ASTM International’s environmental assessment, risk management and corrective action committee (E50) has developed a standard guide for the remediation of nonaqueous phase liquids (NAPLs) in the subsurface.
The new standard guide (E3361) will help practitioners identify natural processes that break down NAPLs (gasoline, diesel fuel, and some other organic substances) impacting soil and groundwater. Further, the standard will provide methods for estimating the natural attenuation rates of the NAPL, or how fast they break down.
According to ASTM International Member Parisa Jourabchi, the rate estimates can lead to metrics for the selection of less resource-intensive and more nature-based remediation.
“Remediation of contaminated soil and groundwater is critical for the protection of human health and the environment,” says Jourabchi. “This standard will be useful to the industry and consulting professionals who manage and design the programs for the remediation of contaminated sites, as well as the regulators.”
This effort directly relates to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal #6 on clean water and sanitation.
Source: https://www.astm.org/