Abstract

The Superfund Innovative Technology Evaluation (SITE) program has successfully promoted the development, commercialization, and implementation of innovative hazardous waste treatment technologies for 17 years. The program offers a mechanism for conducting joint technology demonstration and evaluation projects at hazardous waste sites involving the private sector, EPA, and other federal and state agencies. The program provides environmental decision makers with relevant data on new, viable remediation technologies that may have performance or cost advantages over conventional treatment technologies. Since the initiation of the SITE program in 1986, cleanup of contaminated sites through the use of innovative technologies has resulted in a potential total inflated cost savings of nearly $3 billion.

The SITE program focuses on the remediation needs of the hazardous waste remediation community through:

• Program planning
• Matching priority sites with innovative cleanup solutions
• Technology field demonstrations
• Information dissemination

The SITE program’s vision is to remain the premier organization in enhancing the credibility and implementation of effective innovative remediation options.

The SITE program continues to earn recognition as a leader in advancing innovative technology development and commercialization. The program is participating with 151 remediation technology vendors. Through fiscal year (FY) 2003, SITE has successfully demonstrated 149 field evaluation technologies, 6 of which were demonstrated during FY 2003.

SITE’s Monitoring and Measuring Technologies Program has completed 46 projects to date. Emphasis formerly placed on technologies requiring the removal of soil or ground water (ex situ) has gravitated nearly exclusively to in situ technologies.

Information obtained annually from SITE vendors demonstrates the increased acceptance of innovative technologies. These vendors have received an increased share of their specific technology markets as a direct result of their involvement in the SITE program. Cumulatively through 2002, contracts for over 2,100 cleanups, nearly 1,400 treatability studies, and 4,200 measurement/monitoring units have been received by these vendors following demonstrations.

To ensure that the program continues to meet the needs of the remediation community, the program has established a remediation stakeholder group. This group, composed of such agencies as EPA, the Department of Defense, and the Department of Energy, reviews innovative technology applications and develops an environmental emphasis area list; this ensures that the most pressing issues are prioritized and addressed.

Contact

William Frietsch

See Also

Superfund Innovative Technology Evaluation

You will need Adobe Reader to view some of the files on this page.
See EPA's PDF page to learn more.