Date of Award

12-1997

Document Type

Thesis

Degree Name

Master of Science

Department

Department of Systems Engineering and Management

First Advisor

Mark N. Goltz, PhD

Abstract

The fact that an innovative environmental remediation technology has been proven feasible in a full scale evaluation does not assure that the technology will be implemented. A number of regulatory, economic, and institutional barriers may impede the transition of a remediation technology from full scale demonstration to implementation. This research explores these barriers, suggesting means to overcome them. Regulators, technology users, and other remediation decision makers apply the nine criteria specified in the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation and Liability Act (CERCLA) to evaluate the applicability of an innovative remediation technology at uncontrolled hazardous waste sites. These criteria consider such things as cost, implementability, and regulatory compliance of the technology. The usefulness of full scale technology demonstrations to gather the data required under CERCLA for use by decision makers in evaluating an innovative technology for implementation is explored. Additionally, other mechanisms which may expedite transition of a technology to implementation, such as the use of patents and technology licenses are evaluated for utility. Likewise, the efficacy of information dissemination mechanisms, such as the Internet, are assessed.

AFIT Designator

AFIT-GEE-ENV-97D-17

DTIC Accession Number

ADA334396

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