A Guide for Selecting Remedies for Subsurface Releases of Chlorinated Solvents

Over the past 30 years we have made enormous progress in managing a legacy of inadvertent releases of chlorinated solvents to subsurface soils and groundwater. First, adverse exposure to chlorinated solvents has been eliminated at almost all sites where chlorinated solvent releases occurred. Second, our understanding of the behavior of chlorinated solvents in subsurface environments has advanced to a state approaching maturity. Last, the cost and performance of a diverse set of remedies is largely understood. Unfortunately, despite our successes, challenges remain. In particular, far too often employed remedies fail to achieve closure and unanticipated further action is expected. At some DoD facilities this scenario has progressed through multiple iterations. The perceived whirlpool creates a sense that we are using available resources inefficiently. Considering the finite resources available for cleanup and currently available knowledge, it is clear that we must and can manage chlorinated solvent releases more successfully in the future. Perceiving an opportunity to do better, the Department of Defense's (DoD) Environmental Security and Technology Certification Program (ESTCP) funded development of this guide to selecting remedies for chlorinated solvent releases and a companion document titled Frequently Asked Questions About Managing Releases of Chlorinated Solvents to Soils and Groundwater. The overarching objective of both documents is to provide easy access to knowledge that supports sound decisions and frequent successes with managing subsurface releases. This document is targeted at individuals involved in selecting remedies for chlorinated solvents releases. In the case of DoD sites, this typically involves state regulators, federal regulators, consultants, DoD staff, and members of the local community. Addressing this audience reflects the fact that these parties select remedies, access performance, and ultimately hold the responsibility for results.

Prepared in cooperation with Colorado State University. The original document contains color images.