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As part of the U.S. EPA Superfund Innovative Technology Evaluation
Program, under the direction of Dr. Kumar Topudurti of Tetra Tech EM
Inc. (Tetra Tech) in Chicago, Illinois, Tetra Tech performed the
first-ever comprehensive evaluation of field measurement devices for
TPH measurement in soil samples.
Sitelab was one of seven
devices selected for full-scale evaluation after screening 13
devices.
Stakeholders and project participants included EPA Regions,
Department of Defense, American Petroleum Institute, British
Petroleum, Chevron, Equilon (Shell and Texaco) and ExxonMobil.
The project took two years to complete and cost nearly $1 million
dollars.
Both
quantitative and qualitative performance attributes of the field
measurement devices were critically evaluated using a laboratory gas
chromatography and mass spectrometry method as the “benchmark.”
To make sure that the evaluation produced practical and
useful information for environmental scientists and engineers, Tetra
Tech developed and implemented a comprehensive experimental design
that was scientifically sound and statistically based.
The design
included the evaluation of devices using a variety of soil
types, fuel types, potential chemical and physical interferents, and
TPH concentration ranges.
A total of 1,400 soil environmental samples collected from
five areas across the U.S. and synthetic soil samples prepared under
controlled conditions were analyzed to answer several critical
questions on the effectiveness of field measurement devices.
According to industry experts, “the innovative preparation of
standards and spiked materials was a significant achievement...and
the work here filled a large piece of the puzzle, answering a number
of questions about the real-world capabilities of these
technologies.” They
also stated that “this project was an engineering and logistical
feat, as well as a successful analytical testing experiment that was
a crucial step in advancing analytical science in the field.”
According to another stakeholder, “the project was
exceptional in its planning and execution, and contributes important
field information to our understanding of TPH test kits.”
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Since the 1980's, The Excellence in Environmental
Engineering® competition of the American Academy of Environmental Engineers®
exists to identify and reward the best of today's environmental engineering
research, planning and design and the best operation and management of
environmental facilities and programs. The 2002 edition drew entries
from around the world that typify the creativity and innovations of
consulting engineers, municipal utilities, industrial corporations, and
academics.
The Academy's Excellence in Environmental Engineering® competition
singles out those projects and programs for recognition which
testify to the genius of humankind. Its criteria define what
it takes to be the best in environmental engineering practice - a
holistic environmental perspective, innovation, proven performance
and customer satisfaction, and contribution to an improved quality
of life and economic efficiency.
Reference:
Environmental Engineer Magazine, Page 8,
Volume 38, No. 2, April 2002
The
American Academy of Environmental Engineers® and Excellence in Environmental Engineering®
are registered trademarks of American Academy of Environmental
Engineers, Inc.
Copyright
2002 American Academy of Environmental Engineers; reprinted
with permission. |
Reference:
Critical Evaluation of Field Measurement Technologies for Total
Petroleum Hydrocarbons in Soil, Topudurti/TTEMI, Inc. Newsletter,
April 2002.
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Disclaimer:
AAEE, Inc., Tetra Tech EM, Inc, U.S. EPA, Stakeholders and project
participants referenced here do not endorse any products offered for
sale by Sitelab or other developers in the SITE Program. |