ECOLOGY, HYDROLOGY, AND SITE ENVIRONMENT
A Preliminary Assessment of Polychlorinated Biphenyls (PCBs) Congeners, Aroclors, Dioxins, and Furans in the Sediment and Soil at U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) Portsmouth Gaseous Diffusion Plant (PORTS) in Piketon, Ohio
Project Description
Ohio University performed a review of the current site-wide groundwater model for the PORTS site. After review and verification of the current site-wide groundwater model, Ohio University used the site-wide groundwater model in conjunction with georeferenced historical sampling data to investigate: 1) Surface water – groundwater interaction on site, specifically focused on the effects of operating pump and treat systems; 2) Site-wide fate and transport of groundwater contamination in the subsurface, focusing on inorganic chemical and radionuclide contamination; and 3) Interaction between DOE pump-and-treat wells and private wells offsite. Ohio University also conducted a review of regulatory requirements for cleanup of groundwater at brownfield sites across the State of Ohio, specifically focusing on required cleanup levels in relation to background groundwater quality. Conclusions from the review of regulatory requirements were used to examine suitability of cleanup decisions, including cleanup levels for groundwater, made at DOE sites in Ohio. The task team evaluated potentially ecologically significant secondary problems associated with PORTS site remediation, thereby providing information that allows DOE to minimize resource damages or remediate damages.
Principal Investigator Bios
Jennifer Bowman
Bowmanj2@ohio.edu
Jen Bowman manages the Voinovich School’s Environmental Management Program involving staff and students in watershed research including chemical water quality data analysis, interpretation and report writing for various projects as part of the Appalachian Watershed Research Group at Ohio University. Jen developed and manages an online database management system for area watershed groups and has done extensive research in acid mine drainage, water quality characterization and restoration.
Dr. Natalie Kruse
krusen@ohio.edu
Natalie Kruse is an Assistant Professor of Environmental Studies in the Voinovich School of Leadership and Public Affairs. Dr. Kruse holds a Ph.D. in Civil Engineering and Geosciences from Newcastle University, and a B.S. in Civil Engineering with a minor in Geological Sciences from Ohio University. She completed her post-doctoral research for the Sir Joseph Swan Institute for Energy Research at Newcastle University.