MANAGING SOIL REMEDIATION PROBLEMS

Soil remediation has only a short history but the problem addressed is a significant one. Cost estimates for the clean-up of contaminated si res in the European Union and the United States are in the order of ma gnitude of 1,400 billion ECU. Such an enormous operation deserves the best management it can get. Reliable cost estimations per contaminated site are an important prerequisite. This paper addresses the problems related to site-wise estimations. When solving soil remediation probl ems, we have to deal with a large number of scientific disciplines. To o often solutions are presented from the viewpoint of only one discipl ine. In order to benefit from the combined disciplinary knowledge and experience, we think that it is necessary to describe the interrelatio ns between these disciplines. This can be realized by developing an ad equate model of the desired process which enables to consider and eval uate the essential factors as interdependent components of the total s ystem. The resulting model provides a binding paradigm to the contribu ting disciplines which will result in improved efficiency and effectiv ity of the decision and the cost estimation process. In the near futur e, we will release the ''Biosparging and Bioventing Expert Support Sys tem'', an expert support system for problem owners, con sultants and a uthorities dealing with the design and operation of a biosparging and/ or a bioventing system.