ASTM E1943-98(2004)

Standard Guide for Remediation of Ground Water by Natural Attenuation at Petroleum Release Sites

SCOPE
1.1 This is a guide for determining the appropriateness of remediation by natural attenuation and implementing remediation by natural attenuation at a given petroleum release site, either as a stand alone remedial action or in combination with other remedial actions.
1.2 Natural attenuation is a potential remediation alternative for containment and reduction of the mass and concentration of petroleum hydrocarbons in the environment to protect human health and the environment. Remediation by natural attenuation depends upon natural processes such as biodegradation, dispersion, dilution, volatilization, hydrolysis, and sorption to attenuate petroleum constituents of concern to achieve remedial goals.
Note 1—Remedial goals must be established through another process as determined by the appropriate regulatory agency.
1.3 In general, remediation by natural attenuation should not be considered a presumptive remedy. A determination of whether remediation by natural attenuation is appropriate for an individual petroleum release site, relative to site-specific remedial goals, requires site characterization, assessment of potential risks, evaluation of the need for source area control, and evaluation of potential effectiveness similar to other remedial action technologies. Application and implementation of remediation by natural attenuation requires demonstration of remedial progress and attainment of remedial goals by use of converging lines of evidence obtained through monitoring and evaluation of resulting data. When properly applied to a site, remediation by natural attenuation is a process for risk management and achieving remedial goals. Monitoring should be conducted until it has been demonstrated that natural attenuation will continue and eventually meet remedial goals.
1.3.1 The primary line of evidence for remediation by natural attenuation is provided by observed reductions in plume geometry and observed reductions in concentrations of the constituents of concern at the site.
1.3.2 Secondary lines of evidence for remediation by natural attenuation are provided by geochemical indicators of naturally occurring degradation and estimates of attenuation rates.
1.3.3 Additional optional lines of evidence can be provided by microbiological information and further analysis of primary and secondary lines of evidence such as through solute transport modeling or estimates of assimilative capacity.
1.4 The emphasis in this guide is on the use of remediation by natural attenuation for petroleum hydrocarbon constituents where ground water is impacted. Though soil and ground water impacts are often linked, this guide does not address natural attenuation in soils separate from ground water or in situations where soils containing constituents of concern exist without an associated ground water impact. Even if natural attenuation is selected as the remedial action for ground water, additional remedial action may be necessary to address other completed exposure pathways at the site.
1.5 This guide does not address enhanced bioremediation or enhanced attenuation.
1.6 Also, while much of what is discussed is relevant to other organic chemicals or constituents of concern, these situations will involve additional considerations not addressed in this guide.
1.7 The guide is organized as follows:
1.7.1 Section 2 lists referenced documents.
1.7.2 Section 3 defines terminology used in this guide.
1.7.3 Section 4 describes the significance and use of this guide.
1.7.4 Section 5 provides an overview of the use of natural attenuation as a remedial action alternative, including;
1.7.4.1 Advantages of remediation by natural attenuation as a remedial alternative;
1.7.4.2 Limitations of remediation by natural attenuation as a remedial alternative; and
1.7.4.3 Using multiple lines of evidence to demonstrate the appropriateness of remediation by natural remediation.
1.7.5 Section 6 describes the decision process for appropria...

General Information

• Status: Historical
• Publication Date: 30-Apr-2004
• ICS: 13.060.10 - Water of natural resources
• Technical Committee: E50 - Environmental Assessment, Risk Management and Corrective Action
• Drafting Committee: E50.04 - Corrective Action

Relations

• Replaces: ASTM E1943-98 - Standard Guide for Remediation of Ground Water by Natural Attenuation at Petroleum Release Sites
• Effective Date: 01-May-2004
• Replaced By: ASTM E1943-98(2010) - Standard Guide for Remediation of Ground Water by Natural Attenuation at Petroleum Release Sites
• Effective Date: 01-Sep-2010
• Referred By: ASTM E2616-09(2020) - Standard Guide for Remedy Selection Integrating Risk-Based Corrective Action and Non-Risk Considerations
• Effective Date: 01-May-2004
• Referred By: ASTM E2531-06(2020) - Standard Guide for Development of Conceptual Site Models and Remediation Strategies for Light Nonaqueous-Phase Liquids Released to the Subsurface
• Effective Date: 01-May-2004
• Referred By: ASTM E3361-22 - Standard Guide for Estimating Natural Attenuation Rates for Non-Aqueous Phase Liquids in the Subsurface
• Effective Date: 01-May-2004
• Referred By: ASTM E2081-22 - Standard Guide for Risk-Based Corrective Action
• Effective Date: 01-May-2004

Standards Content (Sample)

NOTICE: This standard has either been superseded and replaced by a new version or withdrawn.
Contact ASTM International (www.astm.org) for the latest information
Designation:E1943–98(Reapproved2004)
Standard Guide for
Remediation of Ground Water by Natural Attenuation at
Petroleum Release Sites
This standard is issued under the fixed designation E1943; the number immediately following the designation indicates the year of
original adoption or, in the case of revision, the year of last revision. A number in parentheses indicates the year of last reapproval. A
superscript epsilon (´) indicates an editorial change since the last revision or reapproval.
1. Scope plume geometry and observed reductions in concentrations of
the constituents of concern at the site.
1.1 This is a guide for determining the appropriateness of
1.3.2 Secondary lines of evidence for remediation by natu-
remediation by natural attenuation and implementing remedia-
ral attenuation are provided by geochemical indicators of
tion by natural attenuation at a given petroleum release site,
naturally occurring degradation and estimates of attenuation
either as a stand alone remedial action or in combination with
rates.
other remedial actions.
1.3.3 Additional optional lines of evidence can be provided
1.2 Naturalattenuationisapotentialremediationalternative
by microbiological information and further analysis of primary
forcontainmentandreductionofthemassandconcentrationof
and secondary lines of evidence such as through solute
petroleum hydrocarbons in the environment to protect human
transport modeling or estimates of assimilative capacity.
health and the environment. Remediation by natural attenua-
1.4 The emphasis in this guide is on the use of remediation
tion depends upon natural processes such as biodegradation,
by natural attenuation for petroleum hydrocarbon constituents
dispersion, dilution, volatilization, hydrolysis, and sorption to
wheregroundwaterisimpacted.Thoughsoilandgroundwater
attenuate petroleum constituents of concern to achieve reme-
impacts are often linked, this guide does not address natural
dial goals.
attenuation in soils separate from ground water or in situations
NOTE 1—Remedial goals must be established through another process
where soils containing constituents of concern exist without an
as determined by the appropriate regulatory agency.
associated ground water impact. Even if natural attenuation is
1.3 In general, remediation by natural attenuation should
selected as the remedial action for ground water, additional
not be considered a presumptive remedy. A determination of
remedial action may be necessary to address other completed
whether remediation by natural attenuation is appropriate for
exposure pathways at the site.
an individual petroleum release site, relative to site-specific
1.5 This guide does not address enhanced bioremediation or
remedial goals, requires site characterization, assessment of
enhanced attenuation.
potential risks, evaluation of the need for source area control,
1.6 Also, while much of what is discussed is relevant to
and evaluation of potential effectiveness similar to other
other organic chemicals or constituents of concern, these
remedial action technologies. Application and implementation
situations will involve additional considerations not addressed
ofremediationbynaturalattenuationrequiresdemonstrationof
in this guide.
remedial progress and attainment of remedial goals by use of
1.7 The guide is organized as follows:
converging lines of evidence obtained through monitoring and
1.7.1 Section 2 lists referenced documents.
evaluation of resulting data. When properly applied to a site,
1.7.2 Section 3 defines terminology used in this guide.
remediation by natural attenuation is a process for risk man-
1.7.3 Section 4 describes the significance and use of this
agement and achieving remedial goals. Monitoring should be
guide.
conducted until it has been demonstrated that natural attenua-
1.7.4 Section 5 provides an overview of the use of natural
tion will continue and eventually meet remedial goals.
attenuation as a remedial action alternative, including;
1.3.1 The primary line of evidence for remediation by
1.7.4.1 Advantages of remediation by natural attenuation as
natural attenuation is provided by observed reductions in
a remedial alternative;
1.7.4.2 Limitations of remediation by natural attenuation as
a remedial alternative; and
1.7.4.3 Using multiple lines of evidence to demonstrate the
ThisguideisunderthejurisdictionofASTMCommitteeE50onEnvironmental
AssessmentandisthedirectresponsibilityofSubcommitteeE50.04onPerformance
appropriateness of remediation by natural remediation.
Standards Related to Environmental Regulatory Programs.
1.7.5 Section 6 describes the decision process for appropri-
CurrenteditionapprovedMay1,2004.PublishedJune2004.Originallyapproved
ate application and implementation of remediation by natural
in1998.Lastpreviouseditionapprovedin1998asE1943-98.DOI:10.1520/E1943-
98R04. attenuation including;
Copyright © ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, PO Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959, United States.
E1943–98 (2004)
1.7.5.1 Initial response, site characterization, selection of erties of Aquifer Systems
chemicals of concern, and establishment of remedial goals; D4104 TestMethod(AnalyticalProcedure)forDetermining
1.7.5.2 Evaluation of plume status; Transmissivity of Nonleaky Confined Aquifers by Over-
1.7.5.3 Collection and evaluation of additional data; damped Well Response to Instantaneous Change in Head
1.7.5.4 Comparing remediation by natural attenuation per- (Slug Tests)
formance to remedial goals; D4105 Test Method for (Analytical Procedure) for Deter-
1.7.5.5 Comparing remediation by natural attenuation to mining Transmissivity and Storage Coefficient of Non-
other remedial options; leaky Confined Aquifers by the Modified Theis Nonequi-
1.7.5.6 Implementation of a continued monitoring program; librium Method
1.7.5.7 Evaluation of progress of remediation by natural D4106 Test Method for (Analytical Procedure) for Deter-
attenuation; and mining Transmissivity and Storage Coefficient of Non-
1.7.5.8 No further action. leaky Confined Aquifers by the Theis Nonequilibrium
1.7.6 Section 7 lists keywords relevant to this guide. Method
1.7.7 Appendix X1 describes natural attenuation processes; D4372 Specification for Flame-Resistant Materials Used in
1.7.8 Appendix X2 describes site characterization require- Camping Tentage
ments for evaluating remediation by natural attenuation; D4448 Guide for Sampling Ground-Water Monitoring
1.7.9 Appendix X3 describes considerations for designing Wells
and implementing monitoring for remediation by natural at- D4658 Test Method for Sulfide Ion in Water
tenuation; D4700 Guide for Soil Sampling from the Vadose Zone
1.7.10 Appendix X4 describes sampling considerations and D4750 Test Method for Determining Subsurface Liquid
analytical methods for determining indicator parameters for Levels in a Borehole or Monitoring Well (Observation
remediation by natural attenuation; Well)
1.7.11 Appendix X5 describes the interpretation of different D5092 PracticeforDesignandInstallationofGroundWater
lines of evidence as indicators of natural attenuation; Monitoring Wells
1.7.12 Appendix X6 describes methods for evaluation and D5269 Test Method for Determining Transmissivity of
quantification of natural attenuation rates; and Nonleaky Confined Aquifers by the Theis Recovery
1.7.13 Appendix X7 describes example problems illustrat- Method
ing the application and implementation of remediation by D5270 Test Method for Determining Transmissivity and
natural attenuation. StorageCoefficientofBounded,Nonleaky,ConfinedAqui-
1.8 This standard does not purport to address all of the fers
safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the D5434 Guide for Field Logging of Subsurface Explorations
responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appro- of Soil and Rock
priate safety and health practices and determine the applica- D5473 Test Method for (Analytical Procedure for) Analyz-
bility of any regulatory limitations prior to use. ing the Effects of Partial Penetration of Control Well and
Determining the Horizontal and Vertical Hydraulic Con-
2. Referenced Documents
ductivity in a Nonleaky Confined Aquifer
2.1 ASTM Standards: E1599 GuideforCorrectiveActionforPetroleumReleases
D888 Test Methods for Dissolved Oxygen in Water
E1689 Guide for Developing Conceptual Site Models for
D1125 Test Methods for Electrical Conductivity and Resis- Contaminated Sites
tivity of Water
E1739 Guide for Risk-Based Corrective Action Applied at
D1293 Test Methods for pH of Water Petroleum Release Sites
D1452 PracticeforSoilExplorationandSamplingbyAuger
E1912 GuideforAcceleratedSiteCharacterizationforCon-
Borings firmed or Suspected Petroleum Releases
D1498 Test Method for Oxidation-Reduction Potential of
3. Terminology
Water
D1586 Test Method for Penetration Test (SPT) and Split-
3.1 Definitions of Terms Specific to This Standard:
Barrel Sampling of Soils
3.1.1 assimilative capacity—a semi-quantitative estimate of
D4043 Guide for Selection of Aquifer Test Method in
the potential mass of hydrocarbons per unit volume of ground
Determining Hydraulic Properties by Well Techniques
water that can be metabolized by aerobic and anaerobic
D4044 Test Method for (Field Procedure) for Instantaneous
biodegradation under existing site conditions.
Change in Head (Slug) Tests for Determining Hydraulic
3.1.2 attenuation rate—measured reduction in concentra-
Properties of Aquifers
tion or mass of a compound with time or distance expressed as
D4050 Test Method for (Field Procedure) for Withdrawal
an amount of reduction per unit time or per unit distance.
and Injection Well Tests for Determining Hydraulic Prop-
3.1.3 conceptualsitemodel—awrittenorpictorialrepresen-
tation of an environmental system and the biological, physical,
For referenced ASTM standards, visit the ASTM website, www.astm.org, or
contact ASTM Customer Service at [e-mail]. For Annual Book of ASTM
Standards volume information, refer to the standard’s Document Summary page on Withdrawn. The last approved version of this historical standard is referenced
the ASTM website. on www.astm.org.
E1943–98 (2004)
and chemical processes that determine the transport of con- 3.1.16 remedial goals—remediation objectives established
stituentsofconcernfromsourcesthroughenvironmentalmedia to protect human health and the environment. Remedial goals
to environmental receptors within the system. may be concentration-based target levels applied at specific
3.1.4 constituents of concern—specific petroleum constitu- points throughout the plume or performance-based criteria,
such as demonstrated containment of the solute plume or
ents that are identified as posing a potential risk to human
health or the environment. demonstrated reduction in concentrations of constituents of
concern over time within the plume or with distance from the
3.1.5 corrective action—actions taken to identify and clean
up a release of petroleum. These activities include site assess- source area.
ment, interim remedial action, remedial action, operation and 3.1.17 remediation/remedialaction—activitiesconductedto
maintenance of equipment, monitoring of progress, and termi- protect human health, safety, and the environment. These
nation of the remedial action. activities include evaluating risk, making no further action
determinations, monitoring, and designing and operating
3.1.6 electron acceptors—elements or compounds that are
reduced by receiving electrons produced by the oxidation of cleanup equipment.
3.1.18 remediationbynaturalattenuation—aremedywhere
organic compounds through microbial metabolism or abiotic
chemical oxidation processes. naturally occurring physical, chemical, and biological pro-
cesses will achieve remedial goals. The use of natural attenu-
3.1.7 expanding plume—configuration where the solute
ation processes as a remedial action also has been described by
plume margin is continuing to move outward or down gradient
a variety of other terms, such as intrinsic remediation, intrinsic
from the source area.
bioremediation, passive remediation, natural biodegradation,
3.1.8 institutional controls—the restriction on use or access
passive bioremediation, etc. Remediation by natural attenua-
(for example, fences, deed restrictions, restrictive zoning) to a
tion does not include remediation methods that require human
site or facility to eliminate or minimize potential exposure to a
intervention beyond monitoring.
constituent(s) of concern.
3.1.19 secondary lines of evidence—geochemical indicators
3.1.9 monitoring points—a monitoring well or other moni-
of naturally occurring biodegradation and estimates of natural
toring device placed in a selected location for observing
attenuation rate.
parameters such as liquid levels or pressure changes, or for
3.1.20 sentinel well—monitoring points established at a
collecting liquid samples. The monitoring point may be cased
or uncased, but if cased the casing should have openings to location(s) between the leading edge of the solute plume and a
sensitive receptor (for example, drinking water well) to ensure
allow flow of borehole liquid into or out of the casing
(modified from Test Method D4750). that there will be time for other remedial actions to be taken, if
the plume does migrate beyond predicted boundaries.
3.1.10 natural attenuation—reduction in mass or concen-
3.1.21 shrinking plume—configuration where the solute
tration of a compound in ground water over time or distance
from the source of constituents of concern due to naturally plume margin is receding back toward the source area over
time and the concentrations at points within the plume are
occurring physical, chemical, and biological processes, such
as; biodegradation, dispersion, dilution, sorption, and volatil- decreasing over time.
ization. 3.1.22 source area—the location of free phase liquid hydro-
carbons or the location of highest soil and ground water
3.1.11 optional lines of evidence—solute transport model-
ing, estimates of assimilative capacity (to estimate the mass of concentrations of constituents of concern.
BTEX and other constituents of concern degraded), and 3.1.23 stable plume—configuration where the solute plume
microbiological studies. margin is stationary over time and concentrations at points
3.1.12 plume—volume of ground water where constituents within the plume are relatively uniform over time or may
decrease over time.
of concern are present.
3.1.24 user—an individual or group involved in the correc-
3.1.13 point of compliance—a location(s) selected between
the source area(s) and potential point(s) of exposure where tive action process at petroleum release sites, which may
include environmental consulta
...