Groundwater Pollution Vulnerability Mapping of Sicily

1

Submitted to:

Professor Antonino ZichichiWorld Federation of ScientistsLausanne,Switzerland

Submitted by:World Federation of ScientistsPollution Panel Task Force

Sicilian Regional Resources Commission,Pollution Task Force:Proposal for Soil and GroundwaterPollution Vulnerability Mapping andEnvironmental Database Managementfor Sicily

®

Proposal No. 09001.63

An Equal Opportunity Employer • University of California • P.O. Box 808 Livermore, California 94551 Telephone (510) 422-1100 • Twx 910-386-8339 UCLLL LVMR

Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory

17 September 2003

Professor Antonino Zichichi, PresidentWorld Federation of Scientists32 Chemin de MornexLausanneCH-1003 Switzerland

RE: Proposal for the Sicilian Regional Resource Commission for the Development of a Soil and Groundwater Pollution Vulnerability Mapping and Environmental Database for Sicily, Prepared by the World Federation of Scientists, Pollution Task Force

Dear Professor Zichichi:

The World Federation of Scientists Pollution Task Force is pleased to submit thisproposal prepared in conjunction with Professor Aurelio Aureli of the University ofCatania, Hydrogeology Department, to develop a pollution vulnerability mappingdatabase for Sicily. The goal of this project is to preserve the groundwater resources ofSicily for future generations, and to prevent pollution that could limit the future growthof the Region’s economy. This will be accomplished by developing a state-of-the-artdatabase to catalog existing and future threats to groundwater resources, in conjunctionwith pollution vulnerability mapping of Sicily’s groundwater aquifers. Thecombination of these two important data resources will result in an invaluable tool forgovernment planning and scientific research. The pollution vulnerability mappingdatabase will be made available to interested government officials and scientists via theInternet, and will become a model for developing countries with threatened andlimited groundwater resources.

The Pollution Task Force consists of a highly qualified team of experts in geology,hydrogeology, and natural sciences, including individuals from Italian and SicilianUniversities, each of whom brings unique and specialized experience in supportingthis type of project. Members of the Pollution Task Force will execute the completionof activities summarized in this proposal, and will partner with Sicilian Universitiesto ensure the future health of Sicily’s groundwater resources.

Professor Antonino Zichichi, PresidentWorld Federation of Scientists

17 September 2003Page 2

On behalf of the Pollution Task Force, we look forward to supporting the WorldFederation of Scientists on this important project in a timely fashion. If youhave any questions, require further information, or would like to meet with us,please do not hesitate to contact me at (925) 423-8877 or by e-mail at: [email protected].

Sincerely yours,

Richard Ragaini (Gina Calderone)Richard Ragaini, Ph.D.Chairman of Pollution Permanent Monitoring PanelWorld Federation of Scientists

RR/mkpEnclosure

cc: Dr. Claude Manoli (CERN) (5 copies)Professor Robert Clark (University of Arizona) (1 copy)Professor Aurelio Aureli (University of Catania) (2 copies)Professor Giuseppe Tito Aronica (University of Messina) (1 copy)Professor Lorne Everett (The Shaw Group) (1 copy)Professor Vittorio Ragaini (University of Milano) (1 copy)

Professor Igor Zektser (Russian Academy of Sciences) (1 copy)Luca Rossi (Italian Civil Protection Agency) (1 copy)Gina Calderone (EA Science and Technology) (3 copies)

ContentsPollution Vulnerability Mapping and Environmental Database

Use or disclosure of data on this page is subject to the restriction on the contents page of this document (0900163/0903). i

CONTENTS

Page

1. PROTECTING THE GROUNDWATER RESOURCES OF SICILY ......................... 1-1

1.1 Introduction......................................................................................................... 1-1

2. PROPOSED ACTIONS .............................................................................................. 2-1

2.1 Develop a Comprehensive Database ..................................................................... 2-12.2 Pollution Vulnerability Mapping Database ............................................................ 2-22.3 Web-Based Deployment and Training................................................................... 2-32.4 Training for Pollution Prevention and Engineering Technologies .......................... 2-52.5 Benefits of Proposed Project ................................................................................ 2-6

3. PROJECT TEAM AND COLLABORATION WITH UNIVERSITIES ...................... 3-1

4. SCHEDULE AND PRELIMINARY BUDGET .......................................................... 4-1

4.1 Schedule Stakeholders and Technical Meetings .................................................... 4-14.2 Develop a Comprehensive Database ..................................................................... 4-14.3 Pollution Vulnerability Mapping Database ............................................................ 4-14.4 Web-Based Deployment ....................................................................................... 4-14.5 Training ............................................................................................................... 4-24.6 Proposed Project Budget...................................................................................... 4-2

The information contained in this proposal shall not be disclosed outside the World Federation of Scientists and shall not be duplicated, used,or disclosed, in whole or in part, for any purpose other than to evaluate this proposal. If a contract is awarded to this offerror as a result ofor in connection with the submission of the data herein, World Federation of Scientists shall have the right to duplicate, use, or disclose thedata to the extent provided by the contract. This restriction does not limit World Federation of Scientist’s right to use information containedin the data if it is obtained from another source without restriction. The data subject to this restriction comprise the whole of this proposal.

Section 1 – Protecting the Groundwater Resources of SicilyPollution Vulnerability Mapping and Environmental Database

Use or disclosure of data on this page is subject to the restriction on the contents page of this document (0900163/0903). 1-1

Section 1 – PROTECTING THE GROUNDWATER RESOURCES OF SICILY

1.1 INTRODUCTION

As a result of increasing development, urbanization, and industrial land use inSicily, the existing natural resources are subject to increasing vulnerabilityand risk of adverse impacts. In particular, groundwater resources arethreatened due to contamination from industrial sources and fromuncontrolled land use practices that may seriously impact the water quality ofSicily. Sicily has been identified as a high risk area due to the increase inindustrial land use, and the fact that there are limited groundwater resourcesdue to the Island’s hydrogeologic setting and potential salt water impacts ondrinking water. Additionally, the proposed Strait of Messina Bridge project ineastern Sicily will result in a significant increase in land development anddemand to water resources on the Island. Without effective management ofgroundwater resources, future industrial activities in Sicily and other areas ofthe Island may degrade groundwater resources, thereby limiting water supplyfor drinking water and other purposes. The future development and quality oflife for the residents of Sicily could be severely limited by water restrictionsdue to pollution, salt water intrusion, degradation of groundwater resources,and/or uncontrolled industrial growth.

Currently, the integration of important environmental data for Sicily is poor.There is currently no centralized database that contains relevant informationthat can be accessed by government officials, policy makers, or scientificresearchers. Important pollution vulnerability data are available fromnumerous sources, however, this information cannot be integrated due to itswidely dispersed nature. Without an integrated database, important environmental data cannot be effectively used tolimit pollution that may have long-term impacts to the future development of Sicily.

In order to accommodate the continuedeconomic and ongoing industrial growth inSicily, the World Federation of Scientists(WFS) Regional Resource Commission forSicily, Pollution Task Force, in conjunctionwith the University of Catania, is proposingto develop a pollution vulnerability mappingand environmental database specific to Sicilyto be used by government officials anddecision-making authorities. The goal of thispollution vulnerability mapping andenvironmental database will be to clearlydefine those areas of Sicily wheregroundwater aquifers and water resources areunder threat, and where ongoing land use

Soil and Groundwater PollutionVulnerability Mapping andEnvironmental DatabaseManagement for Sicily willinclude:

§ Design and construction of acomputer database that canbe used to identify threats togroundwater resources inSicily.

§ Development ofcomprehensive mappingtools to distribute criticalinformation to governmentand scientists.

§ Creation of a Web siteclearinghouse forenvironmental data forSicilian and Italian officials tobuild maps and easilyaccess information.

§ Provide training to personneland decision-makers forpollution prevention andadvanced use of the soil andgroundwater vulnerabilitysystem.

Satellite photograph of Sicily.

Section 1 – Protecting the Groundwater Resources of SicilyPollution Vulnerability Mapping and Environmental Database


activities have the most potentially significant impacts. The results of this mapping database will be available togovernment agencies of Italy, and other local interested parties to facilitate conservation of groundwater resourcesfor future generations.

The WFS Pollution Task Force has identified several activities to be completed that will safeguard Siciliangroundwater resources. These activities will be completed in close collaboration with Sicilian and Italian agencies,and will be led by scientists at the University of Catania, Hydrogeology Department, who have been studying thisproblem for many years. An integrated database is proposed that will enable Italian government decision-makers tounderstand complex environmental issues and use this information for land use planning. To date, nocomprehensive database has been compiled for Sicily to track the important factors which must be considered, suchas groundwater impacts that may be complicated by geology, hydrogeology, land use, past pollution sources, andother factors. The development of this type of integrated mapping database for Sicily will allow for the rapid accessof accurate data to assess pollution issues that may impact the groundwater resources of Sicily.

We propose to develop a state-of-the-art Sicilian soil and groundwater pollution vulnerability mapping andenvironmental database to enable effective pollution prevention, long-term stewardship of groundwater resources forfuture generations, and long-term pollution assessment. Completion of this pollution vulnerability mapping projectwill be an example for other regions of Italy, and will become a model for nations in the Mediterranean withsimilarly threatened groundwater resources.

Section 2 – Proposed ActionsPollution Vulnerability Mapping and Environmental Database


Section 2 – PROPOSED ACTIONS

The highest priority of the Pollution Task Force is to develop an integrated soil and groundwater pollutionvulnerability mapping and environmental database for Sicily for use in future planning and to conserve groundwaterresources for future generations. This effort will require completion of a comprehensive database that will containall relevant information that is currently available regarding pollution sources and industrial land use. Effective datamanagement begins with database design, and the construction of a database to house and integrate relevant data.These diverse types of information can then be combined into a single system. After completion, thiscomprehensive database can be used to provide policy makers with new insights into soil and groundwatervulnerability for siting decisions.

The following sections provide a description of the Pollution Task Force’s proposed approach to complete therequired tasks.

2.1 DEVELOP A COMPREHENSIVE DATABASE

The combination of many factors must be considered when planning the conservation of future groundwaterresources. Therefore, a comprehensive database will be developed to include all available sources of informationrelated to known pollution sources and land use patterns that may affect groundwater resources. A wide range ofdata sources will be incorporated into this database, including:

n Data from government agencies on historical or active pollution sources. These data will includeinformation of hazardous waste sites, municipal landfill disposal locations, and other industrial facilities.These data may include scientificstudies for specific sites, waterresource information, documentsdeveloped during site cleanup,and other historical data sources.

n Existing databases which containdata for future pollution sources,i.e., petroleum/methyl tertiary-butyl ether (MTBE) storagefacilities, fuel stations,manufacturing facilities, andindustrial activities that have ahigh likelihood to degradegroundwater quality. These datamay include sampling databasesdeveloped by the Siciliangovernment or other agencies.

n Data that display land use patterns for Sicily. Of particular interest will be Sicily that has undergonesignificant industrial growth. This may include historical land use changes that can be noted over time,aerial photography showing the extent of industrialization over several decades, and property maps whichshow current and historical agricultural areas.

Example of GIS database image showing topographic elevations andtowns with high industrial land use.



n Scientific data regarding saltwater intrusion into aquifers along the Sicilian Coast.

n Other data related to ongoing activities that may affect groundwater resources, including sewage treatmentsystem locations, surface water resources, mines, groundwater spring locations, geophysical investigationsof the principal stratigraphic units, and meteorological data for numerous stations in Sicily.

These databases were originally developed separately for a variety of uses. Therefore, no cross-referencing of databetween these databases is possible at this time. During development of the comprehensive database, theseindividual components will be linked in a single computer format to allow decision-makers to access all relevantdata quickly and easily. These database resources will be obtained after research and review of existing records anddatabases maintained at various local Italian agencies, such as from the Italian Civil Protection Agency, NationalResearch Council, Italian Ministry of Public Works, and the local Sicilian authorities. This database will also serveas an invaluable tool for the other WFS Permanent Panels, i.e., the Seismology, Water, Floods, Desertification, andLimits of Development Panels, and will also integrate available data from these panels.

Following completion of the comprehensive database, the Pollution Task Force will prepare a report summarizingthe data sources utilized for the project. This report will focus on significant data gaps that may be present in thedatabases, and how these may affect the long-term protection of Sicilian groundwater resources. Recommendationswill be provided on how critical data gaps may be filled.

2.2 POLLUTION VULNERABILITY MAPPING DATABASE

Based on the existing groundwater vulnerability aquifer maps of Sicily developed by Professor Aurelio Aureli,University of Catania, Hydrogeology Department, the Pollution Task Force will collaborate with the Departmentto identify the areas vulnerable to groundwater and soil impacts that may pose a risk to water resources. Thegroundwater vulnerability mapsdeveloped by the University ofCatania, Hydrogeology Department,include numerous areas of Sicily at asmall scale (1:50,000).

Using the available groundwatervulnerability maps as base maps forSicily, a pollution vulnerabilitymapping database will be developedto identify areas with the highestthreat to groundwater resources.Particular attention will be focusedon the following point-source areasof concern which have beenidentified as having the most likelyeffects on groundwater resources:

n Petroleum Hydrocarbon Contamination—Oil is the major energy source for Sicily. Several petroleum/MTBE bulk storage areas, including petroleum/MTBE bulk storage areas, oil fuel power plants, and oilrefineries, are located in Sicily. These areas will be identified, assessed, and inventoried at marine ports,airport facilities, gas stations, and the Sigonella Naval Air Base. In addition, existing databases will beresearched to determine the extent of the potential areas of impact.

Example of GIS database map showing selected towns inSicily and major transportation and railroad systems



n Solid Waste, Hazardous Waste Disposal, and Management—Inventory of solid and hazardous wastelandfills in Sicily. Determination of the status of these sites and their potential threat as point sources forgroundwater.

n Industrial Land Use Impacts on Groundwater—Inventory of areas where industrial land use poses apotential impact to groundwater and drinking water. This assessment will include, but not limited to, areaswithin the Towns of Gela, Syracuse, Augusta, Catania, and Milazzo, where industrial land use is high andthere is a greater risk of groundwater impact.

n Releases of Contamination Caused by Catastrophic Events—This assessment involves the hazard riskassessment of areas in Sicily where existing industries, chemical processing facilities, and waterstorage/distribution systems may be pose environmental risks in the event of seismic and/or volcanicactivity, as well as flooding events known to occur in this area of Sicily. In the case of a catastrophic event,industrial facilities may release hazardous materials to the environment. This assessment will be acooperative effort with the WFS Seismology/Earthquake Prediction and Risk, and Flood Hazard TaskForces to identify the areas that may have a greater risk for affecting groundwater resources of Sicily.

In addition, scientific researchers at the University of Catania, Hydrogeology Department, have identified severaltypes of potential impacts that are degrading Sicily’s groundwater resources. These areas will be the focus of thepollution vulnerability mapping and environmental database:

n Saltwater intrusion that is occurring along the Coast of Sicily. This phenomena results from overuse ofexisting groundwater resources and is a significant threat to drinking water supply and water to be used foragricultural or industrial purposes in coastal aquifers.

n The effect of artificial recharge, i.e., irrigation or discharge of treated water, which may affect groundwaterresources. The discharge of pollutants within the recharge zone of a sensitive aquifer has long-term effectson groundwater resources, and can seriously degrade the usability of groundwater.

n The inappropriate use or application of pesticides or herbicides inirrigated agricultural areas. In particular, greenhouses have beenidentified as potential locations where point sources of pollutionmay be located.

2.3 WEB-BASED DEPLOYMENT AND TRAINING

The results of the pollution vulnerability mapping and environmentaldatabase will be displayed on the Internet via the World Wide Web. Thedatabase will be accessible using standard Internet applications, i.e.,Microsoft Internet Explorer. Interested parties will be able to assess thisdatabase and design maps which show overlays of any data included in thedatabase. Additionally, the database information can be queried, sorted, andprinted to address particular concerns of each data user. Examples of usesof the Pollution Vulnerability Mapping Database include:



n Generating maps showing threatened aquifer locations and the known sources of pollution located withinthe aquifer, or in other critical areas. Such maps can be used to identify the portions of Siciliangroundwater resources that are most at risk for future pollution.

n An inventory of potential pollution sources can be generated and locations can be graphically displayedon local or regional maps. This information can assist in land use planning, and to appropriately locatenew industrial facilities away from sensitive groundwater resources.

n The data from numerous government facilities and Sicilian agencies will be available for use. Thepollution vulnerability mapping and environmental database will provide a clearinghouse for importantenvironmental data that currently cannot be directly assessed or linked with other databases. By combiningall available data, government officials and scientists can use existing information when decisions are maderegarding pollution issues, or for scientific research.

n The effect of salt water intrusion into coastal aquifers can be tracked over time. Groundwater and surfacewater use can be monitored to determine the effects on long-term salt water intrusion.

n Groundwater pollution changes over time can be tracked using all available scientific data. The degree ofimpacts can be assessed by reviewing regional data rather than relying only upon local data sources, thelater of which may be inaccurate, incomplete, or otherwise limited.

n Each specific user can specify the mapping or database search for their particular data needs. The databasewill have simple-to-use query tools that can be used to display, graph, or summarize complex data sets.Access to the large body of existing data will be important to ensure the long-term viability of Siciliangroundwater resources.

The Web-based deployment of the soil and groundwater pollution vulnerability mapping and environmentaldatabase has the following advantages:

n The deployment via the Internet will allow access to all environmental data and mapping resources that arestored in the database. Individual maps can be generated and printed by end-users in any location withoutthe need for specialized computer software or advanced training. Mapping results can be viewed in real-time and will allow users to create maps at their work or home computers using standard Internet browser

Identify existing data sources§ Universities of Catania,

Messina, and Palermo

§ Italian Civil Protection Agency

§ Additional Government Agencies§ National Research Council

Integrate data within centraldatabase

§ Develop a GIS databaseto display all available data

§ Generate pollution vulnerabilitymaps for Sicily, including localand regional scale maps

§ Partner with Italian and Siciliangovernment bodies to identifysignificant data gaps

§ Create Web server to housecomprehensive database ofenvironmental and pollutionvulnerability data

§ Utilize Internet-based tools todisplay pollution vulnerably maps

§ Complete training for GISdatabase use and aquifervulnerability maps

§ Inform interested parties ofpollution prevention techniques

DatabaseDevelopment

PollutionVulnerability

Web-BasedDeployment



software, such as Internet Explorer. Dynamic mapping tools will be used to provide this information tothe data user and maps can be generated at any scale, from a regional view of Sicily to a local view of aparticular town.

n Access to the data can be password protected to allow varying levels of data use. The Web site will besecure and unauthorized access of information will be prevented.

n Any user with appropriate access can utilize the results of the mapping database. This will allowgovernment officials and scientific researchers to include this information, as needed in future projects.Examples include use of maps for determining appropriate land use, assessing the likelihood of aquifervulnerability, water resources for a particular area, and reviewing the extent of salt water intrusion incoastal aquifers.

n Additional data can be added to the database at any time. The database will be fully scaleable and canbe increased in size to accommodate future data gathering, or additional types of information that areconsidered to be desirable in the future. The data gathered during this project can be securely archivedon a computer server to prevent data loss, or corruption.

2.4 TRAINING FOR POLLUTION PREVENTION AND ENGINEERING TECHNOLOGIES

The Task Force will develop and implement training programs for Sicilian and Italian local agencies, contractors,scientists, and other interested parties (to be identified). Training will focus on pollution prevention, and willinclude sessions on technical issues that can be used to reduce ongoing pollution problems, and minimize futurepollution to groundwater. Topics for pollution prevention training may include pollution reduction at existing sites,environmental engineering, site characterization, development of long-term monitoring programs, closure/cappingdesign, and site remediation. The objective of this training will be to provide a thorough understanding of state-of-the-art and innovative technologies to identify point source pollution areas and areas of high risk of groundwaterpollution. The training courses will take place as specific workshops tailored to the interested parties andparticipants.

Secondly, the training program will include a comprehensive review of the effective use of the Sicilian pollutionvulnerability mapping and environmental database. The training will be tailored specifically for each data user.The goal of the training will be for the decision-makers of the Sicilian Region to feel comfortable with the use ofthe system, so they can complete in-depth analyses of specific site areas to protect groundwater resources.

The following components are proposed for the training sessions:

n General discussion of ArcView and MS Access. The goal will be to provide a general overview ofGeographic Information System (GIS) and database programs used to generate the environmental database.

n Specific discussion of site-specific applications. These will include how to generate site maps, contourmaps, cross-sections, and visualizations.

n An in-depth discussion on the use of the database query tool. This will include how to complete queries,generate and export tables, generate trend graphs, and how data can be statistically assessed.



n Printing of hard copy maps, tag maps, and other graphics.

n Specific training will be offered to a Sicilian/Italian-specified database coordinator, should this be required.Topics to be addressed include database maintenance, troubleshooting, and could include discussion onhow to add GIS themes, data into the database, or other specific needs.

Note that specialized training will not be necessary for use of the pollution vulnerability mapping and environmentaldatabase that is provided over the Internet. However, government officials or scientists working on complexproblems may benefit from advanced training to maximize data use and knowledge exchange. Following thetraining class, participants will be comfortable working with the GIS and database management tool to solve dailyproblems, complete complex analysis of site conditions, assessment of potential data gaps, and identification ofsampling intervals.

2.5 BENEFITS OF PROPOSED PROJECT

The proposed groundwater vulnerability mapping database as described in this proposal, including an inventoryof the above four potential point source pollution areas integrated with the regional groundwater vulnerability mapswill offer the following benefits to Sicily:

n Identifies potential point-source pollution areas in Sicily and areas of high risk for groundwater anddrinking water contamination.

n Provides a centralized database for rapid and efficient assessment of groundwater resources so theseresources can be preserved for future generations.

n Provides local municipalities and decision-makers with an accurate and ongoing tool for future land useplanning and development.

n Provides professional training to local municipalities and decision-makers in order to effectively use thedatabase and GIS as a planning tool. The training will also benefit the local Sicilian communities byproviding information on innovative engineering technologies to assess and characterize groundwater andsoil impacted areas, and develop effective pollution prevention programs to protect the groundwaterresources of and to Sicily.

n Provides Sicily with a comprehensive database to track and minimize pollution vulnerability. This state-of-the-art database will serve as an example to initiate similar pilot programs in developing countries inthe Mediterranean and elsewhere, where the natural resources are at a high risk of impact. No suchcomprehensive database currently exists in Sicily.

n Provides a comprehensive planning tool to guide the anticipated accelerated land development in Sicilyresulting from the proposed construction of the Strait of Messina Bridge, scheduled to begin in 2005.

n Identifies specific areas in Sicily vulnerable to environmental risk to be considered by theSeismology/Earthquake Prediction and Risk, and Flood Hazard Task Forces and will integratedatabases available from these and other related WFS Task Forces.

Section 3 – Project Team and Collaboration with UniversitiesPollution Vulnerability Mapping and Environmental Database


Section 3 – PROJECT TEAM AND COLLABORATION WITH UNIVERSITIES

The Project Team for this proposal includes the WFS Pollution Task Force, in collaboration with the followingItalian and international agencies and individuals. This proposed effort relies heavily on interface and collaborationwith Italian and local Sicilian agencies in order to execute this project.

n University of Catania, Sicily Hydrogeology Department, Professor Aurelio Aureli, Professor ofHydrogeology—Dr. Aureli has extensive knowledge of the Sicilian groundwater resources and hasdeveloped a substantial database of hydrogeological, and geological maps of the Sicilian region that willbe incorporated as part of the pollution vulnerability mapping. This proposed project is designed to workin close coordination with the University of Catania, Hydrogeology Department. This project will beprimarily executed from the University of Catania, in close collaboration with the Pollution Task Force.

n University of Messina, Sicily, Engineering Department, Professor Giuseppe Tito Aronica, Professor ofHydraulic Engineering—Dr. Aronica has extensive knowledge on the hydrology of Sicily and engineeringconcerns. Dr. Aronica is currently involved in the WFS Water Panel whose concerns are closely integratedwith the Pollution Panel.

n University of Palermo, Sicily, Engineering Department, Professor Angela Candela, HydraulicEngineering—Dr. Candela has extensive knowledge on the hydrology of Sicily and related engineeringconcerns which are closely related to the efforts of this proposal.

n World Federation of Scientists Seismology/Earthquake Hazards, Water, Flood Hazard, and Limits ofDevelopment Task Forces—The nature of this proposed project requires interaction and consultation withother task forces in order to develop the most useful and comprehensive database for Sicily. Task Forcemembers will be involved during the project and will work closely with Italian officials to ensure that thesoil and groundwater pollution vulnerability mapping and environmental database provides scientificallyaccurate results.

n University of California—Dr. Richard Ragaini and Dr. Lorne Everett will identify the specific scientificand engineering expertise necessary for the implementation of this project and development of theenvironmental GIS database for Sicily. In addition, the University of California will develop and conductthe training aspect of this proposal.

The soil and groundwater pollution vulnerability mapping and environmental database will be populated withdata obtained from numerous government and scientific organizations. These will include local agencies, nationalgovernment bodies, and international groups that have collected environmental, geological, or other types ofinformation. It is anticipated that the majority of significant data will be obtained from the following sources:

n Italian Civil Protection Agency, Rome, Luca Rossi and Colleagues—This project requires the interactionwith the Civil Protection Agency in order to obtain available databases on the Sicilian Region and tointegrate the data into one accessible database. Data that may be available from this agency includevolcanic hazard assessment, disaster response, and assessment of potential hazards for petroleum/MTBEstorage facilities or industrial facilities.

Section 3 – Project Team and Collaboration with UniversitiesPollution Vulnerability Mapping and Environmental Database


n Italian Ministry of Public Works, Rome—This project may require databases maintained by the Ministryof Public Works on the Sicilian Region. Data available from this ministry may include infrastructure suchas transportation, location of industrial facilities, land use, location of petroleum/MTBE storage, and otherongoing uses which have the potential to cause pollution.

n National Research Council, Water Branch, Rome—The databases of the National Research Councilwill be researched and added into the comprehensive database. Data available from this agency mayinclude water resource information, aquifer locations, geologic data, analytical data related to existingcontamination and salt water intrusion.

n EA Science and Technology, New York—The mapping database will be developed and implemented byEA. EA will provide the required Web-based deployment of the mapping database. This will includetechnical support and operational leadership for specific technical aspects of this proposal, and will utilizethe data provided from the sources listed above to generate the mapping components of the project.Additionally, EA will provide training and support following deployment of the soil and groundwaterpollution vulnerability mapping and environmental database to interested agencies and database users, asoutlined in this proposal. EA willalso provide technical support forpollution prevention training,specific to environmentalengineering, site characterization,development of long-termmonitoring programs,closure/capping design, andinnovative measures for siteremediation. As an internationalleader in environmental engineeringand mapping solutions for over25 years, EA can also providetechnical training support forengineering and geologicalengineering related to pollutionprevention and groundwaterpollution control.

This proposal has been prepared by the following individuals:

n Professor Aurelio Aureli, University of Catania, Italyn Dr. Richard Ragaini, Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory, Livermore California

(Pollution Panel Chairman)n Professor Lorne Everett, The Shaw Group, Santa Barbara Californian Professor Vittorio Ragaini, University of Miliano, Italyn Luca Rossi, Italian Civil Protection Agency, Dipartimento della Protezione Civile, Romen Professor Igor Zektser, Russian Academy of Sciences, Water Problems Institute, Moscown Gina Calderone, EA Science and Technology, Newburgh, New Yorkn Peter Nimmer, EA Science and Technology, Newburgh, New Yorkn Maria Di Nardo Magilton, EA Engineering, Science, and Technology, New Castle, Delaware

Example of aquifer mapping index of specific areas of interest in Sicily forthe groundwater vulnerability mapping database.

Section 4 – Schedule and Preliminary BudgetPollution Vulnerability Mapping and Environmental Database


Section 4 – SCHEDULE AND PRELIMINARY BUDGET

The following schedule is proposed for the soil and groundwater pollution vulnerability mapping and environmentaldatabase project.

4.1 SCHEDULE STAKEHOLDERS AND TECHNICAL MEETINGS

The first phase of this project requires meeting with the stakeholders, including the involved agencies anduniversities to discuss the available data for the database and data gaps in order to develop a targeted managementtool for all interested parties. In addition, the technical aspects of integrating the available databases into onecomprehensive database will be further developed during these meetings.

4.2 DEVELOP A COMPREHENSIVE DATABASE

This phase of the project will include researching existing databases, obtaining these from government groups andother sources, conversion of these databases into a consistent format, and generation of a comprehensive database.Additionally, aquifer vulnerability maps will be converted into a format that can be served via the Internet.

n Database design and construction will be initiated 90 days after the project is funded.

n It is anticipated that this phase will be completed in 3-6 months.

4.3 POLLUTION VULNERABILITY MAPPING DATABASE

This phase of the project will include linking the comprehensive database to the aquifer vulnerability maps andgeneration of the integrated mapping database. At the conclusion of this phase of work, the pollution vulnerabilitymapping and environmental database will be complete and can be used by government officials, scientists, and otherinterested parties.

n Completion of the pollution vulnerability mapping and environmental database will be initiatedimmediately following the development of the comprehensive database.

n This phase is expected to require 2-4 months.

4.4 WEB-BASED DEPLOYMENT

The deployment of the Web-based pollution vulnerability mapping and environmental database will allow forpassword-protected access to the complete project. This will allow users to generate maps and retrieve data to beused for governmental decision making, land use planning, or scientific research. After the Internet-baseddistribution is complete, data can be securely accessed from world-wide locations.

n Completion of the Web-based deployment will be initiated immediately following the development of thepollution vulnerability mapping and environmental database.

n This phase is expected to require 2-4 months.

Section 4 – Schedule and Preliminary BudgetPollution Vulnerability Mapping and Environmental Database


4.5 TRAINING

Training sessions will focus on pollution prevention techniques and innovative technical engineering solutions toreduce ongoing pollution problems in Sicily. Advanced techniques in use of the pollution vulnerability mapping andenvironmental database for government organizations and the scientific community will be included. The specifictraining which will be provided to each group will be determined based on the specific needs identified.

n Training can be initiated immediately following completion of the pollution vulnerability mapping andenvironmental database.

n This phase is expected to last for 6-12 months, and up to 2 years.

4.6 PROPOSED PROJECT BUDGET

Completion of the Pollution Vulnerability Mapping DatabaseProject Phase Primary Team Members Range of Funding Required

Professor Aurelio Aureli, University ofCataniaProfessor Giuseppe Tito Aronica,University of Messina

DEVELOP ACOMPREHENSIVEDATABASE

Professor Igor Zektser, RussianAcademy of Sciences, Water ProblemsInstitute

$200,000-400,000

Professor Aurelio Aureli, University ofCataniaUniversity of CaliforniaProfessor Igor Zektser, RussianAcademy of Sciences, Water ProblemsInstitute

POLLUTIONVULNERABILITYMAPPING DATABASE

EA Science and Technology

$375,000-450,000

WEB-BASEDDEPLOYMENT

EA Science and Technology $120,000-160,000

World Federation of Scientists PollutionPanel MembersUniversity of California

TRAINING


$150,000-200,000

Professor Aurelio Aureli, University ofCataniaWorld Federation of Scientists PollutionPanel Chairman and MembersProfessor Giuseppe Tito Aronica,University of MessinaProfessor Igor Zektser, RussianAcademy of Sciences, Water ProblemsInstitute

STAKEHOLDER ANDTECHNICAL MEETINGS


$80,000-$90,000

TOTAL $925,000-$1,300,000

Groundwater Pollution Vulnerability Mapping of Sicily

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