Geological Aspects of Hazardous Waste Management

This text brings together technical, legislative, regulatory and business aspects of hazardous waste issues as they pertain to preventing, assessing, containing and remediating soil and groundwater contamination. It emphasizes how subsurface geologic and hydrogeologic conditions affect the decision-making process, and it focuses on critical issues facing industry, government and the public. The book should be of use to consultants, project managers, regulators, geologists, geophysicists, hydrologists, hydrogeologists, risk assessors, environmental engineers, chemists, toxicologists and environmental lawyers.

Author Biography

Stephen M. Testa is president and founder of Applied Environmental Services, Inc., located in San Juan Capistrano, California. He received his B.S. and M.S. in Geology from California State University at Northridge. For the past 17 years, he has worked in the areas of geology, hydrogeology, engineering geology, and hazardous waste management with firms such as Bechtel, Inc., Converse Consultants, Dames and Moore, and Engineering Enterprises, Inc. He has participated in numerous subsurface hydrogeologic site characterization projects associated with nuclear hydroelectric power and petrochemical plants, hazardous waste disposal facilities, and other industrial and commercial complexes. For the past five years, his main emphasis has been in the area of nonaqueous phase liquid hydrocarbon recovery and aquifer restoration. Maintaining overall management and technical responsibilities in engineering geology, hydrogeology, and hazardous waste-related projects, he has participated in numerous projects involving geologic and hydrogeologic site assessments, soil and water quality assessments, soil remediation, design and development of groundwater monitoring and aquifer remediation programs, waste minimization and recycling, and expert testimony. Mr. Testa is the author of three books and more than 60 technical papers. He is an active member of numerous organizations including the American Association for the Advancement of Science, Association of Engineering Geologists, American Association of Petroleum Geologists, Association of Groundwater Scientists and Engineers, Hazardous Materials Control Research Institute, Geological Society of America, California Groundwater Association, and Sigma Xi. He is also a member of the American Institute of Professional Geologists, where he has served on the Executive Committee and on various committees, including the National Committee for Professional Development, Continuing Education and Screening. He also conducts workshops on various environmental topics and teaches part-time at the University of Southern California and California State University at Fullerton.