The Department of Energy (DOE) has one of the largest groundwater and soil contamination problems
and subsequent cleanup responsibilities in the world, due to the sheer volume of affected soil and
groundwater, range of geologic settings, and diversity of contaminant types. Within DOE sites,
there are 10,000 areas needing groundwater and/or soil remediation. And each site requires its
own unique cleanup approach.
As a result of processes used for nuclear weapons production, the shallow subsurface at DOE sites
became contaminated with chemicals and radionuclides due to planned waste disposal operations
and unplanned spills and leaks. Many of these contaminants, including chlorinated solvents,
metals, and radionuclides, have migrated to the water table creating large groundwater plumes.
Both the contaminated soils and groundwater plumes now require cleanup. Much work has been performed
using traditional and innovative technologies. However, much work remains to be done and improved
technologies and approaches are needed to ensure the cleanup can be conducted effectively.
The Office of Groundwater and Soil Remediation is responsible for providing
DOE site managers with innovative technologies and approaches for cleaning up these sites.
Ultimately, the goal is to reduce risks to the public and the environment, improve safety,
and reduce remediation costs and schedules.
Where We Are Working
How We Are Working
Groundwater and Soil Program Areas
Where We are Working
The Office of Groundwater and Soil Remediation is working with DOE site managers at all the DOE sites where specific technical issues have arisen. At the large sites such as Hanford, Savannah River, and Oak Ridge, the Office of Groundwater and Soil Remediation has implemented research and demonstration projects to test new technologies and remediation approaches.
At Hanford, we are developing and testing cutting-edge remediation technologies to address radionuclides that have migrated to great depth within the unsaturated zone. Currently-available methods are inadequate for treating this type of problem. At Hanford alone there are many sites where radionuclides are present deep in the unsaturated (vadose) zone.
At Savannah River Site, we are studying ways to promote understanding and measurement of the effectiveness of natural processes to immobilize radionuclides in groundwater.
At Oak Ridge, we are studying remediation approaches for sites where mercury impacts soil, groundwater, and surface water. Mercury is a significant problem at a number of DOE sites as well as at many non-DOE industrial facilities. Improved understanding of mercury behavior in the environment is leading to novel, effective solutions for treating contamination in soil, sediment, and water and for protecting human and ecosystem health.
Ultimately, the technologies and tools being developed and tested are aimed at reducing risks to the public and the environment, improving safety performance, and reducing overall life-cycle remediation costs and schedules.
How We are Working
The Office of Groundwater and Soil Remediation uses a variety of mechanisms to accomplish our work.
We provide a link between basic research activities underway within the Office of Science and the site cleanup managers who are looking for solutions. And we collaborate with these scientists and engineers on joint projects and convene workshops to promote communication.
We work with national laboratories, universities, and industry to develop specific technical solutions.
We provide technical assistance and conduct expert technical reviews for DOE sites for specific problems by accessing world renowned experts from national laboratories, universities, and industry.
Photo: Diagonal drilling at the Savannah River F-Area Applied Field Research Site (photo from SRNL).
Groundwater and Soil Program Areas
Sampling and Characterization Technology:
Low-cost field characterization and monitoring
Characterization in/around piping/storm drains
Modeling
Improved conceptual models
Fate and transport models that account for unique subsurface characteristics and reactive processes
In Situ Technology
Cost-effective techniques during remedial actions and post-closure
Monitored natural attenuation (MNA)
Long-Term Monitoring
Low-cost monitoring tools to reduce lifecycle costs
Long-term monitoring for MNA and barrier performance
Technology Development and Deployment (TDD)
TDD activities include monitored natural attenuation, in-situ treatment, and characterization/monitoring. Understanding processes that affect the long-term effectiveness of natural attenuation (in lieu of more intensive and aggressive remediation approaches) is crucial to gaining confidence in planned site closure methods and regulatory acceptance. In-situ methods of treatment may be the only way to address remediation of persistent and toxic metals (mercury principally) and longer-lived radionuclides.
The TDD Program is also deploying technologies to mitigate or reduce contaminant movement toward the Columbia River.
Photo: Three-dimensional sketch of subsurface controls and processes related to cleanup of contaminated groundwater and soil.
Last Updated 9/22/2009
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