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Full-Text Articles in Engineering

Environmental Restoration Project, Peer Review Process Assessment, Paul A. Schantz Dec 1996

Environmental Restoration Project, Peer Review Process Assessment, Paul A. Schantz

Theses and Dissertations

Installation Restoration Program (IRP) projects often cost over $250 thousand, and projects over $1.5 million are common. To ensure these projects are risk based, technically sound, and cost effective, the Air Force instituted a peer review program in 1992. The objective of this research is to describe and analyze the peer review process. Through triangulation of data from interviews, observations, official and academic documents, and surveys, seven constructs were discovered: focus, agenda, facilitator, written preparation, oral presentation, team characteristics, and reviewer characteristics. A questionnaire was used to gather perceptions of peer review effectiveness--the criterion variable--and of the seven constructs. A …


A Comparative Analysis Of Two Alternatives To Chemical Aircraft Paint Stripping, George P. Joyce Ii Dec 1996

A Comparative Analysis Of Two Alternatives To Chemical Aircraft Paint Stripping, George P. Joyce Ii

Theses and Dissertations

The Air Force must periodically strip and paint its aircraft to prevent the damaging effects of corrosion. The paint removal process typically involves the use of toxic chemicals such as methylene chloride which are soon to be banned as a result of impending environmental regulations and increased costs associated with handling and disposing of such material. The Air Force must choose an alternative to methylene chloride chemical stripping which complies with environmental regulations and reduces costs. This thesis compares the life cycle costs and environmental impacts of two alternatives to chemical aircraft stripping. Plastic Media Blasting (PMB) and Modified Medium …


Development Of Site Characterization Simulator Specifications, Jeffrey L. Heiderscheidt Nov 1996

Development Of Site Characterization Simulator Specifications, Jeffrey L. Heiderscheidt

Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this study was to develop a tool for evaluating data quality when characterizing a potentially contaminated groundwater aquifer, and to provide a basis for developing a simulator to allow environmental managers and engineers to practice and learn about the site characterization process. Specifically, this study characterized the uncertainty, estimation block size, and cost for the various methods of determining the value of each geological, hydrological, and contaminant parameter necessary to characterize a site. Research entailed identifying site characterization objectives and identifying parameters necessary to obtain those objectives. Methods of estimating each parameter were identified, then research was …


Geostatistical Analysis Of Hydraulic Conductivity In Heterogeneous Aquifers, Craig S. Biondo Dec 1995

Geostatistical Analysis Of Hydraulic Conductivity In Heterogeneous Aquifers, Craig S. Biondo

Theses and Dissertations

Observations of the spatial variability of hydraulic conductivity of the heterogeneous alluvial aquifer at Columbus Air Force Base in Mississippi are analyzed using parametric geostatistical approaches. Field studies have revealed that the heterogeneity of the aquifer hydraulic conductivity field controls the movement and dispersion of groundwater solutes. Therefore, a means of quantifying spatial variability is essential for the application of flow and solute transport models to practical problems. Application of these models requires a large number of hydraulic conductivity measurements. Geostatistical analysis and kriging estimation procedures assist in providing these large numbers of values when sampling designs have provided sparse …


Evaluating The Feasibility Of Sequential Indicator Simulation In Reproducing Spatial Connectivity In A Heterogeneous Transmissivity Field, D. Duane Kenyon Dec 1995

Evaluating The Feasibility Of Sequential Indicator Simulation In Reproducing Spatial Connectivity In A Heterogeneous Transmissivity Field, D. Duane Kenyon

Theses and Dissertations

A Non-Parametric estimation technique was used to simulate realizations of a heterogeneous transmissivity field based upon sampled values from three different sampling scenarios. These realizations were compared to output from a parametric estimation technique with respect to truth as defined by an exhaustive data set of 6,000 transmissivity values. Estimated transmissivity fields were then used as input into a flow model from which fields of heads and specific discharges were obtained and compared. Given the financial limitations imposed upon the number and quality of samples reasonably available, Sequential Indicator Simulation, a non-parametric technique, was shown to be of considerable value …


Validation Testing A Contaminant Transport And Natural Attenuation Simulation Model Using Field Data, Steven J. Flier Dec 1995

Validation Testing A Contaminant Transport And Natural Attenuation Simulation Model Using Field Data, Steven J. Flier

Theses and Dissertations

This research extends the work begun by Enyeart (1994) which evaluated the process of intrinsic bioremediation, and which developed a model for predicting the velocity of an aerobic degradation front, as it traverses the length of a JP-4 contaminant plume. It is assumed this aerobic front will traverse the contaminant plume as dissolved oxygen is carried by the ground water through the sorption-retarded contaminant. The ultimate purpose of Enyeart's model is to use it to develop field guidance for assessing the feasibility of intrinsic bioremediation to restore petroleum-contaminated soils. After simulating intrinsic bioremediation many times with a spreadsheet model, results …


In Situ Warming And Soil Venting To Enhance The Biodegradation Of Jp-4 In Cold Climates: A Critical Study And Analysis, Ricky D. Cox Dec 1995

In Situ Warming And Soil Venting To Enhance The Biodegradation Of Jp-4 In Cold Climates: A Critical Study And Analysis, Ricky D. Cox

Theses and Dissertations

Numerous bioremediation projects have proven effective in accelerating contaminant biodegradation by injecting oxygen into the vadose zone with a technique called bioventing. In cold climates, bioremediation is limited to the summer when soil temperatures are sufficient to support microbial growth. Laboratory studies directly correlate increased biodegradation rates with temperature. By raising soil temperatures, in situ jet fuel remediation can be accelerated which was shown by a bioventing project conducted in 1991 at Eielson AFB, Alaska, where three soil warming techniques were used. Two methods actively warmed the soil - warm water circulation and heat tape; the other passively warmed the …


A Case Study Of The Environmental Impacts Of The Beddown Of The C-17 Globemaster Iii At Charleston Afb, Richard H. Houghton Jr. Dec 1995

A Case Study Of The Environmental Impacts Of The Beddown Of The C-17 Globemaster Iii At Charleston Afb, Richard H. Houghton Jr.

Theses and Dissertations

Unites States Air Force acquisition environmental planning has changed significantly since the passage of the National Environmental Policy Act in 1969. This research examined the role of environmental planning in weapon system acquisition. It focused on environmental planning performed for the C-17 Globemaster III prior to its beddown at Charleston Air Force Base. The case study of the C- 17 beddown included interviews, archival record reviews, and direct observations at the base. Evidence was collected to determine what environmental impacts occurred during the beddown. An environmental postaudit compared actual impacts with those predicted in environmental planning documentation. Impacts were analyzed …


Comparison Of Gravel Substrate Vs Soil Substrate For The Construction Of An Experimental Fen, Carolyn S. Langley Dec 1995

Comparison Of Gravel Substrate Vs Soil Substrate For The Construction Of An Experimental Fen, Carolyn S. Langley

Theses and Dissertations

Under the Clean Water Act Section 404 of 1972 and 33 CFR 320-330 and 40 CFR 230 moderate the destruction of wetlands by the Air Force to make way for other uses. To obtain a permit for a design or construction project which affects a wetland, the Air Force must agree to create new wetlands, or replace lost wetland acreage through wetland creation or restoration. The Air Force is interested in building 'successful' wetlands as inexpensively as possible. It has been common practice to use hydric soil, which often had to be hauled in, as the substrate at the restored …


A System Dynamics Approach To Modelling The Degradation Of Biochemical Oxygen Demand In A Constructed Wetland Receiving Stormwater Runoff, Leslie A. Mudgett Dec 1995

A System Dynamics Approach To Modelling The Degradation Of Biochemical Oxygen Demand In A Constructed Wetland Receiving Stormwater Runoff, Leslie A. Mudgett

Theses and Dissertations

The objective of this research was to develop a tool to aid the Air Force Environmental Manager in the identification of the design parameters of a constructed wetland system that may be optimized to provide a desired biochemical oxygen demand (BOD) removal efficiency during the treatment of Air Force stormwater runoff. The objective is achieved through the development and use of a system dynamics model which simulates the hydrological functions of a constructed wetland as well as the processes within the wetland responsible for degradation of BOD. Based on literature review, the primary mechanism responsible for the degradation of BOD …


The Effect Of Meteorological Data Averaging Times On Plume Concentrations From Explosive Ordnance Disposal Open Burning Operations, Ida L. Widmann Dec 1995

The Effect Of Meteorological Data Averaging Times On Plume Concentrations From Explosive Ordnance Disposal Open Burning Operations, Ida L. Widmann

Theses and Dissertations

Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) Open Burning (OB) operations are performed to treat and dispose of unserviceable munitions in the Department of Defense (DOD) inventory. Air pollution modeling of OB operations is an Environmental Protection Agency requirement for permit issuance at OB sites. Specific OB regulation is still in its infancy; therefore, establishment of OB modeling techniques is still in the early stages. This thesis effort sought to develop a computer model, based upon the Gaussian Puff Equation. The model varies from standard plume modeling practices by not making the assumption that the wind direction, wind speed and turbulence are uniform …


A Comparison Of Response Surface Methodology And A One-Factor-At-A-Time Approach As Calibration Techniques For The Bioplume-Ii Simulation Model Of Contaminant Biodegradation, Benjamin Shuman Dec 1995

A Comparison Of Response Surface Methodology And A One-Factor-At-A-Time Approach As Calibration Techniques For The Bioplume-Ii Simulation Model Of Contaminant Biodegradation, Benjamin Shuman

Theses and Dissertations

This thesis compared Response Surface Methodology (RSM) to the one-factor-at-a-time approach for calibrating the Bioplume-II simulation model of contaminant biodegradation. The MADE-2 data set from Columbus Air Force Base, Mississippi was used. The one-factor-at-a-time approach reduced the root-mean-squared (RMS) error for the flow to 0.921225 feet in a total of 36 runs of Bioplume-II. The RSM approach reduced the error criterion to 0.918875 in a total of 47 runs. The one-factor-at-a-time approach was unable to reduce the error below 67.1831 parts per billion (ppb) after 21 runs. The RSM approach reduced the RMS error to 67.0327 ppb after 47 runs. …


A Decision Tool To Optimally Select Pollution Prevention Projects Within A Constrained Budget, Charlotte Hudson Dec 1995

A Decision Tool To Optimally Select Pollution Prevention Projects Within A Constrained Budget, Charlotte Hudson

Theses and Dissertations

Pollution prevention managers need to select the best environmental projects for an installation within a constrained budget but have no standard way of selecting the optimal mix of projects. This thesis proposes a decision tool to aid decision makers in choosing this optimal mix. The model was built using decision analysis theory which provides a framework to aid the decision maker. Criteria sed in the model for selection was determined using a questionnaire sent to base-level pollution prevention managers. The model ses DPL, a software package designed to build, analyze, and conduct sensitivity analysis of decision problems to perform the …


Decision Support Model For Municipal Solid Waste Management At Department Of Defense Installations, John F. Muratore Dec 1995

Decision Support Model For Municipal Solid Waste Management At Department Of Defense Installations, John F. Muratore

Theses and Dissertations

This research focuses on the development of a decision support model to identify the preferred strategy for managing municipal solid waste using the principles of decision analysis theory. The model provides an effective decision making tool to evaluate and compare different municipal solid waste management strategies. The users of this model, the Environmental Manager or decision maker at a given installation, can enter installation-specific waste stream characteristics, treatment and disposal costs, and material buy-back prices to determine the expected value for various alternative strategies. The strategy having the greatest expected value is considered the preferred alternative. In calculating the expected …


Analysis Of Soil Vapor Extraction Expenses To Estimate Bioventing Expenses, Steven M. Loken Nov 1995

Analysis Of Soil Vapor Extraction Expenses To Estimate Bioventing Expenses, Steven M. Loken

Theses and Dissertations

An in-depth analysis of the expenses incurred with five soil venting petroleum remediation projects was accomplished. The data was obtained from receipts provided by a major United States petroleum refiner and distributor. Cost categories were designed that incorporated all costs and provided a method to analyze the data. The five cost categories used were: permits, equipment, management, utilities, and analysis. Further analysis showed trends and described the behavior of the costs related to remediation events. The relative percentile for each cost category was found to be consistent among the projects. Many costs were also found to be very linear throughout …


Use Of Respirometry To Determine The Effect Of Nutrient Enhancement On Jp-8 Biodegradability, Christian T. Totten Nov 1995

Use Of Respirometry To Determine The Effect Of Nutrient Enhancement On Jp-8 Biodegradability, Christian T. Totten

Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this study was to use respirometry to measure the impact of nutrient combinations or treatments on JP - 8 biodegradation under simulated fuel spill soil conditions. The study was designed observe one soil type at a constant fuel exposure level of 1% and a constant moisture of 60% of field capacity. Three experiments conducted were of two and three factor designs with potassium nitrate and sodium phosphate addition levels serving as two factors and fuel serving as a third factor in Experiments 1 and 2. Cumulative oxygen values obtained by the respirometer were assumed to be a …


Life-Cycle Cost Analysis For Radioactive Waste Remediation Alternatives, Thomas P. White, Ronald J. Toland, Dorian Y. Buitrago Mar 1995

Life-Cycle Cost Analysis For Radioactive Waste Remediation Alternatives, Thomas P. White, Ronald J. Toland, Dorian Y. Buitrago

Theses and Dissertations

This research has two primary objectives. The first is to develop a generic, interactive, spreadsheet-based life-cycle cost model that uses net present value and risk analysis techniques for cost comparison. The second is to apply the model specifically to the vitrification and cementation methods of waste remediation. By using spreadsheet analysis and graphics capabilities, the model will provide direct and objective comparisons of remediation alternatives. Since vitrification is a new technology, the plant design and operations are conceptual. Therefore, computer simulation and engineering judgement are integral to the vitrification LCC estimate.


Groundwater Model Parameter Estimation Using Response Surface Methodology, Richard M. Cotman Mar 1995

Groundwater Model Parameter Estimation Using Response Surface Methodology, Richard M. Cotman

Theses and Dissertations

This thesis examined the use of response surface methodology (RSM) to estimate the parameters of a finite-element groundwater model. An existing two-dimensional, steady-state flow model of a fractured carbonate groundwater system in southwestern Ohio served as the calibration target data set. A Plackett-Burman screening design showed that only four of the ten hydraulic conductivity zones significantly contributed to the output of the finite-element model. Also, the effective porosity parameter did not significantly affect the model's output. Using only the four significant hydraulic conductivity parameters; four two-level, four-factor designed experiments were conducted to exploit the first-order response surface defined by a …


Design And Analysis Of Constrained Layer Damping Treatments For Bending And Torsion, Kimberly J. Balkema Sep 1994

Design And Analysis Of Constrained Layer Damping Treatments For Bending And Torsion, Kimberly J. Balkema

Theses and Dissertations

In this dissertation, different aspects of constrained layer damping treatments on beams of various geometries are studied. First, the optimal length of a constrained layer damping treatment mounted on a surface in linear strain is identified as a function of the relative stiffnesses of the damping layers and the non-uniformity of the surface stain. The analysis extends previous work that considered the case of uniform surface strain. Sixth order sandwich beam theory is then modified for use with a rectangular beam covered with a segmented constrained layer damping treatment. Non-dimensional variables are used to simplify the form of the problem. …


Application Of A Risk Model To Quantify Relative Risk Of Remedial Actions, Timothy L. Fuller Sep 1994

Application Of A Risk Model To Quantify Relative Risk Of Remedial Actions, Timothy L. Fuller

Theses and Dissertations

To properly manage the Installation Restoration Program (IRP) in the future, Air Force remedial project managers (RPMs) need a metric to assist in the selection of remedial alternatives for the safe and effective clean up of waste contamination sites. If the baseline site risk assessment indicates that it is necessary to remediate a waste contamination site, it is important to the RPM that the selection process for remediation alternatives considers the potential human health and ecological risks associated with the proposed remediation process. In some instances, the risks may be significant when compared to the baseline conditions. The Air Force …


Modeling Trihalomethane Formation Potential From Wastewater Chlorination, Carol A. Mccormick Sep 1994

Modeling Trihalomethane Formation Potential From Wastewater Chlorination, Carol A. Mccormick

Theses and Dissertations

The deletion of federally mandated fecal coliform limits has led many states to review and modify their wastewater disinfection requirements. One issue in analyzing wastewater disinfection is the discharge of potentially carcinogenic halogenated organics formed during the chlorination process. This research investigates the formation of one class of the halogenated organics, the trihalomethanes. The applicability of using drinking water trihalomethane formation models for use with wastewater effluent is examined. Three models are compared for predictive capability by using measured trihalomethane values from previous research data. The results show that a previously developed model is applicable for use based on assumptions …


Optimal Pulsed Pumping For Aquifer Remediation When Contaminant Transport Is Affected By Rate-Limited Sorption: A Calculus Of Variation Approach, Richard T. Hartman Sep 1994

Optimal Pulsed Pumping For Aquifer Remediation When Contaminant Transport Is Affected By Rate-Limited Sorption: A Calculus Of Variation Approach, Richard T. Hartman

Theses and Dissertations

The remediation of groundwater contamination continues to persist as a social and economic problem due to increased governmental regulations and public health concerns. Additionally, the geochemistry of the aquifer and the contaminant transport within the aquifer complicates the remediation process to restore contaminated aquifers to conditions compatible with health-based standards. Currently, the preferred method for aquifer cleanup pump-and-treat has several limitations including, the persistence of sorbed chemicals on soil matrix and the long term operation and maintenance expense. The impetus of this research was to demonstrate that a calculus of variations approach could be applied to a pulsed pumping aquifer …


Simulation Of Hydrologic Influences On Wetland Ecosystem Succession, Robert A. Pompilio Sep 1994

Simulation Of Hydrologic Influences On Wetland Ecosystem Succession, Robert A. Pompilio

Theses and Dissertations

This research focuses on the development of a simulation model to determine the effects of hydrological influences on a wetland ecosystem. The model allows perturbations to the inputs of various wetland data which in turn, influences the successional development of the ecosystem. This research consisted of converting a grassland ecosystem model to one which simulates wetland conditions. The critical factor in determining the success of wetland creation is the hydrology of the system. There are four of the areas of the original model which are affected by the hydrology. The model measures the health or success of the ecosystem through …


Status Of Storm Water Pollution In The United States, Lynne A. Urquhart Sep 1994

Status Of Storm Water Pollution In The United States, Lynne A. Urquhart

Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this study was to determine the status of storm water pollution in the United States Air Force. This is important since most AF bases are now required to have applied for a NPDES storm water permit. The objectives of the study were to: evaluate the sampling rates used at AF bases; determine the pollutants tested for by the AF bases; compare the pollutant concentrations of the AF bases to an EPA water quality standard; and determine if there were any trends in sampling or pollutant concentrations due to seasonal changes or across AF Commands or EPA Regions. …


Decision Support Model To Compare Hazardous Waste Site Remediation Process Alternatives, Christopher E. Findall Sep 1994

Decision Support Model To Compare Hazardous Waste Site Remediation Process Alternatives, Christopher E. Findall

Theses and Dissertations

This research focuses on the development of a decision support model to identify the preferred methods of site characterization and treatment technology identification using the principles of decision analysis theory. The model provides an effective decision making tool to evaluate and compare the feasibility of using alternative methods of completing the RIFS process. Given a specific site remediation project, the users of this model can enter site- specific cost, duration and likelihood values to determine the expected value for various alternative processes. This thesis postulates that the alternative having the highest expected value is considered the preferred alternative. In calculating …


Standardization Of Protocol For The Sampling, Testing And Abatement Of Asbestos Containing Joint Compound, Gary J. Schneider Sep 1994

Standardization Of Protocol For The Sampling, Testing And Abatement Of Asbestos Containing Joint Compound, Gary J. Schneider

Theses and Dissertations

This study investigated the differing regulatory guidelines from the Occupational Safety and Health Administration and the Environmental Protection Agency concerning the abatement of Asbestos Containing Joint Compound (ACJC). The specific interest was whether or not adequate protection was being afforded demolition workers when exposed to working with ACJC materials that contain less than 1.0 percent asbestos. A spreadsheet was written to estimate the exposure scenario which might be experienced within a given room size on a demolition or renovation jobsite. Spreadsheets were calculated for ACJC with an asbestos content of 0.1 to 0.9 percent in 0.1 increments for rooms ranging …


Solvent Substitution Methodology Using Multiattribute Utility Theory And The Analytical Hierarchical Process, Jaimie S. Tiley Sep 1994

Solvent Substitution Methodology Using Multiattribute Utility Theory And The Analytical Hierarchical Process, Jaimie S. Tiley

Theses and Dissertations

This study developed a multicriteria decision making methodology for the ranking of solvent cleaning process alternatives. This includes development of univariate value functions and criteria and the incorporation or required alternative attributes. It also compares the Analytical Hierarchical Process and Multiattribute Utility Theory in reference to a cleaning substitution process. An actual Air Force cleaning process evaluation problem is considered to verify the research. The test problem ranks several cleaning alternatives for the replacement of a hazardous solvent used in the general cleaning of aircraft engine components.


Volatile Organic Compound Emissions From Usaf Wastewater Treatment Plants In Ozone Nonattainment Areas, Brian A. Ouellette Sep 1994

Volatile Organic Compound Emissions From Usaf Wastewater Treatment Plants In Ozone Nonattainment Areas, Brian A. Ouellette

Theses and Dissertations

In accordance with the 1990 Clean Air Act Amendments CAAA, this research conducts an evaluation of the potential emission of volatile organic compounds VOCs from selected Air Force wastewater treatment plants. Using a conservative mass balance analysis and process specific simulation models, volatile organic emission estimates are calculated for four individual facilities--Edwards AFB, Luke AFB, McGuire AFB, and McClellan AFB--which represent a cross section of the current inventory of USAF wastewater plants in ozone nonattainment areas. From these calculations, maximum facility emissions are determined which represent the upper limit for the potential VOC emissions from these wastewater plants. Based on …


Developing An Emission Factor For Hazardous Air Pollutants For An F-16 Using Jp-8 Fuel, Donald J. Van Schaack Sep 1994

Developing An Emission Factor For Hazardous Air Pollutants For An F-16 Using Jp-8 Fuel, Donald J. Van Schaack

Theses and Dissertations

The 1990 Clean Air Act amendments drastically changed the legislation of hazardous air pollutants HAPs or air toxics. Title 3 of the act which specifically addresses HAPs now lists 189 substances which may require regulation as air toxics. Consequently, the reporting of HAP emissions from all Air Force operations will be required in the future. However, the Department of Defense DoD does not have methods available to report this information. This thesis develops emission factors for selected HAPs from an F-16 CD aircraft F110 engine operating on JP-8 fuel. The methodology included determining which HAPs should be selected, using past …


A Quantitative Method For Screening Pollution Prevention Program Options At United States Air Force Installations, Wayne M. Williams Sep 1994

A Quantitative Method For Screening Pollution Prevention Program Options At United States Air Force Installations, Wayne M. Williams

Theses and Dissertations

US Air Force installations worldwide are required to implement pollution prevention (PP) programs designed to reduce the release of pollutants to the environment, and the Air Force uses opportunity assessments (OAs) to identify and evaluate waste producing processes that could benefit from a PP project. The OA process guidance provides extensive details on how to identify potential projects and on how to economically evaluate a project selected for implementation. However, it provides only cursory information about how to decide which projects should be selected for this evaluation. This thesis bridges that gap by providing a quantitative model to be used …