The FRTR Spring 2022 Meeting will explore advances in applying artificial intelligence technologies to site cleanup. Artificial intelligence technologies are beginning to transform how people and machines work together. Robotics and unmanned systems provide opportunities to access dangerous or toxic environments, and improve worker safety. Advances in machine learning are making it possible to process and analyze large data sets in new ways to support remediation decisions. Specific objectives are

Review recent technology advances supporting site characterization and remediation.Identify potential benefits, risks and limits of robotics and unmanned aerial systems to support site characterization and remediation.Discuss appropriate use of machine learning and artificial intelligence to support remediation decisions. To view this archive online or download the slides associated with this seminar, please visit http://www.clu-in.org/conf/tio/FRTRSpring22_061322/

Resolving Issues Before Formal Dispute is a two-hour webinar course that identifies less formal options to address conflict before going to dispute under a federal facility agreement. This webinar provides project management tips and techniques to address disagreements early in the process . By taking this course, participants will achieve the following objectives:Identify factors that contribute to conflict when working with team members from different agencies;Learn how to prepare a team to handle conflict;Explore tips and techniques to improve communication and come to resolution; and,Understand when formal dispute should be considered.The instructional methodology for this course includes lecture, group discussions, case studies, and quizzes. The target audience for this course is federal, state, and tribal representatives who work on Federal Facility cleanups. This course is part of the Federal Facilities Academy training program. Please consider registering for other Federal Facility Academy courses and obtain a certificate upon completion of the entire Federal Facility Academy series (12 courses total). To view this archive online or download the slides associated with this seminar, please visit http://www.clu-in.org/conf/tio/FFAcademy5_060822/

The FRTR Spring 2022 Meeting will explore advances in applying artificial intelligence technologies to site cleanup. Artificial intelligence technologies are beginning to transform how people and machines work together. Robotics and unmanned systems provide opportunities to access dangerous or toxic environments, and improve worker safety. Advances in machine learning are making it possible to process and analyze large data sets in new ways to support remediation decisions. Specific objectives are

Review recent technology advances supporting site characterization and remediation.Identify potential benefits, risks and limits of robotics and unmanned aerial systems to support site characterization and remediation.Discuss appropriate use of machine learning and artificial intelligence to support remediation decisions. To view this archive online or download the slides associated with this seminar, please visit http://www.clu-in.org/conf/tio/FRTRSpring22_060622/

The Conceptual Site Model (CSM) serves as a planning instrument, a modeling and data interpretation aid, and a tool for the project delivery team (PDT) to communicate and describe the current state of knowledge and assumptions about potential munitions and explosives of concern (MEC) and MC risks at the site; actual, potentially complete, or incomplete exposure pathways; current and reasonable proposed use of property; and potential receptors. In three MMRP CSM project studies, we will explore how the CSM evolved as work progressed and data gaps were filled, and address lessons learned. The project studies will convey the importance of the systematic planning process, that ensured the CSM development and refinement through a collaborative effort between the PDT, regulators and major stakeholders. To view this archive online or download the slides associated with this seminar, please visit http://www.clu-in.org/conf/tio/m2s2fy22-2_052522/

The NIEHS Superfund Research Program (SRP) is hosting a Progress in Research webinar series to showcase new breakthroughs to advance sustainable solutions for hazardous substances in the environment. The three-part series will feature SRP individual research projects funded in 2020, who are incorporating new advances in materials science to optimize bioremediation of contaminants in soil, sediment, or water. In each session, awardees will describe their research projects, accomplishments, and next steps.

The third and final session will focus on strategies to improve how plant and fungi remove hazardous substances from soil.

Texas A&M Agrilife Research scientists are designing an integrated system using nanotechnology to enhance the capacity of fungi to break down persistent organic pollutants, such as PFAS. They seek to understand how modifying their nanomaterials can improve chemical adsorption and favor fungal growth. Laboratory tests are using samples collected from the Randolph Air Force Base in Texas.

At the University of Massachusetts Amherst researchers are genetically engineering plants to take up arsenic from soil and store it in their tissues. They are modifying the expression of genes that control the binding of arsenic and adding nanosulfur to the plant to improve its growth arsenic storage capacity.

Yale University researchers are designing nanomaterials customized to bind and take up PFAS from contaminated soil and water into hemp plants. Their nanomaterials are based on silica nanoparticles with high porosity and surface area, and on carbon dots known for their small size and fluorescence, which will allow the team to visually track the PFAS movement into and throughout the plants. To view this archive online or download the slides associated with this seminar, please visit http://www.clu-in.org/conf/tio/srppir18_051322/

Determining Land Use and Onsite/Offsite Determinations is a two-hour webinar course that provides an overview of land use determinations under the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act (CERCLA). Reasonably anticipated future land use at CERCLA sites is important in determining the appropriate extent of remediation. Onsite and offsite determinations impact the need for permits and offsite transfer of CERCLA wastes. By taking this course, participants will achieve the following objectives:Identify factors that influence land use determinations under CERCLA;Explore Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) guidance and policy related to land use determinations;Learn about onsite permit requirements and exemptions at Federal Facilities; and,Understand off-site determinations and the Off-Site Rule and how these differ from on-site determinations.The instructional methodology for this course includes lecture and group discussion. The target audience for this course is federal, state, and tribal representatives who work on Federal Facility cleanups. Ideally, students should have a basic understanding of land use and the CERCLA process. This course is part of the Federal Facilities Academy training program. Please consider registering for other Federal Facility Academy courses and obtain a certificate upon completion of the entire Federal Facility Academy series (12 courses total). To view this archive online or download the slides associated with this seminar, please visit http://www.clu-in.org/conf/tio/FFAcademy4_051122/

The restoration and redevelopment of historic industrial sites to commercial and residential use can provide areawide benefits for communities and local governments. This webinar will highlight the ongoing redevelopment process at the US Finishing/Cone Mills Superfund site in Greenville, South Carolina. Speakers will share the framework for redeveloping the site and creative strategies for overcoming challenges associated with redevelopment. The webinar will discuss the careful coordination between multiple parties to plan the innovative mixed-use redevelopment. Speakers will share lessons learned and recommendations for successfully navigating the redevelopment process and eliciting community buy in. To view this archive online or download the slides associated with this seminar, please visit http://www.clu-in.org/conf/tio/superfund-redevelopment_050422/

The NIEHS Superfund Research Program (SRP) is hosting a Progress in Research webinar series to showcase new breakthroughs to advance sustainable solutions for hazardous substances in the environment. The three-part series will feature SRP individual research projects funded in 2020, who are incorporating new advances in materials science to optimize bioremediation of contaminants in soil, sediment, or water. In each session, awardees will describe their research projects, accomplishments, and next steps.

The second session will showcase novel tools and improved techniques to clean up sites contaminated with chlorinated compounds.

Florida State University researchers are designing sorbents to clean up groundwater contaminated with 1,4-dioxane and chlorinated volatile organic contaminants (VOCs). Consisting of a set of repeating cyclic macromolecules with unique geometry and internal chemistry, the sorbents can form specific microbe-contaminant complexes with only selected molecules, such as 1,4-dioxane.

At Oregon State University, investigators are developing a strategy to use bacteria encapsulated with a slow-release compound in hydrogel beads to break down complex mixtures of contaminants, such as VOCs and 1,4-dioxane. Using materials science and laboratory studies, the team aims inform long-term bioremediation solutions to treat a broad range of contaminants.

Researchers at the University of Iowa are investigating how activated carbon can be used to enhance the performance of bacteria used to break down halogenated pollutants, such as chlorinated ethenes. By re-engineering carbon materials, they hope to influence the composition of the degrading microbial community and increase their ability to break down mixtures of halogenated contaminants.

A team at the University of Maryland, Baltimore County is developing carbon-based sorbent materials to enhance the ability of bacteria to break down mixtures of chlorinated organic contaminants, such as chloroethene and polychlorinated biphenyls, in groundwater and sediments. They hope to integrate their laboratory findings with advanced site models to assess field-scale remedial applications. To view this archive online or download the slides associated with this seminar, please visit http://www.clu-in.org/conf/tio/srppir17_042922/

The NIEHS Superfund Research Program (SRP) is hosting a Progress in Research webinar series to showcase new breakthroughs to advance sustainable solutions for hazardous substances in the environment. The three-part series will feature SRP individual research projects funded in 2020, who are incorporating new advances in materials science to optimize bioremediation of contaminants in soil, sediment, or water. In each session, awardees will describe their research projects, accomplishments, and next steps.

The first session will highlight sustainable technologies to break down and remove per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) from the environment.

Researchers at the University of California, Riverside are exploring how nanomaterials powered by solar electricity can accelerate the activity of bacteria used to clean up halogenated contaminants, such as PFAS and 1,4-dioxane in groundwater. The scientists are using advanced analytical tools to understand how solar electricity can allow bacteria to degrade halogenated contaminants faster, more deeply, and under more realistic conditions.

Princeton University investigators are developing ferrihydrite nanoparticles to stimulate the activity of bacteria to break down PFAS in contaminated drinking water. The team is using laboratory studies to enhance the transport of their nanoparticles in groundwater.

State University of New York at Buffalo investigators are developing a two-step approach to eliminate PFAS in the environment. First, graphene-metal nanoparticles are used to break down PFAS into biodegradable forms, and then enriched bacterial cultures are used to complete the degradation process. To view this archive online or download the slides associated with this seminar, please visit http://www.clu-in.org/conf/tio/srppir16_041522/

Military Munitions Policy Webinar is a two-hour webinar course that provides an overview of the Department of Defense (DoD) Military Munitions Response Program (MMRP), munitions policies, and how the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act (CERCLA) is applied to munitions sites. By taking this course, participants will achieve the following objectives:Learn about DoD MMRP;Understand the CERCLA process as applied to a munitions site;Understand munitions policies; and,Explore EPA Munitions Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs).The instructional methodology for this course includes lecture, case studies, and quizzes. The target audience for this course are federal, state, and tribal representatives who work on Federal Facility cleanups. Ideally, students should have a basic understanding of munitions and the CERCLA process. This course is part of the Federal Facilities Academy training program. Please consider registering for other Federal Facility Academy courses and obtain a certificate upon completion of the entire Federal Facility Academy series (12 courses total). To view this archive online or download the slides associated with this seminar, please visit http://www.clu-in.org/conf/tio/FFAcademy3_041322/