APPLICATION OF ENVIRONMENTAL FORENSIC TECHNIQUES IN HYDROGEOLOGICAL INVESTIGATIONS

This presentation will share information concerning available forensic techniques used for contaminant source identification, age dating and cost allocation models. The methods presented are primarily used in a litigation setting although they have other applications.Techniques presented are examined in the context of their use and appropriateness in site investigations and/or remediation programs. Forensic techniques presented include isotopic analysis, petroleum hydrocarbon pattern recognition, chlorinated solvent source identification and age dating, contaminant transport models (soil and groundwater), scanning electron microscope and x-ray diffraction, DNA and microbiological techniques, lead isotopic techniques for organolead species, and upward vapor intrusion source identification techniques. The advantage, limitations, costs and appropriate use of these various techniques for settlement discussions and/or trial is shared along with examples. The role of foundational environmental data and forensic evidence gathering techniques used is presented via case studies.

Several case studies (lead in soil and petroleum hydrocarbons) in which forensic evidence was used and its incorporation into a Geographic Information System (GIS) is presented as a method to present large volumes of forensic evidence in a trial or settlement setting. Issues regarding the admissibility of forensic evidence in legal proceedings and challenges to the presentation of this information in a GIS format are presented via case studies.