The DoD’s Installation Restoration Program has set goals to achieve Response Complete (RC) at 95% of Installation Restoration Program (IRP) sites at active installations, and IRP sites at Formerly Used Defense Sites (FUDS) by the end of FY 2021. Of these sites, groundwater contaminated with chlorinated solvents is often the most intractable problem. Substantial progress has been made in the past 20 years in the development of technologies for remediation of contaminated groundwater; however, challenges remain. Remedial costs are particularly high at sites where (1) contamination is extensive, but concentrations are low, (2) DNAPL is present in the subsurface, (3) site hydrogeology is complex (e.g., fractured bedrock), or (4) site conditions require extensive long-term monitoring. The National Research Council study, “Alternatives for Managing the Nation’s Complex Contaminated Groundwater Sites” reviews and highlights the technical challenges DoD faces in managing these sites.
Also of concern are issues associated with emerging contaminants in groundwater. Contaminants such as PFASs or 1,4-dioxane often occur with co-contaminants, yet treatment options that are effective for one class of compounds may not be for others. More cost-effective treatment technologies are needed for these emerging chemicals of concern. In situ or ex situ treatment options are of interest, but proposers must be clear on the need for and advantages of ex situ treatment.
Technologies and methods are sought that have well-defined demonstration/validation questions to address. Proposed technologies should have completed all required laboratory work, although site-specific treatability work prior to the field demonstration is acceptable. Demonstrations should address technical and/or regulatory issues that inhibit the widespread use of the proposed approach across DoD. ESTCP supports demonstrations at a scale sufficient to determine the operational performance of the remediation technology and to estimate its expected full-scale costs. Full-scale cleanup of specific sites is not performed under ESTCP. Specific DoD demonstration site(s) may be suggested in the pre-proposal, but are not required.
ESTCP has supported the demonstration of a number of technologies designed for protection and remediation of contaminated groundwater. Proposers should be familiar with the ESTCP portfolio of technologies and tools in order to avoid duplication of previous efforts. ESTCP groundwater project descriptions are available on the ESTCP website.
