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SRP Publications Annual Reports 1998

I. Introduction (cont.)

98 SRP ANNUAL REPORT

Using GIS to manage site remediation data

The Site Remediation Program continued to explore methods in 1998 to use Geographic Information System (GIS) technology as a tool for managing site investigation and cleanup data. While using GIS to locate Superfund sites is commonplace, GIS has played only a minor role in the review and analysis of data gathered during an investigation or monitoring activity.

However, the regulatory climate has changed in ways that favor GIS implementation. Concerned about the need to quickly and accurately process an ever-growing volume of data, the agency changed data submission requirements. The Site Remediation Program requires that all sites currently being remediated within New Jersey submit site data in electronic format. In 1998, the Department and regulated community worked to improve the electronic data submission process. Through frequent refinements to submission guidelines and outreach to the regulated community via the Site Remediation Program's internet site and help desk, the number of initial submissions meeting NJDEP requirements increased significantly.

Recognizing the importance of GIS as a tool for visualizing site conditions and displaying results, all location and sampling data submitted to NJDEP also are now required to be GIS compatible. The move from hard copy to electronic data submission could accelerate the review and availability of information, thus improving service to the regulated community and protection of the environment and public health.

The HAZSITES data entry program, distributed by NJDEP, facilitates manual entry of site data. The regulated community may submit data produced in other applications such as spreadsheet and database programs, or supplied by a laboratory or contractor. EQuIS for Windows, a product of EarthSoft, Inc., of Pensacola, Florida, was selected by NJDEP as the environmental data management system for storing and accessing data. Through a set of procedures and import routines, data are evaluated against quality criteria. Data that successfully meet this criteria go to Site Remediation Program staff while data failing quality checks are rejected and must be resubmitted. Once in the EQuIS system, large volumes of chemical data may be combined with other site-specific information such as geological and hydrological data.

Additionally, users may organize constituent groups, locations, and regulatory limits to support the analysis of data over a particular site or group of sites. For example, a project manager could group shallow monitoring well data to evaluate all volatile organic compounds above a particular cleanup level. This ability to aggregate data is critical to investigating site conditions.

While GIS is a powerful tool for evaluating site data, the cost/benefits of applying GIS may raise concerns without sound strategies addressing quality issues, implementing version control, and providing access to stored data. Using the EQuIS-ArcView GIS interface, managers can quickly and seamlessly retrieve data for a project or set of projects. Ancillary project information, such as location groupings and regulatory thresholds, are available through the interface if this information was incorporated in the data management system. The interface can connect to any project supported by EQuIS. Project data refresh each time the ArcView GIS interface is invoked. Accessing an updated common repository ensures that users are working with the same data as well as using the same conventions. Data evaluation can be performed using a custom graphic user interface or through standard ArcView GIS functions. Because this interface supports open system design, experienced programmers can easily develop their own ArcView GIS tools using the data tables that are provided within the interface.

 

Graphic: 3-D Representation of a plume

 

Graphics Description: The side view of a three dimensional representation of a plume of ground water contamination about 50 feet below the surface is shown here. NJDEP is working with a responsible party to clean up the pollution at the site. NJDEP used ground water monitor well data submitted electroni-cally to create this representation and calculate the extent and size of the contaminant plume. The Department also established a Classification Exception Area for this site and will track improvements in water quality over time.

 

An interesting initiative using the data produced by NJDEP involves both NJDEP and USEPA Region II. Encouraged by the Environmental Council of the States, NJDEP has joined in the National Environmental Performance Partnership System. This program focuses performance measurement on outcome-based measures of progress rather than activity-based measurements. The program emphasizes interpreting and communicating scientifically sound environmental information by using environmental indicators to measure current conditions and trends over time.

USEPA Region II formed an Environmental Indicators Quality Action Team tasked with developing meaningful and accurate indicators. The team set up criteria that correlated the quality of the environment with the amount and distribution of contamination within the environment. This team developed a multimedia, mass balance approach that calls for the use of Quantitative Environmental Indicators. These indicators attempt to quantify factors that are not otherwise measurable such as the effectiveness of a ground water contamination extraction and treatment system or how well natural attenuation of contaminated ground water is working. Quantitative Environmental Indicators are defined by performing spatial operations that calculate the aerial extent of contamination, approximate the volume, and derive the contaminant mass. Site Remediation Program staff were honored by USEPA with a National Notable Achievement Award in 1998 for "Outstanding Team of the Year" for their involvement with this effort.

The Site Remediation Program is now researching the mapping of Classification Exception Areas with GIS as a tool for calculating and visualizing quantitative environmental indicators. Classification Exception Areas are defined as areas of ground water contamination that are not expected to meet water quality standards for some time.

Using the ArcView Spatial Analyst extension with the EQuIS-ArcView GIS interface, NJDEP staff scientists are able to quickly interpolate chemical concentrations. Data are assessed in terms of area and volume using depth information. Using the same techniques that were applied manually to quantify contaminant mass, numbers are derived for each of the environmental indicators through the ArcView GIS system. Through this program of environmental data collection and standardization using GIS, NJDEP is creating a framework for a system that will result in better remedial decisions and communication on the status of environmental conditions at particular sites and regions.

Using Digital Site Remediation Data
Some of the current and planned uses for the digital data generated under the new technical regulations include:
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Provide site-specific data analysis to case managers to aid them in routine tasks and decision making.

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Combine data from various sites to address problems on a regional basis and track down contaminant sources.

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Use GIS as a repository for digital data on contouring soil and ground water contamination, predictive modeling, and calculating contaminant risk exposures.

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Generate maps and other graphical outputs to communicate environmental risk issues to the public.

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Use GIS with environmental indicator analysis to track the effectiveness of remedial strategies over time for a particular site or region such as a watershed.

 

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