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LUST ON-LINE CALCULATOR INTRODUCTION
Citation:
Weaver, J W. LUST ON-LINE CALCULATOR INTRODUCTION. Presented at RevTech Conference, Pittsburg, PA, July 22--24, 2003.
Impact/Purpose:
To assist decision-making by improving approaches to subsurface contaminant transport modeling based on evaluation of field observations and subsequent development of appropriate modeling approaches and tools.
Description:
EPA has developed a suite of on-line calculators to assist in performing site assessment and modeling calculations for leaking underground storage tank sites (http://www.epa.gov/athens/onsite). The calculators are divided into four types: parameter estimation, models, scientific demos and unit conversions. Parameter estimation calculators are used to estimate gradients, chemical parameters, retardation factors, multiphase partitioning and effective solubilities. Simple models are included to perform transport analyses which include transport of contaminants to receptors, diving of plumes due to recharge, and estimates of uncertainty in model outcomes. Scientific demos illustrate concepts concerning subsurface flow and transport, including for example the effects of borehole dilution on observed concentrations. Unit conversions for parameters unique to this field (hydraulic conductivity, Henry's law constants, rate constants) are included as aids to correct site assessment and analysis. Since their beginning in 1999, the calculators have proven to be a useful tool as evidenced by steady increase in their usage. EPA is currently adapting the calculators to address a wider variety of problems by including parameter values for more chemicals and by developing a model for chlorinated solvent transport and transformation.