Contributed by Joe Agin, Staff Scientist, PPM Consultants
Last month, I found myself staring out my window in Pensacola, Florida, amazed at a sight I never thought I’d see: snow blanketing the yard. Snow in the panhandle region is a rare event, making this weather anomaly all the more noteworthy. However, as an environmental scientist, my thoughts quickly shifted from the snow to its potential impacts, particularly on remediation sites and other sensitive areas we manage.
While snow may evoke thoughts of nostalgia, it has tangible consequences for environmental systems, especially when coupled with melting, runoff, and shifting climate patterns. For those of us in the environment industry, understanding these impacts is critical to ensuring the resilience of the sites we manage.
A Rare Winter Phenomenon
Snow in the Panhandle is an anomaly. The last measurable snowfall in the area occurred in January 2018, and even then, it was light compared to this week’s event. Historical records show that measurable snow has occurred here only a handful of times since the 1950s, making this week’s weather among the most significant in decades.
Unpredictable weather events like these are becoming more frequent. A combination of natural variability and climate change has led to shifts in regional weather patterns, underscoring the importance of preparing for scenarios that might have seemed unlikely in the past. As environmental professionals, these changes require us to rethink how we design and manage projects to account for a wider range of climatic possibilities.
Climate Resilience for Cleanups
Extreme weather events, whether they involve snow, hurricanes, or extreme heat, can create significant challenges for environmental remediation sites. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has highlighted this issue in its Superfund Climate Resilience initiative, emphasizing the need to adapt cleanup projects to account for these changing conditions.
According to the EPA, climate change can impact remediation sites in several ways, including:
- Increased runoff: Heavy rainfall or snowmelt can lead to higher volumes of water moving through contaminated areas, potentially spreading pollutants to new locations.
- Flooding risks: Rising water levels can compromise containment systems, leading to releases of hazardous materials.
- Temperature extremes: High or low temperatures can impact the effectiveness of treatment systems, including chemical reactions or biological processes critical to cleanup efforts.
To address these risks, the EPA issued OLEM Directive No. 9355.1-120, which provides guidance on incorporating climate resilience into Superfund site management. This directive encourages project managers to assess potential vulnerabilities at cleanup sites and implement strategies to maintain effectiveness under a wide range of climate conditions.
The Impact of Snow and Meltwater on Remediation
While snow itself may seem harmless, problems often arise during the melting process. Snowmelt can generate significant volumes of water in a short amount of time, increasing the risk of runoff and erosion. For remediation sites, this can mean:
- Increased leaching: Contaminants in soil may dissolve into meltwater and migrate away from the site, potentially entering groundwater or nearby surface water bodies.
- Stress on containment systems: Temporary or permanent containment structures, such as caps or liners, may struggle to manage the increased water flow.
- Stress on containment systems: Temporary or permanent containment structures, such as caps or liners, may struggle to manage the increased water flow.
These challenges are particularly pronounced in areas like the panhandle, where snow is uncommon, and systems may not be designed to handle the resulting meltwater. By examining how snow impacts remediation sites, we can develop strategies to minimize risks and protect the environment.
Case Study: Lessons from Climate Adaptation
The EPA’s Profiles of Climate Adaptation offers several examples of how remediation projects have been successfully adapted to account for climate risks. One notable case involves the Raymark Industries Superfund site in Connecticut, where engineers redesigned the site’s cap to handle increased precipitation and flooding risks. By adding features such as enhanced drainage systems and reinforced barriers, the project team ensured the site remained stable and secure under a variety of weather conditions.
This example highlights the importance of proactive planning. While snow and melting events may be less frequent in the panhandle compared to regions like New England, they still serve as a reminder to evaluate and update site management strategies regularly.
Remedy Resilience and the Superfund Alternative Approach
In recent years, the EPA has undertaken efforts to evaluate the resilience of existing cleanup remedies. The Evaluation of Remedy Resilience at Superfund and NPL Superfund Alternative Approach (SAA) Sites provides a comprehensive assessment of how well these systems withstand climate-related stressors. If you want to learn more about EPA’s SAA Program, check out our recent article entitled “All Superfund Sites Are NOT Created Equal.”
The findings from this evaluation have important implications for environmental consultants. For example, the report identifies specific vulnerabilities, such as the potential for groundwater treatment systems to become overwhelmed during extreme weather events. These insights allow project managers to develop solutions that account for changing conditions, ensuring long-term success.
The Superfund Alternative Approach (SAA) plays a key role in this process. By emphasizing flexibility and innovation, the SAA helps project teams design remedies that are both effective and adaptable. This approach is particularly valuable in regions like the panhandle, where rare but impactful weather events require creative solutions.
PPM’s Approach to Remedy Resilience
At PPM Consultants, we recognize the importance of preparing for extreme weather events, whether they involve snow, flooding, or other climate-related challenges. Our approach to remedy resilience includes:
- Designing temperature-resistant systems: Vapor intrusion mitigation systems and other technologies are built to function reliably in a wide range of temperatures, preventing damage from freezing or overheating.
- Managing stormwater effectively: Advanced stormwater management practices help minimize flooding risks at remediation sites, ensuring that containment systems remain secure.
- Monitoring and maintenance: Regular inspections and updates ensure that our systems remain effective under changing conditions, including unexpected events like this week’s snowfall.
These efforts align with the EPA’s guidance on climate resilience, providing our clients with the confidence that their remediation projects will remain effective no matter what challenges arise.
Proactive Planning for the Future
The snowfall in the panhandle is just one example of how weather patterns are becoming more unpredictable. For environmental consultants, these changes reinforce the need to incorporate resilience into every stage of project planning and execution.
Proactive measures, such as assessing vulnerabilities, updating system designs, and implementing adaptive strategies, are essential to maintaining the effectiveness of remediation efforts. By staying ahead of these challenges, we can protect both the environment and the communities that depend on it.
Closing Thoughts
Rare snow events like the one we experienced this week serve as a powerful reminder of the interconnectedness between weather, climate change, and environmental management. While the sight of snow in Mobile may be fleeting, its impact on our work as environmental consultants is lasting. By continuing to prioritize resilience and adaptation, we can ensure that our cleanup efforts remain effective and sustainable, no matter what the future holds. If you would like to learn more about how PPM can you with identifying vulnerabilities at your facility, give us a call at 1-800-761-8673 or click on “Contact Us” at www.ppmco.com.