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U.S. EPA Contaminated Site Cleanup Information (CLU-IN)


U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
U.S. EPA Technology Innovation and Field Services Division

In Situ Chemical Reduction

Additional Resources

A Risk/Benefit Appraisal for the Application of Nano-Scale Zero Valent Iron (NZVI) for the Remediation of Contaminated Sites
Bardos, P., B. Bone, P. Daly, D. Elliott, S. Jones, G. Lowry, and C. Merly.
NanoRem Issues Paper, 89 pp, 2014

This report discusses the relative risks and benefits of NZVI usage for in situ remediation (i.e., the potential for the NZVI treatment agent itself to present human health or environmental risks) and its sustainability as a technique; identifies the areas where further investigation might be required; and provides an overview of NZVI use in full-scale, pilot, and lab studies to date. This paper is intended to help stakeholders by identifying key issues and providing a basis for evidence-based decisions.

Adobe PDF LogoBest Practices for Injection and Distribution of Amendments
Rosansky, S., W. Condit, and R. Sirabian.
TR-NAVFAC-EXWC-EV-1303, 81 pp, 2013

Although there are many reasons for the sub-optimal performance of an in situ technology (e.g., chemical oxidation, chemical reduction, and enhanced bioremediation), a common underlying factor appears to be the inability to achieve adequate distribution and contact between the reagents, substrates, and target contaminants. This document presents current best practices for introducing liquid- and solid-phase amendments into aquifers to improve the likelihood of adequate amendment distribution. Lessons learned from three Navy case studies are provided.

Adobe PDF LogoBiogeochemical Transformation Handbook
Darlington , R. and H. Rectanus.
TR-NAVFAC EXWC-EV-1601, 41 pp, 2015

In situ biogeochemical transformation (ISBGT) processes result in the degradation of contaminants through combined biological, mineral, and chemical pathways. This handbook can serve as a key resource in evaluating, selecting, and implementing the ISBGT technology. The handbook presents the fundamentals of ISBGT in a question and answer format; explores the mechanisms that contribute to ISBGT processes; discusses contaminants that can be degraded by ISBGT; identifies key considerations for enhancing, monitoring, and evaluating ISGBT processes; and emphasizes the importance of site characterization in recognizing and accounting for the contributions of ISBGT to natural attenuation.

Adobe PDF LogoFundamental Study of the Delivery of Nanoiron to DNAPL Source Zones in Naturally Heterogeneous Field Systems
Lowry, G., T. Phenrat, F. Fagerlund, T. Illangasekare, P. Tratnyek, and R.L. Johnson.
SERDP Project ER-1485, 144 pp, 2012

Although results indicate that emplaced NZVI can decrease the flux of contaminants emanating from entrapped DNAPL, they also suggest that NZVI available commercially today must be optimized to work as an effective reactive barrier. This optimization will require mobility of a greater fraction of the injected iron than was found in the combinations of nanoiron types and polymeric surface modifiers used in the study.

Adobe PDF LogoHorizontal Remediation Wells
Appendix A in How to Evaluate Alternative Cleanup Technologies for Underground Storage Tank Sites: A Guide for Corrective Action Plan Reviewers
EPA 510-B-17-003, 47 pp, 2017

Horizontal directional drilling can be used to install horizontal remediation wells (HRWs) at cleanup sites. The technology uses specialized equipment to produce either a curved surface-to-surface well or a blind well. HRWs are able to access locations beneath surface obstructions and to place long well screens in contact with the contaminated area. The wells can be thousands of feet long, with hundreds of feet of well screen. The potential for HRWs to complement a site remedy is described with reference to air sparging, bioremediation, chemical injection, soil vapor extraction, hot air or steam injection, LNAPL removal, plume containment, injection of treated water, and sampling. A detailed overview is provided of equipment and procedures for drilling a horizontal remediation well. Additional information: The complete UST CAP review manual

Adobe PDF LogoIn Situ Chemical Reduction using Zero Valent Iron Injection: A Technique for the Remediation of Source Zones
CityChlor, 104 pp, 2013

This document contains a technical summary of the state of the art in the use of injections of ZVI at nano- or micro-scale for treating soil and groundwater contaminated with chlorinated solvents. Given that practical experience within the European market with respect to this technique was rather limited at the time the document was written, the text is based upon an extensive literature review, a survey of soil remediation companies and suppliers, and experiences from the CityChlor pilot test in Herk-de-Stad. This document will enable the reader to evaluate the practicality of this technique and also provide a guideline for its usage. [Note: CityChlor is an INTERREG IVB-NWE project between partners from Flanders, Germany, France, and the Netherlands who work on innovative solutions for cleanup of contaminated sites.]

Optimizing Injection Strategies and In Situ Remediation Performance
The Interstate Technology & Regulatory Council Optimizing Injection Strategies and In Situ Remediation Performance Team. Report No. OIS-ISRP-1, 180 pp, 2020

This guidance describes how treatment ineffectiveness can be avoided through effective upfront characterization and design. It also provides the state of the practice based on firsthand knowledge and experiences for a broad audience, including environmental consultants, responsible parties, federal and state regulators, and community and tribal stakeholders. The document is divided into sections including remedial design characterization; amendment, dose and delivery design; implementation and feedback optimization, regulatory perspectives, community and tribal stakeholder considerations, and case studies.

Reductive Dechlorination for Remediation of Polychlorinated Biphenyls
Wu, B.Z., H.Y. Chen, S.J. Wang, C.M. Wai, W. Liao, and K. Chiu.
Chemosphere 88(7):757-768(2012)

This review references 108 papers on reductive treatment for PCBs published within the last decade. The treatments reviewed fall into one of three categories: (1) catalytic hydrodechlorination with H2, (2) Fe-based reductive dechlorination, and (3) other reductive dechlorination methods (e.g., hydrogen-transfer dechlorination, base-catalyzed dechlorination, and sodium dispersion). The advantages of each remediation technology are discussed. Longer abstract

Superfund Remedy Report, 17th Edition
EPA 542-R-23-001, 2020

EPA prepares the Superfund Remedy Report to provide information and analyses on remedies EPA selected to address contamination at Superfund National Priorities List and Superfund Alternative Approach sites. This report is the latest in a series, prepared since 1991, on Superfund remedy selection. The latest edition focuses on the analysis of Superfund remedial actions selected in fiscal years 2018, 2019, and 2020.

The data that forms the basis of the analyses contained in SRR 17th Edition can be found at Superfund Data and Reports by downloading Contaminant of Concern Data for Decision Documents by Media and Remedy Component Data for Decision Documents by Media.

Technology Innovation News Survey

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. This report is updated every two weeks.

Events and Media

CLU-IN Archived Webinars

Opportunities for Renewable Energy on Contaminated Sites under the Greenhouse Gas Reduction Fund
EPA's RE-Powering America's Land Initiative
September 25, 2024, 1 Hour, 30 Minutes

Successful State Programs for Renewable Energy on Contaminated Sites
EPA's RE-Powering America's Land Initiative
February 21, 2024, 1 Hours

ITRC Characterization and Remediation of Fractured Rock
Interstate Technology and Regulatory Council
September 20, 2022, 2 Hours, 15 Minutes

Risk Communication Strategies to Reduce Exposures and Improve Health: Session I - Designing and Tailoring Messages
NIEHS Superfund Research Program
September 24, 2021, 2 Hours

Ten Years of Optimization of the Environmental Restoration program at a DoD Facility in North Carolina
Society of American Military Engineers (SAME) Denver Post, SAME Philadelphia Post, and US EPA
September 15, 2021, 2 Hours

Increasing Treatment Certainty while Controlling Remediation Cost - Case Studies using Hydraulic Fracturing to Deliver Amendments at Low-Permeability Sites
Society of American Military Engineers (SAME) Denver Post, SAME Philadelphia Post, and US EPA
July 14, 2021, 1 Hour, 30 Minutes

Design and Construction Issues at Hazardous Waste Sites Webinar on Successful Remedial Design, Session 1
Society of American Military Engineers (SAME) Denver Post, SAME Philadelphia Post, and US EPA
May 12, 2021, 1 Hours

2020 Design and Construction at Hazardous Waste Sites Virtual Symposium: Panel 1 and Panel 2
Society of American Military Engineers (SAME) Denver Post, SAME Philadelphia Post, and US EPA
October 26, 2020, 3 Hours

ITRC Characterization and Remediation of Fractured Rock
Interstate Technology and Regulatory Council
November 19, 2019, 2 Hours, 15 Minutes

Chlorinated Solvent Bioremediation: Fundamentals and Practical Application for Remedial Project Managers
U.S. EPA Office of Superfund Remediation and Technology Innovation (Superfund Task Force Recommendation 9) & Office of Research and Development
November 14, 2018, 1 Hour, 30 Minutes

Superfund Research Program Progress in Research Webinar Part 2: University of Louisville, University of New Mexico, and University of Washington
NIEHS Superfund Research Program
September 4, 2018, 2 Hours

Analytical Tools and Methods: Session I - Field-ready Biosensors to Assess Bioavailability and Toxicity
NIEHS Superfund Research Program
April 17, 2017, 2 Hours

Sustained In Situ Detoxification of Priority Chloroorganic Pollutants
U.S. EPA, Office of Superfund Remediation and Technology Innovation (OSRTI)
March 13, 2017, 1 Hours

US Small Business Funding Opportunities (SBIR/STTR) for Environmental Technologies at NIEHS SRP, EPA, NSF, and USDA
NIEHS Superfund Research Program
October 3, 2016, 2 Hours

SRP Water Innovation - An Integrated Approach to Sustainable Solutions: Session II - Technologies for Water Remediation
NIEHS Superfund Research Program
June 20, 2016, 2 Hours

US Small Business Funding Opportunities (SBIR/STTR) for Environmental Technologies at NIEHS SRP, EPA, and NSF
NIEHS Superfund Research Program
April 2, 2015, 2 Hours

In Situ Treatment of Soil Metals: Science to Experience
U.S. EPA, Office of Superfund Remediation and Technology Innovation, Technology Innovation and Field Services Division
December 19, 2012, 2 Hours

In Situ Treatment of Soil Metals: Science to Experience
U.S. EPA, Office of Superfund Remediation and Technology Innovation, Technology Innovation and Field Services Division
December 12, 2012, 2 Hours

Pollution Prevention Success Story: Partnering with Promotoras
U.S. EPA Region 9 and National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, Superfund Research Program
November 2, 2012, 1 Hours

Innovative Technologies Used to Quantify Environmental Contaminant Bioavailability and Characterize Environmental Exposure
National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, Superfund Research Program
January 30, 2012, 2 Hours

Community Engagement Activities at Superfund Sites
National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, Superfund Research Program
March 31, 2011, 2 Hours

Contaminated Sediments: New Tools and Approaches for in-situ Remediation - Session IV
National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, Superfund Research Program
February 14, 2011, 2 Hours

Perchlorate: Concern About Environmental Exposures, Thyroid Homeostasis, and Developmental Impacts
National Institutes of Health, National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, Superfund Research Program
December 16, 2009, 1 Hour, 30 Minutes

Treatment of Heavy Metals and Elimination of Sulfur with a Novel Sulfate Reducing Permeable Reactive Barrier Containing ZVI
National Institutes of Health, National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, Superfund Basic Research Program
August 27, 2008, 2 Hours

ITRC Planning and Promoting of Ecological Land Reuse of Remediated Sites
Interstate Technology and Regulatory Council
May 15, 2008, 2 Hours, 15 Minutes

Earth Day Green Remediation Panel Session
US EPA Technology Innovation Program
April 22, 2008, 2 Hours

Characterizing Mass Transfer and Mass Flux for DNAPL Source Zones
National Institutes of Health, National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, Superfund Basic Research Program
February 5, 2008, 1 Hour, 30 Minutes

Characterizing Mass Transfer and Mass Flux for DNAPL Source Zones
National Institutes of Health, National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, Superfund Basic Research Program
January 22, 2008, 1 Hour, 30 Minutes

Life Cycle Thinking and Solid Waste: A State's Perspective
Association of State and Territorial Solid Waste Management Officials (ASTSWMO)
August 13, 2007, 0 Hours, 45 Minutes

Nanotechnology - DNAPL Remediation
National Institutes of Health, National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, Superfund Basic Research Program
March 15, 2007, 2 Hours

DNAPLs - Biological Remediation Processes
National Institutes of Health, National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, Superfund Basic Research Program
January 25, 2006, 2 Hours

Introduction to Trading for Water Quality Protection
U.S. EPA Office of Wetlands, Oceans, & Watersheds, Watershed Academy
December 14, 2005, 2 Hours

DNAPLS - Source Zone Behavior and Mass Flux Measurement
National Institutes of Health, National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, Superfund Basic Research Program
August 10, 2005, 2 Hours

Evaluating Stormwater Technology Performance
Technology Acceptance and Reciprocity Partnership
October 13, 2004, 170 Hours

NIEHS/EPA Metals - Bioavailability
National Institutes of Health, National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences & U.S. EPA, Office of Emergency and Remedial Response
April 9, 2003, 2 Hours

ITRC Advanced Techniques on Installation of Iron Based Permeable Reactive Barriers and Non-Iron Based Barrier Treatment Material
Interstate Technology and Regulatory Council
March 21, 2002, 2 Hours, 15 Minutes