Authored by GHD, a new report provides guidance on the use of Natural Source Zone Depletion as part of sustainable strategies for the management of petroleum contaminated sites.
The report was published by the Cooperative Research Centre for Contamination Assessment and Remediation of the Environment (CRC CARE), an internationally-recognised source of technical guidance in Australia for the remediation and management of contaminated sites.
"NSZD is a phenomenon which has only recently become better understood. Essentially it describes the natural processes by which fuel hydrocarbons are broken down in the subsurface," explains Andre Smit, GHD’s Service Line Leader – Contamination Assessment & Remediation, Australia. "Where it's appropriate to use NSZD as a primary remedial strategy, it's inherently far more sustainable than traditional clean-up methods because you are not mobilising dedicated equipment such as pumps, which means less waste, fewer emissions, less resource use and less impact on communities. From a client perspective, it's also much more cost-effective."
As an industry leader in applying risk-based approaches to the management of contaminated sites, GHD has been involved in a variety efforts to confirm, monitor and implement NSZD strategies at Light Non-Aqueous Phase Liquid (LNAPL) sites in Australia.
"The industry adoption of NSZD processes is becoming more widespread, but until late 2018 there was no Australian guidance on the topic," Andre adds. "This report will help the industry in determining when NSZD can provide an appropriate response to dealing with residual LNAPL. It can also assist regulators in assessing whether the factors relating to NSZD have been properly considered and are consistent with policy requirements."
To develop the report for CRC CARE, GHD drew on insights from a wide range of stakeholders both nationally and internationally, including industry, regulators and site auditors.
Led by principal author Matt Rousseau from GHD in North America, this effort highlights the company’s ability to leverage global expertise to provide the innovative outcomes for our clients.
GHD, through Dr Peter Nadebaum, has been a key supporter of CRC CARE since its inception. GHD has authored or contributed to numerous technical reports on topics such as mass flux, PFAS, benzo(a)pyrene, monitored natural attenuation and development of health screening levels for petroleum hydrocarbons. The latter was incorporated into national guidance for Australia.
To find out more about NSZD, watch GHD’s Matt Rousseau free webinar hosted by the American Institute of Professional Geologists (AIPG) and the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes & Energy (EGLE).
Andre Smit
Service Line Leader – Contamination
Assessment and Remediation, Australia
T: +61 2 92397109
Email Andre Smit
Matt Rousseau
Associate
T: +1 519 966-4087
Email Matt Rousseau
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