Audio for "ITRC: Introduction to Hydrocarbons," Apr 17, 2025

Petroleum is a complex mixture of many compounds. Regulatory and technical guidance documents commonly focus on the hydrocarbon components of that mixture, or perceived risks that they present. However, focusing on a specific area of concern often causes practitioners to overlook other aspects of a release. For example, concerns related to exposure to total petroleum hydrocarbons (TPH) risks may be overlooked while pursuing concerns related to light non-aqueous phase liquid (LNAPL) recovery or petroleum vapor intrusion (PVI).

This class is designed to provide a basic overview of hydrocarbon behavior in the subsurface and how to scientifically assess concerns arising from the release of petroleum products into the environment. It will highlight key issues that help identify and manage TPH, LNAPL, and PVI risks together. Key concepts will include: Fundamentals of petroleum hydrocarbonsPetroleum chemistryHow TPH, LNAPL, and PVI are relatedBuilding an integrated conceptual site model (CSM) What is a CSM…what is its purpose?When is a CSM complete?Identifying and managing the risks from petroleum hydrocarbonsDefining LNAPL risks based on acute, saturation, composition, or aesthetic concernsEmphasize the importance of biodegradation in risk management decision makingHow to select remedial goals and remedies that align with your goals
This course is based upon three separate Guidance Documents developed by ITRC that address the course content in detail:Light Non-Aqueous Phase Liquid (LNAPL), LNAPL Site Management: LCSM Evolution, Decision Process, and Remedial Technologies (LNAPL-3) Petroleum Vapor Intrusion (PVI), Fundamentals of Screening, Investigation, and Management (PVI-1) Total Petroleum Hydrocarbon (TPH), TPH Risk Evaluation at Petroleum-Contaminated Sites (TPHRisk-1) To view this archive online or download the slides associated with this seminar, please visit http://www.clu-in.org/conf/itrc/Hydrocarbons_041725/