Title: Promoting decision making through a Sustainable Remediation Assessment Matrix (SRAM)

Authors: Aspasia Kalomoiri; Washington Braida

Addresses: Center for Environmental Systems, Department of Civil Environmental and Ocean Engineering, Stevens Institute of Technology, Castle Point on Hudson, Hoboken, NJ 07030, USA ' Center for Environmental Systems, Department of Civil Environmental and Ocean Engineering, Stevens Institute of Technology, Castle Point on Hudson, Hoboken, NJ 07030, USA

Abstract: This paper describes the steps taken in a decision making process through a Sustainable Remediation Assessment Matrix (SRAM). The development of the SRAM deals with Complex, Large-scale Interconnected, Open, and Socio-technical System (CLIOS). For both large and small contaminated areas, considers potential impacts on neighbouring areas, the contribution to air emissions from the materials of the proposed project and the energy to be consumed. Along this line, the research focused on setting up a model under a systems perspective. A systemigram, from remedial investigation to project closeout, has been developed. For each stage of the remediation project, the process to identify stakeholders has been outlined. Moreover, and as an illustrative example, environmental, social, and economic aspects of remedial operations have been addressed on a specific case using the US Air Force Sustainable Remediation Tool (SRT).

Keywords: SRAM; CLIOS; complex systems; large-scale systems; integrated systems; open systems; socio-technical systems; US Air Force; sustainable remediation tool; SRT™; sustainable remediation assessment; TCE; trichloroethylene; PCE; perchloroethylene; multicriteria analysis; systemigram; MNA; monitoring natural attenuation; SVE; soil vapour extraction; ISCO; in situ chemical oxidation; ERD; enhanced reductive dechlorination; ERH; electrical resistive heating; decision making; air pollution; energy consumption; environmental impact.

DOI: 10.1504/IJISD.2013.056943

International Journal of Innovation and Sustainable Development, 2013 Vol.7 No.3, pp.252 - 270

Published online: 02 Oct 2013 *

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