Nanotechnology for Environmental Cleanup and Pollution Control – Science, Implementation, and Regulatory Issues Symposium Highlights and Summary
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GROUNDWATER RESOURCES ASSOCIATION OF CALIFORNIA VOLUME 19, NO. 1 SPRING 2010 Nanotechnology for Environmental Cleanup and Pollution Control – Science, Implementation, and Regulatory Issues Symposium Highlights and Summary By Zhong (John) Xiong, Ph.D., P.E., AMEC Geomatrix, Inc., Murray Einarson, P.G., CHG., AMEC Geomatrix, Inc., and Denis O’Carroll, Ph.D., University of Western Ontario anomaterials represent a prom- discussions on the science of nano- ising new technology for rapid technology, the latest development of Nenvironmental cleanup and environmental nanotechnologies, and pollution control. Research into and current regulatory policies related to development of innovative engineered nanotechnology. The symposium was nanomaterials such as nano-scale zero- organized as a single-track moderated valent iron (nZVI) for site remediation session over one day, which is described has increased dramatically in the past in detail below. decade. Because of the small particle size, nanomaterials achieve treatment Section 1: Nanotechnology rates that are significantly greater than for Groundwater Remediation micron-scale treatment media. Another Martha Otto of the U.S. EPA pro- expected advantage of nanomaterials is Symposium attendees enjoying the vided an overview of EPA’s initiatives that they are small enough to be mobile Exhibit Hall. PHOTO BY ZHONG (JOHN) XIONG. on the application of nanotechnology in aquifer systems and can be injected such as nZVI for site remediation and directly into the subsurface to treat “Nanotechnology for Environmental pollution control. Ms. Otto highlighted contaminated source zones. At the Cleanup and Pollution Control - Sci- the Nanotechnology for Site Remedia- same time, there are many unknowns ence, Implementation, and Regulatory tion Fact Sheet that was published in and uncertainties regarding the risk Issues,” on November 3, 2009, in Bur- October 2008 by the U.S. EPA. A num- of nanomaterials throughout their life lingame, CA. The symposium attracted ber of different nanotechnologies and cycle, which has attracted significant over 80 participants from locations their uses for remediation are presented attention from the research, regulatory, around the country. Experts, research- in this publication. Ms. Otto also pre- and industrial communities. ers, regulators, and stakeholders from academia, consulting, state and federal sented select projects where nZVI was In response to this, GRA hosted agencies, and the legal arena delivered used for groundwater remediation at the 22nd Symposium in the Series on presentations and engaged in lively Superfund sites. Groundwater Contaminants, titled Continued on page 4… HYDROVISIONS – SPRING 2010 | PAGE 1 The Groundwater Resources Association of California is dedicated to resource management that protects and improves groundwater through education and technical leadership. Inside this Issue Features EXECUTIVE OFFICERS Nanotechnology for Environmental President, William Pipes Cleanup and Pollution Control – AMEC Geomatrix 559-264-2535 | [email protected] Science, Implementation, and Vice President, Sarah Raker, Regulatory Issues 1 MACTEC Engineering and Consulting, Inc. 707-793-3841 | [email protected] Groundwater Withdrawal-Induced Treasurer, David Von Aspern Sacramento County EMD Land Subsidence in the San Joaquin 916-875-8467 | [email protected] Valley: A 2009 Perspective 7 Secretary, Ted Johnson Water Replenishment GRA Requests Nominations for District of Southern Califnoria 562-275-4240 | [email protected] the 2010 “Lifetime Achievement” and “Kevin J. Neese” Awards 27 DIRECTORS David Abbott Todd Engineers CORE Foundation Takes Off 28 510-595-2120 | [email protected] Thomas Harter Murray Einarson Wins National University of California, Davis Groundwater Technology Award 28 530-752-1130 | [email protected] Roy Herndon Orange County Water District 714-378-3260 | [email protected] Columns & Corners Brad Herrema Brownstein Hyatt Farber Schreck 805-882-1493 | [email protected] President’s Message 3 Thomas M. Johnson LFR Inc. Upcoming Events 13 510-596-9511 | [email protected] Vicki Kretsinger Technical Corner 17 Luhdorff & Scalmanini, Consulting Engineers 530-661-0109 | [email protected] California Legislative Corner 19 Brian Lewis Cal/EPA, Dept. of Toxic Substances Control 916-255-6532 | [email protected] Federal Legislative/Regulatory Corner 20 Tom Mohr Santa Clara Valley Water District Chemist’s Corner 23 408-265-2607, ext. 2051 | [email protected] Jean Moran Hydro-History Corner 24 California State University, East Bay 510-885-3486 | [email protected] Organizational Corner 25 Tim Parker Parker Groundwater 916-833-5800 | [email protected] Branch Highlights 29 Eric Reichard U.S. Geological Survey 619-225-6134 | [email protected] James Strandberg Malcolm Pirnie, Inc. 510-735-3020 | [email protected] HYDROVISIONS is the official publication of EDITOR EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR the Groundwater Resources Association of Steven P. Phillips Kathy Snelson California (GRA). GRA’s mailing address is [email protected] 916-446-3626 | [email protected] 915 L Street, Suite 1000, Sacramento, CA 95814. Any questions or comments concerning EDITORIAL BOARD WEB AND DATABASE MANAGER this publication should be directed to the Roy Herndon | Tom Mohr | Tim Parker Kevin Blatt, iHappi Web Design newsletter editor at [email protected] or faxed to Kathy Snelson | David Von Aspern (916) 442-0382. 510-845-9623 | [email protected] HYDROVISIONS – SPRING 2010 | PAGE 2 President’s Message Greetings from Fresno By Bill Pipes reetings from Fresno, deep in – I’d rather call it an “advance”). participating in GRA’s yearly business the heart of the great bread We review the current state of GRA, meeting. You can find more informa- Gbasket they call the San Joaquin identify the opportunities available to tion about all of GRA’s programs and Valley – and home to the most prolific GRA, and brainstorm about the future the Annual Meeting in HydroVisions, and robust groundwater aquifer in the of the organization. In 2001, GRA at www.grac.org, and in the various state! I am honored to be named by developed a comprehensive strategic emails we will be broadcasting to you the GRA Board of Directors as the plan that outlined long-term strategies throughout the year. new GRA president for 2010. Allow for meeting the organization’s goals I want to thank all of GRA’s volun- me to introduce myself – I am a native and objectives. The plan was updated teers – Board members, Branch officers, Californian and a product of our great during our annual planning meeting event chairs and committee members, UC system (Santa Barbara). Though in 2009. We will soon be posting the Board committees, and members – for I traveled back East to get a graduate strategic plan on the website, and I their hard work and dedication that is degree, I returned home in 1978 to encourage you to read it. Initiatives for the root of GRA’s strength. I encour- start my career as a professional geolo- 2010 and beyond include strengthen- age more members to become involved gist and have worked as a consulting ing GRA events by making them more in GRA; during this time of economic groundwater geologist in Fresno since timely, relevant, oriented to your needs, challenges, your help is needed more 1991. I have been part of the GRA and innovative in format; building than ever. Start with your Branch – at- family since 2002, when a handful of GRA Branches through membership tend the meetings, become an officer, us resurrected the San Joaquin Valley growth and greater involvement in be a speaker, help arrange a field trip. Branch. In 2003, you elected me to local groundwater issues; growing the The Board and I are convinced that the the Board of Directors. Since then, my overall membership; and maintaining best way to grow and strengthen GRA activities have included co-chairing sustainable financial health. for the long term is from the ground numerous GRA events; chairing Board With the leadership of Ted Johnson, up at the local level. The benefits to committees, including membership Elie Haddad, and Tom Mohr, I predict active members are wide-ranging, and communications, and serving as a banner year for GRA events content, including the opportunity to network secretary and vice president of GRA. attendance, and innovations. GRA with others in your profession; keeping Assisting me this year at the helm will seeks to inform, educate, and provide up on the latest news, trends, legisla- be Sarah Raker as Vice President, Ted forums for providing insight into, tion, and technical advances; and the Johnson as Secretary, and David Von and finding solutions for California’s satisfaction of taking part in growing Aspern as Treasurer. Jim Strandberg, thorniest water issues. Event content a worthy organization. I would be very or immediate Past President, also will will be relevant to the challenges and happy to discuss with you ways to get provide assistance and guidance. I issues we face as groundwater practi- involved in GRA – please call me di- look forward to working with the new tioners in California. Event topics this rectly at (559) 264-2535 or email me at officers and Jim, Kathy Snelson, our year will include boring logs, water- [email protected]. Executive Director, the Board of Direc- shed hydrology, solvent release sites, tors, and YOU, to fulfill GRA’s mission Thank you for reading HydroVisions! geophysics, numerical groundwater and to continue establishing GRA as Until next time, modeling, well performance issues, the pre-eminent voice for California’s forensic geochemistry, and statistics. most precious resource. Don’t forget GRA’s Annual Meeting Bill Pipes Each year, the GRA Board of Direc- on September 15-16 in San Francisco; Bill Pipes tors devotes a weekend to discussing this is YOUR meeting for networking GRA President the state of the organization and plans with other members, seeing a variety of going forward (some call it a “retreat” excellent technical presentations, and The statements and opinions expressed in GRA’s HydroVisions and other publications are those of the authors and/or contributors, and are not necessarily those of the GRA, its Board of Directors, or its members.