The Northwest Environmental Training Center presents:

Contaminant Forensics of Petroleum, Chlorinated Hydrocarbons, and Metals
Geochemical
Applications for Assessing Contaminant Transport, Risk, and Apportioning Liability
Course ID: CHEM-405
October 2-3, 2008, 8:30 A.M. to 5 P.M. (2 Days)

Holiday Inn Golden Gateway
Redwood Room
1500 Van Ness Ave
San Francisco, California 94109


Instructor:
Richard W. Hurst, Ph.D.

Register Online | Directions | Accommodations | Course Brochure PDF | Course Catalog

Description: This course provides participants with an overview and introduction to forensic geochemical techniques that can resolve issues related to contaminant transport and associated risks. The course provides the fundamentals of forensic science, and addresses how forensic results have been used to identify parties responsible for a contaminant release, and apportion liability for cleanup/recovery costs. The course is intended for environmental, geotechnical, engineering, and regulatory professionals seeking an improved understanding of contaminated soil and groundwater.

Course Topics
(times are approximate - class exercises and breaks are not shown)

Day 1: Thursday, October 2, 2008, 8:30 A.M. - 5 P.M.
Day 2: Friday, October 3, 2008, 8:30 A.M. - 5 P.M.

8:30 - 9:30 A.M. - Introduction and Review of the Basics
- General Chemical Nomenclature
- Contaminants and Partitioning
- Isotope Chemistry
- Data Presentation

9:30 - 11 A.M. - Forensic Geochemistry
- Definitions
- Benefits
- Overview of Techniques and Applications (direct, indirect, and surrogate tracers)

11 A.M. - Noon - High Resolution Gas Chromatography
- Review of High Priority Organic Contaminants
- Standard EP-Type Chromatograms
- High Resolution GC (HRGC) Fingerprinting

Noon - 1 P.M. - Lunch

1:30 P.M. - 4 P.M. Environmental Isotopes
- Mass Spectrometry (IRMS v. CSIRMS)
- Stable Isotopes: C, H, O, N, S, Cl
- Stable Radiogenic Isotopes: Sr and Pb
- Cosmogenic Isotopes

4 - 5 P.M. - Hydrocarbon Contamination Forensics
- Correlating Releases to their Source
- HRGC and Isotopic Approaches

8:30 - 11 A.M. - Hydrocarbon Contamination Continued
- Estimating the Age of Releases (Additives, Compositional Changes, Degradation, ALAS Model)
- Chlorinated Hydrocarbons (PCE, TCE, DCE, and VC)

11 A.M. - Noon - Groundwater Contamination
- Saline Water Intrusion
- Nitrates

Noon - 1 P.M. - Lunch

1 P.M. - 3 P.M. - Groundwater Contamination (cont.)
- Sewage
- Perchlorates

3 - 4:30 P.M. - Heavy Metals and Metalloids in the Environment
- Overview of Heavy Metals
- Lead
- Arsenic
- Chromium and Others

4:30 - 5 P.M. Wrap Up and FAQs
- Instructor-Student Open Discourse

5 P.M. Closing

Class will begin each day at 8:30 A.M. and end at 5 P.M. Attendees will be given the opportunity to apply course concepts during numerous hands-on exercises.

After completing this course, participants will be able to:

  • Identify methods available to resolve complex cases, such as those involving long term and/or multiple releases of contaminants
  • Utilize soil and groundwater geochemical analyses to assess sources of contamination
  • Understand the uncertainties associated with various forensic techniques
  • Assess methods of site remediation, such as bioremediation versus pump and treat
  • Incorporate forensic geochemical techniques with those of contaminant hydrogeology to better understand associated risk factors and apportion liability among responsible parties

About the Instructor: Richard W. Hurst received his Doctorate in Geology and Geochemistry from the University of California, Los Angeles in 1975. He joined the faculty of the Department of Geological Sciences, California State University, Los Angeles in 1978. His research efforts concentrated on the practical application of naturally occurring stable isotopes as tracers for contaminants in the environment. By 1980, he began consulting in forensic geochemistry, providing services to a diverse clientele in the private sector. His expertise in forensic isotope geochemistry, environmental forensics, and mineralogy is well known and respected in the academic, geotechnical, and legal communities. He is recognized for the development of the ALAS Model, a geochemical technique for estimating the age of gasoline releases, and for his exceptional ability to distill complex geological/geochemical data into a language that can be understood by non-technical professionals and students. He has developed university courses in forensic/environmental geochemistry and is currently writing a volume entitled Forensic Isotope Geochemistry for Elsevier Publishers.

Prerequisites: Completion of some college-level chemistry/geochemistry or completion of NWETC's Contaminant Chemistry and Transport (CHEM-403B) workshop.

Education Level:
Intermediate

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

Continuing Education Units: 1.3

What to Bring: Calculator, coffee mug, and water bottle to reduce waste. Please wear comfortable clothes and shoes for class and walking to lunch. Snacks and beverages will be provided each day.

Registration: $495 (*$395 reduced tuition is available for Native American tribes; government employees; nonprofits; students; and NAEP, NEBC, NWAEP members). You may register via the link below or by calling the Northwest Environmental Training Center at 206-762-1976.

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
A nonprofit 501(c)(3) program of the Northwest Environmental Education Council
650 S. Orcas Street, Suite 220 | Seattle, Washington 98108
Phone: (206)762-1976 | Fax: (206)762-1979

www.nwetc.org