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Title: Transport processes investigation: A necessary first step in site scale characterization plans

Conference ·
OSTI ID:34469
; ; ; ; ;  [1];  [2]
  1. Sandia National Labs., Albuquerque, NM (United States)
  2. Fernald Environmental Restoration Management Corp., Cincinnati, OH (United States). Technology Development

We propose an approach, which we call the Transport Processes Investigation or TPI, to identify and verify site-scale transport processes and their controls. The TPI aids in the formulation of an accurate conceptual model of flow and transport, an essential first step in the development of a cost effective site characterization strategy. The TPI is demonstrated in the highly complex vadose zone of glacial tills that underlie the Fernald Environmental Remediation Project (FEMP) in Fernald, Ohio. As a result of the TPI, we identify and verify the pertinent flow processes and their controls, such as extensive macropore and fracture flow through layered clays, which must be included in an accurate conceptual model of site-scale contaminant transport. We are able to conclude that the classical modeling and sampling methods employed in some site characterization programs will be insufficient to characterize contaminant concentrations or distributions at contaminated or hazardous waste facilities sited in such media.

Research Organization:
Sandia National Lab. (SNL-NM), Albuquerque, NM (United States)
Sponsoring Organization:
USDOE, Washington, DC (United States)
DOE Contract Number:
AC04-94AL85000
OSTI ID:
34469
Report Number(s):
SAND-95-0289C; CONF-950216-77; ON: DE95008532; TRN: 95:008950
Resource Relation:
Conference: Waste management `95, Tucson, AZ (United States), 26 Feb - 2 Mar 1995; Other Information: PBD: [1995]
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English