Developing Advanced Conceptual Models for Contaminated Sites (2)

Developing advanced conceptual models for contaminated sites

Course description & learning outcomes

Monitored Natural Attenuation (MNA) and Natural Source Zone Depletion (NSZD) are concepts receiving increasing attention in the UK as stakeholders seek sustainable ways to remediate contaminated sites while meeting key performance indicators. These terms describe the assessment of natural attenuation in source zones and groundwater plumes and its application to the evaluation and remediation of contaminated sites, that are captured in technical guidance published by CL:AIRE. Because assessing MNA and NSZD are founded upon evolution and refinement of an advanced CSM, they can be used to support many kinds of decisions about sustainable site management including risk assessment, options appraisal, stand-alone risk management or transition from active to passive remediation and verification.

This course is Day 1 in a two-part series that aims to provide critical awareness and understanding for industry practitioners, consultants and regulators to develop and review advanced conceptual site models that are required to inform sustainable approaches to risk management and remediation at contaminated sites. Sessions will cover the following topics:

• Conceptual modelling in the contaminated site lifecycle, including
• Objective-based data collection (DQO), value of information, data gaps and uncertainty
• Role of data visualisation and modelling
• Communicating conceptual site models
• Conceptualising geological and hydrogeological data for different environments
• Evaluating contaminant mass and phase distribution, transport mechanisms and natural attenuation
• Assessing complex contaminant linkages involving non-aqueous phase liquids, gas- vapour- and dissolved phase plumes
• Evaluating potential effects of plausible future conditions on contaminant transport and risk, including climate change.

The sessions will be interactive and offer a range of opportunities for participation.

Prerequisites

Delegates should be familiar with principles of contaminant hydrogeology, site characterisation technologies, LCRM and UK risk-based procedures. A brief read through the CL:AIRE MNA and NSZD technical guidance documents would also be beneficial.

Who Should Attend

Industry practitioners, geoenvironmental consultants and regulators involved in the evaluation and remediation of contaminated sites.

Trainers

James Rayner is a Principal at Geosyntec Consultants who specialises in developing advanced conceptual site models to support management of land contamination in challenging environments. He has expertise with pioneering data analysis and modelling techniques to assess contaminant fate and transport, and to appraise the feasibility and performance of monitored natural attenuation (MNA), natural source zone depletion (NSZD) and remedial alternatives, and has published technical guidance on these topics with CL:AIRE.