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| Resource Library > Technology Transfer > Programs and Initiatives > sustainableremediation > SRT |
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Sustainable Remediation Tool (SRT)
(Note: If the file is downloaded to your computer as a 'txt' file you will need to rename it with a 'zip' extension.)
Historically, the approach to contaminated sites has not fully considered sustainability concepts when making remedial decisions. One way to address this issue is to develop and apply a tool to aid environmental professionals in incorporating sustainability concepts into remediation decision making processes.
AFCEE and its partners have developed the Sustainable Remediation Tool (SRT) to serve two general purposes: 1) planning for future implementation of remediation technologies at a particular site, as well as 2) a means to evaluate optimization of remediation technology systems already in place or to compare remediation approaches based on sustainability metrics. The SRT allows users to estimate sustainability metrics for specific technologies. The technologies, selected by AFCEE for inclusion in the SRT, are: 1) Excavation, 2) Soil Vapor Extraction, 3) Pump and Treat, and 4) Enhanced In Situ Biodegradation. AFCEE intends to add additional technology modules and metrics to the SRT in the future. The first version of the SRT was available online for free 1 May 09. The next version will be available for free to the public the fall of 2009.
Tool Structure
The tool is structured into Risk-Based Corrective Action (RBCA) Tool Kit-type Tiers. This allows the user to choose the level of effort and detail appropriate for the project at hand. Tier 1 (simplest tier) calculations are based on rules-of-thumb that are widely used in the environmental remediation industry. Tier 2 calculations are more detailed and incorporate site-specific factors. A user might choose Tier 1 rather than Tier 2 if a quick evaluation is required, if detailed site data is lacking, or if an extremely site-specific evaluation is not required. Tier 1 is more appropriate for making general comparisons between remediation technologies. Conversely, a user might choose a Tier 2 evaluation if adequate time in which to complete the Tier 2 evaluation is available or if very detailed site data is available. GSI Environmental Inc., 2008, "RBCA Tool Kit for Chemical Releases, Version 2.5e," Available at http://www.gsi-net.com/software.asp.
For each technology and in each tier of evaluation, sustainability metrics are calculated. These metrics are:
- Carbon dioxide emissions to air
- Total energy consumed
- Technology cost
- Safety / accident risk
- Natural resource service
After calculating output metrics, several other features are available to help interpret the results. Users have the option to consider various scenarios for future costs of carbon dioxide offsets and for energy. These costs consider net present value over the project lifetime. Also available to users is a Stakeholder Roundtable, in which various parties involved can choose to weigh the importance of each metric. The group's weights are then compiled into a consensus set of metrics, which represents an equal compromise of metric weights for the group. These features allow users more flexibility and aid in the decision-making process.
| Excavation Tierr |
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Soil Source |
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| Click either image for larger view |
Tool Status
The current version of the SRT is available free for download. If the file is downloaded to your computer as a 'txt' file you will need to rename it with a 'zip' extension. The SRT will undergo continuous testing of the technologies currently included in the tool, as well as new technology modules to be added in the future. Reviewers of the tool include representatives from the Navy, Army, Air Force, US EPA, industry, environmental consultants, and the state regulators. If you have questions concerning the SRT, please contact the AFCEE Technology Transfer Office at 210-536-4314, afcee.td.awag@brooks.af.mil.
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