Business Wire, 3 Oct 2008

The PhyloChip, a custom Affymetrix microarray developed at Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory, won the bronze prize in the 2008 Wall Street Journal Technology Innovation Awards. The PhyloChip helps researchers identify dangerous pathogens before they can affect humans. The custom array PhyloChip was developed to identify and quantify simultaneously up to 8,900 distinctive environmental and pathogenic microbial species in a single experiment in less than nine hours. The device is unprecedented in its ability to test any clinical or environmental sample accurately without the need for culturing. The chip has been used by the Department of Homeland Security for detection of bioterrorism agents, U.S. DOE for evaluating bioremediation of contaminated soil, and the California Water Quality Board for monitoring contaminated beaches. This technology enables complete evaluation of numerous samples on a daily basis. Dr. Gary Andersen, project leader at Berkeley Lab notes that the device allows users "to replace expensive and time-consuming cloning and sequencing with a method that will offer a competitive advantage to anyone wanting to detect bacteria in soil, air, water or clinical samples." Although Affymetrix has enabled the design of more than 700 custom arrays, the PhyloChip is not yet commercially available. For more information on this technology, contact Dr. Andersen. Contact information is available through his Web page at http://www-esd.lbl.gov/ESD_staff/andersen/index.html

Fritz, B.G. (PNNL, Richland, WA); J.D. Whitaker (Modumetal, Inc., Seattle, WA).
Health Physics, Vol 94 No 6, p 512-518, 2008

After the events of 11 September 2001, serious consideration has been given to the response activities and tools that would be needed if a dirty bomb is detonated within the United States. One response option could involve sprayable solutions developed for the purpose of fixing contamination in place, thereby limiting the spread of contamination by wind and rain and facilitating subsequent cleanup. The authors evaluated two commercially available particle fixatives, IsoFIX-HT and IsoFIX-RC, for their effectiveness in preventing dispersal of simulated contamination. Non-radioactive cesium chloride and cobalt oxide particles were applied to the surface of three outdoor test plots. Two test plots were treated with fixatives, and the third plot provided a control. Samples were collected over 95 days to observe changes in tracer concentration on the surface of the test plots. IsoFIX-RC effectively held the tracer in place with no net loss of tracer, while IsoFIX-HT had no impact on the loss of tracer relative to the control. Nearly all the cesium and cobalt contaminant simulants spread via migration and aerosolization in the control plot. Under the conditions tested, IsoFIX-RC appears capable of fixing surface contamination in place for at least several months. The IsoFIX coatings were developed by Isotron Corporation under contract for the Technical Support Working Group with funding support from the U.S. Department of Homeland Security and the U.S. Department of Defense. [Erratum: Health Physics 95(2):262(2008)]

U.S. EPA Region 3, 2 Sep 2008

U.S. EPA has issued an administrative order on consent (AOC) to Chevron USA relating to a gasoline release that occurred at a former Chevron service station in Maryland. The AOC specifies the work and the timetable Chevron must adhere to in the cleanup related to the Chillum site. The initial release was discovered in 1990. In 2001, investigators observed that the contaminant plume had migrated into a nearby residential neighborhood in Washington, DC. The AOC requires Chevron to continue to operate the existing ground-water remediation system, which is located in Maryland. The existing remediation system will be expanded by installing recovery wells that angle under Eastern Avenue into the District of Columbia. The additional wells are expected to enhance cleanup of residual gasoline products in the ground water. The contamination does not pose a risk to drinking water. Individual vapor mitigation systems will be installed in homes located above the ground-water plume where measured vapor levels exceed EPA's indoor air standards. Additionally, an independent remediation system will be installed on the DC side of Eastern Avenue. The system will use an innovative recovery well design that combines soil vapor extraction, recirculation of ground water, and air sparging. Treatment takes place inside a large-diameter underground well, minimizing both space requirements and disruption to the community. Unlike the existing dual-phase extraction system, this system will not depress the ground water and thus will not draw the plume farther into the residential area. An oxygen curtain will be installed in the alley north of Nicholson Street. Injection of oxygen will accelerate aerobic degradation of the dissolved-phase petroleum constituents. An oxygen curtain is implemented to supersaturate ground water with oxygen by injecting bottled oxygen through injection wells installed in a particular configuration. The ground water will carry elevated oxygen some distance downgradient to continue the enhancement effect. This technology involves a non-mechanical system operated by pressure. The equipment takes up little space and does not generate noise, so it will not be disruptive to the community aside from short-term construction activity. The final design and the number of oxygen curtain wells will be determined in the design phase. More information on the cleanup of the Chillum site is available at http://www.epa.gov/reg3wcmd/chev7003.htm

Bless, D. (U.S. EPA, Cincinnati, OH); B. Park, S. Nordwick, M. Zaluski, H. Joyce, R. Hiebert, and C. Clavelot (MSE Technology Applications, Inc., Butte, MT).
Mine Water and the Environment, Vol 27 No 4, 241-250 pp, 2008

U.S. EPA's Mine Waste Technology Program (MWTP) has emphasized the development of biogeochemically based treatment technologies for mitigation of acid rock drainage (ARD). Progressive technology demonstrations by the MWTP over the past 15 years have resulted in improved operation of sulfate-reducing bacteria (SRB) bioreactors. Although using SRB to treat ARD is now fairly widespread, it was uncommon in the early 1990s when the MWTP first used this biotechnology. The first and longest-running demonstration was an in situ bioreactor installed within the flooded subsurface workings of the Lilly/Orphan Boy Mine in 1994. The second project, at the Calliope Mine, compared the performance of several SRB bioreactor configurations and operational attributes, including lime pretreatment and reactor temperature. The third demonstration, at the Golden Sunlight Mine, consisted of two treatment steps with a recycle stream. The fourth project was an investigation of existing bioreactor designs that resulted in an improved bioreactor configuration. The years of study produced several significant findings: (1) a mineshaft could be used as a long-term in situ bioreactor, (2) SRB thrive in temperature extremes, (3) sulfide recycle effectively avoids contact of ARD with bacterial populations, and (4) ideal bioreactor substrate provides short-term and long-term nutrients, good support matrix, and enhanced permeability.

McCullough, C.D. and M.A. Lund (Edith Cowan Univ., Perth, WA, Australia); J.M. May (Xstrata Coal Queensland, Brisbane, QLD, Australia).
Mine Water and the Environment, Vol 27 No 1, p 31-39, 2008

Pit lake waters often are contaminated by acid mine drainage (AMD) from weathering of pyritic materials exposed by mining operations, leading to low pH and high solute and heavy metal concentrations. The addition of acidic mine water to raw sewage and workshop wastewaters in an evaporation pond provided an opportunity for a field-scale investigation that essentially reversed the suggested in situ treatment of acidic pit lakes by addition of organic carbon. The hyper-eutrophic evaporation pond regularly displayed algal blooms and initially contained high concentrations of nutrients, a pH > 8, and high levels of sulfate (500 mg/L). Soon after the addition of the AMD pit water, the evaporation pond pH fell to 2.4, and electrical conductivity and most metal concentrations increased by one to two orders of magnitude. Over the following 18 months, the pH of the pond rose and the electrical conductivity and metal concentrations decreased. Eighteen months after AMD addition, pond water quality had returned nearly to a pre-addition level. These observations suggest that addition of low-grade organic materials shows promise for remediation of acid mine waters at field scale and warrants experimental investigation. [Erratum: Mine Water and the Environment 27(2):128(2008)] Paper at http://www.springerlink.de/content/x34k3710vqn8x520/fulltext.html

Electric Power Research Institute (EPRI), Inc., Palo Alto, CA. Product 1015567, Sep 2008

Soils and ground water at many substation sites are contaminated with arsenic-containing compounds. Cost-effective water treatment technologies are needed to remove arsenic and other trace metals from underlying aquifers, especially now that the drinking water standard for arsenic has been lowered to 10 µg/L from the previous value of 50 µg/L. The project described in this report employed a disposable ferric oxide adsorbent material, Bayoxide E33™, that has been reported to have a high capacity for arsenic removal. While E33 material is not a hybrid ion exchange material, its reported adsorption capacities are at least as high as those of hybrid ion exchange material at a lower cost. As with other adsorbents, the best results for arsenic removal using E33 are obtained with the arsenate—As(V)—form of arsenic. The E33 material pilot test was conducted at a Florida substation site, an active electrical power distribution facility. The pilot run was performed over 129 days, treating over 260,000 gallons of water. The E33 pilot process was designed to run at a water flowrate of 2 gallons per minute and to mimic the process that likely would be used to treat ground water at a larger scale. To control fouling by iron, the project team pre-treated the raw water with AD26, a granular manganese dioxide material. The arsenic removal capacity of E33 material was found to be excellent. As expected, the raw water's pH, iron content, and arsenic speciation affected performance. The optimal pH for the E33 material reported by the material vendor is close to pH 7, while the raw water average pH for the pilot test was 5.6. The overall results are in line with the expectation that the maximum removal capacity of E33 would be for As(V), with a lower capacity for As(III) removal. Pre-oxidation of arsenic to the arsenate form using hypochlorite treatment improved the arsenic removal capacity of E33. The granular E33 material was backwashed periodically to remove fines and maintain an acceptable pressure drop across the treatment tanks. Toxicity Characteristic Leaching Procedure (TCLP) tests performed following the pilot run showed that both the spent E33 and AD26 would be classified as non-hazardous. The data indicate that the cost of spent E33 and iron removal materials would be manageable.

Winder, C., B. Anneser, C. Griebler, R.U. Meckenstock, and T. Lueders, German Research Center for Environmental Health, Neuherberg, Germany.
Applied and Environmental Microbiology, Vol 74 No 3, p 792-801, 2008

Microbial degradation is the only sustainable component of natural attenuation in contaminated ground-water environments, yet its controls, especially in anaerobic aquifers, are still poorly understood. Spatial correlations between specific populations of key microbial players and the occurrence of respective degradation processes remain to be unraveled. The authors characterized microbial community distribution across a high-resolution depth profile of an aquifer affected by tar oil, where BTEX (benzene, toluene, ethylbenzene, and xylenes) degradation depends mainly on sulfate reduction. Depth-resolved terminal restriction fragment length polymorphism fingerprinting and quantitative polymerase chain reaction assessment of bacterial 16S rRNA and benzylsuccinate synthase genes (bssA) were used to quantify the distribution of total microbiota and specific anaerobic toluene degraders. A highly specialized degrader community of microbes related to known deltaproteobacterial iron and sulfate reducers (Geobacter and Desulfocapsa spp.) and clostridial fermenters (Sedimentibacter spp.) resides within the biogeochemical gradient zone beneath the highly contaminated plume core. This zone, where BTEX compounds and sulfate—an important electron acceptor—meet, also harbors an abundance of the yet-unidentified anaerobic toluene degraders carrying the previously detected F1-cluster bssA genes. The data suggest that this biogeochemical gradient zone is a hot spot of anaerobic toluene degradation. These findings show that the distribution of specific aquifer microbiota and degradation processes in contaminated aquifers are closely linked, which may be of value for the assessment and prediction of natural attenuation based on intrinsic aquifer microbiota. Paper at http://aem.asm.org/cgi/content/full/74/3/792

Strategic Environmental Research and Development Program (SERDP). Project ER-1236, 43 pp, 2008

This project attempted to provide basic information on the effects of perchlorate on developing amphibians and on the reproductive capacity of adult females. The studies examined the effects of perchlorate present in the water as well as perchlorate available through the food chain. Because perchlorate competes for iodine binding sites in the thyroid, the addition of iodine to culture water was examined to determine if perchlorate effects can be mitigated. It appears that iodine is capable of blocking or overcoming the effects of ammonium perchlorate within certain concentration ranges, but there appear to be species differences to this response. The study data are useful for evaluating environmental risks from perchlorate-contaminated surface and ground water and also will provide guidance to organizations that must use or dispose of ammonium perchlorate stockpiles. The use of a variety of native amphibian species allows inter-species comparisons of perchlorate sensitivity. Report at http://www.estcp.org/viewfile.cfm?Doc=ER%2D1236%2DFR%2Epdf

Wilmoth, R.C., L.M. Drees, J.R. Kominsky, G.M. Shaul, D. Cox, D.B. Eppler, W.M. Barrett, F.D. Hall, and J.A. Wagner.
Report No: EPA 600-R-08-094, 229 pp, Oct 2008

The Asbestos NESHAP (National Emission Standard for Hazardous Air Pollutants) requires the removal of all regulated asbestos-containing material prior to the demolition of the buildings that fall under NESHAP auspices. This removal process can be a costly and time-consuming endeavor and contributes to the growing number of abandoned buildings in this country. The Alternative Asbestos Control Method (AACM) allows certain asbestos-containing materials (ACM) to remain in the building during demolition. In addition to leaving most of the ACM in the building, the AACM process differs from the NESHAP process in that it requires pre-wetting of the interior of the building with amended water (water with a wetting agent added), continuous wetting with amended water during demolition of the building, containment of all runoff, removal of two or more inches of soil after demolition, disposal of all material as regulated asbestos-containing waste, and the use of respirators and protective garments throughout the entire demolition process. The research effort documented in this report compared the use of the NESHAP process with the AACM process on two architecturally identical asbestos-containing buildings in a remote location at the Fort Chaffee Redevelopment Authority near Fort Smith, Arkansas. The buildings contained significant quantities of asbestos-containing wall systems and vinyl asbestos floor tile. At this time, EPA does not endorse the AACM as an approved method under the asbestos NESHAP for demolishing buildings containing regulated asbestos-containing material. Report at http://www.epa.gov/nrmrl/pubs/600r08094/600r08094.html

Lumia, M. (Princeton Univ.); C.A. Gentile (American Nuclear Society); P. Efthimion (Princeton Univ.); M.G. Robson (New Jersey Agricultural Experiment Station).
Remediation Journal, Vol 18 No 2, p 115-130, 2008

Traditional surface decontamination methods are time-consuming and expensive, can create airborne hazards, and do not always bring the concentration of the contaminant to acceptable levels. For mitigation and abatement of hazardous dust and particulates, the use of the removable thin film coating can increase efficiency, avoid generation of airborne hazards, decrease costs, and, with one application, bring the hazardous dust concentrations to acceptable levels. Qualitative tests demonstrated that the removable thin film coating reduced the amount of visible luminescent dust (a surrogate for hazardous dust) from various surfaces, although the coating did not remove all of the dust from minute scratches in the surfaces tested. The qualitative tests showed that this decontamination method worked well as a preventative method, protecting clean areas from becoming contaminated when exposed to the luminescent dust. Additional investigations conducted using a scanning electron microscope (SEM) and carbon dust demonstrated a statistically significant (p = 0.00007) removal of carbon dust (less than 10 µm in size) from surfaces with crevasses larger than 3 µm. The SEM also revealed that large clusters of carbon dust caused the coating to tear and remain on the sample surface during removal operations. The addition of Kevlar™ fibers to the removable thin film coating to increase its strength and eliminate tearing of the coating when removing large clusters failed to alleviate the issue; however, the use of an engineered textile saturated with the coating improved the coating removal process and appeared to eliminate the problem with the coating's ability to remove contamination from minute surface scratches.

MacGregor, I.C., J.V. Rogers, D.V. Kenny, T. Hayes, M.L. Taylor, M.G. Nishioka, K.B. Riggs, Z.J. Willenberg, R.T. Krile, and H.J. Stone, Battelle, Columbus, OH.
Report No: EPA 600-R-08-075, 72 pp, July 2008

In this work, persistence is a relative term describing a compound's ability to remain over time on building material. Differences in physicochemical properties of various toxic industrial chemicals (TICs) and chemical warfare agents (CWAs), as well as the properties of the building materials, can result in differences in persistence of the chemicals on the materials. Properties such as vapor pressures and hydrolysis rates would be expected to have a significant impact on persistence. In addition, the physical properties of the building materials, such as surface area, sorption capacity, and their relative affinity for water, also have a significant impact on persistence of chemical compounds. Investigators analyzed the persistence of TICs and CWAs on a variety of building materials. Three TICs were studied in this effort: the organophosphate insecticide malathion, the sarin surrogate dimethyl methylphosphonate (DMMP), and the explosive 2,4,6-trinitrotoluene (TNT). The persistence of three CWAs also was evaluated: sarin, thickened soman, and VX. The primary objective was to determine the persistence of TICs and CWAs at conditions that would provide a baseline for decontamination technology investigations. While this work also provided data on natural attenuation of TICs and CWAs from building materials, investigation of causes of persistence or manipulation of environmental factors to impact persistence (except for the increased air flow over TICs) was beyond the scope of this task. Because fumigation technologies can involve air movement across surfaces, the impact of high air flow was evaluated for the TICs. Report at http://www.epa.gov/NHSRC/pubs/600r08075.pdf

Brickhouse, M.D., T. Lalain, P.W. Bartram, M. Hall, Z. Hess, B. Mantooth, and L. Reiff (Edgewood Chemical Biological Center); Z. Zander, D. Stark, and P. Humphreys (SAIC); S. Ryan and B. Martin (U.S. EPA).
Report No: EPA 600-R-08-054, 54 pp, Apr 2008

Material compatibility studies were designed to determine how decontaminant vapors impact building materials within an enclosed building interior space. Building interiors contain large surfaces composed of complex material and electrical components, such as circuit breakers; hence, data are needed to determine how such materials are affected by exposure to decontaminant vapor. Chlorine dioxide was selected for testing because of its potential for use in decontaminating indoor surfaces contaminated by chemical agents and/or anthrax. The representative building interior materials tested were unpainted concrete cinder block, standard stud lumber, latex-painted half-inch gypsum wallboard, ceiling suspension tile, painted structural steel, and carpet. The physical properties of the building materials were measured using ASTM test methods. The material compatibility studies also investigated electrical breakers, using Underwriters Laboratories test methods and aluminum, copper, and steel breaker components. The samples were studied using specialized chemical testing to determine the type of chlorine-containing salts on the metal surface. In addition, visual appearance was documented. Report at http://www.epa.gov/nhsrc/pubs/600r08054.pdf

Brickhouse, M.D., T. Lalain, P.W. Bartram, M. Hall, Z. Hess, L. Reiff, and B. Mantooth (Edgewood Chemical Biological Center); Z. Zander, D. Stark, P. Humphreys, and B. Williams (SAIC); S. Ryan and B. Martin (U.S. EPA).
Report No: EPA 600-R-08-074, 68 pp, July 2008

Material compatibility studies were designed to determine how decontaminant vapors affect building materials within an enclosed building interior space. Because building interiors can contain large surfaces composed of complex materials and electrical components, such as circuit breakers, data are needed to determine how the materials are affected by exposure to the vapor. Vaporized hydrogen peroxide (VHP®) was selected for testing on representative building interior materials: unpainted concrete cinder block, standard stud lumber, latex-painted half-inch gypsum wallboard, ceiling suspension tile, painted structural steel, and carpet. The physical properties of the building materials were measured using American Society for Testing and Materials test methods. The material compatibility studies also investigated electrical breakers using Underwriters Laboratories test methods. Specialized chemical testing was conducted to determine whether chemical changes occurred in selected building materials. In addition, visual appearance was documented. Report at http://www.epa.gov/nhsrc/pubs/600r08074.pdf

Wood, J.P., P. Lemieux, and D. Betancourt (U.S. EPA, Research Triangle Park, NC); P. Kariher and N. Griffin (ARCADIS U.S., Inc., Durham, NC).
U.S. EPA, Homeland Security Research, 26 pp, July 2008

When Bacillus anthracis (anthrax) spores were released through the U.S. mail system in 2001, the incident illuminated the need to develop efficacious methods of decontaminating and disposing of materials contaminated with biological agents. Incineration of building decontamination residue is a disposal option for this material, although the complete inactivation of bacterial spores via this technique is not a certainty. Tests revealed that under some circumstances, Geobacillus stearothermophilus (a surrogate for B. anthracis) spores embedded in building materials remained active after 35 minutes in a pilot-scale incinerator and survived with internal material bundle temperatures reaching over 500°C. A model was developed to predict survival of a bacterial spore population undergoing thermal treatment in an incinerator, using the thermal destruction kinetic parameters obtained in a laboratory setting. The results of the pilot-scale incinerator experiments were compared to model predictions to assess the accuracy of the model. [Note: this text is the manuscript of a paper published in Environmental Science & Technology 42(15):5712-5717(2008)] Manuscript at http://www.epa.gov/NHSRC/pubs/paperESandT121208.pdf

Hecker, R. and K.C. Hofacre.
Report No: EPA 600-R-08-013, 196 pp, Dec 2008

The most serious effects of biological terrorist attacks are on the health of the occupants of the buildings involved. This report describes the results of an effort to collect performance data (pressure drop and collection efficiency for biological and non-biological aerosols) on 24 commonly used ventilation filters and on three commercially available electronic air cleaners (EACs). For both sets of air cleaners, tests were performed with both off-the-shelf units and with a selected subset of units aged in a typical or simulated use environment to allow a better understanding of how the units would likely perform over their entire service lives. In addition, testing was performed on a select subset of units against a bioaerosol to demonstrate the similarity in performance between inert and biological particles. Empirical equations were developed that relate particle collection efficiency to particle physical diameter over the range of 0.03 to 10 µm. These equations can be incorporated into indoor air quality models. Report at http://www.epa.gov/nhsrc/pubs/600r08013.pdf

Hawkins, B.E. and K.C. Hofacre, Battelle, Columbus, OH.
Report No: EPA 600-R-08-052, 100 pp, Dec 2008

Although it is intuitive that HVAC (heating, ventilation, and air conditioning) system and building parameters play a major role in determining how an agent disperses after an indoor biological attack, how and to what extent those parameters affect the transport of contaminants is not well understood. A better understanding of how building and HVAC parameters affect the transport of an agent will improve the ability to mitigate the effects of a biological attack and aid in determining where resources in building protection are best directed. The objective of this project was to evaluate the effects that modifications to HVAC and building design and operation would have on the spread of biological agents (in aerosol form) within a building. A three-zone model representation of a building was developed to determine which HVAC and building parameters theoretically are most important, and how accurately they need to be known in determining the impact of an indoor bio-agent attack. Field tests then were performed to gather data for the validation of both the three-zone modeling concept and the sensitivity analysis method for determining parameter impact. The field tests consisted of a series of tracer experiments under varying HVAC conditions in a test building. Visolite®, a fluorescent-tagged calcium carbonate aerosol, was chosen as the tracer material. From the results of this project, no universal answer was obtained regarding which building or HVAC parameter is most important or how accurately it needs to be known. The release location, HVAC characteristics, building characteristics, and proximity of the zone of interest to the release location all are important factors, which indicates that the usefulness of mitigation strategies to protect building occupants must be considered on a case-by-case basis. Sensitivity analysis provides some indication of the general trends and identifies the most important parameters impacting contaminant spread for various combinations of HVAC parameters and building volumes relative to the zone of interest. The modeling approach developed could be used to assess various scenarios and buildings of specific interest, without the need for extensive knowledge of HVAC and building parameters. Using the modeling tool developed for initial analysis may be useful in determining the merits of modifying the building to enhance the protection of occupants or to mitigate the spread of contaminants. Report at http://www.epa.gov/NHSRC/pubs/600r08052.pdf

Bartram, P.W., J.T. Lynn, L.P. Reiff, M.D. Brickhouse, and T.A. Lalain (Edgewood Chemical and Biological Center); S. Ryan and B, Martin (U.S. EPA); D. Stark (SAIC).
Report No: EPA 600-R-08-091, 88 pp, Sep 2008

A material demand effort was initiated to determine how building materials affect the ability to maintain a target decontaminant vapor concentration within an enclosed interior space. The building materials can impact the decontaminant vapor concentration by either sorption or decomposition of the decontaminant. Building interiors can contain large surface areas composed of concrete cinder block, wood, steel, carpet, ceiling suspension tile, and painted wallboard, and data are needed to determine how these interior surfaces affect the ability to maintain a stable target concentration. Vaporized hydrogen peroxide (VHP®) and chlorine dioxide have been used to decontaminate indoor surfaces contaminated by anthrax and/or show potential for use in decontaminating indoor surfaces contaminated by chemical agents. Results from the use of chlorine dioxide are presented in this report. The representative building interior materials tested were unpainted concrete cinder block, standard stud lumber (fir, type II), latex-painted half-inch gypsum wallboard, ceiling suspension tile, painted structural steel, and carpet. The chlorine dioxide material demand tests showed that the feed concentration and time required to reach the target concentrations (1,000 and 2,000 ppmv) were a function of building material. The chlorine dioxide demand for the building materials over the 0 to 12,000 concentration time (CT) range was as follows from highest to lowest: ceiling tile > wood ≥ gypsum wallboard > carpet > concrete = steel = baseline for the 1,000 ppmv tests, and ceiling tile > gypsum wallboard > carpet > wood > concrete = steel = baseline for the 2,000 ppmv tests. Concrete and steel were not statistically different from the baseline in unpaired Student's t Tests at α = 0.05. Report at www.epa.gov/nhsrc/pubs/600r08091.pdf

Savannah River National Laboratory, 2008

DOE's Groundwater and Soil Remediation Program initiated new projects and related activities in 2008 after completion of the EM-22 Roadmap and subsequent planning documents. This review meeting brought together the principal EM-22 investigators, Technical Working Group members, principal investigators working in related science areas within DOE's Office of Science Environmental Remediation Sciences Program, and DOE site end users, as well as key university scientists and staff from other federal agencies engaged in similar efforts. The overall goal of the review was to enhance future program activities through sharing of information and collaboration with others working on similar problems, thus improving opportunities for program success. During the meeting, an independent technical advisory panel reviewed the completed project activities and plans for the future and provided recommendations for improving or enhancing future activities. The principal investigators presented their individual project accomplishments to date and plans for 2009. Other presentations included breakout session results, summary feedback from the advisory panel, and discussions from the directed-funds programs on their accomplishments and planned efforts for the coming year. The program and presentation materials have been posted at http://www.mnaeacvocs.com/em22progrev08.html

U.S. EPA, National Risk Management Research Laboratory.
Report No: EPA 600-R-08-115, 49 pp, Oct 2008

Volatile contaminants from buried wastes and/or contaminated ground water or soil can migrate through subsurface soils and into indoor air spaces of overlying buildings in a phenomenon referred to as vapor intrusion. This document presents the state of the science regarding management and treatment of vapor intrusion into building structures. Wherever feasible, this information relies on independently reviewed mitigation performance reports. As science and technology associated with this route of exposure continue to develop, other mitigation measures may become available. In an effort to keep this Engineering Issue paper concise, important information is summarized, while references and Web links are provided for readers interested in additional information. It should be noted that the Web links, verified as accurate at the time of publication, are subject to change. Engineering Issue at http://www.epa.gov/nrmrl/pubs/600r08115/600r08115.htm

Dun, S., Eastern Research Group, Inc., Lexington, MA.
Report No: EPA 600-R-08-059, 210 pp, May 2008

This report summarizes presentations and discussions from the decontamination workshop held June 20-22, 2007, in Research Triangle Park, North Carolina. The technical content of the report is based entirely on information and discussions from the workshop. The workshop allowed participants from federal agencies and laboratories, international organizations, academia, and decontamination technology companies to share information and discuss issues associated with the decontamination of chemical, biological, and radiological threat agents. All this information feeds into the actions and decisions of on-scene coordinators and other responders, the ultimate end-users of the decontamination information being developed. User-friendly formats are needed to make this information available, as few manuals or hands-on materials exist. Specific areas of interest and data needs include guidance related to personal protective equipment selection, clearance, and disposal, in addition to faster and cheaper detection and decontamination methods. Based on the completed research, and through coordination, cooperation, and communication, decontamination stakeholders are capable of producing products that impact decontamination, reduce restoration costs, and create effective responses. Report at http://www.epa.gov/nhsrc/pubs/600r08059.pdf

Hofacre, K.C., R.T. Hecker, A. Wang, M.C. Shell, and S.J. Lawhon, Battelle, Columbus, OH.
Report No: EPA 600-R-08-053, 94 pp, Dec 2008

This report reviews the literature for information on technologies that could be used in HVAC (heating, ventilation, and air conditioning) systems to reduce contamination of a building following a release of a biological agent. No "safe" levels of exposure to biological threat agents have been identified; thus, the extent of reduction of these particles required to provide protection to building occupants from exposure to these threat agents is not known. This report is designed to provide an evaluation of the removal efficiencies of five technologies, and also to address space, power requirements, and cost factors. The five technologies selected for critical review—mechanical filtration, electrostatically enhanced filtration, electret filters, electrostatic precipitation, and ultraviolet germicidal irradiation—were deemed the most appropriate to reduce or inactivate biologically active particulate matter. Each review provides a description of the technology, a summary of the available literature, and a critical assessment that addresses technology performance, trends that affect performance, the impact of the technology on an HVAC system, and a cost analysis. Report at http://www.epa.gov/NHSRC/pubs/600r08053.pdf

Nicholson, F.A., T. Boucard, B.J. Chambers, and G. Merrington.
Environment Agency, UK. Science Report SC050054SR1, SCHO1008BOST-E-P, ISBN: 978-1-84432-953-3, 70 pp, Oct 2008

This project aimed to validate ('road test') existing soil metal-limit values and proposed soil prompt values in terms of their effectiveness and practicality on a range of soils falling under different soil-related regulatory regimes. The effectiveness was gauged in terms of whether the limit values were predictive of risk conditions for soils for which secondary data on soil biological process were also available. This is the first time soil limit values for metals have been validated in this way. One of the key findings of the project was that the existing limit values in the Sludge (Use in Agriculture) Regulations and the Code of Practice for Agricultural Use of Sewage Sludge (that is, the existing UK sludge limits) may not be sufficiently protective of soil quality for wheat grain cadmium concentrations. These values are used not only in these regimes but also cross over into other legislation and guidelines related to the spreading of materials onto land. Overall, the project concluded that there was a balance to be struck between environmental protection and regulation and the sustainable recycling of organic material to land. What was clear was that both the science and understanding of metal behavior in soils has moved on significantly in the last decade, and more accurate predictions of metal risks are now possible. Furthermore, it is apparent that the existing limit values for metals in soils, so widely used for the de facto assessment of environmental metal risks, may not be wholly protective of soil quality. Report at http://publications.environment-agency.gov.uk/pdf/SCHO1008BOST-e-e.pdf

Bhogal, A., T. Boucard, B.J. Chambers, F.A. Nicholson, and R. Parkinson.
Environment Agency, UK. Science Report SC050054SR2, SCHO1008BOSV-E-P, ISBN: 978-1-84432-954-0, 68 pp, Oct 2008

This project aimed to validate the proposed soil quality indicator (SQI) 'prompt values' in terms of their effectiveness and practicality on a range of soils. The effectiveness was gauged in terms of whether the prompt values were predictive of risk conditions for soils for which additional biological or ecological data were available; in effect, the project compared measured biological effects with the risk predicted by the quality indicators. The project also was designed to enhance the scientific evidence base underpinning the existing prompt values, and if appropriate, to suggest revisions to the values. The SQIs needed to be validated beyond modeled scenarios and the academic literature to determine whether they fulfilled their requirement as appropriate prompt values for potential ecological risk in the context of soil quality assessment and monitoring. Based on the data available, it was possible to road-test the prompt values for extractable phosphorus, pH, and carbon/nitrogen ratio, although the quantity and quality of the data available were not always adequate to support unequivocal statements about the performance of the prompt values. It was not possible to evaluate the performance of bulk density as an SQI, or even to make a statement regarding its suitability as an indicator of soil condition or health. Similarly, no prompt values for environmental interaction or habitat support were identified that could be used in a road-testing assessment of organic carbon status. Report at http://publications.environment-agency.gov.uk/pdf/SCHO1008BOSV-e-e.pdf

Quill, V., Environment Agency, Almondsbury, Bristol, UK.
Report No: GEHO0708BOFX-E-P, 40 pp, 2008

This report shows that over the last ten years, environmental regulation by the UK's Environment Agency has produced real and significant benefits for people and the environment. This report documents progress in the following areas: greenhouse gases, releases to water, waste production and management, releases to air, pollution incidents, taking the environment seriously, and sector analysis (chemicals, energy, farming, metals, minerals, nuclear, waste, and water). Report at http://publications.environment-agency.gov.uk/pdf/GEHO0708BOFX-e-e.pdf

Potter, D., C. Jones, S. Rolley, I. Watson, and J. Pritchard.
Environment Agency, Almondsbury, Bristol, UK. Product SCHO0508BNZS-E-P, ISBN: 978-1-84432-894-9, 40 pp, Aug 2008

In the UK, priority non-coal mines consist of metal mines in the ore fields of Wales, the South West area, and northern England that continue to cause pollution despite being closed for over a hundred years. No single body has the responsibility for dealing with them, and no national strategy to tackle them has been developed. The Metal Mines Strategy for Wales has identified the most polluting sites in Wales and is working to identify sustainable treatment methods for them. In Cornwall, the Environment Agency has built the largest minewater treatment plant in Britain to deal with pollution from the Wheal Jane tin mine. This plant prevents 670 tonnes of iron and 150 tonnes of zinc from entering waterways each year. The strategic approach to identifying and prioritizing non-coal mines across England and Wales is set out in a joint project between the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) and the Environment Agency. This project, along with a similar assessment carried out in Scotland, will identify the water bodies most impacted by abandoned non-coal mines and the sources of pollution within them. The results of these projects will help to develop a national strategy. Sustainable technology for treating coal minewater discharges is well developed but is not directly applicable to most metal mine discharges. Some advances, including pilot-scale treatment plants, have been made but passive treatment methods are needed that do not rely on costly technology or substantial raw materials and power. Abandoned metal mines are not only a source of pollution, they are a part of the country's national heritage and an important reserve of biodiversity. Many old metal mines are designated as Sites of Special Scientific Interest or Scheduled Ancient Monuments. The tin and copper mining areas of Cornwall and West Devon have been declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site, which means that certain treatment methods cannot be employed. A collaborative approach may help to deal with the pollution threat and the development of remedial methods that are sensitive to industrial heritage and other protected sites. Report at http://publications.environment-agency.gov.uk/pdf/SCHO0508BNZS-e-e.pdf

Hudson-Edwards, K.A., M.G. Macklin, P.A. Brewer, and L.A. Dennis.
Environment Agency, Almondsbury, Bristol, UK. Product SCHO1108BOZD-E-P, ISBN: 978-1-84432-966-3, 64 pp, Nov 2008

In this study, metal concentrations in floodplain soils affected by mining activities were compared with government guidelines for grazing livestock on former metal mines. Observed concentrations significantly exceeded these guidelines in many catchments, particularly for cadmium, lead, and zinc. Climate change is expected to increase the frequency and magnitude of floods, leading to increased re-suspension of sediments containing high metal concentrations and therefore encouraging the transfer of contaminated sediments from river channels to floodplain soils, which often are used for agriculture. Clear guidelines on the sediment metal concentrations that represent an unacceptable risk to ecosystem health are not available in England and Wales. This report recommends how the Environment Agency could reduce uncertainty over the risk to good ecological status posed by sediments (and soils) contaminated by abandoned metal mines. Where these risks are found to be unacceptable, a tiered method is proposed to carry out catchment-scale risk assessments so that management and remediation strategies can be set up where necessary. Report at http://publications.environment-agency.gov.uk/pdf/SCHO1108BOZD-e-e.pdf

Maud, J. and P. Rumsby.
Environment Agency, Almondsbury, Bristol, UK. Product SCHO0508BODR-E-P, ISBN: 978-1-84432-912-0, 29 pp, May 2008

A search of the primary literature from 2002 to 2008 indicates that most of the toxicological literature on arsenic is based on oral exposure via drinking water, with few studies using inhalation as the route of exposure. Many of the human studies are related to some highly arsenic-polluted areas, such as Bangladesh and Taiwan, and the European Scientific Committee on Toxicity, Ecotoxicity and Environment (CSTEE) suggests that food and drinking water are the principal routes of exposure, with the exception of some industrial workers. CSTEE has calculated the following values for percentage of absorbed daily dose of inorganic arsenic: air <1%, cigarette smoke 0 to 16%, drinking water 0 to 33%, and food 50 to 98%. Although air is not an important route of exposure in quantitative terms, it may be significant toxicologically since a principal site for carcinogenicity is the lung. Furthermore, ambient air levels of arsenic may affect concentrations of arsenic in food. Report at http://publications.environment-agency.gov.uk/pdf/SCHO0508BODR-e-e.pdf

LeBlanc, D.R. and D.A. Vroblesky.
U.S. Geological Survey Scientific Investigations Report 2008-5109, 26 pp, Dec 2008

Lab and field tests were conducted at Camp Edwards on the Massachusetts Military Reservation on Cape Cod to examine the utility of passive diffusion sampling for long-term monitoring of concentrations of perchlorate and explosive compounds in ground water. The diffusion samplers were constructed of 1-inch-diameter rigid, porous polyethylene tubing. Lab test results in which diffusion samplers were submerged in containers filled with ground water containing perchlorate, RDX, and HMX indicate that concentrations inside the diffusion samplers equilibrated with concentrations in the containers within the 19 days of the test period. Field tests of the diffusion samplers were conducted in 15 wells (2- to 2.5-inch diameter). Comparison of the concentrations of perchlorate, RDX, and HMX in the diffusion samplers placed in the wells against concentrations in samples collected by low-flow pumped sampling indicates generally good agreement between the pumped and diffusion samples for concentrations of the subject contaminants. The concentration differences indicate no systematic bias related to contaminant type or concentration level. Report at http://pubs.usgs.gov/sir/2008/5109/

Interstate Technology & Regulatory Council (ITRC) Brownfields Team.
Report No: BRNFLD-3, 134 pp, Dec 2008

Land use controls (LUCs) are used to provide protection from exposure to contaminants that exist or remain on a site. LUCs are classified as institutional (administrative and/or legal) controls or engineering (physical) controls. The determination as to the type and duration of a specific LUC depends on regulatory requirements and site-specific conditions, although many controls are put in place for long-term use. This report presents an overview of various systems and state programs that track, monitor, and/or educate people on LUCs. In this document, LUC management systems are divided into four categories: those that track properties that use LUCs, those that provide notification of any activity that may be occurring on a site that has LUCs, those used to conduct outreach to or educate a community about LUCs, and those that facilitate agreement among parties who share responsibility for the implementation and management of LUCs. Some systems were found to address issues in more than one category. The description of each of these systems and programs explains what kind of information is provided and how it is delivered. The text describes the various LUC technologies and their associated costs for development and implementation, discusses advantages and limitations, identifies potential users, provides contact information, and presents case studies that offer insight into implementation efforts. A technology matrix developed by the Brownfields Team allows comparison of each of the reviewed systems. It should be noted that this document does not evaluate the policy issues related to LUCs or their role as part of an appropriate solution to any specific environmental condition due to the ongoing and sometimes contentious debate about the appropriateness of LUCs in comparison to permanent, active, or complete remedies. Report at http://www.itrcweb.org/Documents/BRNFLD-3.pdf

Interstate Technology & Regulatory Council (ITRC) Unexploded Ordnance (UXO) Team.
Report No: UXO-5, 83 pp, Oct 2008

This document provides guidance to environmental regulators on defining quality, systematically planning for and achieving quality results, and applying these concepts to processes common to munitions response projects. The document also offers real-world examples to illustrate how the proper or improper application of the presented concepts affects the quality of munitions response projects. The UXO Team defines quality as "conformance to requirements." To manage quality, the requirements of the project must be stated precisely and understood clearly by everyone involved. A plan then is put in place to meet those requirements. The UXO Team emphasizes taking a whole-system approach to designing and managing a munitions response project to optimize quality. Report at http://www.itrcweb.org/Documents/UXO-5.pdf