Michael Kavanaugh, Ph.D., P.E., BCEE (California) and David Reynolds, Ph.D., P.Eng. (Ontario) will present "Effective Site Characterization and Remediation Decision Making: The Value of Information" during the Strategic Environmental Research and Development Program (SERDP) and Environmental Security Technology Certification Program (ESTCP) webinar number 81at 12:00 p.m. EST on October 18, 2018.

Mike and David will be co-presenting with Kevin G. Mumford, Ph.D., an Associate Professor in the Department of Civil Engineering at Queen's University. His research focuses on the study of multiphase flow in porous media and its application to the remediation of non-aqueous phase liquids in soil and groundwater, with emphasis on the behavior of gases in contaminated groundwater systems including in situ thermal remediation, bubble-facilitated transport, and the numerical simulation of gas migration and mass transfer.

Mike is a Senior Principal Environmental Engineer based in California with more than 35 years of consulting experience focused on the areas of water quality, water treatment, and groundwater remediation. He has served a highly diverse group of private and public sector clients directly, through industry associations, and through attorneys.

David is a Senior Principal Environmental Engineer based in Ontario focused on the development and implementation of groundwater remediation technologies and management strategies for complex sites with challenging hydrogeological conditions. Dave has served as project manager, director, or technical specialist on multiple site investigations, litigation support cases, remediation feasibility studies, pilot and full-scale remediation projects, and innovative technology developments and transfers.

SERDP and ESTCP have launched a webinar series to promote the transfer of innovative, cost-effective and sustainable solutions developed through projects funded in five program areas. The webinar series targets Department of Defense (DoD) and Department of Energy (DoE) practitioners, the regulatory community and environmental researchers with the goal of providing cutting edge and practical information that is easily accessible at no cost.

SERDP is DoD's environmental science and technology program, planned and executed in partnership with DoE and U.S. EPA, with participation by numerous other federal and non-federal organizations. SERDP invests across a broad spectrum of basic and applied research, as well as advanced development.

ESTCP is DoD's environmental technology demonstration and validation program. The Program was established in 1995 to promote the transfer of innovative technologies that have successfully established proof of concept to field or production use. ESTCP demonstrations collect cost and performance data to overcome the barriers to employ an innovative technology because of concerns regarding technical or programmatic risk, the so-called "Valley of Death."

Abstract

"Effective Site Characterization and Remediation Decision Making: The Value of Information"

Site characterization is a process of reducing uncertainty, with the eventual aim of developing an accurate conceptual site model (CSM) that is appropriate for the remedial objectives of the site. The economic cost of a CSM is highly variable, and little in the way of formal guidance exists on balancing the production of data with the ultimate benefit to achieving remedial goals more cost effectively. A similar lack of guidance exists for understanding which elements of site characterization translate to the highest value data for remediation planning and the prediction of long-term effectiveness of applied remedies. SERDP's DIVER project (ER-2313) has developed technical guidance on decision making based on applying value of information (VOI) concepts in site characterization and remediation contexts. The VOI concepts are based on assessing detailed field data, empirical evidence gathered from some of the most successful practitioners in the field, highly detailed virtual site investigations, and stochastic approaches to quantifying the value of additional information for three hypothetical chlorinated solvent impacted sites. This project supports DoD's efforts to develop decision support methodologies that ultimately reduce uncertainty in site characterization and lead to cost-effective and efficient remediation outcomes. This presentation will describe the VOI methodology and will outline a framework for the optimization of the site characterization process, such that the total cost of investigation, the cost of achieving remedial goals, and the risks of failure of remedial approaches are minimized.

More Information

Learn more about the event: https://www.serdp-estcp.org/Tools-and-Training/Webinar-Series/10-18-2018.
For registration information: https://zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_kfIGr3H4TX24a0SaJilOzQ
For consultation regarding site characterization and remediation, contact Mike Kavanaugh at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or David Reynolds at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..
Learn more about Mike at: https://www.geosyntec.com/people/mike-kavanaugh
Learn more about David at: https://www.geosyntec.com/people/david-reynolds