Benefits

A comprehensive dynamic decision support tool can provide site stakeholders the information needed to characterize, understand, design, and predict the relevance and appropriateness of remediating sites affected by matrix diffusion. The Matrix Diffusion Decision Support System will provide a valuable tool for supporting site characterization efforts and determining if matrix diffusion will affect remediation goals for Department of Defense (DoD) sites. The decision support system will provide an improved understanding of matrix diffusion and help DoD site stakeholders determine if matrix diffusion processes are significant enough to cause "rebounding" groundwater concentrations of downgradient plume concentrations above remediation goals after plume remediation or isolation is complete. The decision support system will have the immediate benefit of summarizing existing matrix diffusion information and experience into one source. Having this information readily available before a remedy is implemented could assist DoD site stakeholders select more appropriate remedies and improve effective risk communication with regulators and the public. Furthermore, the software will assist project managers in determining if remediation goals are achievable in the short term. Cost savings can be realized by addressing extended remediation time frames caused by matrix diffusion. (Anticipated Project Completion - 2012)