On September 6, 2001, the following members of the Remediation Technologies Development Forum’s Phytoremediation Action Team, Chlorinated Solvents Subgroup, met in a conference call:
Bob Tossell, CH2M Hill, Inc.
Linda Fiedler, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)
Jim Jordahl, CH2M Hill, Inc.
Xiujin Qiu, The Dow Chemical Company
Steve Rock, EPA
Also present was Christine Hartnett of Eastern Research Group, Inc.
THE SUBGROUP’S PROTOCOL
During previous conference calls, Subgroup members decided that two documents should be produced: (1) a short step-by-step protocol that explains how to perform a phytoremediation field demonstration project at sites contaminated with chlorinated solvents, and (2) a longer document that provides additional background information about phytoremediation technologies. Eventually, Bob Tossell noted, the former will be folded into the latter. For now, however, efforts are being concentrated on the creation of the short document. In fact, a preliminary draft was recently completed and sent to Subgroup members for review. Tossell asked whether call participants had any comments on the draft. Most of the call participants said that they have not reviewed the draft thoroughly yet. Jim Jordahl offered one suggestion: add text that describes the protocol’s scope and limitations. Tossell noted one question that came up while he was writing the draft: which monitoring tools (e.g., sap flow meter) should be listed in the protocol? Rock suggested including information about the range of tools that are available, but to refrain from recommending one company’s product over another.
Call participants agreed that the time has come to solicit input from a wider audience, and they identified people who might be willing to offer feedback. Tossell agreed to call these people, describe the Subgroup’s objectives, forward the draft protocol to them, and invite them to participate in the next Subgroup conference call. (The call will be scheduled for October 11, 2001, between 1:00 and 2:30 Eastern Standard Time.)
POTENTIAL DEMONSTRATION PROJECTS
Tossell said that the Center for Waste Reduction Technologies (CWRT) would like to perform a phytoremediation demonstration project at a site contaminated with ethenes, ethanes, methanes, aromatics, and metals. Once a site is identified, CWRT will submit a proposal and distribute it to CWRT member companies. If sufficient interest and funds are generated, the demonstration project will proceed. Tossell said that CWRT is interested in collaborating with the Chlorinated Solvents Subgroup on the project.