ASTM E3300-21

4.1Ebullition is ubiquitous in sediment and is primarily a significant concern when there is associated NAPL/contaminant transport, resulting in exposure risk to humans, ecological receptors, or both. Ebullition may also be a concern when capping has been chosen as part of a site remedy.

4.2Understanding the potential for ebullition-facilitated NAPL/contaminant transport in sediment is an important element of an overall conceptual site model (CSM) that forms a basis for (1) evaluating if (and how) human and ecological receptors may be exposed to NAPL/contaminants, and 4.3This guide is intended to serve as a stand-alone document to consider conditions that are unique to ebullition and ebullition-facilitated NAPL/contaminant transport, as well as to complement other guides used for CSM development at contaminated sediment sites (Guides E1689, E1739, E2081, E2531, and E3248). This guide will aid users in understanding the unique and fundamental characteristics of sediment environments that influence the occurrence of ebullition-facilitated NAPL/contaminant transport. Understanding the site characteristics that influence ebullition-facilitated NAPL/contaminant transport within the sediment column will aid in identifying specific data requirements necessary to investigate these conditions, which will enable further refinement of the CSM and provide a sound basis for remedy decisions.

4.4Ebullition-facilitated NAPL/contaminant transport is the primary transport mechanism that is addressed within this guide.

4.5This guide identifies the relevant information necessary for a technically reliable and comprehensive CSM in support of the investigation or remediation of ebullition-facilitated NAPL/contaminant transport in sediments. It describes the conditions that lead to (or influence) ebullition-facilitated NAPL/contaminant transport, methods for quantifying the ebullition-facilitated NAPL/contaminant flux rate, considerations for field measurements, and use of field results in extrapolating the NAPL/contaminant flux rate. A technically reliable and comprehensive CSM will result in a more efficient and consistent investigation of ebullition-facilitated NAPL/contaminant transport in sediments to support remedy decisions. This guide may also be beneficial for evaluating ebullition alone at sites (for example, as input into sediment cap design).

4.6Many materials (for example, chlorinated solvents, petroleum products, and creosote) enter the subsurface as an immiscible liquid, known as NAPL, which may flow as a separate phase from water. NAPL can contain contaminants, such as polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs).

4.7This guide assumes that a CSM has been developed that includes the nature and extent of NAPL/contaminants in sediment. This CSM would include an understanding of (1) the hydrological setting, 4.8This guide assumes that the user has developed a CSM that provides a framework for developing a conceptual model (CM) that is a component of the overall CSM, which addresses ebullition-facilitated NAPL/contaminant transport. This guide will help users understand the physical and chemical conditions and emplacement mechanisms that lead to (or influence) ebullition-facilitated NAPL/contaminant transport, as well as aid in prioritizing and executing methods for gathering field data and interpreting results to support the development of a CSM for the site.

4.9The user of this guide should review the overall structure and components of this guide before proceeding with use, including:

4.10This guide provides an overview of the unique characteristics influencing ebullition-facilitated NAPL/contaminant transport in aquatic sediment environments. This guide is not intended to provide specific guidance on sediment site investigation, risk assessment, monitoring, or remedial action.

1.1This guide addresses the processes that lead to (or influence) ebullition-facilitated nonaqueous phase liquid (NAPL)/contaminant transport, methods for quantifying that transport, considerations for sample timing, sampling procedures, and use of results in extrapolating an annual ebullition-facilitated NAPL/contaminant load to a site, or a portion of a site. This guide is not intended to address remediation of sites where ebullition-facilitated transport of NAPL/contaminants is occurring, fate and transport of contaminants subsequent to the ebullition transport mechanism, the measurement of contaminant concentrations within the gas bubbles, ebullition-associated human health and ecological risk, NAPL advection, or determining the depth of ebullition below the mudline. Additionally, gas transport without NAPL/contaminants is possible in areas with gas generation and limited NAPL contamination of the sediment, which is covered in this guide. Ebullition should be evaluated at sites where sediment capping is anticipated.

1.2The users of this guide should be aware of the appropriate regulatory requirements that apply to sediment sites where NAPL is present or suspected to occur. The user should consult applicable regulatory agency requirements to identify appropriate technical decision criteria and seek regulatory approvals, as necessary.

1.3ASTM standard guides are not regulations; they are consensus standard guides that may be followed voluntarily to support applicable regulatory requirements. This guide may be used in conjunction with other ASTM guides developed for sediment programs. The guide supplements characterization and remedial efforts performed under international, federal, state, and local environmental programs, but it does not replace regulatory agency requirements.

1.4The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as the standard. No other units of measurement are included in this standard.

1.5This standard does not purport to address all of the safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appropriate safety, health, and environmental practices and determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.

1.6This international standard was developed in accordance with internationally recognized principles on standardization established in the Decision on Principles for the Development of International Standards, Guides and Recommendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.