Research Areas
Defensible Science-Based Conceptual and Implementation Models
Understanding contaminant release, distribution and transport s critical to determining interim and final disposition solutions for waste management and disposal facilities. The first step in the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's Data Quality Objective (DQO) Process is to state the problem. EPA QA/G-4 states that
It is critical to carefully develop an accurate conceptual model of the environmental problem in this step of the DQO Process, as this model will serve as the basis for all subsequent inputs and decisions. Errors in the development of the conceptual model will be perpetuated throughout the other steps of the DQO Process..."
PNNL's Applied Geology and Geochemistry Group is dedicated to the development of scientifically defensible conceptual models and management of technical information and data. Good site characterization and data management are keys to resolving technical issues and preparing defensible, assessment-specific data packages. This is an iterative process conducted in coordination with conceptual model development, performance assessment and decision-making.