Environmental protection objectives

In contrast to the traditional methods the geotechnical investigations should be aimed at positively solving environmental protection objectives. Only this approach can ensure a successful solution of all the major geotechnical objectives during the design and construction of the pipeline. 

Method 1613 of US Environmental Protection Agency (US EPA) was used for the PCDD detection in the objects of environment (water, soil etc.). PCDD detection was done with the help of Polaris Q gas chromatograph/ mass spectrometer on mass-spectrum of electronic impact in the MS-MS mode. Division of isomer PCDD was carried out on a capillary column from the sintered quartz DB-5 MS (60 m x 0,25 mm, thickness of tape 0,25 p.m). The same device was used for detection of fungicides formulations active ingredients in soil. 

The prototype of QualAId currently in existence is one small part of the total framework needed for a useful expert system. The objective of QualAId is to provide advice on how much and what type of QA/QC is needed for various types of environmental analyses. The rules for determining these needs have been derived from the American Chemical Society (ACS) publication, "Principles of Environmental Analysis, (2) and from various protocols and recommendations of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). 

On the basis of this experience, for the one part, and the results of innovation research driven by occupational health and safety and environmental protection to date, for the other part, the research tactic was developed to examine the driving forces and the restrictive factors as well as the appropriate framework conditions of substitution processes using case studies with the objective of deducing recommendations for action for present and future substitution cases. 

The accomplishment of these objectives involved two different research grants Grant No. R 805 466010, "Collection and Treatment of Wastewater Generated by Pesticide Applicators", from the Oil and Hazardous Spills Branch, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and "Removal of Five R-PAR and Near R-Par Herbicides from Wastewater", from North Central Regional Pesticide Impact Assessment Program. 

The collaboration of two research groups on this drinking water project was brought about through the intervention of Cornell s Center for Environmental Research. The Initial seed money provided helped to lay the groundwork for the more ambitious project now being supported by the United States Environmental Protection Agency. Major research objectives of the project Included ... 

Problem of Verification. Much of the data used in this study were gathered by interviews with R D personnel from the sample firms. These individuals provided both subjective and objective information about their companies and the manner in which environmental protection regulations impact their R D activities. Given the size and complexity of these sample firms, this data were difficult to verify. However, to help substantiate the validity of the data provided, the researchers analyzed the responses for consistencies or possible contradictions. Comparisons were made between individual responses and data gathered from trade journals, annual reports, and other secondary data sources. Further, in selected instances, the researchers made plant tours to personally observe the manner in which the companies had been affected. 

Wherever possible, environmental protection efforts first should be aimed at minimizing the amount of wastes or pollutants generated. Waste reduction at its source through product design changes, industrial process changes, or material substitution should be a primary objective. 

Chemical analyses are an indispensable complement to ecotoxicological investigations, but they are not directly integrated in the application of the pT-scale for industrial effluent assessment. Performed in parallel, assessment of chemical substances is governed by a set of criteria, which are derived from ecotoxicological threshold (NOEC) values, in order to derive quality objectives or standards. When bioassay and chemistry results are both available for effluent assessment, they should be ranked equally. For determining the overall hazard of wastewaters, the most conservative information with respect to aquatic health will serve as the yardstick to ensure environmental protection. 

US Environmental Protection Agency, Development of Data Quality Objectives, Description of Stages I and II, July, [US Environmental Protection Agency, 1986]. 

US Environmental Protection Agency, Data Quality Objectives for Remedial Response Activities, EPA/540/G-87/003, [US Environmental Protection Agency, 1987]. 

US Environmental Protection Agency, Guidance for Data Quality Objectives Process, EPA QA/G-4, [US Environmental Protection Agency, 2000a]. 

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