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- Using Plants to Sustain Military Ranges
- Sonar Key to Detecting Underwater UXO
- Monitoring and Mapping Coral Reefs
- EPA-Approved Protocol for Range Characterization
- Robotic Laser Coating Removal System
- MetalMapper
- Understanding cis-DCE and VC Biodegradation
- Eliminating Cr from Medium Caliber Gun Barrels
- Predicting Responses to Landscape Changes
- Applying Statistics and Modeling to UXO Discrimination
- Composites with Low HAP Compounds
- Perchlorate-Free Flares Undergo Qualification Testing
- Recovering Energy from Landfill Gas
- Modeling Underwater UXO Mobility in Reef Environments
- Understanding the Behavioral Ecology of Cetaceans
- Forecasting the Effects of Stressors on At-Risk Species
- Advanced Signal Processing for UXO Discrimination
- Reducing Emissions for Jet Engines of the Future
- Assessing Vapor Intrusion at Chlorinated Solvent Sites
- Passive Sampling of Contaminated Sediments
- Leveraging Advanced Sensor Data to Clean Up UXO
- Source Zone Architecture Key to DNAPL Remediation
- Biopolymers Maintain Training Berms, Prevent Contamination
- Rare-Earth Corrosion Protection Mechanisms
- Cold Spray Technology for Aircraft Component Repair
- Ecological Research Supports Training at Camp Lejeune
- Loss of Permafrost – Impact on DoD Lands in Alaska
- Converting Solar Energy to Electricity and Heat
- ASETSDefense Workshop on Sustainable Surface Engineering
- Forward Operating Bases: Water and Waste Management
- Evaluating Matrix Diffusion Effects on Groundwater
- ES&T Features In Situ Sediment Remediation
- Erosion Resistant Coating Improves Engine Efficiency
- Optimizing Boiler Efficiency Through Combustion Control
- Climate Change Adaptation: Enhanced Decision Making
- Adapting Energy-Efficient Heat Pumps for Cold Climates
- Workshop on Sustainable Surface Engineering Advances
- Ecological Forestry & DoD’s Carbon Footprint
- Munitions Classification in the Hands of Production Firms
- Intelligent and Energy-Efficient LED Street Lighting
- ESTCP Partners with EPA on Watershed Management
- White House Energy Security Blueprint References ESTCP
- Success Classifying Munitions in Wooded Areas
- Evaluating Technology Performance at DNAPL Sites
- ‘Flyer’ Improves OB/OD Air Emissions Measurement
- Identifying Research Needs for Underwater Munitions
- Success Classifying Small Munitions at Camp Butner
- Managing Military Lands in the Southwest
- Partnering to Advance Munitions Classification
- ‘Flyer’ Improves OB/OD Air Emissions Measurement - Preview
- Sonar Identifies Underwater Munitions in Gulf Study
- Protective Coating Improves Jet Engine Fuel Efficiency
- Assessing Pacific Island Watershed Health
- New Insights Into Tracking Contaminants in Bedrock
- ClimaStat Technology Improves HVAC Efficiency
- Innovative Plating Process for Beryllium Alternatives
Evaluating Technology Performance at DNAPL Sites

A new screening tool developed with support from ESTCP assists practitioners in selecting remediation technologies for dense non-aqueous phase liquid (DNAPL) source zones that best fit specific site conditions and performance goals. The tool will help users evaluate potential technology performance and reduce the uncertainty of estimating and predicting remedial outcomes and implementation costs.
Multiple technologies have been developed and applied over the past few decades to remediate chlorinated solvents in the subsurface, but remediation of DNAPL is particularly challenging. Factors such as geology, geochemistry, hydrogeology, the composition and distribution of the DNAPL, as well as the presence and absence of other contaminants, play a role in technology selection and performance. While individual technologies have been reviewed, a comprehensive assessment was needed to illustrate which technologies are most effective for specific site conditions and desired remedial goals.
The Naval Facilities Engineering Command - Engineering Service Center in collaboration with researchers from Geosyntec Consultants, Queen’s University, and the University of Edinburgh developed the DNAPL Technology Evaluation Screening Tool (DNAPL TEST), a user-friendly, Microsoft AccessTM-based screening tool. The foundation of DNAPL TEST is a database of information derived from case studies of field implementation of various remedial technologies, supported by numerical modeling of targeted technologies to address data gaps, and laboratory studies to provide information on fundamental processes that impact technology performance. Remedial technologies evaluated include in situ chemical oxidation; thermal technologies; surfactant enhanced aquifer remediation; hydraulic displacement; enhanced in situ bioremediation; and chemical reduction with zero-valent iron.
DNAPL TEST enables users to extract data from the database and perform simple statistical analyses to determine average behavior of data trends. Output reports provide comparative technology performance for a range of metrics—decrease in the DNAPL mass remaining in the subsurface, decrease in volatile organic compound (VOC) concentrations in groundwater, reduction of VOC concentrations in soil, achievement of maximum contaminant level (MCL) in groundwater, occurrence of rebound in groundwater concentrations, duration of treatment, achievement of remedial goals, and unit treatment cost—as well as indications of output data quality and references for source material. The user can perform multiple analyses to assess various scenarios, build complex sites, evaluate common trends, or complete a site-specific analysis of anticipated technology performance. This information can be used as the basis for developing realistic remedial end goals and for developing a short list of potential technologies for a site.
DNAPL TEST can help the Department of Defense move toward its goal of achieving Response Complete at 95 percent of Installation Restoration Program sites by 2021. The tool is most effectively used as a preliminary screening for technology selection or as a screening for possible performance limitations for a remedy in place. For those sites where remedies are not meeting established remedial action objectives (RAOs), DNAPL TEST can assist in determining whether there is a realistic expectation of meeting the RAOs for a given site and technology. The screening tool also can provide an assessment of alternative technologies to consider that may offer a higher likelihood of success.
Related Resources
- ESTCP Project Development of a Protocol and a Screening Tool for Selection of DNAPL Source Area Remediation ( Project Overview; DNAPL TEST)
- DNAPL TEST Project Page Hosted by Geosyntec Consultants
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