Contaminant Vapor Migration and Intrusion Assessment and Modeling

The Northwest Environmental Training Center presents:

Contaminant Vapor Migration and Intrusion -
An overview of assessment, modeling, remediation, and institutional controls
Course ID: VAQM-401 (2 days)
October 15-16, 2009, 8:30 A.M. to 5 P.M.
The Universities Center at Dallas
1901 Main Street, Suite 107, Room 420
Dallas, TX 75201

Instructor: Elie H. Haddad, P.E.

Register Online | Directions | Accommodations | Course Catalog | Course Brochure (pdf)

Description: This course provides an overview of the vapor intrusion exposure pathway including its scientific foundation, regulatory framework, and the technical aspects of investigating and remediating contaminated vapor sites. The class will cover topics such as: screening sites for potential vapor intrusion concerns, conducting field investigations, sampling techniques, data analyses, exposure point calculations, the Johnson and Ettinger predictive model, vapor intrusion risk assessment, vapor intrusion mitigation, and remediation. Participants will work through practical problems and typical site scenarios based on case studies of established vapor intrusion sites. This course provides a comprehensive introduction for those new to the field, and will also provide insights, data analysis techniques, and the latest research for more advanced participants.

About the Instructor: Mr. Haddad is a vice president for Haley and Aldrich where he is involved in vapor intrusion investigations, remediation and modeling, risk assessments, planning and strategy, development and implementation of RI/FS programs, engineering designs, hydrogeological activities, computer modeling, and operation and maintenance programs. He led an unprecedented, and perhaps largest, indoor air investigation at a Superfund site. His work established a benchmark for other EPA sites. Mr. Haddad has used his skills to allocate remedial costs among potentially responsible parties at several sites, and to allow redevelopment of several contaminated properties into commercial uses. He supervised the development of remedial design for several Superfund sites, developed and used soil, groundwater, and air dispersion model, and is an expert in hydrogeological applications. Mr. Haddad is also a faculty member of the University of California at Berkeley Extension Program where he has taught the course "Fate and Transport of Contaminants in the Environment". In addition, Mr. Haddad serves on the seminar committee of the Groundwater Resources Association where he has chaired several seminars on various topics including vapor intrusion.

Course Topics:

Introduction

Overview and Definitions
- Defining “volatile chemicals”
- Migration pathways

Vapor Migration Issues
- Human health risks
- Universal nature of pathway
- Mitigation/Remediation
- Future property development/brownfields redevelopment

Vapor Chemistry
- 3 and 4 phase chemical partitioning
- Partitioning as predicted by: Henry’s law, vapor pressure, and Raoult’s law

Vapor Physics
- Diffusion
- Fick’s law
- Advection

Hydrogeology
- Soils
- Vapor permeability
- Heterogeneities
- Porosity (total, air-filled/water-filled)
- Perched water
- Preferential vapor migration

Biodegradation
- Chlorinated VOCs
- Petroleum hydrocarbons

Building Design Issues
- Foundation types
- Space partitioning
- HVAC systems

Regulatory Framework:
- ITRC guidance
- DTSC guidance & CHHSLs
- RWQCB ESLs

Vapor Intrusion Investigations
- Sampling techniques for groundwater, soil, subslab, and indoor air
- Depth discrete
- Temporary vs. permanent monitoring points
- Analytical methods
- Spatial temporal variability
- Limitations
- Correlation to indoor levels

Data Analysis and Interpretation
- 90/95% UCLs
- Using means
- Partitioned buildings
- Separation of ventilation systems

Johnson and Ettinger Model
- Types
- Data needs
- Parameter sensitivities
- Accuracy
- Value
- Problems and limitations
- Guidance

Case Studies

Vapor Mitigation Systems and Engineered Controls
- Modified HVAC systems
- Air treatment
- Sub-slab depressurization (types, performance/reliability)
- Vapor barriers (types, specifications)
- Combination systems

Vapor Remediation
- Source-zone treatment
- SVE systems
- Dual-phase
- Demonstrating compliance
- Off-gas treatment

Institutional Controls
- Government controls
- Propietary controls
- Enforcement tools with IC components
- Informational devices
- Monitoring of ICs

New Developments in Vapor Intrusion
- Future of Johnson and Ettinger model
- EPA databases
- Correlation levels
- Empirical vs. theoretical results
- HVOCs vs. petroleum
- EPA guidance and use of generic attenuation factors
- Other vapor guidance

Intended Audience: Environmental professionals seeking an improved understanding of vapor migration and intrusion with an emphasis on vapor assessment and modeling. The material is intended for practitioners working on remediation of hazardous substance release sites and brownfields redevelopment.

Prerequisites: Basic math skills and a general understanding of contaminated sites.

Level: Introductory/refresher

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

Continuing Education Units: 1.3

What to Bring: Pen or pencil, coffee mug, and a water bottle (to reduce waste). Please wear comfortable clothes appropriate for the prevailing weather. Drinks and snacks will be provided each day. If possible, please bring a laptop computer with wireless internet capability.

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.