C&ENVENG 7110 - Soil & Groundwater Remediation

North Terrace Campus - Semester 2 - 2018

This course deals with the theoretical principles and practical engineering methodologies associated with the remediation of contaminated soil and groundwater. Topics to be considered are as follows: Industrial and agricultural contamination of soil and groundwater. Potential hazards to human health and the environment. Epidemiology. Planning and legislative issues in land-use change and redevelopment. International approaches. Site investigation: preliminary, exploratory, detailed and monitoring. Hydrogeology of site: trial pits, drilling, coring, sampling and pumping tests. Soil gas and vapour tests. Risk assessment: source-pathway-receptor concept; estimation, evaluation and control of risk. Modelling of pollutant transport above and below ground: advection, dispersion, absorption and transformation. Remediation options: removal, containment, hydraulic, thermal, physical, chemical, biological, and stabilisation. On-site and off-site options. Selection of options: feasibility, effectiveness, cost. Formal ranking procedures. Design and implementation: specification, technical design, project planning, supervision, documentation and reporting. Health and safety and environmental protection issues. Post project monitoring plan.

  • General Course Information
    Course Details
    Course Code C&ENVENG 7110
    Course Soil & Groundwater Remediation
    Coordinating Unit School of Civil, Environmental & Mining Eng
    Term Semester 2
    Level Postgraduate Coursework
    Location/s North Terrace Campus
    Units 3
    Contact 4 hours per week
    Available for Study Abroad and Exchange N
    Course Description This course deals with the theoretical principles and practical engineering methodologies associated with the remediation of contaminated soil and groundwater. Topics to be considered are as follows: Industrial and agricultural contamination of soil and groundwater. Potential hazards to human health and the environment. Epidemiology. Planning and legislative issues in land-use change and redevelopment. International approaches. Site investigation: preliminary, exploratory, detailed and monitoring. Hydrogeology of site: trial pits, drilling, coring, sampling and pumping tests. Soil gas and vapour tests. Risk assessment: source-pathway-receptor concept; estimation, evaluation and control of risk. Modelling of pollutant transport above and below ground: advection, dispersion, absorption and transformation. Remediation options: removal, containment, hydraulic, thermal, physical, chemical, biological, and stabilisation. On-site and off-site options. Selection of options: feasibility, effectiveness, cost. Formal ranking procedures. Design and implementation: specification, technical design, project planning, supervision, documentation and reporting. Health and safety and environmental protection issues. Post project monitoring plan.
    Course Staff

    Course Coordinator: Professor John Crowther

    COURSE COORDINATOR AND LECTURER: ADJUNCT PROFESSOR JOHN CROWTHER

    Room N106, Engineering North Building

    Email john.crowther@adelaide.edu.au

    Tel. (08) 8313 5454

    Guest lecturers will be invited from time to time to present material on specific topics. Current guests are Ruth Beach (Environmental Lawyer), Peter Baghurst (Epidemiologist), Peter Berndt and David Tully (Consultants with Coffey Environments), Andrew Howes (Consultant with Golder Associates).

    Course Timetable

    The full timetable of all activities for this course can be accessed from Course Planner.

  • Learning Outcomes
    Course Learning Outcomes
    On successful completion of this course students will be able to:

     
    1 Explain the main scientific and engineering principles of soil and groundwater remediation
    2 Explain the legal, planning and environmental health issues in relation to redevelopment of contaminated sites
    3 Design and plan a site investigation
    4 Conduct a risk analysis of a contaminated site
    5 Propose technically and economically feasible and sustasinable remedies for contaminated sites
    6 Use appropriately industry standard computer packages (CLEA and BIOSCREEN)

     
    The above course learning outcomes are aligned with the Engineers Australia Stage 1 Competency Standard for the Professional Engineer.
    The course is designed to develop the following Elements of Competency: 1.1   1.2   1.3   1.4   1.5   1.6   2.1   2.2   2.3   2.4   3.2   3.4   3.5   3.6   

    University Graduate Attributes

    This course will provide students with an opportunity to develop the Graduate Attribute(s) specified below:

    University Graduate Attribute Course Learning Outcome(s)
    Deep discipline knowledge
    • informed and infused by cutting edge research, scaffolded throughout their program of studies
    • acquired from personal interaction with research active educators, from year 1
    • accredited or validated against national or international standards (for relevant programs)
    1-6
    Critical thinking and problem solving
    • steeped in research methods and rigor
    • based on empirical evidence and the scientific approach to knowledge development
    • demonstrated through appropriate and relevant assessment
    1-6
    Teamwork and communication skills
    • developed from, with, and via the SGDE
    • honed through assessment and practice throughout the program of studies
    • encouraged and valued in all aspects of learning
    3-5
    Career and leadership readiness
    • technology savvy
    • professional and, where relevant, fully accredited
    • forward thinking and well informed
    • tested and validated by work based experiences
    1-6
    Intercultural and ethical competency
    • adept at operating in other cultures
    • comfortable with different nationalities and social contexts
    • able to determine and contribute to desirable social outcomes
    • demonstrated by study abroad or with an understanding of indigenous knowledges
    2-5
  • Learning Resources
    Required Resources
    Textbook: Bedient, P. B., Rifai, H. S. and Newell, C. J., “Ground Water Contamination: Transport and Remediation”, 2nd Edition, Prentice Hall, Upper Saddle River, NJ, USA, 1999.

    Textbook: Nathanail, C P, and Bardos, R P, “Reclamation of Contaminated Land”, J Wiley & Sons, Chichester, UK, 2004

     

    Recommended Resources
    1.    Assessment and Reclamation of Contaminated Land, Harrison, R M and Hester, R E, Royal Society of Chemistry, Cambridge, 2001 (electronic resource)

    2.    Use of Airborne, Surface, and Borehole Geophysical Techniques at Contaminated Sites. 
    A Reference Guide.  September 1993.  EPA/625/R-92/007.  U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Cincinnati, OH 45268

    3.    Subsurface Characterization and Monitoring Techniques: a Desk Reference Guide. Volume I Solids and Ground Water, Appendices A and B, May 1993. EPA/625/R-93/003a. 
    U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Cincinnati, OH 45268

    4.    South Australia.  Environment Protection Act 1993

    5.    Adelaide City  Council, Contaminated Land Policy, ACC2008/150313, 2008. http://www.adelaidecitycouncil.com/adccwr/publications/policies_strategie/contaminated_land_policy.pdf
    (accessed 15 February 2011)

    6.    EPA Guidelines for Environmental Management of On-site Remediation. 
    Environment Protection Authority, Adelaide, March 2006.

    7.    EPA Guideline for Site Contamination, EPA 839/08.  Environment Protection Authority, Adelaide,
    December 2008.

    8.    EPA Guideline for Assessment of Underground Storage Systems, EPA 580/05. 
    Environment Protection Authority, Adelaide, February 2005.

    9.    EPA Guideline for Oil Bioremediation, EPA 589/05.  Environment Protection Authority, Adelaide,
    November 2005.

    10.  Clayton, C R I, Matthews, M C, and Simons, N E, Site Investigation. 2nd Edition, 2005.  Online Geoengineering Library. http://www.geoengineer.org.

    11.  Domenico, P A and Schwartz, F W,Physical and Chemical Hydrogeology, 2nd Edition, John Wiley & Sons, New York, 1998.

    12. King, H, Site Contamination: Guidelines for the assessment and remediation of groundwater
    contamination, Environment protection Authority, Adelaide, SA, February 2009

    Online Learning


    1       http://www.crccare.com/

    2       http://www.epa.sa.gov.au/

    3       http://www.environment.gov.au/about/councils/nepc/index.html

    4       http://www.nepc.gov.au/

    5       http://www.clu-in.org/

    6       http://www.environment-agency.gov.uk/

     

     

  • Learning & Teaching Activities
    Learning & Teaching Modes
    This course uses a number of different teaching and learning approaches, including:


    ·        Lectures

    ·        Problem-solving tutorials

    ·        Computer laboratories

    ·        Self-directed activities

    ·        Design exercise

    ·        Examination

    Workload

    The information below is provided as a guide to assist students in engaging appropriately with the course requirements.

    The information below is provided as a guide to assist students in engaging
    appropriately with the course requirements.

    ·        Lectures = 2 hours per week

    ·        Tutorials = 1 hour per week

    ·        Computer laboratory = 1 hour per week

    ·        Self-directed study = 4 hour per week

    ·        Design exercise = 4 hour per week


    Learning Activities Summary


    Week               Topic                                       Lecturers

    1     Lecture 1: Introduction/Orientation              JMC
           Computer Lab 1                                            JMC                               
           Lecture 2: The Love Canal Disaster              JMC    
           Lecture 3: Oil, Natural Gas & Petrochem.      JMC

    2     Lecture 4: Gas Manufacture                          JMC
           Computer Lab 2                                            JMC
           Tutorial 1                                                       JMC
            Lecture 5: The Port Pirie Smelter                  JMC

    3     Lecture 6: Hazards to Health & the Env        JMC
           Computer Lab 3                                            JMC
           Tutorial 2                                                       JMC
           Lecture 7: Introduction to Epidemiology        PBa

    4      Lecture 8: Epidemiological Case Study         PBa
            Computer Lab 4                                           JMC
            Tutorial 3                                                      JMC
            Lecture 9: Site Investigation (prelim)           JMC

    5      Lecture 10: Site Investigation(detailed        JMC
            Computer Lab 5                                            JMC
            Tutorial 4                                                      JMC
            Lecture 11: Site Investigation (geophys)     JMC

    6       Lecture 12: Risk Assessment                       JMC
             Computer Lab 6                                           JMC
             Tutorial 5                                                      JMC
             Lecture 13: Groundwater Modelling 1          JMC

    7       Lecture 14: Legal  Aspects 1                        RB
             Computer Lab 7                                           JMC
             Tutorial 6                                                      JMC
             Lecture 15: Legal Aspects 2                         RB

    8       Lecture 16: Physical Remediation                 JMC
             Computer Lab 8                                            JMC
             Tutorial 7                                                      JMC
             Lecture 17: Chemical Remediation                JMC

    MID SEMESTER BREAK

    9        Lecture 18: Biological Remediation               JMC
              Computer Lab 9                                            JMC
              Tutorial 8                                                      JMC
              Lecture 19: Coffey Environments 1               PBe

    10       Lecture 20: Coffey Environments 2               DT
               Computer Lab 10                                          JMC
               Tutorial 9                                                       JMC
               Lecture 21: Groundwater Modelling 2           JMC

    11        Lecture 22: Golder Associates 1                   AH
               Computer Lab 11                                           JMC
               Tutorial 10                                                     JMC
               Lecture 23: Golder Associates Lecture 2       AH

    12        Lecture 24: Selection of Options                   JMC     
               Computer Lab 12                                           JMC
               Tutorial 11                                                      JMC
               Lecture 25: Health, Safety and the Public      JMC
     
     

                           RB = Ruth Beach            AH = Andrew Howes

                           PBe = Peter Berndt         DT = David Tully

                           JMC = John Crowther      PBa = Peter Baghurst

    Specific Course Requirements
    No specific requirements
    Small Group Discovery Experience
    Small groups of 4 to 6 students will be set a design study, which will represent 30% of the assessment for this course.  Usually this will involve a site assessment exercise for a real site in the Adelaide area.
  • Assessment

    The University's policy on Assessment for Coursework Programs is based on the following four principles:

    1. Assessment must encourage and reinforce learning.
    2. Assessment must enable robust and fair judgements about student performance.
    3. Assessment practices must be fair and equitable to students and give them the opportunity to demonstrate what they have learned.
    4. Assessment must maintain academic standards.

    Assessment Summary
    Assessment Task Weighting (%) Individual/ Group Formative/ Summative
    Due (week)*
    Hurdle criteria Learning outcomes
    Tutorials 10 Individual Summative Weeks 2-12 1.
    Computer Laboratory Assignment 10 Individual Summative Week 8 1. 4. 5. 6.
    Group Design Project 30 Group Summative 12 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6.
    Examination 50 Individual Summative Min 40% 1. 2. 3. 4. 5.
    Total 100
    * The specific due date for each assessment task will be available on MyUni.
     
    This assessment breakdown complies with the University's Assessment for Coursework Programs Policy.
     
    This course has a hurdle requirement. Meeting the specified hurdle criteria is a requirement for passing the course.
    Assessment Related Requirements
    Attendance at all lectures, tutorials and computer laboratories is regarded as essential
    for a successful completion of this course.

    Assessment Detail
    Tutorials will be used flexibly to supplement and reinforce the lecture material.  Tutorial question sheets will be issued to allow students to test their understanding. The tutor will assist students as required with hints for solution and feedback.  Outline solutions will be available to students in the following tutorial for self evaluation.  One of the Tutorials will be assessed and represent 10% of the summative assessment of the course.

     
    Computer laboratories will be used to introduce students to the main types of software
    tools used in the soil and groundwater remediation area, as described in the lectures.  Demonstrators will assist the students with exercises designed to show the capabilities of the various software packages.  It is likely that the design project will require some computational input and students will be assisted to develop their own applications, as required. One of the computer
    laboratories will be assessed and represent 10% of the summative assessment of the course.

     
    The design project, which is 30% of the summative assessment, will involve realistic problem-solving of a case of contaminated land. Students will be required to submit a structured report with abstract, introduction, sections on methods, data analysis, conclusions and recommendations.


    The end of semester examination will be of duration 2 hours with 10 minutes perusal and is
    50% of the summative assessment.  The examination will be closed book with no materials permitted and students should attempt 4 questions out of a choice of 6.  Each question will be of equivalent weight and marks for sub-sections will be clearly indicated.  Questions will involve both descriptive answers and numerical calculations.  A standard, scientific calculator will be required but programmable calculators, computers and other electronic aids will not be permitted.  Students must enter their answers legibly by hand in the answer book provided.  The minimum mark for a pass will be 40% for this examination.

     

    Submission
    The design project is due in week 12. Students will be required to submit a report in hard copy plus an
    electronic copy on a labelled CD-ROM attached to the inside rear cover of the report. The front cover of the report should be fully labelled with title, course and student details.  The report should be submitted by the due date (2 p.m. Friday of Week 12) to the office of the School of Civil, Environmental and Mining Engineering, located in Engineering North Building, room N136.  Late submission will in most cases receive a zero mark.  A late submission will be allowed only if a deferred deadline has been approved by the course coordinator prior to the due date because of medical or other extenuating circumstances.  Documentary evidence, such as medical certificate, will be required for deferral.

    Course Grading

    Grades for your performance in this course will be awarded in accordance with the following scheme:

    M10 (Coursework Mark Scheme)
    Grade Mark Description
    FNS   Fail No Submission
    F 1-49 Fail
    P 50-64 Pass
    C 65-74 Credit
    D 75-84 Distinction
    HD 85-100 High Distinction
    CN   Continuing
    NFE   No Formal Examination
    RP   Result Pending

    Further details of the grades/results can be obtained from Examinations.

    Grade Descriptors are available which provide a general guide to the standard of work that is expected at each grade level. More information at Assessment for Coursework Programs.

    Final results for this course will be made available through Access Adelaide.

  • Student Feedback

    The University places a high priority on approaches to learning and teaching that enhance the student experience. Feedback is sought from students in a variety of ways including on-going engagement with staff, the use of online discussion boards and the use of Student Experience of Learning and Teaching (SELT) surveys as well as GOS surveys and Program reviews.

    SELTs are an important source of information to inform individual teaching practice, decisions about teaching duties, and course and program curriculum design. They enable the University to assess how effectively its learning environments and teaching practices facilitate student engagement and learning outcomes. Under the current SELT Policy (http://www.adelaide.edu.au/policies/101/) course SELTs are mandated and must be conducted at the conclusion of each term/semester/trimester for every course offering. Feedback on issues raised through course SELT surveys is made available to enrolled students through various resources (e.g. MyUni). In addition aggregated course SELT data is available.

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