The Application of Lower-Cost Perchlorate Remediation Methods and of Community-Engagement Efforts to Enhance Management of Superfund Sites
Author
Roundhill, PatrickIssue Date
2018Advisor
Brusseau, Mark L.
Metadata
Show full item recordPublisher
The University of Arizona.Rights
Copyright © is held by the author. Digital access to this material is made possible by the University Libraries, University of Arizona. Further transmission, reproduction, presentation (such as public display or performance) of protected items is prohibited except with permission of the author.Embargo
Release after 08/27/2020Abstract
The US EPA states Community Advisory Boards (CAB’s) have proven to be effective forms of engaging communities in the geographic areas of a Superfund site. When local residents along with local scientists, engineers, community members and concerned citizens become engaged in the assessment and remediation of a US EPA Superfund site, many effects may be observed.In this study, measurements of change were taken along with observations made regarding the participants’ involvement, attitude and activities. The outcomes are defined and measured at the Apache Nitrogen Products Incorporated (ANPI). This site was studied and the community was engaged using various educational methods. The hypothesis was that if there is strong engagement of participants in various activities implemented at this contamination site, there would be a strong impact on their involvement in, and understanding of informational meetings, remediation activities, and regulatory choices. The results indicated that strong engagement and participation by the community members at contamination sites has a significant impact on their involvement, and in some cases even improving remediation efforts, and success. In parallel to the proposed community engagement activities, a novel technology was employed to treat groundwater contaminated with perchlorate and competing oxidized species such as nitrates. . The treatment of groundwater containing perchlorate by a water treatment reactor employing ZVI processes was improved with new pre-treatments by purging oxygen, removing competing oxidized materials, increasing media contact surface area, increasing residence time, and treating the iron by washing with HCl solution. This research indicates that community engagement activities may influence many aspects of Superfund site management, participants’ behaviors, decisions, and their understanding and that the regulatory decisions may be affected by CE activities coupled with a demonstration that there is an alternative remediation available.Type
textElectronic Dissertation
Degree Name
Ph.D.Degree Level
doctoralDegree Program
Graduate CollegeSoil, Water and Environmental Science