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Brownfields
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Brownfields research and development focusses on developing improved approaches to decision-making at brownfield sites. This theme underlies each of the following specific projects for 2003/2004. The photos at left show abandoned and redeveloped properties, a drug lab and illegal drugs. More information on brownfields can be found on the EPA brownfields web site. The Small Business Liability Relief and Brownfields Revitalization Act (PDF, 26 pp., 188 KB, about PDF) provides the basis for the current federal program. |
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Expanded on-line calculator web site The EPA on-line calculators were developed for leaking underground storage tank problems. Since the Brownfields law specifically includes petroleum release sites, the calculators are applicable for these problems. In order to broaden their usefullness, a set of enhancements are being made to address a wider array of problems. First, the chemicals included in the OnSite database are being expanded to include chlorinated solvents, pesticides and other organic and inorganic chemicals where appropriate. Some of these are already available in certain calculators--the retardation factor calculator for example has a number of parameter values obtained from a few state environmental program agency documents. More chemicals and more agency data sets are currently being compiled for use on the web site. A second area of adaptation is to include models of chlorinated solvent transport and transformation, and models that allow simulation of more complex ground water flow patterns than are currently available. Together these will allow simulation of a broader range of problems than previously available. |
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Guide for evaluating model reports Models are used for many purposes in assessment of brownfield and other sites. Many State Agency personnel, however, lack training in how to assess a modeling report. Although model equations and basic contaminant hydrology are available in many text books, the ability of assessing modeling reports sometimes requires a high level of skill. |
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Properties of Illegal ("Clandestine") Drug Lab Chemicals The 2002 Brownfields act specifically included sites contaminated with controlled substances. In the U.S., the most prevalent illegal drug manufactured in clandestine laboratories is methamphetamine ("meth"). A variety of chemicals are used to make meth and other drugs. These consist of solvents, organic acids, inorganic acids and bases, elements, and organic precursor molecules. The U.S. Drug Enforcement Agency maintains lists of controlled substances and
precursor chemicals. For Brownfields site cleanup and assessment, the questions are "What groups of chemicals might be encountered at a clandestine laboratory site?" "How much might be present?" "What are the environmentally revelant properties of these chemicals?" Additional chemical properties for the on-line calculator web site and a guide are being developed for these brownfields sites. |