Theme: 10. Characterization, Fate and Transport

Topic Area: 10i. Improvements in Site Data Collection, Data Management, and Data Visualization

Formatted Title:

Leveraging Digital Workflows and Integrated Conceptual Site Models to Streamline Complex Assessment Projects

Background/Objectives:

An effective and adaptable conceptual site model (CSM) drives rapid understanding of a site’s dynamic story. Digital data collection, management, analysis and visualization are the four pillars that support the CSM. Westinghouse recognized the importance of implementing a defined procedure that would help in the development and continued refinement of its CSM for the Columbia Fuel Fabrication Facility (CFFF). The team routinely collaborated with regulatory leaders representing community interests and stakeholders along with technical experts to compile historical data, evaluate data gaps, develop site investigation plans, and analyze spatial and temporal data distributions.

Many industrial sites struggle with understanding the history and extent of environmental contamination on their property. Further, once environmental impacts have been discovered, a company must consider the potential impacts on neighboring properties and therefore thoroughly investigate the potential for migration. Westinghouse found itself in this position when it discovered environmental impacts at its Columbia, South Carolina facility. Several multi-media investigations had been performed over several decades at the site causing data silos. Lack of effective transfer of historical knowledge and central data storage limited the team and regulatory agency’s ability to develop action plans with confidence.

Complex geology, hydrogeology, multiple source areas, and two types of surface water bodies (which affect groundwater flow very differently) resulted in unexpected migration directions. Changing aquifer geochemistry resulted in rapid reductive dechlorination of chlorinated volatile organic compounds (CVOCs).

Approach/Activities:

Westinghouse developed a site-specific procedure according to state and federal guidelines for CSMs. The team implemented a four-phase approach for a digital and dynamic CSM. Westinghouse initiated digital workflows to compile historical data, streamline mobile data collection, centralize data management, and perform routine and variable analysis scenarios. In each of these steps, compatible tools allowed for a seamless flow of new information into the digital CSM. New data were collected using Bluetooth®-enabled digital tools which promoted greater efficiency, quality, and streamlined transfer to the central database. Cloud-based telemetry allowed for near real-time viewing of surface water levels and use of pressure transducers within select monitoring wells allowed for analysis of the groundwater/surface water interaction. Plume analytics were used to demonstrate that the area, mass, and average concentration of the CVOC impacts were increasing, stable or decreasing.

Results/Lessons Learned:

Within each phase, the team collaborated in person and later in virtual meetings (due to COVID) with regulatory oversight agencies to identify and address data gaps that guided additional site investigation. This strategy elevated regulatory collaboration, stakeholder engagement and enabled better decision making using interactive CSMs. Overall, the approach allowed Westinghouse to efficiently address the concerns of many stakeholders and neighbors relative to the impacts identified on site.

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Diana Joyner