Consulting

Modeling

Groundwater Flow and Contaminant Transport Modeling

We are convinced that with accurate and physically sound groundwater flow and contaminant transport models the efficiency and cost effectiveness of remediation systems can be radically improved. In Hungary, as compared to countries that have longer environmental background, the financial resources and energy spent during the site assessment phases are much lower, therefore, the predictable results of operating remediation systems incorporate a high degree of uncertainty. Under these circumstances, the development and application of analytical and/or numerical models is probably more of a must, making it possible to more precisely identify data gaps, both from quality and quantity points of view. Also, it will become much easier to analyze different possible scenarios, and to select a best case scenario. Also, decision communication is much more effective using graphical modeling outputs than tabulated sets of data.

Site Assessment & Remediation

Site Assessment and Remediation

Site assessment (including site investigation, data collection, data evaluation, data communication, decision-making, etc.) is probably the most important phase of any remediation process. We have performed several environmental site assessments at major sites, so ve have a waste experience. Our specialty is mainly related to geologic and hydrogeologic aspects, and we are among the few local companies with experience in the assessment and remediation of soil and groundwater sites contaminated with chlorinated solvents. Unfortunately, the degree of such contamination in aquifers is often very high, and free phase contamination in the aquifer is generally occurring. As compared to lighter-than-water type of contaminants, the processes governing DNAPL phase formation, migration, dissolution, partitioning, etc., make them rather difficult to deal with. DNAPL plumes form at the bottom of aquifers (on top of aquitards), and often more than one aquifer and the intermediate aquitards become contaminated. Locating a DNAPL plume is usually a matter of intuition and experience rather than a matter of measurement, because there are only signs showing their occurrence, location and extension. Dealing with the DNAPL phase itself is only part of the problems, and lack of experience may lead to erroneous conclusions that are far beyond reality. We can provide solutions for solving your problems!

One of our advantages in addition to our experience is that we are up-to-date with recent international publications, and we are members (individual and as a company) of the National Ground Water Association (NGWA) AGWSE (Association of Ground Water Scientists and Engineers).

Risk Assessment

Human Health and Ecological Risk Assessment

Methods and guidelines to perform Risk Assessment - both human health and ecological - are not well defined in Hungary, although these terms are currently in use, and these activities are required as part of the environmental remediation projects. Some publications exist, but due to the lack of detailed guidelines in most cases the pertinent U.S. EPA guidelines are considered. We have performed the first complete RA, when - to our best knowledge - there was only one similar project completed in Hungary. The assessment was performed for a waste disposal site in Jászberény, and completed for the "baseline" case, in accordance with EPA guidelines. Our report was reviewed by Hungarian (OKI - National Public Health Institute) and American (CH2MHill) experts. Following this first project several RA projects were performed by our experienced staff.