Managing contaminated sites using MNA & NSZD (2)

Managing contaminated sites using MNA & NSZD

*** Please be aware that attendance in this course requires prior completion of the Developing Advanced Conceptual Models for Contaminated Sites course. ***

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.

This course is Day 2 in a two-part series that aims advance knowledge and provide practical advice to assess the efficacy of natural attenuation, evaluating MNA or NSZD as a standalone, parallel or transitional option compared to remediation alternatives, and implementing monitoring-based risk management programmes. Sessions will cover the following topics:

• Decision making processes to assess MNA or NSZD viability, including transition assessment
• Multiple lines of evidence approach, including methods of assessment and predictive modelling
• Application of advanced methods to assess degradative processes
  • Compound specific isotope analysis (CSIA) and related techniques
  • Molecular biological tools (MBTs)
• Characterising NSZD and monitoring approaches
• Estimating NSZD rates
• Performance monitoring strategies to close corrective actions.

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

Prerequisites

Delegates should be familiar with principles of contaminant hydrogeology, MNA and NSZD. A brief read through the CL:AIRE MNA and NSZD technical guidance documents will 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.

Kevin Kuntze is CEO of Isodetect GmbH, Germany. He received his Ph.D. in Biochemistry from the University of Leipzig (Germany) in the research field of anaerobic biodegradation of groundwater contaminants. In the past 16 years Isodetect has developed many innovative tools in the area of molecular biology and compound-specific isotope analysis: Compound-specific Stable Isotope Analysis (CSIA), Stable Isotope Probing (SIP), in situ microcosms (BACTRAPs®), laboratory microcosm studies, metabolite analysis, molecular genetic techniques (qPCR) and GC-MS screening.

Phil Dennis is a Senior Principal Scientist at SiREM in Guelph, Canada where he has worked for over 22 years. Phil currently directs molecular genetic testing services and is innovation lead for SiREM’s research and development program.