An integrated decision support system for the management of petroleum-contaminated sites

In this study, a decision-support system was developed for providing environmental managers with an integrated way for concisely analyzing and visualizing the subsurface contamination problem as well as a means for evaluating alternative remediation technologies. It integrated contaminant-transport modeling, risk assessment, and remediation-system design within a general framework. The developed system was applied to a site in western Canada that is contaminated by petroleum products. A three-dimensional multiphase multicomponent model was established, which provided a basis for further risk assessment. Several approaches based on different environmental guidelines were used to analyze risks due to the site contamination. The results suggested the urgency of taking remediation actions. Six remedial alternatives for cleaning up the site were recommended. Decisions could then be made based on a series of analyses and comparisons among the given alternatives.