Theme: 01. Remediation Technology Innovations

Topic Area: 01m. In Situ Technologies: Lessons Learned

Formatted Title:

The Past Paves the Way for Future Innovation?

Background/Objectives:

The lessons of the past provide a lens to evaluate past environmental remediation shortcomings and plot the future course of technology innovation in addressing contamination. In the 1960s, state-of-the-art waste disposal consisted primarily of open dumping and combined volume reduction through burning. Wetlands were filled, waste was disposed directly to surface waters. onto or below ground, and the impacts of air and water pollution became increasingly common. Such past practices, or more appropriately a lack of appropriate practices, left a legacy of pollution and environmental disasters across the globe. Analysis of history led to a realization that responsible technologies are needed to deal with the undesirable consequences and after-effects. This realization continues, even through the present, as new contaminants and new exposure routes are identified.

Approach/Activities:

Decades later, remediation technology development ensued and followed the Technology Life Cycle Curve (TLC-curve) of innovation, ascent, maturity, and decline. The initial technology development period provided failures, but at the same time provided valuable lessons to early adopters, and thus modifications were implemented over time to create success. Remedial technologies continue to evolve to be more effective and reliable.

Our remedial toolbox of methods was adapted from existing technologies in the oil patch, drinking water, wastewater, and traditional construction industries. Starting in the early 1970s, remediation practitioners consistently developed new technologies specifically for the contaminants of the time – hydrocarbons, chlorinated solvents, 1,4-dioxane, and presently the forever chemicals. Enhanced bioremediation, chemical oxidation and reduction, pump and treat, SVE/MPE/sparge, anaerobic bioremediation, washing, solidification, thermal, surfactants, phytoremediation, sorption, and so on, each were developed, innovated, improved, commercialized, and eventually eclipsed by newer technologies. Remediation-specific technology development was nonlinear with early failures providing valuable learnings upon which additional improvements and further innovations are made.

Concurrent technological developments in physical, chemical, and mechanical treatment methodologies have led to multivariant strategies with overlapping cycles of improvement, treatment capabilities, lifespan of technology, and cost structure. As sites grew increasingly complex, improved understanding of the limitations of individual technologies have become more apparent. As contaminants become increasingly difficult to treat, technological improvements continue to be made, ever pushing technology farther.

Results/Lessons Learned:

This paper will look back on remediation technologies and their timeline of development, using hindsight to provide/offer a historical perspective and means to extrapolate on where future remediation technologies might lead. Remediation should not be developed and implemented in a vacuum – remediation approaches have been punctuated by promulgation of legislation and regulations, industry understanding of complexity of natural systems, technologic improvements in imaging and delineation, litigation and justice considerations, analytical improvements, social and economic governance, and risks posed by previously unknown/undetectable compounds.

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James Begley