ABSTRACT
Engineering developments refer to adaptations or modifications of currently available equipment, systems, and technologies to meet unique program requirements. Irrespective of whether one uses a mining, industrial, or contained management approach, every site cleanup or facility decontamination project should emphasize waste volume reduction and innovative waste handling technology options. An independent technology survey involves surveying a wide range of vendor, supplier, and remedial action consultants to provide independent feedback on costs, schedules, and productivity issues that may impact the company’s environmental restoration program. The technology survey element identifies engineering and technology development opportunities. The example presented surveys the available commercial and research and development stage instrumentation and restoration technologies. Implementing technology risk assessment (TRA) would not diminish the role of regulators or of the community. Instead, TRA provides additional data to explain in greater detail the options available to the implementing entity, the regulators, and the community, and to refine the decision-making process.
