[Federal Register Volume 60, Number 34 (Tuesday, February 21, 1995)]
[Notices]
[Pages 9685-9687]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 95-4188]



[[Page 9685]]

ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY

[FRL-5156-3]


Invitation for Submittal to the Vendor Field Analytical and 
Characterization Technologies System (Vendor FACTS)

AGENCY: Environmental Protection Agency.

ACTION: Notice of Invitation.

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SUMMARY: The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is announcing 
an invitation to vendors of innovative monitoring and measurement 
technologies for hazardous waste site characterization to participate 
in the Vendor FACTS database. Vendor FACTS is being developed by EPA's 
National Exposure Research Laboratory--Las Vegas (NERL-LV) of the 
Office of Research and Development and the Technology Innovation Office 
of the Office of Solid Waste and Emergency Response. The purpose of 
Vendor FACTS is to disseminate much needed information on innovative 
techniques for site characterization, and to promote the use of more 
cost effective methods for on-site monitoring and measurement. The 
system contains information provided by vendors of technologies that 
meet the eligibility criteria for inclusion in the database. These 
criteria are listed in the SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION section below. 
Vendors will submit information about their technologies on a Vendor 
Information Form (VIF). Information contained in the database will 
enable users to screen technologies for consideration in the site 
remediation process and to identify vendors who provide monitoring and 
measurement services. Most Vendor FACTS users are expected to be 
professionals responsible for the assessment or cleanup of Superfund 
sites, RCRA corrective action sites, state-lead clean-ups, federal 
facilities, and leaking underground storage tank (UST) sites. To make 
Vendor FACTS accessible to all system users, EPA will provide the 
software free of charge to the public.

DATES: Completed VIFs submitted by April 30, 1995, will be considered 
for inclusion in Vendor FACTS version 1.0 scheduled to be released in 
the third quarter of 1995.

ADDRESSES: Vendors of innovative monitoring and measurement 
technologies who wish to participate in Vendor FACTS version 1.0 must 
complete a Vendor FACTS VIF 1.0 (EPA-542-R-94-007), which can be 
obtained by faxing requests to U.S. EPA/National Center for 
Environmental Publications and Information (NCEPI) at (513) 489-8695. 
Please include your name, company name, address, and fax number, if 
available. After you have completed the VIF, send it to: Vendor FACTS 
System Operator, PRC Environmental Management, Inc., 1505 PRC Drive, 
Suite 220, McLean, VA 22101. The Vendor FACTS database can be ordered 
by fax at (513) 489-8695, and for verification, (513) 891-6561. Please 
include your name, company name, address, and phone number.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: The Vendor FACTS Hotline at (800) 245-
4505 or (703) 883-8448.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Technologies meeting the following criteria 
will be included in Vendor FACTS: (1) fieldable technologies: portable 
or transportable equipment for on-site monitoring, screening, and 
analysis of hazardous substances (equipment used for collecting samples 
for off-site analysis will not be considered); and (2) technologies to 
monitor and characterize contaminated sites, not industrial process 
waste streams; and (3) technologies that fall in one of the categories 
listed below.
    Air Measurement (NAAQS)--This portable or transportable technology 
includes all means to determine whether air meets the National Ambient 
Air Quality Standards issued under the Clean Air Act and similar laws 
and regulations. Target analytes include carbon monoxide, nitrogen 
oxides, sulfur oxides, hydrocarbons, ozone, photochemical oxidants, and 
particulate matter. Some versions of the technology are designed for 
point readings, in time, space, or both, while others are intended to 
assess over a period of time (hours, days, weeks; as averages or as 
maxima) or an extent of space (a metropolitan area or neighborhood).
    Analytical Detector--The analytical detector is the component of 
any analytical instrument which senses the analyte (target) and 
produces a signal, usually electrical. The rest of the instrument 
consists of (1) a translator which converts the signal from the 
detector into usable form, (2) the output for the translated signal 
(meter, digital display, strip chart), and (3) the power supply, 
controls, case, and other components which support the sensor, 
translator, and output.
    Analytical Traps--This technology consists of means to concentrate 
a desired target chemical as the sample is being collected. At present, 
a few variations are in use, such as the charcoal, resins, and bubblers 
used in collecting air samples. In addition, similar techniques are 
used in the laboratory for the preparation of analytical samples, 
including ion-selective (ion-exchange) devices and molecular sieves 
(working on molecular size). For analytical trap technologies that have 
been in existence for more than 10 years, the vendor must provide an 
explanation of why the technology is innovative.
    Biosensors--(1) This portable technology includes devices which use 
derivatives of living organisms (such as enzymes, tissues, microbes, or 
antibodies) as a biological sensing element. The biological sensing 
agent is in intimate contact with a physical transducer (such as 
electrochemical, acoustic, or optical) which together relate the 
concentrations of an analyte to a measurable electrical signal. They 
are commonly used in the clinical chemistry laboratory, especially in 
the form of electrodes sensitive to a target enzyme or chemical.
    Chemical Reaction-Based Indicators--This portable technology 
includes chemicals which convert an inapparent change in the chemical 
state of the target system to a visible color change or other easily 
noted indication. Many methods look at chemical species other than the 
hydrogen atom, such as ferric/ferrous, chromic/chromate, and oxidizing/
reducing species. Some versions of the technology give a graded 
response, rather than a dichotomous response, similar to wide-range pH 
paper.
    Cone Penetrometer--A technology which uses a cylindrical, cone-
tipped instrument, forced into the ground by hydraulic pressure. Built-
in load cells measure the forces impinging on the conical tip and along 
the cylindrical section (friction) just behind the tip. In most 
instruments, these data are translated into soil classifications so one 
obtains instantaneous information on the stratigraphy of the soil. The 
technology has been used in Europe for decades and is becoming popular 
``in the U.S.'' The innovations, some being tested by the SITE Program, 
include additional sensors added to the instrument to detect pollutants 
in the subsurface. Cone penetrometers themselves are not considered 
innovative for the purpose of Vendor FACTS.
    Downhole Sensors--Saturated Zone--These portable or transportable 
sensors can be used to determine subsurface chemical or physical 
properties. These sensors must be capable of operation in the saturated 
zone, in either a dynamic or static mode. The dynamic mode would 
produce data in real time as the sensor was advanced through the 
subsurface. The static mode would involve a sensor that either could 
not provide data as it was advanced, or was not capable of being 
advanced through [[Page 9686]] the saturated zone. The static mode 
could be used in a borehole with a maximum diameter of six inches or 
less. Downhole sensors that can be used in a borehole with a diameter 
of two inches or less are preferred for the Vendor FACTS database. The 
Vendor FACTS database will not include common geophysical, gamma, 
spontaneous potential, gamma-gamma, caliper, and neutron logging tools. 
Vendor FACTS also will not include TV cameras that can be inserted down 
a borehole.
    Downhole Sensors--Vadose Zone--These portable or transportable 
sensors can be used to determine subsurface chemical or physical 
properties. These sensors must be capable of operation in the vadose 
zone, in either a dynamic or static mode. The dynamic mode would 
produce data in real time as the sensor was advanced through the 
subsurface. The static mode would involve a sensor that either could 
not provide data as it was advanced, or was not capable of being 
advanced through the vadose zone. The static mode could be used in a 
borehole with a maximum diameter of six inches or less. Downhole 
sensors that can be used in a borehole with a diameter of two inches or 
less are preferred for the Vendor FACTS database. The Vendor FACTS 
database will not include common geophysical, gamma, spontaneous 
potential, gamma-gamma, caliper, and neutron logging tools. Vendor 
FACTS also will not include TV cameras that can be inserted down a 
borehole.
    Fiber Optic Chemical Sensors and Analyzers--These field portable 
sensors employ fiber optics to transmit excitation energy to either a 
reaction chamber or directly onto a sample matrix. Fiber optics also 
are used to return the signal produced from either a fiber coating, a 
reaction chamber, or a sample matrix, directly into some type of 
detector. Generally colorometric or spectroscopic detectors are used in 
this process. These sensors produce real time in situ data.
    Transportable Technologies--These technologies require a vehicle or 
mobile lab to get on site, alternating current power source (although 
not in all cases), and are operated on site.
    Portable Technologies--These technologies are manually portable 
(generally weighing 30 pounds or less), battery operated (can have 
alternating current power), self-contained, and used on site.
    Gas Chromatography (portable only)--These field portable 
instruments cause a chromatographic separation of chemical 
constituents. These instruments employ isothermal or temperature 
programmable ovens, and megabore, capillary, or packed chromatography 
columns to separate chemical constituents. These instruments use 
chemical detectors, and data acquisition and integration software to 
quantitate chemical constituent concentrations. Recent advances in gas 
chromatography that are considered innovative are portable, weather-
proof units that have self-contained power supplies. High-speed gas 
chromatography is also a recent innovation.
    Ground Penetrating Radar--This technology, in use for some years 
now, consists of emitting pulses of electromagnetic energy into the 
ground, and measuring its reflection/refraction by subsurface layers 
and other features (such as buried debris). It is analogous to seismic 
techniques, but with a pulse of electromagnetic energy, rather than 
sound (physical) energy.
    High Frequency Electromagnetic (EM) Sounding--These technologies, 
used for nonintrusive geophysical exploration, project high frequency 
electromagnetic radiation into subsurface and detect the reflection/
refraction of the radiation by varying soil layers. Unlike ground 
penetrating radar, it uses continuous waves, as opposed to pulses.
    High Resolution Seismic Reflection--The classic technique of 
seismic reflection/refraction has been used for decades, primarily for 
examining relatively large features, such as the salt domes (often 
containing petroleum) of the Gulf Coast. This technology includes means 
to refine it to determine smaller scale features, such as debris or the 
lenses, buried channels, and other features found in till deposits. 
This technology must be able to measure features of interest within 100 
feet of the ground surface to be considered innovative.
    Immunoassay--These field portable test kits use immunochemistry to 
produce compound specific reactions (generally colorometric) to 
individual compounds, or classes of compounds. These reactions are used 
to detect and quantify contaminants. The immunochemical reactions 
center around polyclonal antibodies. These antibodies are engineered to 
produce compound specific reactions. The methods used to bring the 
antibodies into contact with a water sample or soil sample extract are 
variable.
    Infrared (Long Path) Monitors--Classic infrared techniques involve 
a path of one centimeter or less in a solid or liquid. This technology 
looks at gases in longer path lengths, from a few centimeters to 
hundreds of meters. In some cases, the path may be inside the 
instrument. Alternatively, the air being sampled is ambient, not 
confined to the instrument. The air being sampled may represent a point 
source, such as a stack being monitored, or it may be an area. The 
newest variant involves remote reading of a source; this may involve 
checking the exhaust of a car driving on the road or the reflection 
from an approaching cloud.
    Mass Spectrometry (portable only)--This field portable technology 
involves modifying a large, laboratory instrument so it can be taken 
into the field. Mass spectrometry breaks molecules into fragments and 
determines the concentrations and mass/charge ratios of the fragments. 
Each molecule generates a distinct pattern of fragments, so a 
sufficiently sensitive system can provide absolute identification of a 
contaminant. Less sensitive systems can readily determine class 
characteristics of molecules by identifying relevant radicals and other 
less than molecule size groups. Mass spectrometry units that are 
considered innovative are portable, weather-proof units that have self-
contained power supplies.
    Nuclear Magnetic Resonance--This field portable and transportable 
technology involves modifying a large, laboratory instrument so it can 
be taken into the field. Nuclear magnetic resonance measures the 
electronic environment (that is, adjacent and nearby chemical bonds) of 
the nuclei of a particular species of atom. The most common laboratory 
and clinical use is on protons, but it can be used for any atom with an 
odd number of protons (such as the alkali metals, aluminum, and 
phosphorus) or an odd number of neutrons (such as carbon-13, magnesium-
25, silicon-29, and chromium-53, all significant fractions of the 
naturally occurring elements). Thus, it can determine the chemical 
composition, or variation in chemical composition, throughout the mass 
of a sample.
    Soil Gas Analyzer Systems--These portable systems provide on site 
or remote monitoring of soil gas constituents. Their main components 
are a soil gas sampling system, soil gas analyzer, and data storage or 
transmission station. All of these components are microprocessor 
controlled and can be programmed to provide routine periodic sampling 
and monitoring, or on demand sampling and monitoring. These systems 
also use some type of standard to provide periodic checks of accuracy 
and precision.
    Supercritical Fluid Extraction--These portable and transportable, 
self contained units use supercritical fluids such as carbon dioxide to 
extract [[Page 9687]] chemical constituents from environmental 
matrices.
    Thermal Desorption Devices--These portable and transportable, self 
contained units use high temperatures to volatilize and extract 
volatile and semivolatile chemical constituents from environmental 
matrices.
    Transient Electromagnetic (EM) Geophysics--These technologies are 
based on detecting changes in subsurface electromagnetic 
characteristics. Interpretation of this data provides information on 
the subsurface environment. This particular technology differs from 
ground penetrating radar in that it looks more at the shape of the 
pulse at the sensor, rather than at the pulse's time of arrival.
    Voltammetric Stripping--These portable units use electrochemistry 
to detect and quantify metals in environmental samples. By changing the 
potential across an anode or cathode, these instruments cause metals in 
solution to plate-out or be released. By changing the anode and cathode 
material, specific metals can be targeted for detection and 
quantitation. This technology is generally applied to water samples, 
however, it may be possible to use this technology on extracts from 
soil samples.
    X-Ray Fluorescence Analyzers--These self-contained, field portable 
instruments consist of an energy dispersive x-ray source, a detector, 
and a data processing system. The combination of a source and data 
processing system allow for the detection and quantitation of 
individual metals or groups of metals.
    EPA may include additional categories of monitoring and measurement 
technologies in subsequent versions of Vendor FACTS depending on 
feedback from the users. Suggestions for additional technologies may be 
sent to: Vendor FACTS Project Manager, Technology Innovation Office 
(5102W), U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, 401 M Street, S.W. 
Washington, D.C. 20460.
Walter W. Kovalick,
Director, Technology Innovation Office.
[FR Doc. 95-4188 Filed 2-17-95; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 6560-50-P