Review of Best Practices, Knowledge and Data Gaps, and Research Opportunities for the U.S. Department of Navy Vapor Intrusion Focus Areas

Abstract : Vapor intrusion (VI) refers to the movement of chemical vapors from contaminated soils or groundwater through the subsurface and into buildings (indoor air). This exposure pathway has attracted significant attention from regulatory agencies over the past decade in response to several well-publicized cases. Virtually all of the current regulatory documents generated are guidance and have not been promulgated as law, allowing for negotiation on the approach to follow in accordance to site-specific conditions. Nevertheless, experience indicates that this guidance also leads to higher costs in mitigation, public relations, and potential litigation. In response to the need for future research and development on reducing high costs and uncertainties of VI assessment strategies (Department of the Navy, DON, 2008), the objective of this report is to identify existing best practices, knowledge and data gaps, and future research into new strategies and techniques. This study was supported by the Navy Environmental Sustainability Development to Integration Program (NESDI) Program, as part of the study on Improved Strategies for Assessment of Vapor Intrusion, under direction by the Space and Naval Warfare (SPAWAR) Systems Center Pacific.

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