The Groundwater High-Resolution Site Characterization (HRSC) course focuses on groundwater characterization techniques and addresses (1) the impacts of subsurface heterogeneity on the investigation and cleanup of groundwater and related media, (2) the necessity for scale-appropriate measurements and adequate data density, and (3) the tools and strategies available to mitigate the impacts of subsurface heterogeneity. Upon completing this course, participants will be equipped with the knowledge to enhance their subsurface investigation approaches and develop more realistic and comprehensive conceptual site models (CSMs). CSMs developed based on HRSC strategies and tools will reduce site uncertainty, refine the remedy selection process for groundwater remedies, and facilitate the evaluation, design, and implementation of targeted in situ and ex situ groundwater remedies.

Course Objectives:

• Understand the advantages of HRSC and application of HRSC to characterize integrated media, including groundwater, soil, soil vapor, surface water, sediments and bedrock. 
• Explore the sources and attributes of subsurface heterogeneity and their impact on hydrogeology, contaminant fate and transport, and source and plume dynamics. 
• Define and use scale-appropriate measurements, adequate data density, and collaborative data sets. 
• Evaluate tools suitable for subsurface investigations across diverse environments, including shallow and deep unconsolidated settings, fractured and porous media, and the groundwater-surface water interface. 
• Develop effective strategies for implementing and conducting HRSC investigations. 
• Manage and visualize HRSC data to enhance decision-making processes. 
• Apply HRSC principles to remedy design, implementation and optimization. 

 Groundwater High-Resolution Site Characterization is recommended for EPA, federal, state, and tribal technical project managers, practitioners and other stakeholders involved in groundwater investigation and remediation.

THE COURSE IS NOT OPEN TO ACADEMIA, CONSULTANTS, CONTRACTORS OR ANY PRIVATE ENTITIES.

Please note pre-work is required for this course. Attendees will be required to listen to recordings of a two-part webinar series that will cover introductory materials including an introduction to HRSC and hydrogeology and the impacts of subsurface heterogeneity. Each webinar recording is 2.5 hours long and is presented by the same instructors involved in the classroom portion of the training. Please remember if you plan to attend a classroom version of the course, you must provide documentation that you listened to both recordings. After listening to the recordings and completing the evaluation form, you will receive a certificate of completion. Please email a copy of both certificates to Jodi McCarty, Platinum ETS, at jodimccarty@platinumets.com prior to the classroom delivery you are registered for.

The recordings of the introductory modules can be found here: Module 1 - https://www.clu-in.org/conf/tio/HRSC_021422/ and Module 2 - https://www.clu-in.org/conf/tio/HRSC_021722/. Remember this is a two-part series so you must listen to both sessions prior to the classroom delivery. 

This course is offered free of charge to all registrants who are confirmed to attend. 

Daily Class Times: 
Monday - 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM
Tuesday  - 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM
Wednesday - 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM

The CERCLA Education Center (CEC) understands that questions will continue regarding the status of CEC courses currently planned for 2023. Although we hope to be able to hold classroom trainings this fall/winter, the CEC will assess current conditions and make a go/no-go decision for each course six weeks prior to the start of the delivery. The CEC will assess current local and EPA COVID-19 guidelines; current EPA travel policies; and the number of students enrolled in a course before making a decision. Registered students will receive a notification via email if the course is postponed. Information will also be posted to the appropriate Trainex page. Questions may be directed to Jodi McCarty, ICF (jodi.mccarty@icf.com).