Location
Grand Rapids, Michigan
Start Date
16-5-2024 9:00 AM
End Date
16-5-2024 9:30 AM
Description
Navigating through Geochemical Modeling Uncertainties Related to Site Management and Cleanup Decisions Authors Mr. Scott Hensel - United States - Haley & Aldrich Inc. Abstract Geochemical modeling is a common and often essential approach used to understand the fate and transport of many inorganic constituents found at CCR sites. Uncertainties associated with key geochemical parameters may considerably influence the prediction of the fate of a CCR constituent. Because of regulation requirements, many CCR sites are in the process of selecting final remedies, which are often based on geochemical modeling results. Typically, thermodynamic databases downloaded with the program are used to define the reactive nature of the modeled system. However, these databases are often incorrectly assumed to be error-free and up-to-date. Additionally, default databases may not contain enough data to model the desired behaviors of all constituents (e.g. lithium). Other processes such as adsorption preference and assimilation of adsorbed solute into the sorbent are often not fully understood or considered. Case studies will be presented to demonstrate the impact these uncertainties may have on remedy selection. The steps investigators can take to address these uncertainties will be described, and include literature review, proper data collection, and incorporating remaining uncertainties into the interpretation. These steps improve model accuracy, resulting in greater confidence in remedy selection.
Document Type
Event
Navigating through Geochemical Modeling Uncertainties Related to Site Management and Cleanup Decisions
Grand Rapids, Michigan
Navigating through Geochemical Modeling Uncertainties Related to Site Management and Cleanup Decisions Authors Mr. Scott Hensel - United States - Haley & Aldrich Inc. Abstract Geochemical modeling is a common and often essential approach used to understand the fate and transport of many inorganic constituents found at CCR sites. Uncertainties associated with key geochemical parameters may considerably influence the prediction of the fate of a CCR constituent. Because of regulation requirements, many CCR sites are in the process of selecting final remedies, which are often based on geochemical modeling results. Typically, thermodynamic databases downloaded with the program are used to define the reactive nature of the modeled system. However, these databases are often incorrectly assumed to be error-free and up-to-date. Additionally, default databases may not contain enough data to model the desired behaviors of all constituents (e.g. lithium). Other processes such as adsorption preference and assimilation of adsorbed solute into the sorbent are often not fully understood or considered. Case studies will be presented to demonstrate the impact these uncertainties may have on remedy selection. The steps investigators can take to address these uncertainties will be described, and include literature review, proper data collection, and incorporating remaining uncertainties into the interpretation. These steps improve model accuracy, resulting in greater confidence in remedy selection.
