Workshop # 1: Theory and Use of Field Portable X-ray Fluorescence for Soil Analysis

Debbie Schatzlein, Sr. Applications Chemist, NITON Corporation, Billerica, MA
Volker Thomsen, Sr. Application Scientist, NITON Corporation, Billerica, MA

This workshop will cover the application of field-portable x-ray fluorescence spectrometry to soil analysis.  We begin with basic theory of x-ray fluorescence and an overview of the applications for this instrumental method of chemical analysis.  This will be followed by a discussion of the nstrumentation along with elements of radiation safety.   Statistical aspects of the measurements will be discussed.  Finally, an overview and discussion of EPA SW-846 Method 6200 will be presented.  Hands on use of the instruments will be promoted through several practical exercises.

Workshop # 2:  In-Situ Chemical Oxidation Workshop

William B. Kerfoot, Ph.D., LSP,  K-V Associates, Inc.,  Michael Marley, John Cookson, Jr., Kenneth Sperry, Xpert Design and Diagnostics, LLC    

To provide up-to-date information on in-situ chemical oxidation, this all-day workshop combines vendor presentations with professional consultant experience.  Four major oxidants will be considered:
Permanganate - MNO₄ ^-
Persulfate – S₂O₈^2-
Hydrogen peroxide – Fenton’s Reagent – H₂O₂
Ozone – O₃
In-situ chemical oxidation using ozone, Fenton’s Reagent, persulfate, permanganate or combinations can be an effective innovative technology for destroying organic contaminants within the groundwater aquifer where they occur.  Each oxidant requires certain design considerations for proper application.  This workshop concentrates on the following topics.
·        Oxidant chemistry principles
·        Available oxidants/compound stoichiometry
·        Oxidant selection/site evaluation
·        Laboratory bench-scale tests
·        Field pilot tests
·        Regulatory concerns
·        Case histories and time to closure  

Presentations will be made by vendors who supply equipment and consulting firms with specific site experience.  Case studies will be presented where design and operational issues will be discussed.

Workshop #3: TBA/MTBE Remediation Seminar Abstract

Ron Jansen, President, Remedial Operations Group, Crosby, TX
Ellen Moyer, Ph.D., P.E., Senior Project Manager, Tighe & Bond, Inc., Westfield, MA
Richard Woodward, President, Sierra Environmental Services, Houston, TX
Richard Sloan, Chickadee Remediation Company, Houston, TX

This seminar reviews physical, chemical, and biodegradation characteristics of tert butyl alcohol (TBA) and methyl tert butyl ether (MTBE).  Consideration of these characteristics leading to the optimization of remedial technologies employed at affected groundwater sites is evaluated and illustrated through a number of case studies.  Optimal remedial strategies take advantage of the characteristics of TBA, MTBE and other gasoline components, and often consist of a sequence of actions starting with receptor protection and source control, followed by remediation of residual and dissolved contamination, and ending with natural attenuation.

The seminar will explore the selection and execution of current and emerging technologies for the remediation of TBA, MTBE, and other gasoline components.  Commonly used technologies include:  soil vapor extraction; bioventing; air sparging; in situ ground water bioremediation; ex situ groundwater bioremediation; pump and treat; in situ chemical oxidation; and monitored natural attenuation.

Every site is different, with its own set of characteristics and challenges. Regardless of the composition of gasoline, rapid source control is critical to minimize environmental impact   Optimal strategies take advantage of these site characteristics as well as the specific characteristics of TBA and MTBE for cost-effective, timely, and environmentally sound TBA and MTBE remediation.

Workshop #4: A Practical Approach for Assessing Upward Vapor Intrusion Risk

Blayne Hartman, Ph.D., TEG, Solano Beach, CA

This workshop provides a comprehensive training class for regulators, responsible parties, and/or consultants on how to understand and assess the vapor intrusion pathway.  The workshop includes a review of the principles behind this risk pathway, a concise and understandable summary of the Environmental Protection Agency draft guidance, a demonstration of field methods used to access the risk, and a recommended sampling protocol for determining the risk.  The workshop is structured to provide a summary of mathematical models used to assess upward vapor intrusion tisks, a presentation of the alpha values used for assessing risk, and an overview of the soil vapor sampling protocols, such as soil gas active methods, vapor monitoring implants and flux chambers, used to obtain representative data for use in the upward vapor intrusion risk models.

Workshop #5:  The Arsenic Nobody Wanted:  Now What?  A Panel Discussion on Arsenic in Communities

Barbara O’Grady, Marion Galant, Colorado Dept of Public Health and Environment, Wendy O’Brien, USEPA, Region VIII, Celia VanDerLoop, City and County of Denver, Michael Grodin, Boston University Schools of Medicine and Public Health

Soil sampling in low-income Denver neighborhoods and a citywide selection of pre-1960s homes has shown high levels of arsenic in residential soils in a random pattern.  The source seems to be arsenical pesticides – this is “product” not “waste.”  Could one find similar results in virtually any pre-1960s community?  What can be done to reduce the hazard?  What resources might be available to address the problem?  Is it responsible to test, tell homeowners they have a problem, and not be able to offer cleanup assistance?  A panel of presenters, including a medical ethicist, a project manager, a geologist and a community involvement specialist will present the issue then open the floor to discussion.

Worskhop #6: Implementing the Massachusetts DEP's New Data Enhancement Policy - PRACTICAL Data Quality Tips for LSPs and other Data Users

Carol Bois, L.S.P., Bois Consulting Company, Inc., Framingham, MA, John Fitzgerald, Mass. DEP, One Winter Street, Boston, MA, James Occhialini, Alpha Analytical Laboratories, Westboro, MA

This workshop will expand on the DEP's latest policy, effective August 2003, regarding the LSP's use of laboratory analytical data for sites in Massachusetts. The DEP's recommended "presumptive certainty" defense will be reviewed so that LSPs can understand their options under the new policy.  Case studies will be reviewed so that workshop participants understand the practical application of the policy.  Information will be provided from a regulatory, practitioner's, and chemist's perspective -  without the chemistry jargon.

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