Installation Restoration Research Program. Review of the Utility of NaturalAttenuation for Remediating Contaminated Army Sites

摘要

Natural attenuation, or intrinsic bioremediation, was investigated as aninnovative approach to site remediation. This process, based on the concept that contamination in ground water, soils, and surface water can be reduced to environmentally benign levels through natural processes, is becoming increasingly popular with both regulators and the parties responsible for remediation. A review was conducted of the available scientific literature for sites at which natural attenuation has been observed or selected for implementation, including several database searches. In addition, Federal and state regulators were interviewed to identify the conditions necessary for regulatory acceptance of natural attenuation. The final phase of the study involved assessing the available technical data to support the selection of natural attenuation at contaminated Army sites. The study results demonstrate reasonable potential for implementation of natural attenuation at Army sites, provided that site-specific characteristics support its selection. Laboratory studies and field demonstrations are recommended to assess the potential for biodegradation of military unique compounds such as explosives and energetics, since these materials have not been demonstrated to be as susceptible to natural attenuation via biodegradation.