Green Remediation
What is Green Remediation? Green Remediation is the name applied to the use of “Green” technologies for the environmental restoration of contaminated sites. The scope of the term applies to an entire remediation project beginning with the remedial investigation phase, to implementation of the remedial action plan, and continuing through the operations and maintenance phases of the project. In classifying the various stages of a remediation project, the nature and quantity of all inputs and outputs associated with the project should be evaluated with respect to “green” criteria that apply to each of the phases. Inputs include personnel resources (labor); consumable materials (process feedstocks, reagents or chemical compounds) derived from virgin natural resources; and other consumable or utilizable natural resources, such as water, electrical energy, fuel, or land that may be directly consumed by or supplied to the remediation technology itself, or indirectly by the technology’s associated subsystems, such as cooling water, fuel for transportation, land for a photovoltaic (solar electric) array, etc. DTSC Green Remediation Initiative Green Remediation is an initiative to promote the use of green technologies in site remediation work. Such technologies are least disruptive to the environment, generate less waste, are recyclable, and emit fewer pollutants and greenhouse gases to the atmosphere. They include heavy equipment that uses bio diesel fuel, energy efficient remediation systems, and alternative energy sources to power remediation systems. The DTSC Green Remediation Team will evaluate green remediation technologies for investigating and cleaning up active and closed military facilities, formerly used defense sites, and military munitions response sites in California. (Technologies that employ limited remedial action, such as monitored natural attenuation, will not be considered in this evaluation.) DTSC Green Remediation Team The Green Remediation Team was formed in February 2007 to promote the use of green technologies in site investigation and cleanup. Their first responsibility was to prepare a Team Charter which identified their mission, project duration and goals. The Team’s goals are to define Green Remediation, develop a tool to evaluate technologies, develop training for staff, invite technology presentations, identify incentives to use green technologies, publicize efforts, and identify the need for new legislation. The Team is participating in and coordinating with other nationwide teams in developing DTSC’s initiatives. |