sun spacer United States Environmental Protection Agency
Natural Attenuation of Chlorinated Solvents in Groundwater: Principles and Practices—Summmary

Description of Products
The Principles and Practices (P&P) document was prepared by the Industrial Members of the Bioremediation of Chlorinated Solvents Consortium of the Remediation Technologies Development Forum (RTDF). This document was constructed in a question and answer format that focuses on natural attenuation of chlorinated solvents. The document is not a "how to" manual but rather serves to provide a "framework" to evaluate natural attenuation of chlorinated volatile organic compounds (VOCs). It should be noted that this is a scientific document and therefore does not address/dispense regulatory aspects.

During 1998, ISB and Industrial Members of the Bioremediation Consortium of the Remediation Technologies and Development Forum (RTDF) worked together to reformat the Principles and Practices (P&P) document. A "Response to Comments" section was added to the appendices, in order to address the comments submitted by the various ITRC associated states. In addition, the overall format was altered to meet the ITRC protocol. This task was undertaken to ensure the document has the same appearance as other ITRC documents.

Value and Benefits
The P&P document accelerates the evaluation and effectiveness of natural attenuation (NA) as a cost-effective, efficient, and innovative remediation alternative. It also adds value to the application and review process by providing a list of acceptable technical references. Having already achieved multi-state acceptance, the document functions to streamline the review/approval process.

Usability - Targeted Users and Intended Use of the Product
The P&P document utilizes a question and answer format that allows for fast and easy interpretation and/or understanding of the information provided. Regulators, consultants, and others can use this document develop a better understanding of the key parameters of natural attenuation. The information provided clarifies how a biodegradation process works. In addition, answers are provided to explain the impact of site characteristics and the fate they have on the success of natural attenuation. As a result, an individual will become familiar with the limitations and benefits of natural attenuation, which will assist in determining the usability of natural attenuation.

Applicability of the Product
This document serves to educate regulators, consultants, and other involved parties. A method for determining the "lines of evidence" required to evaluate and implement natural attenuation are provided. In addition, a framework for evaluating and integrating natural attenuation into a long-term site remediation plan is also discussed. This information serves to assist any individual(s) in determining whether or not natural attenuation is an applicable remediation tool for the clean-up of a specific site.

State Participation
California
Nebraska
Colorado
New Jersey
Illinois
Tennessee
Massachusetts

Contacts
Paul Hadley, CA (Team Leader)
P: (916) 324-3823
phadley@dtsc.ca.gov

Steve Hill, Coleman Research
P: (208) 375-9029
srhill@uswest.net

Amber Clarkston, Coleman Research
P: (208) 658-8384
aclarkston@uswest.net

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