U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Washington, DC.
Federal Business Opportunities, FBO-3974, 2012

On or about November 1, 2012, EPA intends to release 10 solicitations on a full and open basis for the class of ESAT contracts. The ESAT contract structure was developed to expand EPA's existing capabilities for providing hazardous waste sample analysis and related support to Superfund sites, as well as support to the Agency's RCRA program and other non-Superfund analytical efforts. ESAT contractors provide multidisciplinary technical teams to each of the 10 EPA Regions. The ESAT draft statement of work is available at http://www.epa.gov/oamsrpod/lasc/esat/. The 10 presolicitation notices are posted on the Superfund/RCRA Regional Procurement Operations Division website at http://www.epa.gov/oam/srpod/index.htm#notissue.

U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Washington DC.
Federal Business Opportunities, FBO-3962, Solicitation SOL-HQ-12-00019, 2012

EPA intends to issue a solicitation to obtain management and analytical support services for EPA's Office of Superfund Remediation and Technology Innovation (OSRTI) within the Office of Solid Waste and Emergency Response. This requirement is 100% set aside for small business. The purpose of the proposed contract is to provide program support via seven general tasks:

1. Support strategic planning, analysis, and reporting.
2. Conduct policy, regulatory, and legislative analysis to help develop guidance documents.
3. Conduct technical research and support transfer of technical information.
4. Support program resource and data management.
5. Support communications outreach, community relations, and environmental justice activities.
6. Support training, conferences, and meetings.
7. Maintain the CLU-IN system and related technical content on the EPA website.

EPA anticipates award of a fixed-rate, indefinite-delivery, indefinite-quantity contract from this solicitation for a total contract performance period of five years. This solicitation falls under NAICS code 541620, Environmental Consulting Services, with a size standard of $14.0 million. The estimated release date of the solicitation is November 15, 2012, with responses due 30 days thereafter. https://www.fbo.gov/spg/EPA/OAM/HQ/SOL-HQ-12-00019/listing.html

U.S. DOE, Office of Science, Funding Opportunity DE-FOA-0000768, 28 Sep 2012

DOE's Office of Science has announced its continuing interest in receiving grant applications for support of work in seven program areas, including Biological and Environmental Research (BER). BER work is focused on using DOE's unique resources and facilities to develop fundamental knowledge of biological systems that will underpin biotechnology-based solutions to energy challenges and that can be used to address DOE needs in clean energy, carbon sequestration, and environmental cleanup. Funding Opportunity DE-FOA-0000768 is DOE's annual, broad, open solicitation that covers all of the Office of Science research areas. It will remain open until September 30, 2013. Submit applications at any time during this period. http://www.grants.gov/search/search.do?mode=VIEW&oppId=202793

U.S. Army Contracting Command, Redstone Arsenal, AL.
Federal Business Opportunities, FBO-3976, Solicitation W31P4Q12R0140, 2012

The U.S. Army Contracting Command-Redstone has synopsized a requirement for munitions demilitarization, disposition, and disposal in accordance with DOD 4160.21-M-1, DOD 5160.65, and the developed total-solution demilitarization, disposition, and disposal plan. Open-burn and open-detonation technologies are not permitted as a standard practice for demil or disposal for end items or components. This requirement is currently set aside 100% for small business sources under NAICS code 562112. The request for proposals will be issued on or about November 5, 2012. The anticipated response date is January 7, 2013. https://www.fbo.gov/notices/227a77d82b459a57e6ed97f50be614df

U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE), 68 pp, 2012

This plan describes the actual performance of the natural attenuation remedy. It is expected that by using a predictive model, the rate of attenuation of the contaminants of concern (1,2-dichloropropane, 1,3-dichloropropane, 1,2,3-trichloropropane, chloroform, Dinoseb, 1,2-dibromo-3-chloropropane, and ethylene dibromide) can be described, thus providing a measure to gauge progress. If monitoring data indicate that the contaminant levels do not continue to decline in accordance with expectation as defined by this model, USACE and EPA will reconsider the remedy decision. http://yosemite.epa.gov/r9/sfund/r9sfdocw.nsf/3dc283e6c5d6056f88257426007417a2/9aea34c0a94d8cf4882579980083aec5/$FILE/BB%20Site%20MNA%20Plan%201_12.pdf

Greenberg, B., X.-D. Huang, S. Liddycoat, G. MacNeill, P. Mosley, and P. Gerwing.
FCS 2012: Federal Contaminated Sites National Workshop, April 30 - May 3, 2012, Toronto, Ontario, Canada. Real Property Institute of Canada (RPIC), 41 slides, 2012

Plant growth-promoting rhizobacteria (PGPR) used in PGPR-enhanced phytoremediation systems (PEPS) promote growth of rhizosphere microorganisms and accelerate the partitioning of contaminants from soil. From 2007 to 2011, PEPS have been used at 16 sites in Canada for PHC remediation. At all sites, PEPS achieved ~35% remediation per year of petroleum hydrocarbon (PHC) from soil (mostly fractions 3 and 4). Six sites now meet Canada's Tier 1 standards, and the remaining 10 sites are on the way to achieving remediation goals within a 2- to 3-year treatment period. The costs for PEPS are less than half the costs associated with landfill disposal. In 2009, full-scale PEPS deployment began at 10 salt-impacted sites. PGPR greatly enhanced plant growth on the salt-affected soils, allowing good growth of grasses and cereals with salt uptake sufficient to have already achieved regulatory targets at two of the sites. http://www.waterlooenvironmentalbiotechnology.com/news.html

Neshem, D., P. Meyers, and F. DeSilva.
IWC-2011: Proceedings of the 72nd Meeting of the International Water Conference. IWC 11-41, 17 pp, 2011

Remediation of groundwater containing hexavalent chromium has been in progress at the Hanford site for more than 15 years. Although the early systems used type I (gel) strong-base anion exchange resin and offsite resin regeneration, the most recent systems employ a long-life, single-use resin, which is projected to achieve significant operating cost savings. This paper explores the history of the chromate remediation efforts at the site and reviews operating experiences with strong-base resin and with long-life resin. http://www.resintech.com/pdf/hanfordsite.pdf

O'Neil, M. and J. Parillo, GEI Consultants, Inc.
MGP 2012: International Symposium and Exhibition on the Redevelopment of Manufactured Gas Plant Sites, 27-30 March 2012, Chicago, Illinois. Poster presentation, 2012

Oxygen injection technology is being implemented successfully in an interim remedial measure to increase aerobic biological activity and significantly reduce PAH concentrations in a 0.5-mile-long groundwater plume emanating from a former manufactured gas plant site. This poster presents a case study on the treatment effectiveness of oxygen injection for a dissolved-phase plume and the cost effectiveness of using multiple injection lines. http://www.mgp2012.com/proceedings/content/pp_one.htm

Liu, I.Y.-X., R. Wells, M. Rosa, and R. Birk.
FCS 2012: Federal Contaminated Sites National Workshop, April 30 - May 3, 2012, Toronto, Ontario, Canada. Real Property Institute of Canada (RPIC), Abstract only, 2012

The 2010 treatment program for hydrocarbon-contaminated soil at the Liard Maintenance Yard, a vehicle maintenance garage and fuelling facility, used an excavator equipped with a bucket screener to aerate and screen impacted soil, separating the granular soil into winter sand and drain rock aggregate while spraying the material with water at a high pressure. From Sep. 17 to Oct. 7, 2010, contractors treated ~2,600 m³ of contaminated soil. The sampling method was designed to allow for statistical evaluation of sampling data used to quantify petroleum hydrocarbon (PHC) reduction. Reductions of PHCs (EPH C10-C19 and C19-C32) in treated soil ranged from 13-63% compared to pre-treatment concentrations, an average contaminant reduction of 32%. Completion of another round of soil treatment is recommended to achieve concentrations compliant with the applicable standards.

Environmental Security Technology Certification Program (ESTCP), Project ER-200425, 73 pp, May 2012

At the Picatinny Arsenal in Dover, New Jersey, a recirculation cell design with semi-passive operation was employed successfully to distribute and mix a cheese whey co-substrate with contaminated groundwater to promote the biodegradation of TNT, RDX, and HMX by indigenous bacteria. In addition to technical performance, the demonstration provided the capital and O&M costs of this type of system at a scale that can be extrapolated to different full-scale designs. http://www.serdp-estcp.org/content/download/15791/180942/file/ER-200425-C&P.pdf

[New York State] Legislative Commission on Toxic Substances and Hazardous Wastes, p 3-7, Summer 2011

This article on manufactured gas plant (MGP) cleanups in New York State briefly notes the testing of several innovative remediation technologies:

• In 2007, the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (NYSDEC) approved the testing of surfactant-enhanced in situ chemical oxidation (S-ISCO) in OU-4 at the Bay Shore/Brightwaters MGP site. According to 2011 site documentation for OU-4 (at www.bayshoreworksmgp.com/majorreportsOU4.html), when post-treatment data and observations of tar or NAPL-saturated lenses, blebs, or coatings indicated that the S-SICO application had not fully addressed tar contamination in the Cesspool Area, NYSDEC required excavation of the areas where tar remained at <10 ft below ground surface.
• In 2009-2010, Central Hudson Gas and Electric utility, working with the Electric Power Research Institute, pilot tested a capping technology utilizing 75 absorption panels filled with organo-clay to remove coal tar from Hudson River sediments near Poughkeepsie. [For additional information, see the EPRI 2011 news item at http://mydocs.epri.com/docs/CorporateDocuments/EPRI_Journal/2011-Summer/1023458_InTheField.pdf and the MGP 2012 presentation at http://www.mgp2012.com/proceedings/content/p_bes.htm.]

NYSDEC estimates that on average an MGP site will cost around $10 million to remediate, with some site cleanups costing significantly more. http://assembly.state.ny.us/comm/Toxic/20110701/index.pdf

Huang, D., Q. Xu, J. Cheng, X. Lu, and H. Zhang.
International Journal of Electrochemical Science, Vol 7, 4528-4544, 2012

This paper reviews six types of electrokinetic (EK) remediation applications for soil contaminated with organic compounds: the direct EK technique, EK combined with Fenton's reagent, EK combined with surfactants or co-solvents, EK combined with bioremediation, EK combined with ultrasonic remediation, and the technology known as Lasagna. Basic principles, characteristics, application areas, research developments, and prospects are described for these six techniques. The technology combinations, contaminant types, soil types, and reported removal efficiencies are compiled into a table, with references to the source material. http://www.electrochemsci.org/papers/vol7/7054528.pdf

Hawley, E.L., T. Pancras, and J. Burdick.
Pollution Engineering [white paper], Vol 44 No 5, May 2012

This article discusses the chemistry of PFCs and recent work in innovative cleanup technologies with the potential to remediate them. A review of available studies shows that certain oxidation-based treatment technologies, such as activated persulfate, have significant potential to treat soil and groundwater affected by PFOS and PFOA. http://www.pollutionengineering.com/PE/Home/Files/PDFs/RemediationTechforPFCsPFOsPFOA.pdf

Ghosh, U., J. Gomez-Eyles, C. Yupanqui, H. Xia, and B. Beckingham.
Strategic Environmental Research and Development Program (SERDP), Project ER-2136, 51, Apr 2012

In SERDP Project ER-2136, biochars were able to sorb organic contaminants, mercury, and methylmercury, making them attractive alternatives to activated carbons (ACs) in sites contaminated with both organic and inorganic contaminants. Due to their lower surface area, unactivated biochars have a lower affinity for organic contaminants than ACs, so activation is necessary for their performance to match that of ACs. Unactivated biochars were able to reduce PCB porewater concentration by 18 to 80%, while the ACs and activated biochars consistently reduced organic contaminant porewater concentration by >99% in contaminated sediment. http://www.serdp.com/content/download/15830/181268/file/ER-2136%20FR.pdf

Montgomery, M.T., R.B. Coffin, T.J. Boyd, and C.L. Osburn.
Strategic Environmental Research and Development Program (SERDP), Project ER-2124, NRL/MR/6110-12-9390, 57 pp, July 2012

This project focused primarily on whether estuarine transition zones are sites of enhanced TNT mineralization, bacterial metabolism, and degradation of aromatic organic matter. Investigations of salt wedges, a frontal boundary, and mixing experiments between freshwater and marine end members provided evidence that water mass interfaces are sites of enhanced bacterial metabolism and TNT mineralization. Energetics such as TNT can be readily degraded by natural bacterial populations in estuarine and coastal environments that receive substantial terrestrial runoff rich in natural aromatic organic matter. http://www.estcp.com/content/download/15380/175664/file/ER-2124-FR.pdf

Austrins, L.M., C. Peace, J. West, D. O'Carroll, C. Kocur, A. Chowdhury, H. Boparai, N. Sakulchaicharoen, J. Herrera, M. Krol, B. Sleep, and K. Weber.
Battelle 8th International Conference on Remediation of Chlorinated and Recalcitrant Compounds. Monterey, California. May 2012. Poster, 2012

In December 2010, nanoscale zero-valent iron (nZVI) manufactured by the University of Western Ontario (UWO) was injected in a water-based slurry as a reagent to treat dissolved-phase chlorinated solvents (mainly PCE and TCE) in groundwater within a sand utility corridor at a Dow Chemical Canada site. The nZVI was successfully synthesized and injected, the field demonstration project was completed on budget, and initial results indicate contaminant reduction. Several funding opportunities for UWO and associated University partners were obtained by leveraging in-kind support from CH2M HILL and Dow Chemical Canada. The Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada provided UWO with $900,000 in funding over four years for work in partnership with CH2M HILL. Http://www.ch2m.com/corporate/markets/environmental/conferences/battelle/Battelle_Austrins_University_Collaboration_Poster.pdf
Other aspects of this project are covered in A Field Scale Study of nZVI Mobility (abstract at http://adsabs.harvard.edu/abs/2011AGUFM.H43M..06O).

Emili, Laura, Ph.D. thesis, University of Rome "Sapienza," 161 pp, June 2012

The tool box of soil quality bioindicators contains experimental tools chosen to assess heavy metal bioavailability, accumulation into soil microbial biomass, and soil quality improvement during the bioremediation processes. Tools such as Biolog® EcoPlates and MicroResp™ were applied to two different bioremediation systems, one in a phytoremediation system at a former dump and the other in a pot experiment of microbial-assisted phytoremediation based on the inoculation of soil from a mining site with different selected plant growth-promoting bacteria. http://padis.uniroma1.it/bitstream/10805/1543/1/Tesi%20Laura%20Emili%2012Giugno2012.pdf

Sun, G.-D., Y. Xu, J.-H. Jin, Z.-P. Zhong, Y. Liu, M. Luo, and Z.-P. Liu.
Journal of Hazardous Materials, Vol 233-234, 72-78, 2012

For remediation of heavily PAH-contaminated dry soil containing 375 mg/kg total PAHs, pilot-scale bioremediation experiments were carried out with contaminated soil from the abandoned Beijing Coking Plant. Three approaches were used, with results analyzed after 175 days of treatment: (1) bioaugmentation, which respectively decreased total PAHs and 4-6 ring PAHs by 26.82% and 35.36%; (2) biostimulation, which achieved 33.9% and 11.0% decreases; and a combination of biostimulation and bioaugmentation for 43.9% and 55.0% reduction. In the on-site landfarming control, total PAHs and 4-6 ring PAHs decreased by 23.4% and 10.1%, respectively, after 175 days. http://www.im.ac.cn/UserFiles/File/2012/2012-08/Sun%20Guangdong.pdf

Versteegen, Frank, Master's thesis, Utrecht University, the Netherlands, 117 pp, 2011

Efficiency losses of injected oxidants occur due to the presence of natural oxidant demand as well as lack of exact information on the location of the contamination source zone. This study investigated how feedback-driven remediation using a 2-D MODFLOW/PHT3D-based reactive multi-component transport model can improve the efficiency of permanganate-based in situ chemical oxidation (ISCO) in a PCE source zone at residual saturation. The aquifer composition varied in organic matter content, pyrite, and calcite presence. From the different ISCO scenarios modeled, it followed that chloride is the strongest indicator for the oxidation of PCE, followed by pH values. http://igitur-archive.library.uu.nl/student-theses/2011-0816-200650/20110810%20-%20Report.pdf

Shahid, M., M. Arshad, M. Kaemmerer, E. Pinelli, A. Probst, D. Baque, P. Pradere, and C. Dumat.
International Journal of Phytoremediation, Vol 14 No 5, 493-505, May-June 2012

The multi-metal phytoextraction capability of geranium plants (Pelargonium) was measured in a long-term field experiment in soils containing Pb, Zn, Cu, Cd, and As. Metal phytoextraction and translocation were found to be a function of the metals' nature. A strong increase in Pb phytoextraction was observed with plant maturity, significantly reducing the length of the period required for remediation. The results provide insight for improving field phytoextraction remediation in terms of timeframe. http://oatao.univ-toulouse.fr/5526/1/Shahid_5526.pdf

Seyedabbasi, M.A., C.J. Newell, D.T. Adamson, and T.C. Sale.
Journal of Contaminant Hydrology, Vol 134-135, 69-81, Jun 2012

In an investigation of the relative contribution of DNAPL dissolution versus matrix diffusion processes to the longevity of chlorinated source zones, a hypothetical DNAPL source-zone architecture (originally developed by Anderson et al., 1992) was adapted to include defined low-permeability layers. A coupled dissolution-diffusion model allowed diffusion into these layers while in contact with DNAPL, followed by diffusion out of the layers after complete DNAPL dissolution. Simulations were performed for releases of equivalent masses (675 kg) of chlorinated solvents with solubilities ranging from low (PCE), moderate (TCE), to high (dichloromethane, or DCM). Results show that matrix diffusion can be a critical component of source-zone longevity and can represent a longer-term contributor to source longevity than DNAPL dissolution alone at many sites. For the hypothetical TCE release, the simulation indicated that DNAPL dissolution would take ~38 years, while back diffusion from low permeability zones could maintain the source for an additional 83 years. The effect was more dramatic for the higher-solubility DCM (97% of longevity due to matrix diffusion), while the lower-solubility PCE showed a more equal contribution from DNAPL dissolution relative to matrix diffusion. An assessment of mass distribution showed that while relatively small percentages of the initial source mass diffused into the low permeability compartment, this mass was sufficient to sustain concentrations above drinking water standards for decades.

Borden, R.C., K.Y. Cha, T. Simpkin, and M.T Lieberman.
Environmental Security Technology Certification Program (ESTCP), Project ER-200626, 41 pp, June 2012

Soluble substrate has been used at hundreds of sites to generate anaerobic conditions and enhance in situ anaerobic biodegradation or immobilization of chlorinated solvents, perchlorate, explosives, nitrate, and chromium. Typically, the soluble substrate is diluted with water and then injected using a series of wells. In some cases, a pH buffer or other amendment may be included to further enhance biodegradation. A simple spreadsheet-based tool developed to assist in the design of injection-only systems for distributing soluble substrate allows quick comparison of the relative costs and performance of different injection alternatives and identification of the design best suited to site-specific conditions. http://www.serdp-estcp.org/content/download/15832/181286/file/ER-200626%20Users%20Guide-soluble%20substrate%20design%20tool.pdf

McHugh, T., L. Beckley, and D. Bailey.
Environmental Security Technology Certification Program (ESTCP), Project ER-200707, 313 pp, July 2012

Project ER-0707 has validated two improved methods for evaluation of vapor intrusion at corrective action sites: (1) a Tier 2 screening procedure for evaluation of vapor intrusion from VOCs in groundwater at sites with fine-grained soils at the top of the water table and (2) a streamlined Tier 3 investigation program using building pressure control for application at sites that require building-specific investigations. The Tier 2 screening procedure and the Tier 3 investigation procedure were validated though field demonstrations conducted at seven and six sites, respectively. http://www.serdp-estcp.org/content/download/15883/181700/file/ER-200707-FR.pdf
See also the August 2012 ESTCP Cost and Performance Report (49 pp): http://www.serdp-estcp.org/content/download/15862/181542/file/ER-200707%20C&P.pdf

Seidel, C.J., C.J. Corwin, and R. Khera.
Water Research Foundation (WaterRF), Denver, CO. Web Report #4414, 32 pp, 2012

This white paper summarizes the state of knowledge on total chromium and hexavalent chromium occurrence. The paper is based on an analysis of total and hexavalent chromium occurrence data that compared datasets from WaterRF, U.S. EPA, and the California Department Public Health for spatial and temporal relationships. http://www.waterrf.org/Pages/Projects.aspx?PID=4414

McNeill, L., J. McLean, M. Edwards, and J. Parks.
Water Research Foundation (WaterRF), Denver, CO. 36 pp, May 2012 Update

U.S. EPA is currently considering whether or not to establish a drinking water maximum contaminant level specifically for hexavalent chromium. The goal of this review is to better inform potential regulatory action on this issue by summarizing briefly what is known about hexavalent chromium and pointing out gaps in current knowledge. The review does not cover all aspects of the health effects of hexavalent chromium. http://www.waterrf.org/resources/Lists/PublicProjectPapers/Attachments/2/4404_ProjectPaper.pdf

International Society of Technological and Environmental Professionals (INSTEP), Tallahassee, FL. Proceedings website, 2012

MGP 2012, held March 27-30, 2012, in Chicago, Illinois, explored issues of MGP remediation and redevelopment. Presenters shared case studies, identifying challenges faced and approaches for practical application. Topics included remediation planning and management; use of innovative approaches and technology; innovative reuse; soil vapor intrusion assessment, risk, and control; assessment of sediment impacts and remediation; excavation and final deposition; in situ chemical oxidation experience; in situ stabilization experience; containment/tar recovery systems; air monitoring and odor/emission control; and post-remediation monitoring care and cost. The presentations and posters are available on line at http://www.mgp2012.com/proceedings/content/index.cfm.

Elkins, J.B. and S.D. Richardson, EOS Remediation, LLC, Raleigh, NC.
Pollution Engineering [white paper], Vol 44 No 9, Sep 2012

This technical paper offers a brief overview of the emulsified oil technology for enhanced in situ anaerobic bioremediation of chlorinated VOCs and other anaerobically biodegradable contaminants. The summary touches upon some of the key design elements for successful field implementation. References are provided to documents and protocols that give a more detailed description of the technology. http://www.pollutionengineering.com/PE/Home/Files/images/PETechnicalPaper_EmulsifiedOilBasics.doc

U.S. EPA, Office of Research and Development, Engineering Technical Support Center.
EPA 600-R-12-572, 135 pp, Aug 2012

Rare earth elements (REEs) are a group of 15 chemical elements in the periodic table, specifically the lanthanides. The increased use of REEs in magnets, modern electronics and in a variety of commercial products has led to an REE shortage. Currently, REEs are being disposed of in large quantities rather than recovered and reused. REE mining and processing activities have the potential to create environmental risks to human health and the environment, but the severity of these risks is highly variable between mine and mine plant operations. This report was prepared to serve as a technical information resource about the potential environmental and health effects and impacts that can be identified across the REE supply chain. http://nepis.epa.gov/Exe/ZyPURL.cgi?Dockey=P100EUBC.txt