Scope of the Conference

The presence of source zones containing dense non-aqueous phase liquids (DNAPL) is usually the single most important factor limiting the characterization and cleanup of organic-contaminated sites. Depending on site characteristics, DNAPL properties and distribution, extensive contamination of groundwater frequently occurs – dissolved plumes generated from these source zones vary in size and complexity. DNAPL serves as a persistent source of dissolved contamination, and is a major impediment to cost-effective remediation and attainment of site closure.

Over the past three decades, many innovations in site characterization and remediation technologies have been developed and deployed at DNAPL sites. Better site characterization has allowed for a more complete understanding of DNAPL distribution, allowing remediation efforts to focus on critical areas. Several in-situ technologies are now available which can achieve substantial DNAPL source depletion either by extraction or destruction. However, many sites owners have been reluctant to undertake aggressive source–depletion technologies because of the risk of failure in achieving certain regulatory targets after implementing a source-depletion technology (e.g., MCLs in the source zone). Many factors contribute to this risk, including uncertainties in site characterization (i.e. the location and amount of DNAPL in groundwater at a site), uncertainties in forecasting potential benefits and adverse impacts of partial source depletion, the inability to accurately predict life cycle costs, and continuing uncertainties regarding the acceptability of alternative clean-up levels. Thus, at the majority of DNAPL sites, containment of the source zone and/or management of the dissolved plume for cost–effective risk/liability reduction and regulatory compliance have been the dominant strategies of choice.

While many field-scale studies have demonstrated that a high percentage of the DNAPL mass may be removed in a relatively short period of time by implementing aggressive in-situ depletion technologies, DNAPL treatment efficiencies decrease significantly over time. This fact, and the fact that subsurface heterogeneities also contribute to a decrease in treatment efficiency, contribute to the realization that it is generally not possible to remove all DNAPL mass from the source zone. Thus, the controlling issue for many sites becomes the relative cost vs. benefits of source reduction.

On the other hand, the application of oxidation and reduction technologies for treatment of soil and groundwater is a rapidly growing area of remediation technologies for DNAPL, LNAPL and various Organic contaminants. These technologies are effective in treating both DNAPL, LNAPL and other contaminants, which offer the possibility of rapid and inexpensive treatment. Some of these technologies have been accepted as site remediation options, and have been applied in a variety of sites in North America and in Europe.

The research, development, commercialization and field application of these technologies have also been attracting increasing attention from industry, academia and government research laboratories around the world. New oxidation and reduction processes continue to be developed. Consequently, the communication of the recent results of leaders from academia, government research laboratories and industry is urgently needed to accelerate the technology transfer and the commercialization processes of oxidation and reduction technologies. AORT – 2018 is intended to communicate these results.

Who Should Attend?

• Scientists and engineers from academia, industry and government laboratories who are involved in the research, development, commercialization and applications of various environmental technologies;
• Site owners;
• Commercial developers and vendors of various biological, physical and chemical technologies;
• Environmental consulting firms involved in the design and the implementation of these technologies;
• Technical and legal regulatory personnel involved in the evaluation and approval of treatment technologies at hazardous waste sites; and
• Marketing professionals from the environmental industry who are looking for new business opportunities or interested in exhibiting their products/services.