Training Classes and Materials

Reference & Resources

Reading Room

Reference Documents/Internet Resources

Workshops/Conferences

Training Classes and Materials

Information on Triad training classes and associated presentation materials are available via this section.

Classroom Training

CLU-IN Upcoming Courses and Conferences – USEPA, This section of CLU-IN lists information on upcoming courses and conferences related to hazardous waste characterization and remediation. It allows you to search by event name, description, location, and date.

http://www.clu-in.org/courses/

Trainex: EPA's Classroom Training Website – USEPA, This website lists training opportunities for federal, state, tribal, and local government staff involved in hazardous waste management and remediation. Included are schedules for deliveries of many courses, both classroom and Internet-based.

http://trainex.org

Upcoming Internet Seminars

The Charrette: Redevelopment by Design – U.S. EPA, Conflict Prevention and Resolution Center
August 11, 2010, 2:00PM-3:30PM EDT, 18:00-19:30 GMT
A Charrette uses pictures and mapping tools to develop innovative, sustainable plans for revitalization. Traditional planning and negotiation efforts can be stymied by the complex issues and divergent perspectives, leaving all parties frustrated. These collaborative workshops help participants visually understand the complexities of land re-use and revitalization. They have made a difference across the country by moving the affected stakeholders from negative approaches to positive plans for the future. This training will help EPA employees explore the use of Charrettes for collaborative redevelopment of Superfund sites.

http://www.clu-in.org/live/

Identifying & Evaluating Ecosystem Services at Contaminated Sites Prior to Remediation – U.S. EPA Technology Innovation and Field Services Division (TIFSD)
August 18, 2010, 3:00PM-4:30PM EDT, 19:00-20:30 GMT
Green remediation is the practice of considering all environmental effects of remedy implementation and incorporating options to maximize net environmental benefits of cleanup actions at contaminated sites. One of the core elements of green remediation is land & ecosystems, which promotes ideas of land management and ecosystem protection. There is a growing recognition of the significance of ecosystem services, as well as the dramatic impacts human activities can have on these essential services. Ecosystem services are the benefits that human populations derive from ecosystems. Examples include erosion control, climate regulation, recreational opportunities and raw materials. There is a unique opportunity to mitigate impacts on ecosystem services, which may occur from the remediation of contaminated sites. Learn more about ecosystem services, opportunities to mitigate impacts on ecosystem services at a site level, and much more during this seminar brought to you by Sarah Slack, a NNEMS fellow at the EPA.

http://www.clu-in.org/live/

PAH and PCB Toxicity and Adaptation - Lessons Learned from Chronically Exposed Wild Populations – National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, Superfund Research Program
August 19, 2010, 2:00PM-4:00PM EDT, 18:00-20:00 GMT
This seminar will feature Dr. Mark E. Hahn of Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution and Dr. Richard T. Di Giulio, Director of Duke University's Integrated Toxicology Program. Dr. Hahn will describe research to understand the role of aryl hydrocarbon receptors (AHRs) and AHR variants in the mechanism of resistance to PCBs that has evolved in Atlantic killifish (Fundulus heteroclitus) inhabiting the New Bedford Harbor (MA) superfund site. Other studies that address the role of AHRs as biomarkers of susceptibility and resistance will be discussed. Dr. Di Giulio will describe studies addressing mechanisms underlying the marked resistance to PAH toxicity displayed by a population of Atlantic killifish (Fundulus heteroclitus) inhabiting a PAH contaminated estuary adjacent to the Atlantic Woods Industries Superfund site in Virginia. These studies subsequently motivated additional studies that will be described that examined the unanticipated phenomenon of synergisitc toxicity between certain PAHs. These latter studies included both the killifish and the zebrafish as models.

http://www.clu-in.org/live/

Understanding the FY11 Job Training Grant Application Guidelines – U.S. EPA Office of Brownfields and Land Revitalization
August 30, 2010, 2:00PM-4:00PM EDT, 18:00-20:00 GMT
This seminar will provide an overview of the FY11 application guidelines for the Environmental Workforce Development and Job Training Grants - formerly known as the "Brownfields Job Training Grants," and is specifically geared towards tribal, tribal and minority academic institution applicants. (However, anyone is free to attend.) Eligibility and ranking evaluation criteria will be covered, as well as information on formatting and key building blocks of a successful proposal. A questions and answers session will be held at the end. (A second CLU-IN session will be held September 2nd for other applicants.)

http://www.clu-in.org/live/

Brownfields Nonprofit Outreach Training – Brownfields Region 6
August 31, 2010, 1:00PM-3:00PM EDT, 17:00-19:00 GMT
The purpose of this meeting is to learn about the different types of grants and assistance available through the Brownfields Program specifically targeting nonprofits and their partners.

http://www.clu-in.org/live/

Understanding the FY11 Job Training Grant Application Guidelines - 2 – U.S. EPA Office of Brownfields and Land Revitalization
September 2, 2010, 2:00PM-4:00PM EDT, 18:00-20:00 GMT
This seminar will provide an overview of the FY11 application guidelines for the Environmental Workforce Development and Job Training Grants -formerly known as the "Brownfields Job Training Grants." Eligibility and ranking evaluation criteria will be covered, as well as information on formatting and key building blocks of a successful proposal. A questions and answers session will be held at the end.

http://www.clu-in.org/live/

Stable Isotope Analyses to Understand the Degradation of Organic Contaminants in Ground Water (Part 1) – U.S. EPA Technology Innovation and Field Services Division
September 9, 2010, 2:00PM-3:30PM EDT, 18:00-19:30 GMT
When organic contaminants such as benzene, TCE or MTBE are degraded, the ratio of the stable isotopes of carbon in the organic contaminants will often change in a predictable fashion. In the last ten years, advances in analytical chemistry have made it possible to measure these changes, even when the organic contaminants are present in water at low concentrations. A determination of the ratio of the stable isotopes can reveal whether the contaminant has been degraded. If the mechanism of degradation is understood, and laboratory studies are available that define the relationship between the extent of degradation of the contaminant and the shift in the ratio of isotopes, it is often possible to estimate the extent of biodegradation of the contaminant.

This webinar will briefly review the theory behind isotopic effects, it will explain the units used to characterize the ratio of isotopes, and it will discuss the simple mathematics that can relate the shift in the ratio to the extent of degradation. Then the webinar will illustrate an approach to estimate rate constants for natural biodegradation of contaminants in ground water. The isotope analysis will be used to estimate the extent of natural biodegradation of MTBE at a gasoline spill site. The extent of biodegradation will be combined with the hydrological parameters at the site to estimate rate constants for biodegradation.

The webinar will conclude with a number of cautions and warnings. Heterogeneity in flow paths in the aquifer and proximity to NAPL or other source of contamination to ground water can substantially confuse the interpretation of stable isotope data. Both these conditions cause the isotope analysis to underestimate the extent of degradation. Heterogeneity in the rate of biodegradation can produce substantial errors in the forecasts of plume behavior. The webinar will provide recommendations to deal with the effects of heterogeneity in rates of biodegradation.

U.S. EPA has released A Guide for Assessing Biodegradation and Source Identification of Organic Ground Water Contaminants using Compound Specific Isotope Analysis (CSIA) [EPA 600/R-08/148 | December 2008 | www.epa.gov/ada]. The Guide provides recommendations for sample collection, sample preservation, and sample analysis; recommendations on QA/QC issues; details on calculations; and a catalogue of expected initial values for the ratios of ¹³C to ¹²C in organic compounds such as TCE and PCE. The Guide also illustrates in detail the process to use isotope ratio data to estimate rate constants for degradation of organic compounds in ground water.

Note: This is a repeat of the June 16, 2010 seminar on this topic split across two sessions. You will be registered for each of the two sessions in this series and will receive a separate registration confirmation email for each session. Part 2 will be offered on September 16, 2010, 2:00 PM - 3:30 PM, EDT (18:00-19:30 GMT).

http://www.clu-in.org/live/

Stable Isotope Analyses to Understand the Degradation of Organic Contaminants in Ground Water (Part 2) – U.S. EPA Technology Innovation and Field Services Division
September 16, 2010, 2:00PM-3:30PM EDT, 18:00-19:30 GMT
When organic contaminants such as benzene, TCE or MTBE are degraded, the ratio of the stable isotopes of carbon in the organic contaminants will often change in a predictable fashion. In the last ten years, advances in analytical chemistry have made it possible to measure these changes, even when the organic contaminants are present in water at low concentrations. A determination of the ratio of the stable isotopes can reveal whether the contaminant has been degraded. If the mechanism of degradation is understood, and laboratory studies are available that define the relationship between the extent of degradation of the contaminant and the shift in the ratio of isotopes, it is often possible to estimate the extent of biodegradation of the contaminant.

This webinar will briefly review the theory behind isotopic effects, it will explain the units used to characterize the ratio of isotopes, and it will discuss the simple mathematics that can relate the shift in the ratio to the extent of degradation. Then the webinar will illustrate an approach to estimate rate constants for natural biodegradation of contaminants in ground water. The isotope analysis will be used to estimate the extent of natural biodegradation of MTBE at a gasoline spill site. The extent of biodegradation will be combined with the hydrological parameters at the site to estimate rate constants for biodegradation.

The webinar will conclude with a number of cautions and warnings. Heterogeneity in flow paths in the aquifer and proximity to NAPL or other source of contamination to ground water can substantially confuse the interpretation of stable isotope data. Both these conditions cause the isotope analysis to underestimate the extent of degradation. Heterogeneity in the rate of biodegradation can produce substantial errors in the forecasts of plume behavior. The webinar will provide recommendations to deal with the effects of heterogeneity in rates of biodegradation.

U.S. EPA has released A Guide for Assessing Biodegradation and Source Identification of Organic Ground Water Contaminants using Compound Specific Isotope Analysis (CSIA) [EPA 600/R-08/148 | December 2008 | www.epa.gov/ada]. The Guide provides recommendations for sample collection, sample preservation, and sample analysis; recommendations on QA/QC issues; details on calculations; and a catalogue of expected initial values for the ratios of ¹³C to ¹²C in organic compounds such as TCE and PCE. The Guide also illustrates in detail the process to use isotope ratio data to estimate rate constants for degradation of organic compounds in ground water.

Note: This is a repeat of the June 16, 2010 seminar on this topic split across two sessions. You will be registered for each of the two sessions in this series and will receive a separate registration confirmation email for each session. Part 1 will be offered on September 9, 2010, 2:00 PM - 3:30 PM, EDT (18:00-19:30 GMT).

http://www.clu-in.org/live/

An Improved Understanding of LNAPL Behavior in the Subsurface - State of Science vs. State of Practice – Interstate Technology and Regulatory Council
August 3, 2010, 2:00PM-4:15PM EDT, 18:00-20:15 GMT
Light non-aqueous phase liquids (LNAPLs) are organic liquids such as gasoline, diesel, and other petroleum hydrocarbon products that are immiscible with water and less dense than water. Understanding LNAPLs is important because they are present in the subsurface at thousands of remediation sites across the country, and are often the sole reason why a site remains "open." The spectrum of sites where LNAPL assessment and remediation efforts may take place include petroleum manufacturing and handling facilities such as refineries, bulk product terminals, gas stations, airports and military bases. LNAPLs in the subsurface can be a complex problem to address, and frequently prevent or delay regulatory closure (no further action) of remediation projects.

This training course is relevant for all levels of state and federal regulators, environmental consultants, and technically-inclined site owners and public stakeholders. The training course is divided into three parts:

An Improved Understanding of LNAPL Behavior in the Subsurface - State of Science vs. State of Practice
LNAPL Characterization and Recoverability -- Improved Analysis
Evaluating LNAPL Remedial Technologies for Achieving Project Goals

Part 1 explains how LNAPLs behave in the subsurface and examines what controls their behavior. Part 1 also explains what LNAPL data can tell you about the LNAPL and site conditions. Relevant and practical examples are used to illustrate key concepts. A sound LNAPL understanding is necessary to effectively characterize and assess LNAPL conditions and potential risks, as well as to evaluate potential remedial technologies or alternatives. Unfortunately, many environmental professionals have a faulty understanding of LNAPL conditions based on outdated paradigms. The ITRC LNAPLs Team is providing Internet-based training to improve the general understanding of LNAPLs. Better understanding leads to better decision making. Additionally, this training provides a necessary technical foundation to foster effective use of the ITRC LNAPLs Team Technical and Regulatory Guidance document, Evaluating LNAPL Remedial Technologies for Achieving Project Goals (LNAPL-2, 2009).

http://www.clu-in.org/live/

LNAPL Characterization and Recoverability - Improved Analysis – Interstate Technology and Regulatory Council
August 10, 2010, 2:00PM-4:15PM EDT, 18:00-20:15 GMT
Light non-aqueous phase liquids (LNAPLs) are organic liquids such as gasoline, diesel, and other petroleum hydrocarbon products that are immiscible with water and less dense than water. Understanding LNAPLs is important because they are present in the subsurface at thousands of remediation sites across the country, and are often the sole reason why a site remains "open." The spectrum of sites where LNAPL assessment and remediation efforts may take place include petroleum manufacturing and handling facilities such as refineries, bulk product terminals, gas stations, airports and military bases. LNAPLs in the subsurface can be a complex problem to address, and frequently prevent or delay regulatory closure (no further action) of remediation projects.

This training course is relevant for all levels of state and federal regulators, environmental consultants, and technically-inclined site owners and public stakeholders. The training course is divided into three parts:

An Improved Understanding of LNAPL Behavior in the Subsurface - State of Science vs. State of Practice
LNAPL Characterization and Recoverability-- Improved Analysis
Evaluating LNAPL Remedial Technologies for Achieving Project Goals

Part 2 addresses LNAPL characterization and site conceptual model development as well as LNAPL recovery evaluation and remedial considerations. Specifically, Part 2 discusses key LNAPL and site data, when and why those data may be important, and how to get those data. Part 2 also discusses how to evaluate LNAPL recoverability. A sound LNAPL understanding is necessary to effectively characterize and assess LNAPL conditions and potential risks, as well as to evaluate potential remedial technologies or alternatives. Unfortunately, many environmental professionals have a faulty understanding of LNAPL conditions based on outdated paradigms. The ITRC LNAPLs Team is providing Internet-based training to improve the general understanding of LNAPLs. Better understanding leads to better decision making. Additionally, this training provides a necessary technical foundation to foster effective use of the ITRC LNAPLs Team Technical and Regulatory Guidance document, Evaluating LNAPL Remedial Technologies for Achieving Project Goals (LNAPL-2, 2009).

http://www.clu-in.org/live/

Evaluating LNAPL Remedial Technologies for Achieving Project Goals – Interstate Technology and Regulatory Council
August 17, 2010, 2:00PM-4:15PM EDT, 18:00-20:15 GMT
Light non-aqueous phase liquids (LNAPLs) are organic liquids such as gasoline, diesel, and other petroleum hydrocarbon products that are immiscible with water and less dense than water. Understanding LNAPLs is important because they are present in the subsurface at thousands of remediation sites across the country and are often the sole reason why a site remains open. The spectrum of sites where LNAPL assessment and remediation efforts may take place include petroleum manufacturing and handling facilities such as refineries, bulk product terminals, gas stations, airports and military bases. LNAPLs in the subsurface can be a complex problem to address, and frequently prevent or delay regulatory closure (no further action) of remediation projects.

Over the past few decades, LNAPL remedial technologies have evolved from conventional pumping or hydraulic recovery systems to a variety of innovative, aggressive, and experimental technologies that address the mobile and residual LNAPL fractions, as well as volatile and dissolved-phase plumes. Thus, many different LNAPL remedial technologies with differing site and LNAPL applicabilities and capabilities are available to remediate LNAPL releases. This can make selection of a remedial technology daunting and inefficient. To foster informed remedial technology selection and appropriate technology application, the LNAPLs Team developed the ITRC Technical and Regulatory Guidance document, Evaluating LNAPL Remedial Technologies for Achieving Project Goals (LNAPL-2, 2009). This document addresses seventeen LNAPL remedial technologies and provides a framework to streamline remedial technology evaluation and selection.

This training course is relevant for new and veteran regulators, environmental consultants, and technically-inclined site owners and public stakeholders. The training course is divided into three parts:

Part 1: An Improved Understanding of LNAPL Behavior in the Subsurface - State of Science vs. State of Practice
Part 2: LNAPL Characterization and Recoverability - Improved Analysis
Part 3: Evaluating LNAPL Remedial Technologies for Achieving Project Goals

Part 3 uses the LNAPL conceptual site model (LCSM) approach to identify the LNAPL concerns or risks and set proper LNAPL remedial objectives and technology-specific remediation goals and performance metrics. The training course also provides an overview of the LNAPL remedial technology selection framework. The framework uses a series of tools to screen the seventeen remedial technologies based on site and LNAPL conditions and other important factors. LNAPL Training Part 1 and LNAPL Training 2 are recommended pre-requisites for this Part 3 training course. Archives are available at http://cluin.org/live/archive.cfm?sort=title#itrc (note: courses are listed alphabetically, you will have to scroll down to find the course of interest).

http://www.clu-in.org/live/

Protocol for Use of Five Passive Samplers – Interstate Technology and Regulatory Council
September 14, 2010, 2:00PM-4:15PM EDT, 18:00-20:15 GMT
All groundwater samplers or sampling methodologies attempt to collect a well-water sample which is representative of the groundwater adjacent to the well. The ITRC Passive Sampler Team has defined a passive groundwater sampler as one that is able to acquire a sample from a discrete position in a well without active media transport induced by pumping or purge techniques. Passive sampling is synonymous with no-purge sampling and can be used as a substitute or replacement for any current groundwater sampling technology. Passive samplers have been used in every state in the U.S. and in many other countries. Passive samplers are relatively easy to use; eliminate purge-water production (therefore, there is little or no disposal cost); reduce field sampling variability resulting in highly reproducible data; decrease field labor and project management costs for long-term monitoring; allow rapid field sample collection; sample discrete intervals in a well; are practical for use where access is difficult or discretion is desirable; can be deployed in series to provide a vertical contaminant profile; and have virtually no depth limit.

This training supports the understanding and use of the ITRC Protocol for Use of Five Passive Samplers to Sample for a Variety of Contaminants in Groundwater (DSP-5, 2007). The five technologies included in this document include diffusion samplers (Regenerated Cellulose Dialysis Membrane Sampler and Rigid Porous Polyethylene Sampler), equilibrated grab samplers (Snap Sampler™ and HydraSleeve™ Sampler); and an accumulation sampler (GORE™ Module). The training starts with information common to all five samples then focuses on each sampler as instructors describe the sampler and explain how it works; discuss deployment and retrieval of the sampler; highlight advantages and limitations; and present results of data comparison studies.

http://www.clu-in.org/live/

Phytotechnologies – Interstate Technology and Regulatory Council
September 16, 2010, 11:00AM-1:15PM EDT, 15:00-17:15 GMT
Phytotechnologies is a set of technologies using plants to remediate or contain contaminants in soil, groundwater, surface water, or sediments. These technologies have become attractive alternatives to conventional cleanup technologies due to relatively low capital costs and the inherently aesthetic nature of planted sites.

This training familiarizes participants with ITRC's Phytotechnology Technical and Regulatory Guidance and Decision Trees, Revised (Phyto-3, 2009). This document provides guidance for regulators who evaluate and make informed decisions on phytotechnology work plans and practitioners who have to evaluate any number of remedial alternatives at a given site. This document updates and replaces Phytoremediation Decision Tree (Phyto-1, 1999) and Phytotechnology Technical and Regulatory Guidance Document (Phyto-2, 2001). It has merged the concepts of both documents into a single document. This guidance includes new, and more importantly, practical information on the process and protocol for selecting and applying various phytotechnologies as remedial alternatives.

This guidance contains decision trees:

Remedy Selection Decision Tree
Groundwater Decision Tree
Soil/Sediment decision Tree
Riparian Zone Decision Tree

This course will be most useful to you if you download the guidance and follow the discussion with the Decision Trees displayed in your guidance. Our instruction is how to use the Guidance - not how to use the decision trees process. That is explained within the Guidance.

http://www.clu-in.org/live/

In Situ Bioremediation of Chlorinated Ethene - DNAPL Source Zones – Interstate Technology and Regulatory Council
September 30, 2010, 11:00AM-1:15PM EDT, 15:00-17:15 GMT
Treatment of dissolved-phase chlorinated ethenes in groundwater using in situ bioremediation (ISB) is an established technology; however, its use for DNAPL source zones is an emerging application. This training course supports the ITRC Technical and Regulatory Guidance document In Situ Bioremediation of Chlorinated Ethene: DNAPL Source Zones (BioDNAPL-3, 2008). This document provides the regulatory community, stakeholders, and practitioners with the general steps practitioners and regulators can use to objectively assess, monitor, and optimize ISB treatment of DNAPL source zones. The objective is to provide adequate technology background for the user to understand the general and key aspects of ISB for treatment of chlorinated ethene DNAPL source zones. It is not intended to be a step-by-step instruction manual for remedial design, but describes technology-specific considerations for application of ISB of DNAPL source zones.

For this training and guidance document, a DNAPL source zone includes the zone that encompasses the entire subsurface volume in which DNAPL is present either at residual saturation or as "pools" that accumulate above confining units. The DNAPL source zone includes regions that have come into contact with DNAPL and may be storing contaminant mass as a result of diffusion of DNAPL into the soil matrix. Even though DNAPLs may be present in both the unsaturated and saturated zones, the discussion of ISB of DNAPL source zones in this training and guidance document focuses on treatment of DNAPL source zones within the saturated zone.

Two goals of any DNAPL source treatment technology are to 1) reduce the mass of contaminants within the source area and 2) prevent migration of contaminants above unacceptable levels. The enhanced ISB technology reduces source mass and controls flux through the enhanced dissolution and desorption of DNAPL constituents into the aqueous phase, and subsequent microbially mediated degradation processes. Although enhanced ISB of DNAPL source zones has been demonstrated in the field at a few chlorinated solvent sites, expectations for rapid depletion of the source zone must be realistic. This training and guidance provide detailed requirements necessary to support the realistic determination of goals for ISB of a DNAPL source zone.

To get the most out of this training, before the class, please review the associated document, the ITRC Technical and Regulatory Guidance document In Situ Bioremediation of Chlorinated Ethene: DNAPL Source Zones (BioDNAPL-3, 2008).

http://www.clu-in.org/live/

Archived Internet Seminars

Dynamic Data Collection Strategy Using Systematic Planning and Innovative Field-Based Measurement Technologies – USEPA & USACE, This seminar reviews the importance of systematic planning as a prelude to dynamic work strategies and innovative measurement technologies. Case studies illustrate site characterization, removal/remedial action and treatment system optimization.

http://www.clu-in.org/conf/tio/sysplan_031501/

The Triad Approach to Better Cleanup Projects: Illustrated with the Tree Fruit Case Study – USEPA, This seminar introduces the importance of systematic project planning to ensure the quality of project decisions. Dynamic work strategies and field measurement technologies simultaneously bring down project costs while increasing decision confidence.

http://www.clu-in.org/conf/tio/triad_012303/

Field Analytical Technologies for VOCs in Groundwater – USEPA, This seminar describes an evaluation the ETV Program did for five different technologies for generating field analytical measurements of VOCs in groundwater. Basic principles of operation underlying the various technologies is presented, along with a summary of the performance of each of the technologies with their advantages and limitations.

http://www.clu-in.org/conf/tio/vocgw_022701/

Field-Based Analytical Methods for Explosive Compound – USEPA, This seminar covers field-based methods for explosives residues in soil and water, including the analytical challenges posed by compounds with a short review of fixed-lab methods. Sampling considerations for water and soil matrices are also covered, with particular emphasis on the extreme spatial heterogeneity generally found in soils.

http://www.clu-in.org/conf/tio/explosives_082801/

Field-Based Geophysical Technologies – USEPA, This 2-hr seminar starts with the basic science behind geophysical technologies and how they fit into smarter approaches to cleaning up hazardous waste sites. Throughout the seminar, instructors describe how the use of systematic planning, dynamic work strategies, and field technologies are applied to developing a CSM that can reliably guide site cleanup activities.

http://www.clu-in.org/conf/tio/geophysical_121201/

Uses of Spatial Analysis and Decision Assistance (SADA) – USEPA, Spatial Analysis and Decision Assistance (SADA) is free software that incorporates tools from environmental assessment fields into an effective problem solving environment. These tools include integrated modules for visualization, geospatial analysis, statistical analysis, human health risk assessment, ecological risk assessment, cost/benefit analysis, sampling design, and decision analysis. This seminar highlights the tools uses, but is not a tutorial for the software.

http://www.clu-in.org/conf/tio/sada_081506/

Training Presentation Slides

The links below lead to Triad training materials (PowerPoint presentations, video clips, etc.) developed by members of the Triad working group.