R2 PM Evaluating Short- and Long- Term Effectiveness In Sediment Remediation
Thursday, 17 November 2005: 1:50 PM - 5:30 PM in Ballroom 2

(EVI-1122-306670) Measuring Progress: What the Past Decade of Superfund Sediment Cleanups Has Taught Us.

Evison, LH¹, Ells, SJ¹, ¹ US EPA, OSRTI, 5204G

ABSTRACT- Over the past two decades, EPA has selected remedies at over 60 Superfund sites which include removing more than 10,000 cubic yards of contaminated sediment from a water body, or capping in place or monitoring the natural recovery of more than 5 acres of sediment. Most of Superfund's large sediment sites involve removal of at least some sediment through dredging or excavation. An increasing number of sites are also evaluating and selecting in-situ approaches such as capping and monitored natural recovery, often in combination with removal of selected areas. Field work at a significant number of Superfund sediment sites is now underway or has been completed. This presentation summarizes the latest national data on types of remedies being implemented, contaminants and exposure pathways driving risk, and the cost of many of these actions. It also describes the approaches used at Superfund sites to measure short-term and long-term effectiveness and risk reduction, including the approaches recommended in EPA′s new sediment remediation guidance. From a survey of the latest available monitoring data, the benefits and challenges of sediment cleanup are noted, including conditions most conducive to achieving and maintaining sediment cleanup levels, reducing ecological and/or human health risks, and the importance of continuing efforts to reduce all sources of contamination to water bodies.

Key words: Superfund