ABSTRACT
Macroengineering focuses on three approaches to large-scale soil/source area site environmental restoration: a volume reduction approach, a bulk-handling approach and a contained approach. These three approaches are not to be considered mutually exclusive, and common elements for both may be applicable to a given restoration program. Macroengineering emphasizes a decision tree approach to control field remediation activities. In the mining-oriented macroengineering approach, the key elements are to excavate rapidly, containerize the wastes, and transport them in an environmentally safe manner, all at minimal unit cost. The system proposed for soil and debris excavation could utilize conventional large front-end wheel loaders. A Buckwheel excavation system with associated conveyor systems is also an option. The industrial approach meets the remediation needs when there is a higher concentration of wastes and greater complexity of waste mixtures. Trench systems are also a viable option for management of hazardous material.
