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Framework for Site Characterization for Monitored Natural Attenuation of Volatile Organic Compounds in Ground Water
Citation:
Pivetz, B., D. Abshire, William Brandon, S. Mangion, B. Roberts, B. Stuart, L. Vanderpool, B. Wilson, AND S. Acree. Framework for Site Characterization for Monitored Natural Attenuation of Volatile Organic Compounds in Ground Water. U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Washington, DC, EPA/600/R-12/712, 2012.
Impact/Purpose:
EPA/600/R-12/712 Publication Report "Framework for Site Characterization for Monitored Natural Attenuation of Volatile Organic Compounds in Ground Water"
Description:
Monitored Natural Attenuation (MNA) is unique among remedial technologies in relying entirely on natural processes to achieve site-specific objectives. Site characterization is essential to provide site-specific data and interpretations for the decision-making process (i.e., to determine if site remedial goals can be met with MNA in appropriate remedial time frames), and to provide site-specific data and interpretations to design a performance monitoring system (i.e., to determine the necessary monitoring parameters, locations, and frequency for monitoring). This publication provides a framework for site characterization in the context of MNA and is intended primarily for project managers to use during the planning, tasking, implementation, and/or review of site characterization where MNA may be considered as a potential remedial technology. This document presents a broad overview of technical issues including development of a conceptual site model, characterization variables, sampling locations and frequencies, problematic issues encountered at MNA sites and approaches to overcome them, and the interpretations related to the MNA decision-making process.