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Monitored Natural Attenuation of Petroleum and Chlorinated Hydrocarbons
in Soil and Groundwater

Course ID: GHYD-410 (Course 3 of 3 in a series)
August 28-29, 2008, 8:30 A.M. to 5 P.M. (2 Days)
The Washington Inn
495 10th Street, Oakland, California

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 the science and best practices for implementing monitored natural attenuation. The course sections focus specifically on monitored natural attenuation of petroleum hydrocarbons, fuel oxygenates, and chlorinated hydrocarbons in soil and groundwater. Software tools for natural attenuation analysis and methods for enhancing natural attenuation will also be discussed.

About the Instructor: Erick McWayne has over 12 years of professional experience managing contaminated soil and groundwater and teaching on the subject. As an environmental consultant, Mr. McWayne served as project manager for remedial investigation and feasibility studies at numerous Department of Defense and other client sites. He currently serves as Executive Director of the Northwest Environmental Training Center and teaches workshops in transport and fate, environmental chemistry, and hydrogeology across the country.

Sample Slides:

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Course Topics:

Overview of Monitored Natural Attenuation (MNA)
- Physical, Chemical, and Biological Processes
- Advantages and Disadvantages
- EPA Policy on MNA

Geochemical Context for MNA
- Geochemical Processes
- Redox Zonation and Biodegradation Efficiency

Biodegradation of Petroleum Hydrocarbons and Fuel Oxygenates
- Determining Site Specific Assimilative Capacity (TEA Evaluation)
- Phase Considerations (LNAPL, dissolved, sorbed, and vapor)
- BTEX and Fuel Oxygenate Plume Behavior and Degradation Rates
- Daughter Products (toxicity and mobility)
- Geochemical Indicators

Biotransformation and Degradation of Chlorinated Hydrocarbons
- Determining Site Specific Assimilative Capacity
- Phase considerations (DNAPL, dissolved, sorbed, and vapor)
- Plume Behavior
- Daughter Products (toxicity and mobility)
- Geochemical Indicators

Site Hydrogeology and MNA Efficiency
- Groundwater Velocity Characterization
- Estimating Mechanical and Chemical Dispersion
- Assessing Sorptive Capacity of Aquifer Solids
- Microbiologic Testing - When is it necessary?

Natural Attenuation Feasibility Study
- Establishing Remediation Goals
- Evaluating Plume Characteristics
- Source Decay and Removal
- Predicting Plume Behavior
- Measuring and Estimating Degradation Rates
- Interpreting Geochemical Tracers
- Using Fate and Transport Models
- Developing the Conceptual Site Model

Implementing MNA
- Groundwater Monitoring Plan Requirements
- Well Position and Number: How many wells are enough?
- Determining Trends in Contaminant Mass
- Tracking Geochemical Indicators
- Refining the Conceptual Site Model
- Selecting and Implementing Primary Source Control
- Evaluating Natural Attenuation and Plume Status
- Collecting Lines of Evidence for Natural Attenuation
- Using Institutional Controls
- Risk Management

Addressing Commingled Plumes
- Impact on Plume Geometry
- Geochemical Indicators
- Degradation Rates

Remediation by Enhanced Natural Attenuation
- Air Sparging
- ORC and HRC
- Enzyme Injection
- Fertilizer Application and Cometabolization
- Emerging Technologies

Criteria for Success and Site Closure
- Understanding the Persistence of Contaminant Mass
- Understanding Variations in Groundwater Velocity and Direction
- Correlating Groundwater Elevation with Contaminant Concentrations
- Cross Contamination Challenges and Forensics
- Rapid Site Assessment Technologies
- Adaptive Management
- Completing MNA and Demonstrating Site Restoration

MNA Case Studies and Interactive Exercises (throughout both days)

Summary of MNA as a Remedial Action

This course is part of a series and is preceded by the Fundamental Contaminant Chemistry Workshop (CHEM-403A), August 25, 2008, and the Contaminant Chemistry and Transport in Soil and Groundwater Workshop, August 26-27, 2008. Attendees are encouraged to request the full workshop series when registering. Courses will begin each day at 8:30 A.M. and end at 5 P.M. Attendees will be given the opportunity to apply the course

Intended Audience: This course is intended for environmental professionals seeking an improved understanding of the science and best practices associated with implementing monitored natural attenuation.

After completing this course, participants will be able to:
- Understand and apply the core principles of natural attenuation policy and science during the remedy selection process;
- Select appropriate water quality parameters for analysis and understand the relevance of each parameter with regard to natural attenuation processes;
- Determine whether site geochemistry is favorable for natural attenuation;
- Assess whether geochemical changes suggest that natural attenuation has occurred in the past;
- Understand microbial processes and how to enhance them for improved biodegradation rates; and
- Compile and present site data to demonstrate whether monitored natural attenuation is a reasonable remediation strategy for a contaminated site.


Prerequisites:
Familiarity with general hydrogeology concepts, and contaminant chemistry and transport is essential.

Course Materials: Attendees will receive a binder containing workshop proceedings and reference material.

Continuing Education Units: 1.3

What to Bring: Pen or pencil, scientific calculator, coffee mug, and a water bottle (to reduce waste). Please wear comfortable clothes appropriate for the prevailing weather. Lunch will be on your own. There are numerous restaurants within walking distance. Drinks and snacks 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). 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.

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.




To find out more about NWETC's programs send us an email.

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