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U.S.-GERMAN BILATERAL WORKING GROUP: International Research Cooperation to Develop and Evaluate Tools and Techniques for Revitalization of Potentially Contaminated Sites
Citation:
VEGA, A. M., M. GAST, A. M. GATCHETT, K. WOLLIN, R. ARGUS, AND J. BRAUN. U.S.-GERMAN BILATERAL WORKING GROUP: International Research Cooperation to Develop and Evaluate Tools and Techniques for Revitalization of Potentially Contaminated Sites. Presented at ConSoil 2005, Special Session 7, Bordeaux Convention Centre, Bordeaux, FRANCE, October 03 - 07, 2005.
Impact/Purpose:
collaboration
Description:
The U.S. German Bilateral Working Group originated in 1990 in order to share and transfer information, ideas, tools and techniques regarding environmental research. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)/Office of Research and Development (ORD) and the German Federal Ministry for Education and Research (BMBF) developed this partnership. Initially they worked together in Phase 1 (1990-1995) to evaluate innovative treatment technologies for contaminated sites. Much of this early research cooperation was dedicated to learning about each country's sampling and analytical methods and quality assurance procedures, in addition to learning about each organization's respective mission and policies. From 1990-1995, five innovative treatment technologies were evaluated in the U.S. and five in Germany. U.S. and German sampling and analytical methods were used in both countries. EPA and the BMBF focused primarily on developing and implementing quality assurance procedures for the sampling and analytical methods and also quality management procedures for the overall technology evaluation. During Phases 2 (1995-2000), the quality assurance/management procedures developed in Phase 1 were evaluated with ten additional technology evaluations (five in each country). In the U.S., Phases 1 and 2 resulted in a refinement of quality assurance/management procedures for technology evaluations. For Germany, Phases 1 and 2 resulted in the German Standard Procedures for the Evaluation of Remedial Technologies (DETAD). Additionally, many of the technologies were implemented for site remediation and the technology evaluation information was transferred to other countries. In 2000, EPA and BMBF decided to continue their cooperative activities in Phase 3 with a focus on removing obstacles to the revitalization of potentially contaminated sites. During Phase 3, products were developed in each country that will continue to be tested and refined over the next several years. Now, EPA and BMBF are beginning Phase 4 of the Bilateral Working Group, which will focus on sustainable land revitalization.