1997 CPEO Military List Archive

From: Lenny Siegel <lsiegel@igc.org>
Date: Wed, 09 Apr 1997 09:09:35 -0700 (PDT)
Reply: cpeo-military
Subject: NATURAL ATTENUATION
 
NATURAL ATTENUATION

At an increasing numbe of contamination sites, federal agencies and 
other responsible parties are proposing "natural attenuation" as an 
innovative cleanup remedy. Approached properly, natural attenuation 
means more than doing nothing. It means doing careful investigation and 
analysis to determine the extent of natural biodegradation.

The question, for members of affected communities, is not whether 
natural attenuation ever makes sense? Regulatory agencies have already 
given their blessing. But we still can help define when is it 
appropriate? In a recent paper, "Overview of the Technical Protocol for 
Natural Attenuation of Chlorinated Aliphatic Hydrocarbons in 
Groundwater ...," some of the nation's leading experts (Wiedemeier et 
al) on the fate and transport of volatile organic compounds suggested:

"Based on the experience of the authors, in an estimated 80 percent of 
fuel hydrocarbon spills at federal facilities, natural attenuation 
alone will be protective of human health and the environment. For 
spills of chlorinated aliphatic hydrocarbons at federal facilities, 
however, natural attenuation alone will be protective of human health 
and the environment in an estimated 20 percent of the cases."

Are those estimates accurate? Which sites should qualify? How can the 
affected public take part in answering these questions.

Obviously, we need independent technical advice. Does any one know of 
any technical experts from the environmental movement or who normally 
work with community groups who are following these issues? 

Lenny Siegel

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