The Interstate Technology & Regulatory Council's MTBE Team in cooperation with the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (NYSDEC), the Long Island Groundwater Research Institute (LIGRI), the American Petroleum Institute and the United States Environmental Protection Agency, presented a comprehensive 2-day classroom style training course at Stony Brook University's Marine Sciences Research Center on Tuesday and Wednesday December 16-17, 2003.

Groundwater contamination from fossil derived fuels is widespread throughout the US. A wealth of scientific information and conventional technology are available to treat conventional fuel hydrocarbons like benzene, toluene, ethyl benzene and xylenes (BTEX). Substantially less is know about fuel constituents such as methyl-tert-butyl ether (MTBE) and tert-butyl alcohol (TBA) and other oxygenates which are often added to gasoline to increase octane ratings and to reduce harmful, air polluting combustion by-products.

This course was designed for anyone interested in an objective, science-based education on MTBE and TBA site assessment and groundwater remediation. Participants were introduced to a variety of MTBE and TBA contaminated groundwater topics including, but not limited to:

• Chemical, physical and biological characteristics
• Available remediation technologies
• Technology selection and sequencing
• Processes for successful site assessment and remediation

A top-notch group of instructors presented a balanced program, offering both theoretical and field-based study. Students were able to increase their understanding of groundwater related site characterization and remediation issues, especially as it relates to the regulator acceptance and successful application of innovative technology.

Hands on computer based training in MSRC's Remote Sensing Laboratory

Page last modified on December 21, 2003 by George E. Carroll