This fact sheet highlights ongoing efforts by the FRTR member agencies to better understand characterization and FRTR HIGHLIGHTS Summary and presentations from the . FRTR meeting on Fractured Bedrock Media (November 2010) posted on the FRTR website. remediation in fractured media. The complex geologic nature of fractured media impacts the characterization of such media and the design, implementation, and success of remediation strategies. The complex distribution and connectivity of fractures, joints, conduits, and other discontinuities in the rock, coupled with the large range in their hydraulic properties, results in highly convoluted flow paths over large distances. Fractured rock and carbonate aquifers are also characterized by void space associated with the initial formation of the rock, which influences the long-term retention of contaminants. Recent advances in understanding physical and chemical processes and characterizing groundwater flow and chemical transport in fractured rock aquifers are leading to defensible conceptual site models (CSM) that can minimize the number of monitoring locations, while achieving long-term monitoring objectives. Several characterization and remediation technologies are currently being used both at pilot- and full-scale levels to improve the understanding of these sites. At the 41st FRTR meeting, several such innovative characterization and remediation technologies for use at sites with fractured media were highlighted. In addition, some speakers also recommended changes to management strategies at such sites.