ASTM E3300-26
Preview
Summary
1.1 Many contaminants (such as petroleum products and coal tar) are emplaced in sediment in the form of an immiscible liquid, known as a non-aqueous phase liquid (NAPL). NAPL can either be a light non-aqueous phase liquid (LNAPL) that is less dense than water or a dense non-aqueous phase liquid (DNAPL) that is denser than water.
1.2 Ebullition commonly occurs at sediment sites and is primarily a significant concern when there is associated ebullition-facilitated transport (EFT) of NAPL and associated contaminants (that is, NAPL/contaminants) from the sediment to the surface water column; this may result in exposure risk to humans or ecological receptors, or both.
1.3 To develop an overall conceptual site model (CSM) for a sediment site, it is important to evaluate if (and how) human and ecological receptors may be exposed to NAPL; this includes by the advective movement of NAPL in the sediment or NAPL/contaminants EFT from the sediment to the surface water column, or both.
1.3.1 Understanding the potential for NAPL/contaminants EFT from sediment to the surface water column is an important component of a CSM for a sediment site that forms a basis for (1) evaluating if (and how) human and ecological receptors may be exposed to NAPL/contaminants, and (2) evaluating remedial alternatives.
1.3.2 A robust CSM (including an understanding of the potential for NAPL/contaminants EFT from sediment to the surface water column) is needed when evaluating remedial alternatives for a sediment site. Additionally, buildup of ebullition gases may cause a structural integrity concern for engineered caps when this technology has been chosen as part of a site remedy.
1.4 This guide is designed for application at a wide range of sediment sites where NAPL is present (or is suspected to be present) and ebullition activity is also occurring.
1.4.1 The mechanisms for NAPL/contaminants EFT from sediment to the surface water column are different from advective transport of NAPL/contaminants in upland environments (due to a variety of physical, geochemical, and biological differences), thus necessitating this guide.
1.4.2 This guide addresses the processes that lead to (or influence) ebullition activity and NAPL/contaminants EFT; methods for quantifying ebullition gas and NAPL/contaminants EFT (that is, fluxes); considerations for sample timing, and sampling procedures; and the use of site data in estimating an annual NAPL/contaminants EFT loading to the surface water column at a sediment site, or a portion of a sediment site.
1.4.2.1 Gas transport from sediment to the surface water column via ebullition without NAPL/contaminants transport is possible in areas with biogenic gas generation and no (or limited) NAPL contamination of the sediment—this is discussed in this guide. Ebullition activity should be evaluated at sites where sediment capping is a potential remedial action.
1.4.3 This guide is not intended to address remediation of sediment sites where NAPL/contaminants EFT is occurring, the fate and transport of contaminants subsequent to the ebullition transport mechanism, the measurement of contaminant concentrations within the gas bubbles, the evaluation of ebullition-associated human health and ecological risks, NAPL advection in sediment, or determining the depth below the mudline where ebullition originates.
1.4.4 Evaluation of the potential for NAPL/contaminants to move in sediment is important for several reasons, including (but not limited to) the evaluation of risk to potential receptors, determining the need for potential remedial action, and developing potential remedial strategies. For example, if NAPL/contaminants are migrating due to EFT, sensitive receptors could be impacted and this will influence the choice and timing of any remedy selected for that area of the sediment site.
1.5 This guide is intended to serve as a stand-alone document to consider conditions that are unique to ebullition activity and NAPL/contaminants EFT, as well as to complement other guides used for CSM development at contaminated sediment sites (Guides E1689, E1739, E2081, E2531, and E3248). This guide will aid users in understanding the unique and fundamental characteristics of sediment environments that influence ebullition activity and NAPL/contaminants EFT. Understanding the site characteristics that influence ebullition activity and NAPL/contaminants EFT within the sediment column will aid in identifying specific data requirements necessary to investigate these conditions, which will enable further refinement of the CSM of the sediment site and provide a sound basis for remedy decisions.
1.6 Petroleum hydrocarbon, coal tar, and other tar NAPLs (including fuels, oils, and creosote) are the primary focus of this guide. These forms of contamination are commonly related to historical operations at petroleum refineries, petroleum distribution terminals, manufactured gas plants, and various large industrial sites.
1.6.1 Although certain technical aspects of this guide apply to other NAPLs (for example, DNAPLs such as chlorinated hydrocarbon solvents), this guide may not completely address all additional complexities of these other NAPLs.
1.7 NAPL/contaminants EFT is the primary transport mechanism that is addressed within this guide. This guide provides an overview of the unique characteristics influencing NAPL/contaminants EFT in aquatic sediment environments and approaches to evaluate ebullition gas volumes generated and flux, as well as NAPL/contaminants EFT flux and mass loading from the sediment to the surface water column.
1.7.1 This guide is not intended to provide specific guidance on sediment site risk assessment, monitoring, or remedial action.
1.7.2 Advective movement of NAPL in sediment occurs via mobility at the pore scale or migration at the NAPL body scale (or both). These are not within the scope of this guide and are addressed in Guides E3248, E3268, E3281, and E3282.
1.7.3 Processes associated with NAPL/contaminants transport due to erosion (for example, propeller wash) are not within the scope of this guide.
1.7.4 Porewater advection may facilitate transport of dissolved-phase contaminants that are NAPL constituents in the sediment to the surface water column; however, this process is not within the scope of this guide.
1.7.5 Sheens may be observed on the surface of the water body from sources other than ebullition, such as biogenic sheens, advective NAPL/contaminants transport, NAPL seeps, discharges from outfalls (for example, municipal and industrial), or vessel discharges. Identifying sources of sheens and quantifying NAPL/contaminants loading to the surface water column from sources other than those generated by NAPL/contaminants EFT is not within the scope of this guide.
1.8 Related ASTM Standards—This guide is related to several other guides that cover various aspects of NAPL mobility and migration in sediment. Guide E3248 provides guidance on NAPL emplacement mechanisms in sediment and the differences between NAPL in sediment and upland soil; this guide also outlines a framework to be used to determine whether a NAPL Movement Assessment should be performed at a sediment site. Guide E3268 provides guidance on the collection, field screening, and handling of sediment samples that are representative of in situ conditions for laboratory geotechnical and NAPL mobility testing. Guide E3281 discusses the use of field screening methodologies as part of a framework to select sediment samples to be submitted for laboratory NAPL mobility testing. Guide E3282 discusses metrics (for various lines-of-evidence (LOEs)) to evaluate whether NAPL is mobile or immobile at the pore scale and (if the NAPL is mobile) describes other metrics (using additional LOEs) to evaluate whether NAPL is migrating or stable at the NAPL body scale. Guide E3282 also presents example decision analysis frameworks for ascertaining if NAPL is mobile at the pore scale or migrating at the NAPL body scale (or both). Guide E3447 discusses the use of cone samplers and flux chambers to measure ebullition gas or NAPL/contaminants EFT fluxes (or both); NAPL/contaminants EFT flux can be used to estimate annual NAPL/contaminants loading to the surface water body.
1.9 Units—The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as the standard. No other units of measurement are included in this standard.
1.10 This standard does not purport to address all of the safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the responsibility of the users of this standard to establish appropriate safety, health, and environmental practices and determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.
1.11 This international standard was developed in accordance with internationally recognized principles on standardization established in the Decision on Principles for the Development of International Standards, Guides and Recommendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.
Significance and Use:
4.1 Intended Users:
4.1.1 This guide may be used by various parties involved in programs evaluating ebullition activity or NAPL/contaminants EFT in sediment (or both), including regulatory agencies, project sponsors, environmental consultants, risk assessors, site remediation professionals, environmental contractors, analytical testing laboratories, data reviewers and users, and other stakeholders, which may include (but are not limited to) owners, buyers, developers, lenders, insurers, government agencies, and community members and groups.
4.1.2 This guide does not replace the need for engaging competent persons to evaluate the ebullition activity or NAPL/contaminants EFT in sediment (or both). Activities described in this guide should be conducted by persons familiar with NAPL-impacted sediment site characterization techniques, sediment NAPL/contaminants assessment protocols, and the evaluation of ebullition activity and NAPL/contaminants EFT. Users of this guide should consider assembling a team of experienced professionals (4.1.1) with appropriate expertise to scope, plan, and execute the activities of sediment ebullition activity and NAPL/contaminants EFT evaluation programs.
4.2 Reference Materials:
4.2.1 This guide should be used in conjunction with other ASTM guides listed in 2.1 (especially Guides E3248 and E3447), as well as the material in the References section.
4.3 Flexible Site-Specific Implementation:
4.3.1 Demonstrating the potential for movement of NAPL/contaminants in sediment (such as by NAPL/contaminants EFT from the sediment to the surface water column) to regulators and other stakeholders has been historically hampered by the lack of standardized terminology and characterization protocols. The complexity of NAPL/contaminants EFT in sediment and the historical lack of agreed upon methods for analyzing and interpreting site data have led to uncertainty in corrective action decision-making at sediment sites. This has sometimes resulted in misleading expectations about remedial outcomes.
4.3.2 Assessment of ebullition activity and NAPL/contaminants EFT from the sediment to the surface water column is an evolving science. This guide provides a systematic, yet flexible, guidance on evaluating ebullition activity and NAPL/contaminants EFT in sediment to accommodate variations in approaches by regulatory agencies and users, based on project objectives, site complexity, unique site features, programmatic and regulatory requirements, newly developed guidance, newly published scientific research, use of alternative scientifically based methods and procedures, changes in regulatory criteria, advances in scientific knowledge and technical capability, multiple LOEs approach, and unforeseen circumstances.
4.4 Regulatory Frameworks:
4.4.1 This guide is to inform, complement, and support (but not supersede) the requirements or guidelines established by local, state, tribal, federal, or international agencies. As such, this guide does not provide a detailed discussion of the requirements or guidance associated with any of these jurisdictions, nor is it intended to supersede applicable regulations and guidance. Users of this guide will need to be aware of (and comply with) the regulatory requirements and guidance in the jurisdiction where the work is being performed.
4.4.2 This guide may be used to support existing regulatory requirements or guidelines for evaluating the ebullition activity and NAPL/contaminants EFT from sediment.
4.5 Systematic Project Planning and Scoping Process:
4.5.1 When applying this guide, users should undertake a systematic project planning and scoping process to collect information to assist in making site-specific, user-defined decisions for a particular project, including assembling an experienced team of project professionals. These practitioners should have the appropriate expertise to scope, plan, and execute an ebullition activity and NAPL/contaminants EFT evaluation program. This team may include (but is not limited to) the personnel outlined in 4.1.1.
4.6 Stakeholder Engagement:
4.6.1 Users of this guide are encouraged to engage key stakeholders early and often in the project planning and scoping process, especially regulators, project sponsors, and service providers. A concerted, ongoing effort should be made by the users to continually engage regulators and other relevant stakeholders as the project progresses to gain insight, technical support, and input for resolving technical issues and challenges that may arise during project implementation.
4.7 Application of this Guide:
4.7.1 The use of this guide is consistent with the sediment risk-based corrective action (RBCA) process (Guide E3240) that guides users to acquire and evaluate appropriate data and use each piece of data to refine goals, objectives, receptors, exposure pathways, and the CSM. As the sediment RBCA process proceeds, data and conclusions reached at each stage helps to focus subsequent evaluations. This integrated process results in efficient, cost-effective decision-making and timely, appropriate response actions for ebullition activity or NAPL/contaminants EFT (or both). This guide is not intended to provide specific guidance on sediment site risk assessment, monitoring, or remedial action to address ebullition activity or NAPL/contaminants EFT (or both) at a sediment site.
4.7.2 Guide E3248 supports users in understanding the potential emplacement and transport mechanisms for NAPL in sediment. Potential transport mechanisms for NAPL contained in sediment include advection, NAPL/contaminants EFT, and erosional forces. Guides E3248, E3268, E3281, and E3282 cover various aspects of the advective movement of NAPL in sediment.
4.7.3 This guide discusses the fundamentals of the generation of biogenic gases in sediment, the mechanism of ebullition in sediment, methodologies to measure the biogenic gas flux at the mudline, and methodologies to measure the flux of NAPL/contaminants from NAPL/contaminants EFT at the mudline. This is depicted in Fig. 1.
4.7.3.1 The measurement of biogenic gas flux at the mudline can be useful in the remedial design for a sediment site. For example, if an engineered cap is proposed as part of a remedy, it is important that the gas flux from ebullition be considered in the design to minimize the potential of remedy failure due to cap disruption from the possible buildup of ebullition gases under the cap.
4.7.3.2 Measuring the fluxes of NAPL or associated contaminants (or both) at the mudline from NAPL/contaminants EFT can be useful in the remedial design for a sediment site. For example, if an engineered cap is being proposed as part of a remedy, it will need to be designed to contain enough amendments to sequester NAPL/contaminants EFT fluxes generated from the underlying sediment that can move upward and into the cap during the design life of the cap.
4.7.3.3 The flux of NAPL/contaminants into the surface water body from NAPL/contaminants EFT can also be used to estimate the annual loading of NAPL/contaminants to the surface water body from this source (10.2.4).
4.7.4 This guide is based on features and components that should be customized by users, based on site-specific conditions, regulatory context, and program objectives for a particular sediment site. This guide should not be used alone as a prescriptive checklist.
4.8 Structure and Components of This Guide:
4.8.1 The user of this guide should review the overall structure and components of this guide before proceeding with use, including:
Section 1 | Scope |
Section 2 | Referenced Documents |
Section 3 | Terminology |
Section 4 | Significance and Use |
Section 5 | Considerations for Development of a Conceptual Model for NAPL/Contaminants EFT |
Section 6 | Ebullition Fundamentals and Factors Affecting Ebullition Gas Production Rates |
Section 7 | NAPL/Contaminants EFT |
Section 8 | Initial Screening for Ebullition Activity Using Qualitative Observations |
Section 9 | Ebullition Gas Volume and Flux Quantitative Measurement |
Section 10 | NAPL/Contaminants EFT Flux Quantitative Measurement |
Section 11 | Field Considerations in the Measurement of NAPL/Contaminants EFT Fluxes |
Section 12 | Keywords |
Appendix X1 | Organic Matter Degradation and Microbiology of Biogenic Gas Production in Sediment |
Appendix X2 | Carbon Source Identification Using Radioisotope Analysis |
Appendix X3 | Bench-Scale Testing to Determine Biogenic Gas Production Rates |
Appendix X4 | Estimating Annual EFT Loading of NAPL/Contaminants to a Surface Water Body |
References |
|
Technical characteristics
| Publisher | American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM International) |
| Publication Date | 04/01/2026 |
| Collection | |
| Page Count | 28 |
| Themes | Soil quality and pedology in general |
| EAN | --- |
| ISBN | --- |
| Weight (in grams) | --- |
Replaces
Previous versions
Collections list
