Assessing Alternative Endpoints for Groundwater Remediation at Contaminated Sites
Abstract
This report is intended to provide Department of Defense (DoD) site managers and other stakeholders an overview of alternative endpoints and approaches to address cleanup complexities or challenges. Examples of alternative endpoints and approaches include applicable or relevant and appropriate requirement (ARAR) waivers, alternate concentration limits (ACL), adaptive site management approaches, and the use of passive remedies over long time frames. Per regulatory requirements, these alternative endpoints and approaches must be protective of human health and the environment. The report helps increase awareness of different designations used at other sites, how sites have formulated alternative endpoints and metrics, and how they have documented their decisions. Findings described in this report are based on an analysis of case studies of site remediation under a variety of cleanup programs (Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation and Liability Act [CERCLA], Resource Conservation and Recovery Act [RCRA], and state lead/voluntary cleanup programs) that have implemented or considered alternative endpoints or approaches for groundwater. Several factors have made alternative endpoints and approaches beneficial or necessary. These include the underlying technical limitations to groundwater cleanup, as well as several factors that would be considered during a comprehensive analysis of the costs and benefits to society of removing residual contamination (e.g., life-cycle costs, sustainability impacts, resource consumption). Technical limitations have been understood for years; however, new technical challenges continue to be documented.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- May 01, 2011
- Accession Number
- ADA544571
Entities
People
- Elisabeth Hawley
- Lauren Kell
- Robert O'laskey
- Rula Deeb