Workshop on Management of DoD's Chlorinated Solvents in Groundwater SitesJuly 18-19, 2018, Seattle, WA

SERDP and ESTCP co-sponsored a workshop to (1) review the current state of the science regarding chlorinated solvent contamination in groundwater; (2) evaluate whether currently available characterization, remediation, and monitoring technologies meet users’ needs and requirements; and (3) identify and prioritize remaining research opportunities.

Approximately 55 invited personnel representing DoD Remedial Project Managers, federal and state regulators, engineers, researchers, industry representatives, and consultants were in attendance. A review of the research, demonstration, and technology transfer needs identified will be presented in the Workshop Report.

Workshop on Research and Demonstration Needs for Management of AFFF-Impacted SitesMay 2-3, 2017 Washington, D.C.

SERDP and ESTCP co-sponsored a workshop to (1) to review the current state of the science regarding sources of PFAS contamination, particularly AFFF, (2) to evaluate currently available and developing technologies for characterization and remediation of AFFF sites, and (3) to identify research and demonstration needs to improve remediation performance, efficiency, and ultimately reduce the cost of managing AFFF sites. Approximately 65 invited personnel representing DoD Remedial Project Managers, federal and state regulators, engineers, researchers, industry representatives, and consultants were in attendance. Results are detailed in the Workshop Report, which will guide the SERDP and ESTCP strategic plan for investments in the area of PFAS contamination over the next five years.

Workshop on Research and Development Needs for Long-Term Management of Contaminated SedimentsAugust 9-10, 2016, Seattle, WA

SERDP and ESTCP co-sponsored a workshop to (1) examine the current state of the science and technology for the remediation and restoration of contaminated sediment sites, (2) review the current and projected future status of DoD restoration activities, (3) identify data gaps that, if addressed, could aid in the restoration of contaminated sediments, and (4) prioritize research, demonstration and technology transfer opportunities to help facilitate regulatory and public acceptance of restoration of contaminated sediment sites. Approximately 60 invited personnel representing DoD Remedial Project Managers, federal and state regulators, engineers, researchers, industry representatives, and consultants were in attendance. Results are detailed in the Workshop Report, which will guide the SERDP and ESTCP strategic plan for investments in the area of contaminated sediments over the next five years. 

Workshop on Research & Demonstration Needs for Management of Munitions ConstituentsJuly 28-29, 2015, Washington, D.C

SERDP and ESTCP co-sponsored a workshop to (1) review the life cycle process for use of munitions constituents; (2) identify data gaps and research needs that are appropriate to address under the Environmental Restoration program area; and (3) apprise representatives from the Services of applicable research and demonstrations funded by SERDP and ESTCP.  Approximately 70 invited personnel representing DoD program managers, federal and state regulators, engineers, researchers, industry representatives, and consultants were in attendance. Results are described in the Workshop Report, which will guide the SERDP and ESTCP strategic plan for investments for management of munitions constituents over the next five years.   

Workshop on Vapor Intrusion into Indoor Air from Contaminated GroundwaterDecember 19, 2013, Tempe, Arizona

The workshop on vapor intrusion into indoor air from contaminated groundwater was sponsored by SERDP and ESTCP and held in Tempe, Arizona on December 19, 2013. The goal of the workshop was to develop a path forward for investments and technology transfer by SERDP and ESTCP in vapor intrusion assessment. Specific questions addressed included (1) what additional research is warranted in this area, if any? (2) Are there additional technology or methodology demonstrations needed to move the field forward to implementation of key concepts? (3) What interactions need to take place with the end users? and (4) Are additional guidance documents, training, and/or seminars needed? The workshop's agenda focused on the research needed to deal more efficiently with the characterization and mitigation of sites impacted by contaminant vapor intrusion, with overall objectives to (1) review the current status of SERDP and ESTCP's funded efforts on vapor intrusion, and (2) discuss future research and demonstration needs to improve our ability to properly assess the vapor intrusion pathway and indoor air concentrations. Approximately 25 invited experts representing DoD remedial program managers, state regulators, engineers, academic researchers, and consultants attended the workshop. A review of the research, demonstration, and technology transfer needs identified is presented in the Workshop Report. 

Workshop on the Long Term Management of Contaminated Groundwater SitesAugust 13-14, 2013, Arlington, Virginia

The Department of Defense is responsible for the remediation of thousands of contaminated groundwater sites. SERDP and ESTCP have funded considerable research and technology demonstrations in the past, with an emphasis on chlorinated solvents, but also included several other contaminants of importance to DoD. However, the long term management of contaminated groundwater sites continues to pose technical and regulatory challenges, particularly for complex sites, such as source zones within fractured bedrock. SERDP and ESTCP convened a workshop to indentify research, development, and demonstration needs that would improve DoD’s ability to effectively address its environmental requirements to manage and reduce the impacts of contaminated sites. The focus of the workshop was on the research needed to more efficiently deal with the long-term management and lengthy restoration of complex sites. A review of the research, demonstration, and technology transfer needs identified is presented in the Workshop Report. 

Workshop on Research and Development Needs for Long-Term Management of Contaminated SedimentsJuly 25-26, 2012, Seattle, Washington

Environmental restoration and closure of contaminated sediment sites is a top priority for the Department of Defense. Over the next five to ten years, identifying methods to establish long-term remedy success, reducing long-term management costs, and achieving site closure will be of primary concern. New investigation work will largely be associated with identifying recontamination sources within the local and regional watersheds and with emerging contaminants. SERDP and ESTCP convened a workshop to address this shift in site management priorities. The focus of the workshop was on examining the current state of the science and technology for the long-term management of contaminated sediment sites, reviewing the current and projected future status of DoD long-term management activities, identifying data gaps that, if addressed, could aid in the long-term management of contaminated sediments, and prioritizing research and demonstration opportunities to help facilitate regulatory and public acceptance of long-term management strategies for contaminated sediment sites. A review of the research, demonstration, and technology transfer needs identified is presented in the Workshop Report.  

Workshop on Investment Strategies to Optimize Research and Demonstration Impacts in Support of DoD Restoration GoalsJune 16, 2011, Salt Lake City, Utah

DoD’s Installation Restoration Program has set goals to achieve Response Complete (RC) at 90 percent of sites at active installations and Formerly Used Defense Site properties by the end of FY 2018 and to achieve RC at 95 percent of these sites by the end of FY 2021. Despite substantial progress made in the past 20 years, significant challenges remain for remediation of chlorinated solvent-contaminated groundwater at some sites. Cleanup to unrestricted use is often desired, but technically difficult to achieve, and sustainable remediation has become an increasingly important goal. To address these challenges, SERDP and ESTCP hosted a workshop to review the current cleanup goals and management processes used by the different services, evaluate existing and potential future issues associated with site closure, and identify research and demonstration strategies that, if incorporated into cleanup strategies, could improve remediation approaches, reduce risk, and ultimately reduce the cost to complete. A review of the science, remediation technology, characterization and monitoring technology, and technology transfer needs identified is presented in the Workshop Summary Report. 

Technical Exchange Meeting on Vapor IntrusionAugust 16-17, 2010, Salt Lake City, Utah

Chlorinated solvents are prevalent contaminants in groundwater and soils at DoD sites. Of concern in recent years has been the migration of vapors from chlorinated solvent groundwater plumes into surface and sub-surface structures. The 2010 Technical Exchange Meeting on Vapor Intrusion brought together researchers, practitioners, and remedial project managers (RPM) dealing with vapor intrusion issues to provide a forum for interaction and exchange of knowledge on the current state of the science. The meeting highlighted the innovative studies being conducted under SERDP- and ESTCP-funded projects and encouraged discussion of pertinent issues faced by RPMs. The meeting also provided an opportunity for participants to visit a field laboratory, based in a residential building with a history of vapor intrusion impacts, where ESTCP technologies were being demonstrated. 

Expert Panel Workshop on Research and Development Needs for Understanding and Assessing the Bioavailability of Contaminants in Soils and SedimentsAugust 20-21, 2008, Annapolis, Maryland

SERDP and ESTCP sponsored an expert panel workshop to (1) examine the current state of the science and technology for understanding and assessing bioavailability processes in soils and sediments that may impact risk-based remedial action decisions, (2) evaluate current and potential future applications of bioavailability concepts and assess barriers to their implementation, and (3) identify and prioritize research and demonstration opportunities that, if addressed, can facilitate regulatory acceptance and field implementation of bioavailability concepts to support risk assessments at DoD sites.  Two breakout sessions facilitated discussions of the current state of the science and identification of data gaps that could be addressed through additional RDT&E activities.  Specific research paths and demonstrations are described in the Workshop Report. 

Technical Exchange Meeting on DoD Operational Range Assessment and Management ApproachesAugust 7-8, 2007, Annapolis, Maryland

The sustainability of the DoD’s operational ranges is crucial to maintaining the readiness of the military forces and developing and testing improved weapon systems. SERDP and ESTCP convened a technical exchange meeting to (1) inform representatives from the range management and assessment communities of applicable technologies developed by SERDP, ESTCP, and the Army Environmental Quality Technology Program and (2) identify technology needs of the range management and assessment community that could be addressed through additional research and development efforts.  Two breakout sessions facilitated discussions of the current state of the science and identification of data gaps that could be addressed through additional RDT&E activities.  Specific research paths and demonstrations are described in the Final Report. 

Expert Panel Workshop on Reducing the Uncertainty of DNAPL Source Zone RemediationMarch 7-8, 2006, Baltimore, Maryland

SERDP and ESTCP co-sponsored a workshop to define a path forward to further reduce the uncertainty surrounding dense nonaqueous phase liquid (DNAPL) sites by providing (1) a critical review of the progress to date, including a consensus perspective on the implications of the funded research for practical remediation; (2) an overview of the current state of the science; and (3) a summary and prioritization of the remaining data gaps.  More than 40 experts participated in the workshop, which defined key issues and critical and high-priority needs for both research and demonstration projects.  Results are described in the Workshop Final Report, which will guide the SERDP and ESTCP strategic plan for investments toward DNAPL source zones over the next 5 to 10 years. 

Expert Panel Workshop on Research and Development Needs for the Environmental Remediation Application of Molecular Biological ToolsAugust 9-10, 2005, Charlottesville, Virginia

SERDP and ESTCP co-sponsored a workshop to (1) examine the current state of the science and technology of molecular biological tools that are applicable to the cleanup of hazardous waste in the field, (2) assess the current operational usage of such tools and identify technical and other barriers to their use, (3) identify promising areas of research and development that have the potential to lead to improved cost-effective tools to support remedial design and decisions, and (4) identify the most promising areas that are ready for and could benefit from rigorous field-scale demonstrations. Research, demonstration, and technology transfer needs identified by participants are described in the Workshop Report, which served as a strategic plan to guide future investments in molecular biological tools that can ultimately improve the design, implementation, monitoring, and/or performance assessment of remedial technologies. 

Expert Panel Workshop on Research and Development Needs for the In Situ Management of Contaminated SedimentsAugust 10-11, 2004, Charlottesville, Virginia

SERDP and ESTCP co-sponsored a workshop to (1) examine the current state of the science and engineering, (2) identify the gaps in knowledge and technology, and (3) prioritize those gaps where investments in research and development or field demonstrations could have the greatest impact on DoD's aquatic sediments remediation program. Nearly 80 research needs identified and prioritized at the workshop are described in the Workshop Report. 

Expert Panel Workshop on Research and Development Needs for Cleanup of Chlorinated Solvent SitesAugust 6-7, 2001, Leesburg, Virginia

SERDP and ESTCP co-sponsored a workshop to identify the specific technical issues that must be addressed to meet regulatory and other stakeholder concerns, the major gaps in scientific understanding of chlorinated aliphatic hydrocarbon contamination and cleanup, and the most important basic and applied research needs. Priority research and science and technology needs identified by participants are described in the Workshop Report.