Solidification/Stabilization

Team Background:

Solidification/Stabilization (S/S) remedies are designed to reduce the flux of contamination from soil, sediment, sludge, and waste that leaches from a contaminant source to within acceptable criteria set forth in a site-specific remediation goal. Abundant literature describes the S/S process and test methods for design and implementation. However, guidance on applicable contaminants, effectiveness, comprehensive performance specifications, and long-term performance was not widely available, representing a regulatory barrier to the use of S/S technologies. The assessment of contaminant leaching to the environment and the relationship of leaching test results to the performance of the remedy over time was also a specific concern.

S/S technology may be applicable to a wide range of contaminants. To determine site- and contaminant-specific potential effectiveness of S/S technology, performance specifications should be used. Performance specifications refer to the collection of performance-related parameters, tests, and criteria used to develop an S/S treatment recipe that meets site remediation goals. These specifications have the purpose of (1) guiding the evaluation of treatability studies, and (2) establishing a minimal set of properties for evaluation during field operations to verify consistency with materials characterized in the laboratory.

Once a remedy has been implemented, long-term stewardship programs are typically used to verify that the remedy remains effective as designed and therefore protective of human health and the environment.

The S/S Team operated from 2009 to 2012.