Investigation and Remediation

Hi! My name is Dave Zbieszkowski and I am a Senior Geologist in the Indianapolis, Indiana office of August Mack Environmental, Inc. I have more than 11 years of experience with extensive knowledge regarding geological and hydrogeological investigations, operation and maintenance of soil and groundwater remediation systems, soil and groundwater sampling, vapor intrusion evaluation and mitigation, emergency response coordination as well as Phase One Environmental Site Assessments. I plan to spend my time on this blog focusing on topics related site investigation, remediation and closure. I hope you enjoy what you read and feel free to give me a call at 317.916.3159 or send me an e-mail at davidz@augustmack.com to further discuss any of these posts.

EPA is working toward a proposed rulemaking to add a new screening component to OSWER's Hazard Ranking System (HRS), which would allow sites impacted by vapor intrusion or intrusion of other subsurface contamination to be evaluated for placement on the Superfund National Priorities List (NPL). Through this change, the HRS could directly consider the human exposure to contaminants that enter building structures from the subsurface environment.

EPA has made substantial progress during the past year in preparing its final guidance for the vapor intrusion pathway. EPA has extensively engaged stakeholders and considered extensive and substantive public comments received in 2011 and 2012. EPA is working to complete its work expeditiously and issue final Subsurface Vapor Intrusion Guidance so that it can be applied in forthcoming decisions. Comments can be viewed at Regulations.gov (EPA-HQ-RCRA-2002-0033)

This figure depicts the migration of volatile chemicals from contaminated soil and groundwater plumes into buildings. Volatile chemicals are shown to enter buildings through cracks in the foundation and openings for utility lines. Atmospheric conditions and building ventilation are shown to influence vapor intrusion.
Source: EPA 2008

In extreme cases, the vapors may accumulate in dwellings or occupied buildings to levels that may pose near-term safety hazards (e.g., explosion), acute...