Detailed Field Investigation of Vapor Intrusion Processes
Abstract
The purpose of this demonstration was to validate improved vapor intrusion field investigation methods to support cost-effective evaluation of the vapor intrusion pathway. Intensively monitored sites, such as the Borden Landfill in Canada, have greatly contributed to our understanding of the physical and chemical processes that control the transport of chemicals in groundwater. For this project, we have used a similar approach (i.e., intensively monitored sites with specially designed monitoring networks) to address the critical groundwater-to-indoor-air vapor intrusion pathway. The primary goal of the project has been to support the development of refined vapor intrusion guidance, stepwise screening, and cost-effective field investigation approaches. This will benefit facility managers by providing investigation results that support a defensible evaluation of vapor intrusion. Determination of the presence or absence of vapor intrusion impacts is important to the site management process. Definitive determination of the absence of vapor intrusion allows resources to be directed to other site impacts while avoiding presumptive mitigation, which can be burdensome from both financial and public relations perspectives. The primary objective of this demonstration study was to identify a cost-effective and accurate protocol for investigation of vapor intrusion into buildings overlying contaminated groundwater. Three performance goals were established, and all objectives were met, namely, *Collection of data representative of site conditions *Determination of vapor intrusion impacts at demonstration sites (i.e., indoor air concentration of chemical above risk-based screening limit, not attributable to background indoor air sources) *Development of a reliable vapor intrusion investigation approach (i.e., identify a limited scope investigation approach with higher accuracy than current approaches).
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Aug 01, 2008
- Accession Number
- ADA495628
Entities
People
- Thomas McHugh
Organizations
- GSI Environmental (United States)