A MESO-SCALE APPROACH ADDRESSING DOE SUBSURFACEENVIRONMENTAL ISSUES: THE IDAHO NATIONAL ENGINEERING ANDENVIRONMENTAL LABORATORY SUBSURFACE SCIENCE INITIATIVE

摘要

The Idaho National Engineering and Environmental Laboratory (INEEL) Subsurface SciencernInitiative is a multi-institutional, coordinated, interdisciplinary research program focused on thernfield-scale subsurface environmental research needs of the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE).rnThe goal of the initiative is to develop new insights and improved understanding of processesrnoccurring within the earth’s subsurface, and to use this improved understanding to accuratelyrnpredict and monitor the movements and transformations of contaminants. New insights andrnbetter understanding of subsurface processes will provide a sound technical basis for costeffectiverncleanup solutions and improved long-term stewardship of DOE lands. The researchrnagenda for the initiative is being developed through consideration of the science and technologyrnneeds identified in concert with subsurface problem holders from the INEEL and other DOErnsites.rnThe Initiative is making extensive use of meso-scale experiments and field-scale observations.rnMeso-scale experiments are experiments using intact blocks retrieved from DOE field sites orrnengineered representations of the subsurface with controlled heterogeneity conducted at scalesrnlarge enough to allow rigorous evaluation of the coupled field-relevant physical, chemical, andrnmicrobial processes influencing contaminant fate and transport. These complex experiments willrnresult in improved modeling and monitoring tools and approaches that are critical components inrnimproved decision making. In addition, meso-scale experiments can be used to 1) helprndistinguish between alternate field-based conceptual models of subsurface contaminant behavior,rn2) evaluate the long-term performance of subsurface engineered solutions, and 3) conductrnprototype and proof-of-principle testing. Initial research conducted through the Initiative isrnusing observations and problems from contaminated INEEL sites to focus the design of thernmeso-scale experiments. Problems being considered include mixed waste landfills,rncontaminated vadose zones, mixed contaminant groundwater plumes, and contaminated soils.rnBecause these problem sets are common across the DOE complex, tools and approachesrndeveloped through the Initiative will have applicability throughout the DOE complex.