Application of Decision Analysis in Groundwater Remediation Design

The design of groundwater remediation systems involves selecting from a set of design alternatives under conditions of uncertainty. A risk-based decision analysis approach is presented as an aid to the design process. This approach involves quantifying benefits, costs, and risks for each design alternative under consideration. Risk, which is defined as the expected cost of failure, reflects both performance uncertainties and failure costs. The approach is illustrated with a case history involving the design of a pump-and-treat system for capturing an existing plume of contaminated groundwater.