Engineering Papers⌕ Search

SEARCH · Engineering Papers

Results for “REMEDIATION”

Search indexed NASA NTRS and DOE OSTI research on propulsion, heat transfer, battery materials and energy systems. Follow report and document links to the original sources.

Quote a phrase for an exact phrase match. Source license links do not imply unrestricted reuse.

At least 253 records · Page 14
All sourcesNASA NTRSDOE OSTI
DOE OSTI2012

Remediation of Occupied Commercial Property Subject to Widespread Radium-226 Contamination - Confidential Client in the South-West of England - 12570

AMEC was contacted by a company that managed commercial office space in 2010. High Rn- 222 measurements had been observed throughout the facility and the landlord had been advised to commission a radiological survey of the site. The site had been purchased by the client in the 1990's. Initial desk studies found that the building had operated for around 50 years as a compass factory. Non-intrusive investigation identified widespread Ra-226 contamination. Ra-226 was found in the fabric of the building, in attic spaces, buried under floor boards and underlying car parks. Intrusive investigation was undertaken to estimate volume(s) of waste, waste categories, activity concentrations and the total inventory of radioactive materials on site. This work identified the presence of 180 GBq of Ra-226 on site. A programme of work is currently underway to remediate the site tackling areas posing the greatest risk to site occupants as a priority. We have worked closely with Regulators, our client, and tenants, to decontaminate the fabric of the building whilst areas of the building remain occupied. The radiological risk, from irradiation, ingestion and inhalation (of Ra-226 and Rn- 222) has been assessed before, during and after intervention to minimise the risks to site occupants. Tenants were moved from areas of unacceptable radiological risk to areas unaffected by the presence of radioactive materials. Rn-222 mitigation measures were installed during the remedial operations to minimise the hazard from Rn-222 that was liberated as a result of decontamination activities. Decontamination techniques were required to be sympathetic to the building as the ageing structure was in danger of collapse during several phases of work. The first phase of remediation is now complete and the decontaminated building is being returned for use as office space. The radiological risks have been significantly reduced and, in areas where decontamination was not possible (e.g. due to concerns over the structural integrity of the building), mitigation measures have been installed. (authors)

12 MANAGEMENT OF RADIOACTIVE AND NON-RADIOACTIVE W↗
DOE OSTI2017

Uranium Sequestration - Field Test to Remedial Action - 17151

The Hanford Site historical nuclear weapons production has resulted in legacy soil and groundwater contamination and is now one of the nation's largest superfund sites. The 300 Area of the Hanford Site is adjacent to the Columbia River close to the city of Richland, Washington. It contained facilities and waste disposal sites that supported uranium fuel production and research and development activities. Contaminated liquid waste discharged to the waste disposal sites caused persistent uranium contamination within the underlying groundwater, which flows into the Columbia River. The DOE performed field scale treatability studies in the 300 Area to assess the use of phosphate to sequester uranium as a potential remediation strategy. The Record of Decision was issued in November 2013 and requires DOE to use phosphate to sequester uranium over a 1.2 hectare area by applying phosphate to the highest uranium concentration areas of the vadose zone and the periodically re-wetted zone using a combination of surface infiltration, periodically re-wetted zone injection, and shallow aquifer injection. Due to the inherent difficulties in scale-up from a limited field test to a full-scale remedial action, it was determined that uranium sequestration would occur in two sequential stages: Stage A and Stage B. Stage A would treat a 0.3 hectare area, while Stage B would treat the remaining 0.9 hectare area. The purpose of Stage A was to test the remediation approach on a smaller area, refine the process based on the results, and then implement it in a larger area. Stage A of the phosphate application to sequester uranium was implemented in November 2015. This paper includes a description of the Stage A uranium sequestration process (objectives, observations, and conclusions), the sampling and monitoring approach, the physical sequestration system, and recommended changes for Stage B. (authors)

12 MANAGEMENT OF RADIOACTIVE AND NON-RADIOACTIVE W↗
DOE OSTI2015

Experience in environmental remediation of radioactively contaminated site in waste disposal area in Istanbul - 15011

In this paper specific environmental remediation examples of method applications are given. Radiological contaminated site was created by non-nuclear industry in Turkey. This is designated as a contaminated site and can ultimately lead to undesired health effects for residents. Appropriate actions have been taken to protect human and environment from contaminated site. As every site has its own characteristics, contaminated area was examined by sampling and surveying works. Before taken into action, remediation actions need to be justified and optimized. Radiation levels and homogeneity of contamination was investigated. Remediation program was established and taken into action in parallel two main works. First one covers all actions to the contamination itself. The site was isolated properly and all equipment was deployed. Working methods for segregation of contaminated material from the soil were determined. Besides, risk evaluation was carried out. Pathways between the contaminated soil and people were taken into account. Groundwater samples were taken and analyzed. According to these results, evacuation, area isolation or changing land use options were evaluated. Isolation of the site and removal of radioactive materials were determined as appropriate actions. (authors)

12 MANAGEMENT OF RADIOACTIVE AND NON-RADIOACTIVE W↗
DOE OSTI2015

Overcoming the barriers to implementation of decommissioning and environmental remediation projects, the CIDER project - 15160

Much remains to be done in terms of addressing the legacies from the early development of nuclear energy, including the dismantling of redundant research and fuel cycle facilities, research reactors, and power plants, and the remediation of sites affected by past uranium mining and processing operations. Long-term solutions still need to be found for management of the resulting waste, including development of disposal facilities that meet public acceptance and safety requirements. Some countries are moving forward with dealing with these legacies, and accordingly have built up appropriate technical resources and expertise, but many national programmes still face very significant challenges. Many are the factors that constrain progress in addressing past legacies. It is recognized the importance of early implementation of decommissioning and environmental remediation (D and ER) programmes in order to safeguard people and the environment from the undesirable effects of ionizing radiation and other hazards associated with these sites. There is also an urgent need to better understand the global status of these activities and to establish mechanisms to analyze and report the barriers impeding the implementation of D and ER programmes, with the aim of outlining actions that may improve the current situation. The IAEA has thus launched the CIDER Project (Constraints to Implementing Decommissioning and Environmental Remediation) with the broad aim of contributing to improve current levels of performance on D and ER programmes through promoting greater cooperation amongst its Member States and relevant international organizations. This paper provides early results from the first phase of the project. During this phase, a survey on the global situation of D and ER was undertaken in order to better understand why these programmes proceed faster in some countries than in others; to identify major constraining factors that affect the implementation of D and ER programmes and how these impediments might be overcome. The paper aims to address policy-level issues, regulatory aspects, technological aspects, and stakeholder involvement in the decision-making process. In the next phase of the project it is intended that specific actions and/or innovative approaches will be proposed at international, regional, or national levels with the goal of facilitating progress in programme implementation. (authors)

12 MANAGEMENT OF RADIOACTIVE AND NON-RADIOACTIVE W↗
DOE OSTI2015

Concluding a steam injection remediation project at a dense non-aqueous phase liquid source zone at the Savannah River site - 15303

Multiple subsurface dense non-aqueous phase liquid (DNAPL) source zones served as the sources for a groundwater plume within the A/M Area of the Savannah River Site. Between 1952 and 1985 over 1,600 metric tons of trichloroethylene, tetrachloroethylene, and 1,1,1-trichloroethane were released to the environment resulting in a 648 hectare plume with the M-Area Settling Basin receiving over half of the solvent discharges. In 1991, DNAPL was found in a water table well and steam injection technology was selected to remediate the source zone. Based on characterization data, the treatment area was 1.21 hectare with depths between 13.7 to 50.3 m. The remediation system included 96 vertical, horizontal, and angled steam injection and soil vapor extraction wells and a thermal monitoring system. Construction of the system began in 2004 and operation began in 2005. Steam was applied to the deep vadose zone first, then progressed to the aquifer, followed by the mid-vadose zone. Multiple steam strategies were utilized to enhance mass removal and were concluded in 2009. Soil vapor extraction continues, with residual temperatures in the deep permeability zones still exceeding 65 deg.C. To date over 204 metric tons of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) have been removed. Post-remediation soil, vapor, temperature, and groundwater data were used to evaluate steam injection effectiveness and demonstrated significant reduction in soil concentration, including removal of DNAPL that was evident in several soil cores prior to treatment. Heating the subsurface increased VOC solubility in groundwater and increased mass removal rates outside the target zone. (authors)

12 MANAGEMENT OF RADIOACTIVE AND NON-RADIOACTIVE W↗
DOE OSTI2015

US EPA superfund radon vapor intrusion preliminary remediation goal (RAD-VIPRG) electronic calculator - 15349

Currently, there is no U.S. EPA guidance on correlating soil or groundwater levels of radon with indoor radon concentrations at Superfund sites. EPA is developing the Radon Vapor Intrusion Preliminary Remediation Goal (RAD-VIPRG) Calculator which is a spreadsheet tool that (1) lists two radon isotopes (Rn-220 and Rn-222) known to pose a potential cancer risk through the inhalation pathway; (2) provides generally recommended risk and Applicable or Relevant and Appropriate Requirements (ARAR) based preliminary remediation goals (PRG) for groundwater, soil gas (exterior to buildings and sub-slab) and indoor air for default target risk and ARAR based levels and exposure scenarios; and (3) allows calculation of site-specific PRGs based on user-defined target risk and ARAR levels and exposure scenarios. EPA developed the RAD-VIPRG calculator to help risk assessors, remedial project managers, and others involved with risk assessment and decision making at radioactively contaminated sites.(authors)

61 RADIATION PROTECTION AND DOSIMETRY↗
DOE OSTI2015

Indoor Dust Remedial Investigation Sampling at the Colonie FUSRAP Site - 15578

The Colonie Formerly Utilized Sites Remedial Action Program (FUSRAP) Site is located in the Town of Colonie, Albany County, New York. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) is currently addressing environmental contamination associated with the Site. The area surrounding the Site consists of residential and commercial properties, known as vicinity properties. Cleanup activities have been completed on many of these VPs under the FUSRAP to address depleted uranium contamination. Soil remediation activities have been substantially completed at the Colonie FUSRAP Site and its VPs under the FUSRAP. Recent studies performed by an independent party and under FUSRAP identified uranium within indoor dust in residencies and businesses in the immediate vicinity of the Site. The studies were limited to non-living areas such as basement window sills, garages, and attics. This paper discusses the indoor dust Remedial Investigation (RI) for the VPs at the Colonie FUSRAP Site. The indoor dust sample media presented many technical challenges regarding sampling design, data reduction, and data interpretation. In addition, because the RI is focused on numerous resident-owned, rental, and commercial properties, challenges where presented regarding right-of-entry to sample and concerns were raised regarding confidentiality of the results. In response to this, a community outreach communication and education program is being developed to mitigate property-owner concerns. The paper also identifies specific action levels used to determine future actions. Ultimately, property-specific risk assessments, performed at properties exceeding the action levels, will be used to determine whether a response action is appropriate under FUSRAP. (authors)

12 MANAGEMENT OF RADIOACTIVE AND NON-RADIOACTIVE W↗
DOE OSTI2015

DOE site remedial management optimization utilizing on the cloud computing systems - 15676

Environmental cleanups at complex sites necessarily address many competing demands and answer questions such as: 'What is the best way and in a sustainable manner to minimize risk to human health and the environment during active restoration efforts and/or long term legacy management, while incorporating parameter uncertainty, management considerations, and stakeholder concerns into the process?' Physics Based Management Optimization (PBMO{sup TM}) provides a means to answer such questions. 'Physics Based' indicates incorporation of numerically computed groundwater flow and transport processes into the analysis. This enables optimal remedy design based on comprehensive mass removal/destruction metrics and optimal monitoring strategies. 'Management Optimization' indicates the ability to incorporate objective functions (e.g., management constraints, sustainability considerations) into the evaluation. PBMO{sup TM} components have been successfully implemented for optimal plume delineation (points of compliance) and monitoring, for optimal system design and to optimize existing active treatment systems in the US at multiple DOE, DOD and industrial sites since the mid 1990's. PBMO{sup TM} has been recently extended and implemented on multi-core, multi-CPU grid computing systems including computational clusters, local area networks and the Cloud. This extension allows for increased flexibility and adaptation of computational resources which can now support optimal remedy design and long term management strategies for complex soil and groundwater sites. In the PBMO{sup TM} -Grid case study, we evaluate flow and transport for a typical optimization search for a realistic project against sequential optimization. PBMO{sup TM}-Grid reduces the CPU time required to solve the optimization problem by more than a factor of 14 X compared to sequential optimization. PBMO{sup TM}-Grid can be deployed for deterministic or stochastic optimization and formally computes design risk and predicted degree of remedial action success. The numerical models used can consist of a single 'mega' model (aka a monolith), or a mixture of models and other calculations or expert systems. PBMO{sup T}M-Grid integrates the computational models in a seamless manner, and models run on the Cloud can be implemented in Windows or Linux platforms. (authors)

12 MANAGEMENT OF RADIOACTIVE AND NON-RADIOACTIVE W↗
DOE OSTI2015

Quantitative assessment of sustainable remediation options for the M-1 air stripper system at SRS - 15702

The US Department of Energy (DOE) Savannah River Site (SRS) covers 310 sq. miles and is located south of Aiken, SC. The site produced materials used in the production of nuclear weapons from the 1950's to the 1980's. Trichloroethylene (TCE) and tetrachloroethylene (PCE) were the main solvents used in degreasing and other industrial operations. These solvents are categorized as dense non-aqueous phase liquids (DNAPLs), semi-volatile, and hazardous chemical compounds. In the 1980's, operations were initiated to remediate the contaminated soil and groundwater which continues today. The M-1 air stripper and well network has operated continuously since 1985 at an average electrical load of 150 kW and flow rate of 420 gpm. The influent TCE concentration to the air stripper has decreased exponentially from 25,200 ug/L in 1986 to 2,230 ug/L by the end of 2012, with the same energy consumption and water pumping rate. To analyze the operation of the SRS A/M Area groundwater remediation system using state-of-the-art modeling tools to provide suggested engineering and operational improvements to expend less resources while still containing the contaminant plume. Implementation of improvements will help DOE-EM apply sustainable remediation at its sites and help DOE achieve DOE-wide sustainability performance metrics. Located in the northern part of SRS within the lower reaches of the Tims Branch watershed (topographic elevation from ∼420 X to ∼ 118 X). Consists of facilities that fabricated reactor fuel and target assemblies (M-Area), and administrative and support facilities (A-Area). M-1 Air Stripper and Recovery Well Network Installed in 1985 to treat groundwater in order to reduce chlorinated solvent concentrations. 17 recovery wells have been installed over the years. Currently recovery wells 1-12 feed the M1 air stripper. The treated groundwater is discharged to a stream in Tims Branch. The monthly removal rate and the cumulative mass removed for TCE and PCE in the 12 recovery wells was analyzed for 1985-2012. 7 of 12 recovery wells have transitioned to more PCE than TCE removed. This is an expected result since TCE was initially used and then replaced by PCE. The rate of recovery in some wells was affected by the Dynamic Underground Stripping process. 7 wells exhibit exponential decay in contaminant removal while 5 exhibit steady concentrations, and 2 exhibit linear decreases. Future Work: Identify opportunities to improve efficiencies related to electrical energy, water usage, and the use of other resources, beginning with mechanical design modifications. Investigate operational strategies to increase system performance by optimizing the hydraulic loads, pumping rates, contaminant mass flow rates and well drawdown levels. Determine a set of metrics which will correlate the pumping rates, the cone of depression, and the interaction between the wells with the contaminant mass flow rates.

12 MANAGEMENT OF RADIOACTIVE AND NON-RADIOACTIVE W↗
DOE OSTI2016

Near Real-Time Two and Three-Dimensional Electrical Geophysical Monitoring of Natural and Engineered Processes Associated with Subsurface Remediation - 16052

Legacy soil and groundwater contamination associated with nuclear weapons production is projected to be one of the largest cleanup liabilities to the U.S. Department of Energy for the foreseeable future. Remediation of subsurface contaminants is complicated by the combined effects of geochemical heterogeneity, geological heterogeneity, and the difficulty and expense of adequate borehole access. Each of these complications contributes to uncertainty in the distribution of contaminants and the performance of in situ treatments, which increases risk to human health and the environment and cost to closure in general. Electrical resistivity tomography (ERT) is a method of remotely imaging the electrical properties of the subsurface, which are governed by both geochemical and geological structure, thereby providing useful proxies for understanding contaminant distribution and the behavior in situ remediation processes. Recent advancements in both data collection and data processing capabilities are enabling ERT monitoring to be executed and provided to site operators in near real-time. To summarize the process, ERT surveys are rapidly and continuously collected during a time-sensitive operation such as an amendment injection. At the completion of each survey, data are transferred by wireless internet to offsite supercomputing resources for parallel tomographic inversion. Inversion results are then transferred back to onsite operators and/or other locations for visualization. In this paper, we demonstrate the utility of time-lapse ERT for monitoring fluid transport (both gas and liquid phase). We then demonstrate two real-time imaging applications for monitoring both natural and engineered processes at the Hanford Site within the vadose and the saturated zones. We expect this new capability for autonomous real-time imaging to enable ERT to be used as a cost-effective, short-term rapid feedback mechanism for guiding subsurface remediation injections, in addition to longer term monitoring of post-injection performance and environmental impact, all using the same electrode array and instrumentation. (authors)

12 MANAGEMENT OF RADIOACTIVE AND NON-RADIOACTIVE W↗
DOE OSTI2016

Technical Evaluation of Iodine Remediation for 200-UP-1 - 16379

From the 1940's through the 1990's, liquid wastes from materials used and produced at the Hanford Site were disposed to the ground through cribs, ditches, ponds, and trenches. The major sources that contributed to groundwater contamination within the 200-UP-1 Operable Unit (OU) were associated with plutonium-separation and uranium recovery operations at the S Plant and U Plant facilities, as well groundwater migration from 200-ZP-1 OU. Iodine-129 is present in the groundwater and vadose zone beneath the 200-UP-1 OU, and is one of the primary risk drivers for the site. Hydraulic containment is the currently selected remedy for I-129 in the groundwater. There is currently no remedy selected for controlling migration of I-129 from the vadose zone to the groundwater. A UP-1 Evaluation Plan for I-129 was developed to provide the scientific and technical understanding necessary for developing remediation approaches for I-contaminated groundwater as well as risk-based approaches for managing I-129 present in the vadose zone. A site conceptual model for understanding the biogeochemical drivers for iodine speciation and determine the processes that drive the fate and transport of I-129 through the vadose zone and into groundwater was included. These data will provide the information to decrease the uncertainty related to the inventory, distribution, and transport properties which will lead to appropriate treatment strategies for the I-129 plume(s). A wide range of technologies and approaches are being evaluated including consideration of removal, cost, and long-term impacts to the site. (authors)

12 MANAGEMENT OF RADIOACTIVE AND NON-RADIOACTIVE W↗
DOE OSTI2016

Online Interactive Reporting of Groundwater Monitoring and Remediation Progress at the Hanford Site, Washington - 16485

DOE annually publishes a groundwater monitoring report and separate groundwater remediation summary reports to comply with reporting and regulatory requirements for the Hanford Site, located in southeastern Washington State. The reports describe year-over-year groundwater monitoring and remediation progress. The annual groundwater monitoring report provides a summary of groundwater monitoring for chemical and radioactive liquid waste releases to the soil that contaminated groundwater from past operations at the site. Content initially consisted of paper reports with static electronic copies available online. Based on an initiative from DOE to provide additional transparency of data and data interpretations presented in the reports, companion interactive versions of the reports were deployed online starting in 2012. The online version provides readers with map-based tools and links to supporting documents and reference materials; individual users can read the reports at their own personal level of expertise and interactively explore groundwater contaminant plume evolution, analytical data, site geology, and remediation system performance. An online user's guide and tutorials for each tool are also provided to assist the user with the overall application and individual tools. The online reports are available at: http://www.hanford.gov/page.cfm/SoilGroundwaterAnnualReports. (authors)

12 MANAGEMENT OF RADIOACTIVE AND NON-RADIOACTIVE W↗
DOE OSTI2016

Developing a Remediation Strategy for Hanford's Central Plateau Long-term Waste Management Area - 16545

The cleanup of the Hanford site, a Department of Energy (DOE) facility in eastern Washington state, has been underway for over two decades. Cleanup of the river corridor, a portion of the site adjacent to the Columbia River, has been one of Hanford's top priorities since the early 1990s and the majority of waste sites within this area have been remediated, and associated groundwater contamination has been, or is in the process of being remediated. As cleanup of the river corridor has progressed, attention has begun to shift towards addressing the waste sites located within the 'Inner Area', a 26 Km{sup 2} (10 mi{sup 2}) area within centrally located within the site where the majority of the site's burial grounds and landfills are located. In recognition of the differences in expected future land use between the river corridor and the Inner Area, the DOE, the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the Washington State Department of Ecology (Ecology) developed a set of Inner Area cleanup principles to: 1) promote consistency in site assessments and alternative evaluations; and 2) support regulatory strategies that will optimize analytical resources and streamline documentation. This paper provides an overview of the Inner Area cleanup principles, how their application is expected to influence the development of remedial investigations and feasibility studies, and ultimately the selection of risk-informed decisions. (authors)

12 MANAGEMENT OF RADIOACTIVE AND NON-RADIOACTIVE W↗
DOE OSTI2016

Remediation of Occupied Commercial Property Subject to Widespread Radium-226 Contamination: Update from WM2012 Paper - 16652

Amec Foster Wheeler was contacted by a company that managed commercial office space. High Rn-222 measurements had been observed throughout the facility and the landlord had been advised to commission a radiological survey of the site. The site had been purchased by the client in the 1990's. Initial desk studies found that the building had operated for around 50 years as a compass factory. Non-intrusive investigation identified widespread Ra-226 contamination. Ra-226 was found in the fabric of the building, in attic spaces, buried under floor boards and underlying car parks. Intrusive investigation was undertaken to estimate volume(s) of waste, waste categories, activity concentrations and the total inventory of radioactive materials on site. This work identified the presence of 180 GBq of Ra-226 on site. A programme of work is currently underway to remediate the site tackling areas posing the greatest risk to site occupants as a priority. We have worked closely with Regulators, our client, and tenants, to decontaminate the fabric of the building whilst areas of the building remain occupied. Early decontamination works identified that radon levels within the building were stubbornly high despite the removal of radium contamination. An independent radon source was suspected. A contaminated drain was discovered leading to a blocked-off river race running under the old mill building. A significant quantity of radium contaminated sludge was identified within the river race. This was believed to be the source of the excessive radon concentrations within the building. The paper will present work undertaken to investigate and remediate the inventory of sludge from beneath the building. It will describe the operational difficulties of working within a dynamic environment impacted by high dose rates, high radon concentrations, water ingress and waste retrieval challenges. The paper will present the radiological and environmental impacts of the work and detail the achieved end points. This was a challenging project working in confined spaces impacted by physical and radiological constraints. The remedial action undertaken significantly reduced radon concentrations in the building metres above the river race. It also significantly reduced the likelihood of radium contamination being mobilised into the river and the wider environment. The achieved end point permitted the building to return to uncontrolled commercial use. The end point achieved within the river race will ensure a safe working environment for future regular structural survey work. (authors)

12 MANAGEMENT OF RADIOACTIVE AND NON-RADIOACTIVE W↗
DOE OSTI2018

Defining Modeling and Analysis Complexity Needs for Remediation - 18425

Many subsurface remedy decisions rely on model predictions or other types of data analyses to support site characterization and remedy selection, design, implementation, performance assessment, and closure. Thus, determining the appropriate level of complexity for modeling and data analysis is important to facilitate subsurface remedy decisions. Multiple factors are important in selecting the appropriate level of complexity in modeling and data analysis. For instance, the type and number of inputs required typically increases with increased complexity of analysis, and the ability to obtain or verify those inputs needs to be considered. The approach needs to establish the relationship between parameters or processes and contaminant transport and the detail of the description needed to meet the analysis objectives. Assessing the modeling complexity associated with the appropriate level of detail can be facilitated by considering complexity of the 1) modeling approach, 2) description of process, and 3) description of heterogeneity. As demonstrated by case studies, using a framework to guide determination of modeling and analysis complexity facilitates selection of the appropriate approach for the site situation. (authors)

12 MANAGEMENT OF RADIOACTIVE AND NON-RADIOACTIVE W↗
DOE OSTI2018

International Training to Promote Successful Environmental Remediation Projects - 18636

The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) supports the efforts of its Member States to manage their nuclear and radiological liabilities, including radioactive waste management, decommissioning of facilities, and remediation of contaminated sites. As part of a project addressing Constraints in Decommissioning and Environmental Remediation (the CIDER Project), the IAEA is developing initiatives to further support capacity development specifically to promote implementation of safe, appropriate, and cost-effective environmental remediation (ER) projects. The IAEA sponsors numerous initiatives to provide its Member States training on important topics related to ER. It has become clear in recent years, however, that the existing training should be augmented with more in-depth training to provide for the development of the critical expertise needed to address significant ER challenges. ER projects typically are very complex, requiring the integration of numerous scientific and engineering disciplines, along with effective project planning and management. There are many examples of ER projects where considerable work has been completed, qualified technical staff are available, and adequate funding has been obtained, yet actual progress towards a final solution has been limited. In such cases, it appears that a key barrier is the lack of capacity to develop strategies, make fully informed decisions, plan for and manage activities, and implement successful ER actions. In light of the above, the IAEA has placed a priority on capacity development across the broad spectrum of ER project implementation. Efforts are underway to develop a new training program to develop capacity at the institutional and individual levels to equip course graduates to effectively integrate all areas of expertise in the planning and execution of ER projects. The target audience includes decision-makers; project managers, planners, and implementers; and academics. The core capabilities to be developed via this program include knowledge and skills related to: (1) radiation issues and radionuclide behavior; (2) health and safety protection principles and requirements; (3) identification, evaluation, and selection of ER technologies and approaches; (4) ongoing, constructive dialogue with stakeholders; (5) project planning, management, and communication; (6) cost estimation and funding development; and (7) implementation of appropriate site monitoring activities. The IAEA is collaborating with multiple organizations to develop and implement this training program, to leverage existing training programs and materials, and to coordinate on the development of sustainable training solutions. This paper will present the status of this initiative and work accomplished thus far. (authors)

12 MANAGEMENT OF RADIOACTIVE AND NON-RADIOACTIVE W↗
DOE OSTI2019

Radiological Verification for the Remediation of LLRW at the Port Granby Project - 19210

The Port Granby Project is part of the Port Hope Area Initiative (PHAI) that Canadian Nuclear Laboratory (CNL) is using to manage long-term historic low level radioactive waste (LLRW) resulting from 60 years of uranium and radium processing operations in the urban setting of Port Hope, Ontario. Port Granby remediation scope includes constructing a new, secure long-term waste management facility (LTWMF) and supporting infrastructure and excavating and relocating LLRW and marginally contaminated soil from the Port Granby Waste Management Facility (PGWMF) which accepted waste until the 1980's to the newly constructed LTWMF. The PGWMF contains an estimated 450,000 cubic meters of LLRW deposited in unmarked and unlined trenches throughout the southern portion of the site that borders Lake Ontario. Project requirements include excavating contaminated material, verifying that the trench bottoms are below action levels using Multi-Agency Radiation Survey and Site Investigation Manual (MARSSIM) guidance, and final restoration. This paper describes challenges of meeting remediation verification requirements using traditional field and laboratory confirmation methods in areas of deep trench areas located in rugged terrain with ponded water and mud and presents a process that has expedited the traditional MARSSIM method for verification with greater productivity, and with enhanced safety and reliability as compared to the use of traditional methods alone. This enhanced process has been successfully employed for in-situ verification so that the excavated area can be backfilled and returned to a vegetative state. This enhanced process has been examined by federal regulatory staff through the course of their onsite audits and outcomes from these examinations have all been positive. The method involves a visual inspection and traditional walkover of the area to identify any areas with radiation measurements above the region's background followed by a full area survey performed using Wood's proprietary Orion ScanPlotSM system. The ScanPlotSM data is evaluated, mapped and overlaid on top of an aerial image of the surveyed area allowing remaining radiological material at surface or near surface to be quickly and easily identified for removal. Field staff then collect soil samples from evenly distributed points within the surveyed area and field screen the samples using an X-ray fluorescence (XRF) analysis for the three primary contaminates of potential concern (CoPCs) (arsenic, uranium and lead) that are indicative of the historical contamination. Samples passing XRF field screening are packaged and sent to a local laboratory for a full suite of analyses and checked against the CoPC list to assess whether the soil matches the profile for nearby native soils and passes the remediation goals. (authors)

12 MANAGEMENT OF RADIOACTIVE AND NON-RADIOACTIVE W↗
DOE OSTI2019

Web-Assisted Methods and Tools for Efficient Remedy Design and System Performance Evaluation at Hanford - 19355

A suite of analytical and numerical methods and web-assisted tools has been developed in support of remedial design and system performance evaluation at the U.S. Department of Energy's Hanford Site in Richland, Washington. These innovative methods and tools facilitate robust and efficient assessments and provide project scientists with a toolbox for performance monitoring of monitored natural attenuation and pump-and-treat remedies and for identifying necessary design elements and system improvements for attainment of remedial action objectives and ultimately site closure. (authors)

12 MANAGEMENT OF RADIOACTIVE AND NON-RADIOACTIVE W↗