Abstract |
The environmental problems being faced by the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the US Army are closely related, and the research needed to address them overlaps in many areas. The paper presents an overview of the hazardous waste site remediation research programs being conducted by EPA's Risk Reduction Engineering Laboratory (RREL) and proposes a number of areas where joint efforts between the two agencies could be mutually beneficial. EPA has established a policy of encouraging the use of innovative technologies that both reduce the quantity of contaminant to be handled and also destroy harmful contaminants. Several technologies, including soil washing, soil vapor extraction, thermal desorption, solvent extraction and soil flushing are of special interest. The RREL has established capabilities for treatability studies and other research endeavors at a number of its locations. EPA also continues to foster the use of innovative technologies through its Superfund Innovative Technology Evaluation (SITE) program. In addition, EPA has established a technology transfer program available to other agencies involving both manuals/documents and training personnel. The authors welcome future contacts by Army personnel interested in sharing environmental projects. |