants

Focus on Hydrocarbon Contamination
- Gasoline and Diesel Chemistry
- BTEX, Oxygenates, Additives, and Other Potential Concerns
- Ethanol Cosolvation and Plume Elongation
- Geochemical Indicators of Natural Attenuation
- Plume Behavior and Zones

Focus on Chlorinated Hydrocarbon Contamination
- Chlorinated Solvent Chemistry
- Type I, II, and III Plume Behavior
- Reductive Dechlorination and Cometabolization
- Geochemical Indicators of Natural Attenuation

Focus on Metal Contaminants
- Mobility, pH, and Amphoterism
- Dissolved and Particulate Forms
- Cation/Anion Exchange and Variably Charged Soils
- Complexation, Chelation, and Ligands
- Hydrated Metals as Acids
This course is part of a series and is preceded by the Fundamental Contaminant Chemistry Workshop August 23, 2010 and followed by Monitored Natural Attenuation August 26 - 27, 2010. Attendees may register for either course individually or both courses. A discount applies when registering for both courses. Courses will begin each day at 8 A.M. and end at 5 P.M. Attendees will be given the opportunity to apply the course material during hands on exercises offered throughout the course.

After completing this course, participants will be able to:

- Understand basic soil and groundwater chemistry;
- Calculate chemical partitioning;
- Understand the significance of temperature, redox potential, pH, DO, and other monitoring parameters;
- Apply soil chemistry principles to soil investigations;
- Apply water chemistry principles to groundwater investigations;
- Understand the chemical and biological aspects of natural attenuation;
- Estimate partitioning coefficients and calculate solute average linear velocities;
- Demonstrate an improved overall understanding of contaminant chemistry; and
- Use site-specific chemistry data for selecting appropriate remediation strategies.

Education Level: Introductory to intermediate/refresher.

Prerequisites: Completion of CHEM-403A - Fundamental Contaminant Chemistry workshop, equivalent course work, or on-the-job experience.

Course Materials: Each participant will receive a copy of the course proceedings including notes and reference material.

Continuing Education Units: 1.5 CEU's

What to Bring: Scientific calculator, mechanical pencil, coffee mug and water bottle (to reduce waste). Please wear comfortable clothing appropriate for the prevailing weather.

About the Instructor: Erick McWayne has fifteen years experience with soil, groundwater, and geophysical investigations for the characterization of contaminant transport and fate; and teaching contaminant chemistry, transport, natural attenuation, and hydrogeology. As an environmental consultant, Mr. McWayne served as a project manager for remedial investigation and feasibility studies at numerous Department of Defense and other contaminated sites. He currently teaches workshops for the Northwest Environmental Training Center in transport and fate, environmental chemistry, and hydrogeology across the country.

Registration: $595/$495* (*reduced tuition is available to employees of Native American tribes, government agencies, and nonprofits; students; and NAEP members). An additional discount applies when registering for CHEM-403A, CHEM-403B and GHYD-410. You may register via the link below or by calling the Northwest Environmental Training Center at 206-762-1976. Register Online Here!

Cancellation Policy: Registration fees are fully refundable up to 30 days prior to the event and 50 percent refundable (or 100% credit) thereafter up to 3 business days prior to the event. No refunds are issued for cancellations occurring less than 3 business days before the start day. Course registration fees and cancellation policy are subject to change without notice.

Disability Accommodations: To request disability accommodations, please contact us at info@nwetc.org or (206) 762-1976 at least 30 days prior to the event.

Northwest Environmental Training Center, 501(c)(3)
A nonprofit program of EOS Alliance
650 S. Orcas Street, Suite 220, Seattle, Washington 98108
Phone: (206)762-1976, Fax: (206)762-1979
www.nwetc.org