Background:
The following examples show how the State of Kansas, Department of Health and Environment (KDHE), has benefited from its affiliation with ITRC, including participation on the In-Situ Bioremediation Work Group and its cooperation with the Remedial Technologies Development Forum (RTDF). Kansas has effectively used information gained through this group including the ITRC Guidance Documents and Natural Attenuation of Chlorinated Solvents Training to more effectively administer and regulate the deployment of in-situ bioremediation projects at a number of sites within the state.

1. Natural Attenuation Training Leads to Defense Savings
Based on training that he received at the ITRC/RTDF training course on Natural Attenuation of Chlorinated Solvents in Salt Lake City, Tom Waller, a KDHE project manager, observed a classic biodegradation pattern within a chlorinated solvent plume at an active Army base in Kansas. Tom recognized that anaerobic biodegradation in the presence of an abundant electron donor (stoddard solvent) was occurring at the site. He described the evidence for natural attenuation to the base project manager.

Benefits: Tom now anticipates that natural attenuation will be considered as a major remedy for groundwater contamination at the site. By taking the lead in identifying the natural attenuation process, Tom accelerated the process of identifying remedial alternatives for the site, saving the Department of Defense significant expense.

2. Natural Attenuation Training Contributes to Enhanced State Review of Defense Site
Tom Waller, a KDHE project manager, is also providing state oversight at a Formerly Used Defense site in which natural attenuation will be considered as a potential remedy for a chlorinated solvent plume. Tom has helped refine the conceptual model for degradation pathways at the site by providing references from the Natural Attenuation Course manual.

Benefit: The background that Tom gained from the course will greatly improve his ability to make an informed decision on the applicability of natural attenuation at the site.

3. ITRC Guidance Documents Aid Superfund Site Remedy Selection
Tom Waller also reviewed a feasibility study for a Superfund Site in Kansas, in which a remedial alternative involving in-situ bioremediation of chromium-contaminated groundwater was proposed. Based on information he gained from an ITRC draft document on Enhanced In-Situ Bioremediation of Chlorinated Solvents in Groundwater, Tom determined that the proposed remedy did not properly consider bioclogging of porosity due to overstimulation of aerobic bacteria in the vicinity of the proposed injection point. As a result, the costs of the remedy may have been underestimated.

Benefit: Since his review of the document, the in-situ bioremediation alternative has been identified as the preferred remedy at the site. Because of Tom's comments, the revised remedy will address bioclogging in its design.

Who can I contact to learn more about these Examples?
Saqib Khan
Department of Health and Environment
Building 740, Forbes Field
Topeka, KS 66620
Phone: 785-296-8025
Fax: 785-296-4823
e-mail: skhan@kdhe.state.ks.us

Mr. Leo Henning
Department of Health and Environment
Building 740, Forbes Field
Topeka, KS 66620
e-mail: lhenning@kdhe.state.ks.us

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