Research Needs in Subsurface Science

Provides an overview of the subsurface contamination problems across the DOE complex and shows by examples from the six largest DOE sites how advances in scientific and engineering knowledge can improve the effectiveness of the cleanup effort.

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Research Needs in Subsurface Science provides an overview of the subsurface contamination problems across the DOE complex and shows by examples from the six largest DOE sites (Hanford Site, Idaho Engineering and Environmental Laboratory, Nevada Test Site, Oak Ridge Reservation, Rocky Flats Environmental Technology Site, and Savannah River Site) how advances in scientific and engineering knowledge can improve the effectiveness of the cleanup effort. This report analyzes the current Environmental Management (EM) Science Program portfolio of subsurface research projects to assess the extent to which the program is focused on DOE's contamination problems. This analysis employs an organizing scheme that provides a direct linkage between basic research in the EM Science Program and applied technology development in DOE's Subsurface Contaminants Focus Area.


Research Needs in Subsurface Science also reviews related research programs in other DOE offices and other federal agencies (see Chapter 4) to determine the extent to which they are focused on DOE's subsurface contamination problems. On the basis of these analyses, this report singles out the highly significant subsurface contamination knowledge gaps and research needs that the EM Science Program must address if the DOE cleanup program is to succeed.

Table of Contents


Front Matter
Summary
1 Introduction and Task
2 Subsurface Contamination in the DOE Complex
3 Assessment of the EM Science Program Portfolio
4 Research Programs on Other Agencies of Government
5 Knowledge Gaps and Research Needs
6 Recommendations for a Long-Term Research Program
References
Appendix A Description of the Environmental Management Science Program
Appendix B List of Presentations
Appendix C Biographical Sketches of Committee Members
Appendix D Additional Resources
Appendix E Interim Report
Appendix F Acronym List
Color Plates