Theme: 10. Characterization, Fate and Transport

Topic Area: 10i2. Advanced Data Visualization Techniques

Formatted Title:

Using a Digital CSM to Expedite Workflow for DoD PFAS Site Investigations

Background/Objectives:

Over the last several years, the United States Department of Defense (DoD) has begun a large effort to assess current per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) liability associated with hundreds of sites across multiple armed forces. The traditional DoD site investigation process includes numerous stakeholders with long dead periods created by the interim reporting and review process. The typical period of performance for a complex PFAS investigation can stretch 3 to 5 years, and due to uncertainty, PFAS investigations will require multiple phases of work before sites are ready for remediation. Although the slow pace may seem inevitable at sites of this scale and complexity, an adaptive investigation approach with streamlined data processing and web-based dashboards - a digital conceptual site model (CSM) - can engage stakeholders, reduce dead periods, and streamline the interim reporting process.

Approach/Activities:

Integrated digital processes and real-time data management allows project teams to better manage their data, plan adaptive steps faster, reduce lifecycle investigation costs, and facilitate more efficient discussions with both clients and regulators. Access to data helps stakeholders reach consensus quickly and can reduce (or eliminate) interim reporting. For the Phase 1 Buckley Space Force Base (SFB) PFAS Remedial Investigation (RI), staff collected data using tablets and the team uploaded field and analytical data to a common database connected to interactive geospatial maps and analytical dashboards. A single web portal for the digital CSM was made accessible to all stakeholders and included a GIS map, analytical dashboard, digital document library, and interactive 3D model that together presented the project status, evolving digital CSM, and remaining data gaps. The Buckley SFB RI included three primary mobilizations: prescriptive, adaptive, and monitoring. The prescriptive phase included known impacts that required initial characterization. The adaptive phase built on the prescriptive with step-outs to complete delineation. The monitoring phase included the installation of final monitoring wells based on results of the prescriptive and adaptive phases of work. Each phase was seperated by an interim review period that relied on the digital CSM for data managment.

Results/Lessons Learned:

Prior to each phase of work, the various components of the digital CSM provided updated results for stakeholders to help illustrate the CSM, highlight data gaps, and outline the planned scope of work. Between each phase of work, rather than technical memoranda requiring stakeholder review, status meetings were used to review the digital CSM collectively and reach consensus prior to the next phase of work. Data analysis relied on the digital CSM for reference, and once the investigation activities were complete, the same database used to build the digital CSM was used as the basis for all required RI report attachments. Stakeholder feedback on the digital CSM has been positive and the Buckley SFB RI was completed within the 3-year period of performance.

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Oran Day