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Vertical Distribution of VOCs in Soils from Groundwater to the Surface/Subslab
Citation:
SCHUMACHER, B. A., G. Swanson, J. Elliot, AND B. Hartman. Vertical Distribution of VOCs in Soils from Groundwater to the Surface/Subslab. U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Washington, DC, EPA/600/R-09/073, 2009.
Impact/Purpose:
Soil vapor data are widely used in site investigation and remediation projects to delineate volatile organic compound (VOC) vapor plumes, as a screening tool to refine soil and groundwater sampling efforts, to track the progress of soil remediation, and to assess the vapor intrusion pathway. Vapor intrusion is of particular concern, as it can be one of the main driving forces behind remediation at VOC sites. A critical issue in assessing the vapor intrusion pathway is the distribution and migration of VOCs from the subsurface source to the near surface environment.
Description:
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is charged by ongress with protecting the nation’s natural resources. Under the mandate of national environmental laws, the EPA strives to formulate and implement actions leading to a compatible balance between human activities and the ability of natural systems to support and nurture life. To meet this mandate, the EPA’s Office of Research and Development (ORD) provides data and scientific support that can be used to solve environmental problems, build the scientific knowledge base needed to manage ecological resources wisely, understand how pollutants affect public health, and prevent or reduce environmental risks. The National Exposure Research Laboratory (NERL) is the Agency’s center for investigation of technical and management approaches for identifying and quantifying exposures to human health and the environment. Goals of the laboratory’s research program are to (1) develop and evaluate methods and technologies for characterizing and monitoring air, soil, and water; (2) support regulatory and policy decisions; and (3) provide the scientific support needed to ensure effective implementation of environmental regulations and strategies. This report presents the activities, results, findings, and recommendations of sampling conducted from January through February, 2008 at Naval Air Station (NAS) Lemoore, Installation Restoration Program (IRP) Site 14 to investigate the vertical distribution of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) in soil gas from groundwater to the surface and subslab environments. This report was co-authored by Mr. James Elliot and Dr. Greg Swanson of Tetra Tech. The authors acknowledge the contribution of Dr. Brian Schumacher and Mr. John Zimmerman, the EPA task order project officer and co-project officer, in conducting key parts of the field work, providing guidance throughout the project, and providing insightful comments on the draft report. The author also acknowledge the tremendous support of Mr. Frank Nielson of the NAS Lemoore environmental staff, who facilitated access to IRP Site 14 to conduct the testing and provided logistical support and ongoing assistance with operations during the field sampling activities.