Welcome to TechDirect! Since the January 1 message, TechDirect gained 59 new subscribers for a total of 43,838. If you feel the service is valuable, please
share TechDirect with your colleagues. Anyone interested in subscribing may do so on CLU-IN at https://clu-in.org/techdirect . All previous issues of TechDirect
are archived there. The TechDirect messages of the past can be searched by keyword or can be viewed as individual issues.
TechDirect's purpose is to identify new technical, policy and guidance resources related to the assessment and remediation of contaminated soil, sediments
and groundwater.
Mention of non-EPA documents or presentations does not constitute a U.S. EPA endorsement of their contents, only an acknowledgment that they exist and may
be relevant to the TechDirect audience.
> Upcoming Funding Opportunities
FY 2024 Technical Assistance to Existing and Potential Brownfields Revolving Loan Fund (RLF) Grant Recipients. EPA’s Office of Brownfields and Land Revitalization
(OBLR) is soliciting applications from eligible entities to provide RLF-specific technical assistance that focuses on the unique complexities of EPA Brownfield
RLF Grants with the goal of increasing the capacity of EPA-funded Brownfield RLF Programs nationwide. OBLR anticipates awarding this grant at $3 million over
a 5-year period of performance. The application submission deadline is March 1, 2024. For more information, please visit https://www.epa.gov/brownfields/upcoming ...
.
ESTCP FY 2025 Solicitation. The Department of Defense’s Environmental Security Technology Certification Program (ESTCP) released a solicitation on
January 4, 2024, requesting proposals for demonstrations of environmental and installation energy technologies. Funding is available through a Broad Agency
Announcement (BAA), DoD Call for Proposals, and Call for Proposals for Federal Organizations Outside DoD for areas such as Innovative Technology Transfer
Approaches, Management of Impacted Soils and Waters, Munitions Response in Underwater Environments and Nature-Based Solutions for Climate Resilience
in DoD Arid Landscapes. The due date for all pre-proposals is due March 14, 2024 by 2:00 p.m. ET. For more information, please visit https://serdp-estcp.mil/workingwithus/so ...
.
> Upcoming Live Internet Seminars
ITRC: Managed Aquifer Recharge (MAR) Training - February 6, 2024, 1:00PM-3:00PM EST (18:00-20:00 GMT). The ITRC Managed Aquifer Recharge (MAR-1) Training
is intended for state regulators and stakeholders who may not be familiar with the opportunities and challenges associated with MAR. It provides a basic understanding
of MAR concepts, along with case studies, that showcase examples of successful MAR applications. For those who are familiar with MAR, the training gives an
overview of the components of the MAR process along with the important considerations associated with each component necessary for the design and implementation
of a MAR project. It is important to understand that MAR is an area of active research and expanding practical applications, and that this management process
is continuing to evolve with time. For more information and to register, see https://www.itrcweb.org or https://www.clu-in.org/live.
Recognizing the Positive Economic Impacts of Superfund Redevelopment - February 7, 2024, 12:30PM-2:00PM EST (17:30-19:00 GMT). Future use remains a key
consideration for EPA's cleanup programs. EPA's Superfund program works with property owners, developers, stakeholders and communities to negotiate agreements,
address barriers and make sure property uses will fit well with site remedies. In turn, the cleanup and reuse of Superfund sites revitalizes local economies,
supporting jobs, new businesses, tax revenue and spending, and provides new amenities for communities affected by site contamination. EPA also works to ensure
that existing businesses on properties being cleaned up under Superfund can continue operating in a way that protects human health and the environment, enabling
these businesses to remain open and serve as a source of jobs and income for local communities. For more information and to register, see https://clu-in.org/live.
In Vitro Bioaccessibility Assay (IVBA) Sampling Guidance Update Part 1 - February 12, 2024, 1:00PM-2:30PM EST (18:00-19:30 GMT). The Technical Review
Workgroup (TRW) Bioavailability Committee recently published the 'Guidance for Sample Collection for In Vitro Bioaccessibility Assay for Arsenic and Lead
in Soil and Applications of Relative Bioavailability Data in Human Health Risk Assessment.' This is an update to the 2015 Guidance for Sample Collection for
In Vitro Bioaccessibility Assay for Lead (Pb) in Soil. The update is intended to help EPA risk assessors, remedial project managers, and on-scene coordinators
develop and use bioavailability data at their sites. It incorporates sample planning and data analysis recommendations from EPA's Guidance on Systematic
Planning Using the Data Quality Objectives Process that are pertinent to sampling for In Vitro Bioaccessibility (IVBA) and Relative Bioavailability (RBA).
It also clarifies the application of IVBA and RBA data to human health risk assessment, the development of risk-based goals at CERCLA remedial and removal sites
and includes arsenic (As) which was recently added to the In Vitro Bioaccessibility Assay. For more information and to register, see https://clu-in.org/live.
Federal Facilities Academy: Land Use and Onsite/Offsite Determinations - February 20, 2024, 1:00PM-3:00PM EST (18:00-20:00 GMT). Determining Land Use
and Onsite/Offsite Determinations is a two-hour webinar course that provides an overview of land use determinations under the Comprehensive Environmental
Response, Compensation, and Liability Act (CERCLA). Reasonably anticipated future land use at CERCLA sites is important in determining the appropriate
extent of remediation. Onsite and offsite determinations impact the need for permits and offsite transfer of CERCLA wastes. The target audience for this course
is federal, state, and tribal representatives who work on Federal Facility cleanups. Ideally, students should have a basic understanding of land use and the
CERCLA process. For more information and to register, see https://clu-in.org/live.
Successful State Programs for Renewable Energy on Contaminated Sites - February 21, 2024, 1:00PM-2:00PM EST (18:00-19:00 GMT). Why do some states have
more of their solar generation on contaminated sites, while other states are at much lower levels? This webinar will explain one of the biggest factors -- the
successes of state renewable programs specifically designed for prioritizing landfills, mine sites, and other potentially contaminated lands. States
such as New Jersey, Massachusetts, and Illinois have large-scale programs in place that are leading to the successful development of many megawatts of new
renewable projects on RE-Powering sites per year. The state programs include financial incentives, procurement preferences, streamlined permitting,
liability relief, and hands-on project development assistance designed and implemented by states over a decade or more. For more information and to register,
see https://clu-in.org/live.
SERDP ESTCP Novel Research on In-Situ PFAS Adsorptive Technologies - February 22, 2024 1:00PM EST (18:00 GMT). This webinar will feature DoD-funded research
efforts to develop adsorptive technologies for PFAS removal. First, Dr. Kurt Pennell (Brown University) will discuss the development a polymer-stabilized
powdered activated carbon and a polymer-stabilized ion exchange resin for use as injectable particulate amendments for PFAS adsorption in situ. Second,
Mr. Matt Vanderkooy (Geosyntec Consultants) and Dr. Anh Pham (University of Waterloo) will present research on in situ PFAS immobilization via activated
carbon barriers. or more information and to register, see https://serdp-estcp.org/webinars.
Affordable and Workforce Housing Development on Former Brownfield Sites - February 26, 2024, 1:00PM-2:30PM EST (18:00-19:30 GMT). This webinar will provide
an overview of the environmental considerations in redeveloping Brownfield sites for housing, explore the role public-private-partnerships can play in
facilitating housing and Brownfield development, and review some of the major funding resources available to support the development of workforce and affordable
housing. For more information and to register, see https://clu-in.org/live.
ITRC Microplastics Training - February 27, 2024, 1:00PM-3:15PM EST (18:00-20:15 GMT). In response to one of the biggest emerging environmental concerns,
ITRC formed the Microplastics Team in 2021 to develop the Microplastics Guidance Document. Plastics have become pervasive in modern life and are now used in
a wide range of commercial and industrial applications. Microplastics may result from the degradation and fragmentation of larger plastics, or they may be
intentionally produced for specific applications and products. Regardless of their origin, microplastics are now ubiquitous in our environment. Because
of their small size and pervasiveness in the environment, microplastics, along with any other contaminants which are adhered to the microplastics, may be
inadvertently consumed by humans and other organisms. For more information and to register, see https://www.itrcweb.org or https://www.clu-in.org/live.
FRTR Presents…Recent Advances in PFAS Characterization Technologies - February 28, 2024, 1:00PM-3:00PM EST (18:00-20:00 GMT). This webinar will include
live deliveries of two presentations from the recent FRTR Fall meeting, with updated information: 'Best Practices for PFAS Sampling and Evaluation' and 'Clean
Water Act Methods: Overview of EPA's CWA PFAS Method Activities'. The science and technology of site characterization for per-and polyfluoroalkyl substances
(PFAS) has advanced in the five years since FRTR last addressed the topic in 2018. Federal agency budgets for PFAS remediation have grown substantially during
this time. As a result, site characterization efforts such as Remedial Investigations, as well as early response actions, are underway at many Federal facilities.
Funding for field-scale projects to further advance PFAS characterization technology and methodologies also has increased substantially. For more information
and to register, see https://clu-in.org/live.
ITRC PFAS Introductory Training - February 29, 2024, 1:00PM-3:00PM EST (18:00-20:00 GMT). Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are a large and complex
class of anthropogenic compounds whose prevalence in the environment are an emerging, worldwide priority in environmental and human health. The ITRC PFAS
Team, formed in 2017, has prepared readily accessible materials to present PFAS information to stakeholders, regulators, and policy makers. The PFAS team
represents a diverse cross-section of expertise and experience working on PFAS. This training will include emerging science on PFAS, including topics such
as Properties of PFAS, Fate and Transport, Sampling and Analysis, and Treatment Technologies. The technical presentations will be focused on those who are
relatively new to PFAS. The training will last approximately 90 minutes and include time for questions. For more information and to register, see https://www.itrcweb.org
or https://www.clu-in.org/live.
> New Documents and Web Resources
Integrating Green Remediation and Climate Resilience Under the Superfund Remedial Acquisition Framework: A Primer for Service Contractors (EPA 542-R-24-001).
Over the years, organizations such as engineering firms, construction companies and academic or non-profit groups have made valuable contributions to EPA’s
mission to protect human health and the environment. EPA’s latest remediation market study estimates that completing remediation at approximately 1,000
sites on the National Priorities List may cost $15.4 billion to $21.1 billion. EPA compiled this primer to help Superfund service contractors and subcontractors
plan and implement their work in manners that consider green remediation and climate resilience strategies. The primer summarizes pertinent language in
contract clauses and task orders relating to design and engineering services, remediation environmental services, environmental services and operations,
and other types of work performed under the Superfund Remedial Acquisition Framework. It also describes associated aspects such as potential deliverables,
metrics and costs. To view or download, please visit https://clu-in.org/greenremediation/docs ...
Consideration of Climate Change at Contaminated Groundwater Sites (EPA 542-F-24-001). Use of ex situ or in situ technologies to remediate a site with contaminated
groundwater relies on a thorough understanding of the site’s unique hydrogeological conditions. It also relies on an understanding of groundwater characteristics
that may change under future climate scenarios. The changes should be considered throughout the site cleanup pipeline, from site assessment through long-term
remedy maintenance. This fact sheet describes potential climate change impacts on groundwater, such as altered directions of groundwater flow or decreased
infiltration, as well as potential impacts on cleanup remedies and associated remediation technologies. The fact sheet also describes how climate vulnerabilities
are addressed at National Priorities Lists sites such as the Hunters Point Naval Shipyard Superfund site in California, Torch Lake Superfund site in Michigan,
and Wyckoff Co./Eagle Harbor site in Washington. To view or download, please visit https://clu-in.org/greenremediation/docs ...
Updated Soil Lead Guidance for CERCLA Sites and RCRA Corrective Action Facilities. On January 17, 2024, EPA announced updates to guidance for lead in residential
soil at CERCLA (also known as Superfund) sites and Resource Conservation and Recovery Act corrective action facilities. EPA is lowering recommended screening
levels and strengthening guidance for investigating and cleaning up lead-contaminated soil in residential areas where children live and play. Screening
levels are not cleanup standards. While this update will help EPA site teams make site-specific cleanup decisions to protect nearby communities, EPA makes
cleanup decisions specific to each site, using site-specific factors, including risk factors and community input that can vary from site to site. For more
information, please visit https://www.epa.gov/superfund/updated-so ...
Research Brief 349: Mapping Microbe Interactions That Support PCB-Degrading Bacteria. Researchers partially funded by the NIEHS Superfund Research
Program (SRP) mapped interactions between microbes that may support the growth of certain bacteria that degrade polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), a harmful
contaminant. By harnessing those microbial relationships, researchers could improve the bioremediation, or bacterial breakdown, of PCBs from the environment,
according to a team led by Timothy Mattes, Ph.D., University of Iowa SRP Center. View or download the brief at https://tools.niehs.nih.gov/srp/research ...
Technology Innovation News Survey Corner. The Technology Innovation News Survey contains market/commercialization information; reports on demonstrations,
feasibility studies and research; and other news relevant to the hazardous waste community interested in technology development. Recent issues, complete
archives, and subscription information is available at https://www.clu-in.org/products/tins/. The following resources were included in recent issues:
• Demonstration of Scaled-Production of Rare Earth Oxides and Critical Materials from U. S. Coal-Based Sources
• Clean Energy Technology Applications on US Mine Land: Technical Analysis
• Advances in PFAS Leaching Models and Long-Term Monitoring
Biopile and ISCR Case Studies Needed for IMPEL. The Network for the Implementation and Enforcement of Environmental Law (IMPEL) is promoting a project entitled
Water and Land Remediation, that focuses on best practices in several remediation technologies. For 2024, two questionnaires have been drawn up for collecting
case studies on Biopiles and In Situ Chemical Reduction. The case studies should be submitted by than February 28 2024. For more information and to submit a case
study, see https://www.impel.eu/en/projects/water-a ...
> Conferences and Symposia
Design and Construction Issues at Hazardous Waste Sites (East), April 10-12, 2024, Philadelphia, PA. The Society of American Military Engineers organizes
this annual conference to share information about applications of engineering and science associated with cleaning up hazardous waste sites. The conference
panels focus on case studies, advances in processes such as remedy optimization, and emerging issues such as PFAS contamination. For more information, please
visit https://sites.google.com/samephiladelphi ...
ITRC Annual Meeting, April 8-11, 2024, Long Beach, CA. Environmental professionals from the state, tribal and federal government, private sector, and
stakeholder groups come to ITRC's Annual Meeting to collaborate on critical environmental topics and guidance. For more information, please visit https://itrcweb.org/itrcwebsite/events/2 ...
|