1. High Resolution Site Characterization
Applying Next Generation Tools to Accelerate
Site Closure
William M. Davis
Triad Environmental Solutions, Inc.
Brad Carlson
ZEBRA

2. • Overview: Need for High Resolution Site
Characterization
• Tools for HR Characterization
High Resolution Hydro-geologic
Mapping Tools
Real-time Analytical Tools
Semi-quantitative
Quantitative
• Strategies for HR
Characterization
• Case Studies
High Resolution Site Characterization Applying Next
Generation Tools

3. Why are there so many old NAPL
sites and why are NAPL sources
so hard to find?
• Heterogeneity of subsurface geology and
hydrogeology
• The nature of NAPL
transport
• Need high density data
to design remedy
• Need cost effective NAPL
source and plume
characterization tools
6283 ft MIP/DSITMS
@ 83 locations
6283 ft MIP/DSITMS
@ 83 locations
High Resolution Site Characterization
Applying Next Generation Tools

4. • Apply HR Characterization methods to map mass and hydrogeology
• Knowing mass and hydraulic conductivity allows assessment of flux
• Use flux-informed decision making to target moving mass
 Focus remedies to reduce volume of treatment and minimize risk
 Understand endpoints and duration before investing in remedy
 Reduce total life cycle costs
Return on investment from using HR Characterization– typically 5 to 10x
High Resolution Site Characterization
Applying Next Generation Tools

5. SHAREPOINT WEBSITE FOR DATA SHARING

6. Cross-section from a 2D ECD Fence Slice.
Installed MW overlay
ECD Background Slice
Sampling Event Data
Lithology
Overlay
ECD Graph Overlay

7. 3D ECD Fence Model

8. Using 3D modeling software, we can generate true 3D Solid Models. This Plan
View model was created using ECD data from a recent MIP project . Any
orientation can be displayed and cross-sections or fence diagrams can be
created.

9. HRSC Solid Model with Surface Objects

10. HRSC Model with SubSurface Objects

11. Electrical Conductivity EC

13. What is the Membrane Interface Probe?
The Membrane Interface Probe (MIP) is rapid, high-resolution field screening
technology that provides information about relative concentrations of VOCs in the
subsurface, and the Electrical Conductivity of the soil.
The MIP uses a thin film fluorocarbon polymer
membrane approx. 6.35mm in diameter which
stays in direct contact with the soil during MIP
logging.
•The thin film membrane is impregnated into a
stainless steel screen which serves as a rigid
support for the fluorocarbon polymer.
•The down-hole, permeable membrane serves
as an interface to a detector at the surface.
•Volatiles in the subsurface are getting
transferred across the membrane and partition
into a stream of carrier gas where they are
swept to the detector. The membrane is heated
in order to facilitate VOC transfer and self-
cleaning.

14. The MIP System

15. THE MIP PROBE
EC Dipole
Membrane
Heater Block

16. FID
PID
ECD

17. MIP Detection Limits
MIP DETECTORS
Contaminates Detection Limit Carrier Gas
PID BTEX 1 PPM Nitrogen, Helium
FID Methane, Butane NA Nitrogen, Helium
ECD Chlorinateds 250PPB Nitrogen

18. MIP Log

19. Hydraulic Profiling Tool (HPT)

20. • Advance probe at
constant rate
• Inject water at low
flow rate
• Measure formation
pressure response
2 cm/sec
Hydraulic Profiling Tool (HPT)

21. HPT LOG
EC HPT Press Flow Corr HPT
Pressure
Est K Abs Hydro
Pressure

22. HPT Dissipation – Static Water Level
24.4ft
24.5ft

23. THE MiHPT PROBE
EC Dipole
MIP Membrane
Heater Block HPT Screen

24. The MiHPT System

26. CPT & CPT/MIP

27. CPT

28. CPT Log
Sleeve
Friction
Tip Resistance
Lithology
Description
Friction
Ratio
Pore
Pressure

29. HPT-GWS
A Combined HPT and Groundwater Sampler probe!

30. HPT-GWS
A Combined HPT and Groundwater Sampler probe!

31. DAKOTA - UVOST/LIF

36. UVOST/LIF

37. Hydro-Geology
– Cone Penetrometer
– Direct-Push Technology
– Hydraulic Profiling Tool
Analytical
– In-Situ Probes
MIP
UVOST
– GC/MS EPA Method 8260b
– DSITMS EPA Method 8265
Examples of Real-Time
Technologies for High Resolution
Site Characterization
High Resolution Site Characterization Applying Next Generation Tools

38. Discrete sampling combined with ex-situ, on-site analysis
GW and/or soil sampling with on-site
analysis can produce high density data
sets cost effectively.
GW and soil data required to collaborate
Semi-quantitative MIP results
Numerous sampling methods including
direct push and sonic drilling
High through put, real-time analyses
using on-site EPA Methods
High Resolution Site Characterization Applying Next Generation Tools

39. On-site Analysis of Vapor, Soil and GW Using US EPA Method 8265
Direct sampling ion trap mass spectrometer (DSITMS)
MIP
Very Rapid Analytical Turn Around
Soil and GW in 2-3 min.
Vapor in 3-5 min.
Quantitative
High level QC

40. Real-time Direct Sampling Ion Trap Mass Spectrometer
(DSITMS) Analysis of VOCs in Soil, GW and Vapor
• Basis for US EPA SW846 Method 8265
• Quantitative VOC analyses
LODs ug/kg, ug/L, ug/m3
• Sample turn around times
of 2-3 min. (soil and GW)
• Over 80 client samples per
day plus QC
• Can be used as MIP
detector
Method 5035 MeOH Extract Method 8265 Analysis
High Resolution Site Characterization
Applying Next Generation Tools

41. On-site Labs using EPA SW846 Methods
EPA SW 846
Method
Instrument Daily Client
Sample
Throughput
Advantages Disadvantages
8021c PT/GC 20 NELAP
available, can
ID isomers
25 minute run
times, subject to
overload
8260b PT/GC/MS 20 NELAP
available, can
ID isomers
25 minute run
times, subject to
overload
8265 P/DSITMS 80 2-3 minute run
times, very
rapid recovery
from overload
Isomers reported
as pair/group
High Resolution Site Characterization
Applying Next Generation Tools

42. • Multiple lines of evidence (data)
Geologic
Hydrogeologic
Contaminant
• High density data sets
plan view and vertical
• Adaptive, flexible, dynamic…..
sampling plan with clear DQOs
• On-site, real-time analysis
• On-site, real-time decisions
• Evolving conceptual site model
Strategies for Cost Effective Site Characterization
High Resolution Site Characterization
Applying Next Generation Tools

43. Approach
Triad approach used with full systematic planning, active involvement of
LA DEQ during planning and execution
Real-time geologic data collected using CPT with pore pressure sensor
Real-time measurement of TCE and daughter products by combined
CPT/MIP w/ FID/PID/ECD and DSITMS
Direct push soil and GW sampling with on-site soil and GW analysis
by EPA Method 8265
Off-site GW analysis by EPA Method 8260 for LA DEQ decision
quality data
Daily posting of field data to password protected, project specific website
Daily updating of evolving Conceptual Site Model
Case Study
TCE Source and Plume Investigation NASA Michoud Assembly Facility

44. Case Study
TCE Source and Plume Investigation NASA Michoud Assembly Facility
Proposed transects for 190 Tank Farm and RWI

45. Case Study
TCE Source and Plume Investigation NASA Michoud Assembly Facility
Stratigraphic cross section RWI

46. Case Study
TCE Source and Plume Investigation NASA Michoud Assembly Facility
DNAPL with stratigraphy in the RWI Area

47. Case Study
TCE Source and Plume Investigation NASA Michoud Assembly Facility

48. Case Study
TCE Source and Plume Investigation NASA Michoud Assembly Facility
Conclusions
Project objectives were met:
DNAPL source areas were delineated in three dimensions and DNAPL
mass was estimated for the three areas of interest:
Building 103: 65,700 kg TCE, 44,900 L (11,800 gal)
190 Tank Farm: 30,900 kg TCE, 21,200 L (5,600 gal)
Rinse Water Imp: 41,900 kg TCE, 29,400 L (7,700 gal)
Mapped boundaries of dissolved phase
TCE and daughter products exceeding
LA DEQ standards were established
Triad approach managed both
sampling and analytical uncertainty
Collaborative data sets created
strong/defensible final CSM
Data used for evaluating Interim
Stabilization Measures and Final Remedies

49. High Resolution Site Characterization
Applying Next Generation Tools

50. Summary
• High density data (geologic, hydro-geologic and
contaminant distribution) are required to understand
DNAPL sites
• Having a full tool box (hydro-geologic and analytical)
allows cost effective implementation
of dynamic investigations
• Experienced staff must be
involved during field
execution, both on-site
and off-site
High Resolution Site Characterization Applying Next Generation Tools

51. Summary
• Many tools are available to support high density
data collection
• Using available tools, complex NAPL sites can be
characterized cost effectively
• The costs associated with
creating high density,
accurate Conceptual Site
Models are repaid
multiple times over during
site remediation
High Resolution Site Characterization Applying Next Generation Tools

52. Stratigraphy Contaminant Hydrogeology
CSM viewed as an instrument
Triad
Instruments,
Inc.
Triadometer
Model T2007
Operations
Manual
Model T2007
Operations Man.
Table of Contents
1. DQO process
2. Historical info.
3. SOPs/QC
4. Decision logic
5. Data Manag.
6. Data Commun.
Triadometer
Model T2007

53. How do you know when enough (data) is enough?
Using the Triad
approach allows the
decision to stop
taking data to be
made with
confidence
BEFORE you
leave the site.
High Resolution Site Characterization Applying Next Generation Tools