Remediation & Mitigation Strategies Flashcards

Which bioremediation technique involves introducing oxygen and nutrients into contaminated groundwater to stimulate indigenous microbial degradation?

Answer: Air sparging with nutrient injection

Air sparging with nutrient injection enhances in-situ bioremediation by providing oxygen and nutrients that stimulate native microorganisms to degrade contaminants.

A grounds manager discovers lead contamination in a children's play area. What is the MOST immediate remediation priority?

Answer: Install a clean soil cap and restrict access

Installing a clean soil cap and restricting access immediately eliminates exposure risk while a long-term remediation plan is developed.

What does the term 'pump-and-treat' refer to in groundwater remediation?

Answer: Extracting contaminated groundwater, treating it above ground, and reinjecting or discharging it

Pump-and-treat systems extract contaminated groundwater to the surface for treatment before safe discharge or reinjection.

Which cover crop is most effective at mitigating soil erosion on a steep slope during winter months in the mid-Atlantic US?

Answer: Winter rye

Winter rye establishes quickly in cool temperatures and provides dense ground cover through the winter, effectively protecting slopes from erosion.

A turf area shows compaction-induced water runoff. Which mitigation strategy provides the longest-lasting benefit?

Answer: Deep-tine aeration followed by organic matter incorporation

Deep-tine aeration combined with organic matter incorporation improves soil structure and macroporosity for long-term compaction relief.

What is 'monitored natural attenuation' (MNA) as a remediation strategy?

Answer: Allowing natural processes to reduce contaminants while monitoring their progress over time

MNA relies on natural physical, chemical, and biological processes to reduce contaminant concentrations while ongoing monitoring verifies effectiveness.

Which stormwater mitigation practice is most effective at removing total suspended solids (TSS) from parking lot runoff?

Answer: Vegetated swale with check dams

Vegetated swales with check dams slow runoff velocity and allow sediment to settle, effectively removing TSS from parking lot drainage.