Remediation of low permeability soils: An API research program

This paper outlines a research program being funded by the American Petroleum Institute (API) evaluating the processes, risks and technologies affecting the remediation of low permeability soils. The objectives of this research are to (1) improve understanding of the movement of liquid and vapor phase hydrocarbon as a result of a spill or leak into low permeability soils; (2) assess the importance of mass transfer processes in affecting various remediation alternatives; and (3) evaluate the effect of transport processes, e.g., leachability, gas phase diffusion and ground water solubilization/flow, on potential exposure. Along with these technical goals, the cost-effectiveness of various technologies, including those suitable for small site (e.g., service station) remediation, will be fundamental to the analyses