A permeable reactive barrier (PRB) is a treatment zone installed underground to clean up contaminated groundwater. As groundwater flows through the barrier, reactive materials in the barrier interact with and remove or break down contaminants. Permeable reactive barriers work without pumps or other mechanical systems, their design allows groundwater to flow through the treatment zone naturally. They treat a variety of contaminants, including metals, chlorinated solvents, nitrate, and some explosives-related compounds.
The Permeable Reactive Barrier: Technology Update (PRB-5, 2011) guidance provides an overview of how to evaluate, design, construct, and monitor permeable reactive barriers at contaminated sites. It covers regulatory considerations, performance goals, reactive materials, design and construction approaches, monitoring, and ways to maintain or improve performance. This guidance also highlights advances in permeable reactive barrier technology, including new treatment materials and innovative installation methods, as well as the benefits and limitations of using permeable reactive barriers. It helps users determine whether a permeable reactive barrier is an appropriate cleanup option for a site and how to better match the technology to site conditions.
This guidance serves as an update and comprehensive resource to the previous Permeable Reactive Barriers: Lessons Learned/New Directions (PRB-4, 2005), Regulatory Guidance for Permeable Reactive Barriers Designed to Remediate Inorganic and Radionuclide Contamination (PRB-3, 1999), Designed Guidance for Application of Permeable Reactive Barriers for Groundwater Remediation (PRB-2a, 2000), and Regulatory Guidance for Permeable Reactive Barriers to Remediate Chlorinated Solvents (PBW-1, 1999).
Topic(s): Chlorinated Solvents, Groundwater, Groundwater Monitoring, PRBs, Remediation Technologies
