Education

Ph.D., Environmental Engineering, Rice University, 1989. Dissertation: "A Decision Support System and Hydrogeologic Database for Groundwater Modeling."

M.S., Environmental Engineering, Rice Univ., 1981. Thesis: "Assessment of Lake Houston Point-Nonpoint Loads."

B.S., Chemical Engineering, Rice University, 1978.

Professional Background

Vice President - Environmental Engineer, Groundwater Services, Inc., Houston, Texas. 1989 to present

Adjunct Professor of Environmental Science and Engineering, Rice University, Houston, Texas. 1993 to present

Graduate Student, Rice University, Houston, Texas. 1985 - 1989

Project Manager, P. B. Bedient Associates, Houston, Texas. 1984 - 1985

Office Manager-Project Engineer, F. X. Browne Associates, Kansas City. 1980 - 1984

ASTM RBCA Trainer for State Regulators

Committee Member, ASTM Natural Attenuation of Ground Water by Natural Attenuation at Petroleum R. Sites

Registered Professional Engineer, Texas No. 57792

National Society of Professional Engineers

Association of Groundwater Scientists and Engineers, National Ground Water Association

American Society of Civil Engineers

American Geophysical Union 

Project Experience:

Natural Attenuation

Natural Attenuation Projects, U.S. Air Force. Principal Investigator for $2.5 million, multiple-site natural attenuation project for Air Force Center for Environmental Excellence. Directed project team consisting of field personnel, geologists, risk assessment specialists, computer modelers, and environmental engineers.

BIOSCREEN Natural Attenuation Decision Support System: U.S. Air Force. Developer of BIOSCREEN, an easy-to-use screening tool for simulating the natural attenuation of dissolved hydrocarbons at petroleum fuel release sites. Designed and coded spreadsheet, wrote manual, conducted testing program, and prepared software for distribution by EPA. Model is now in widespread use by regulators, consultants, and industry.

BIOCHLOR Natural Attenuation Model for Chlorinated Solvent Sites, U.S. Air Force. Currently developing BIOCHLOR, a spreadsheet-based screening tool for evaluating natural attenuation of chlorinated solvents in groundwater. BIOCHLOR will include simulation of solvent biodegradation and the generation/biodegradation of daughter products; will emphasize importance of hydrogen fermentation for predicting dechlorination rates; and will be able to simulate different dechlorination rates at different zones.

Co-author of Natural Attenuation Book: Co-author of book summarizing theory and practice behind natural attenuation processes for both petroleum releases and chlorinated solvents. Publisher: John Wiley & Sons. Anticipated publication date: mid-1998.

Limit of Migration Transfer Bulletin, American Petroleum Institute. Currently developing tech transfer bulletin summarizing key results from studies of multiple fuel hydrocarbon plumes, such as the Lawrence Livermore study of UST sites in California, the Bureau of Economic Geology study of Texas plumes, the HGDB database developed by Newell et al., and other studies.

Decay Rate Tech Transfer Bulletin, American Petroleum Institute. Currently developing tech transfer bulletin summarizing appropriate first order decay rates to use in groundwater models. Data is being derived from natural attenuation modeling of 115 sites and review of literature values.

Risk Assessment

RBCA Tool Kit Software: Co-author of the RBCA Tool Kit, a streamlined software package designed to complete all calculations required for Tiers 1 and 2 of the RBCA planning process, as defined in ASTM E-1739 "Standard for Risk-Based Corrective Action (RBCA) at Petroleum Release Sites."

ASTM RBCA Training Program: Selected as one of eight nationwide Certified RBCA Trainers for state regulators. Conducted RBCA Module II (Technical Aspects of RBCA) and RBCA Module III (Policy Issues) training sessions for environmental regulators in Texas, Mississippi, Missouri, Arkansas, New Mexico, and Kentucky.

Impact of Risk-Based Corrective Action: Developed groundwater transport and cost models for regulatory study of RBCA regulatory alternatives in Florida. Analyzed relative cost of remediation for various points of exposure, temporary exceedence periods, and source removal scenarios for 117 Florida UST sites.

Impact of RBCA on UST Costs: Integrated data from 194 Underground Storage Tank (UST) sites, RBCA software, and financial reserve software to estimate impact of RBCA on major oil company remediation costs. Evaluated RBCA policies in 34 different states and estimated cost savings for 1995 - 2009 timeframe.

USAF Risk Assessments: Applied RBCA methodology and applied natural attenuation modeling software (BIOSCREEN and BIOPLUME III) to conduct risk assessments at 4 Air Force bases. Evaluated soil, groundwater, surface water, and air pathways for carcinogenic and non-carcinogenic constituents.

Texas Risk Reduction Rules: Developed and submitted risk assessment and corrective measures study under Texas Risk Reduction Rules. Determined that natural attenuation alone would be sufficient to manage risk at landfill site. Incorporated surface water dilution into risk assessment.

Evaluation of Proposed EPACML Model for Hazardous Waste Regulation: Analyzed EPA's proposed statistical land disposal/risk assessment model in detail for American Petroleum Institute. Designed testing program to evaluate the impact of the proposed Monte Carlo risk assessment method.

Groundwater

Innovative Groundwater Remediation Technology: Co-developer of patented in-situ biodegradation technology based on direct hydrogen addition for the remediation of chlorinated solvent plumes. Currently developing technology and designing field-scale applications of technology. Project manager of 7-site demonstration study of direct hydrogen addition process for U.S. Air Force.

Decision Support System for Groundwater Modeling. Developed concept, wrote proposal, and designed innovative computer system consisting of documentation, databases, and models for $400,000 EPA research project. Directed seven person Macintosh-HyperCard software development team.

Soil and Groundwater Remediation Using In-Situ Biodegradation Systems: Designed and implemented in-situ biodegradation systems at two remediation/research sites. Applied BIOPLUME II in-situ biodegradation model to develop conceptual designs for both projects.

Groundwater Modeling, Houston Water Master Plan: Used MODFLOW 3-dimensional groundwater flow model to simulate response of large regional aquifer to a different municipal groundwater pumping scenarios.

Natural Attenuation of Oil Field Brines: Used groundwater models, sampling data, and local water use information to develop natural attenuation remedy for large oil field brine plume that was slowly discharging to adjacent stream system. Developed maps and graphics of key site data for Technical Committee.

Non-Aqueous Phase Liquids (NAPLs)

EPA DNAPL Fact Sheet: Developed information fact sheet for EPA's Superfund program with EPA co-authors. Summarized recent DNAPL research and applicable technologies.

EPA DNAPL Workshop: Invited participant at EPA's DNAPL Workshop. Presented paper and participated in discussions regarding recommended practices for managing DNAPL at hazardous waste sites.

Management of Light Non-Aqueous Phase Liquids (LNAPLs): Developed conceptual designs for managing large floating hydrocarbon plume at chemical facility. Analyzed existing monitoring data, designed pump test and soil vapor extraction pilot test, and used groundwater models to predict the performance of various remediation technologies and hydrocarbon recovery schemes.

EPA Light Non-Aqueous Phase Liquids (LNAPLs Issue Paper): With EPA co-author, wrote Issue Paper regarding delineation and remediation of floating hydrocarbon plumes for EPA's R.S. Kerr Environmental Research Laboratory. Defined state-of-the-art practices regarding LNAPLs.

Surface Water Quantity and Quality

Nonpoint Source Study of Galveston Bay: Developed methodology for assessing the nonpoint source loadings (stormwater runoff pollutant loads) to the Galveston Bay estuary. Employed LANDSAT satellite imagery for delineating wetlands, urban areas, agricultural areas, and forests.

Galveston Bay Characterization Report: Principal Investigator for scientific characterization project conducted as part of the EPA's and Texas Water Commission's Galveston Bay National Estuary Program. Analyzed wetlands, physical processes, water/sediment quality, and living resources of the Bay.

Nationwide Urban Runoff Program: Responsible for all phases of $1.2 million EPA water quality/hydrologic monitoring system. Designed and directed installation of twenty automatic sampling stations. Monitored twenty-three storm events during the three year project, and augmented runoff sampling with low flow, benthic organism, and priority pollutant studies.

Impact of Oil Field Brine on Surface Waters: Evaluated impact of groundwater discharge on surface water resources. Analyzed flow data, dilution factors, and developed target concentrations for protecting livestock.

EPA Barriers to In-Situ Remediation Workshop: Invited participant at 2-day EPA workshop regarding physical/chemical, technological, and institutional barriers to remediation of hazardous waste sites.

Technical Mediation Committee, Oklahoma Oil Field Site: Selected by current owner of oil field to participate on technical mediation committee convened by Oklahoma Corporation Commission to address historical brine contamination problems. Committee was comprised of current owner of field, previous field owners, local landowners/plaintiffs, and neutral technical parties.

Galveston Bay Comprehensive Conservation and Management Plan (CCMP): Principal Investigator for comprehensive management plan for Galveston Bay. Organized and facilitated series of 45 meetings for various CCMP task forces covering various issues of concern including water and sediment quality, habitat, nonpoint source pollution, public health, research, and public participation. Each task force was comprised of representatives from various stakeholder groups: regulatory agencies, industrial and trade organizations, and environmental groups. Used information to develop specific Action Plans.

Selected Publications

Bedient, P. B., H.S. Rifai, C.J. Newell, Groundwater Contamination: Transport and Remediation, Prentice-Hall, 1994.

Browne, F.X., D. Baker, R. Borden, R. Field, and C. Newell, "Stormwater Management," in Standard Handbook of Environmental Engineering, McGraw-Hill, R. A. Corbitt, editor, 1990.

Connor, J.A., J. P. Nevin, R. T. Fisher, R. L. Bowers, and C. J. Newell. RBCA Spreadsheet System and Modeling Guidelines Version 1.0, Groundwater Services, Inc., Houston, Texas, 1995.

Connor, J.A., C.J. Newell, and M.W. Malander, 1996. ÒParameter Estimation Guidelines for Risk-Based Corrective Action (RBCA) Modeling,Ó Petroleum Hydrocarbons and Organic Chemicals in Groundwater, NGWA, Houston, Texas, November 1996.

Connor, J. A., Newell, C. J., Nevin, J. P., and H. S. Rifai, "Guidelines for Use of Groundwater Spreadsheet Models in Risk-Based Corrective Action Design," Proceedings of NGWA Pet. Hydro. Conf., Houston, TX. November 1994.

Galveston Bay National Estuary Program, The State of the Bay: The Galveston Bay Environmental Characterization Report, Galveston Bay National Estuary Program, Webster, Texas, 1994.

Newell, C.J., S.D. Acree, R.R. Ross, and S.G. Huling, Light Nonaqueous Phase Liquids, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Ground Water Issue Paper, R.S. Kerr Environmental Research Laboratory, Ada OK. EPA/540/S-95/500, July 1995.

Newell, C. J. and P. B. Bedient, Development and Application of a Ground Water Modeling Database and Expert System, Proceedings of the Petroleum Hydrocarbons and Organic Chemicals in Ground Water: Prevention, Detection and Restoration, Conference Proceedings, NWWA, Houston, Texas, November 17, 1987.

Newell, C. J. and J. A. Connor, Detection and Delineation of Subsurface DNAPL Distribution, Water Environment Foundation DNAPL Preconference Seminar, WEF, September 23, 1992.

Newell, C. J. and J. A. Connor, Assessment, Field Testing, and Conceptual Design for Managing Dense Nonaqueous Phase Liquids (DNAPL) at a Superfund Site, EPA DNAPL Workshop, Dallas Texas, R.S. Kerr Environmental Research Lab., U.S. EPA, April 1991.

Newell, C. J., J. A. Connor, D. K. Wilson, and T. E. McHugh, Impact of Dissolution of Dense Non-Aqueous Phase Liquids (DNAPLs) on Groundwater Remediation, Petroleum Hydrocarbons and Organic Chemicals in Groundwater, NWWA, Houston, Texas, November 1991.

Newell, C. J., J. A. Connor, and D. K. Wilson, Pilot Test for Evaluating the Effectiveness of Enhanced In-Situ Biodegradation for Soil Remediation, Petroleum Hydrocarbons and Organic Chemicals in Groundwater, Houston, Texas, NWWA, October, 1990.

Newell, C.J., J. Gonzales, and R. McLeod, 1996. BIOSCREEN Natural Attenuation Decision Support System, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. EPA/600/R-96/087, August, 1996.

Newell, C. J., J. F. Haasbeek, and P. B. Bedient, OASIS: A Graphical Decision Support System for Groundwater Contaminant Modeling, Ground Water, March-April 1990.

Newell, C. J., L. P. Hopkins, and P. B. Bedient, A Hydrogeologic Database for Groundwater Modeling, Ground Water, September 1990.

Newell, C.J., R.K. McCleod, and J. Gonzales, 1996. ÒHow Far? How Long? The BIOSCREEN Natural Attenuation Decision Support System,Ó Petroleum Hydrocarbons and Organic Chemicals in Groundwater, NGWA, Houston, Texas, November 1996.

Newell, C. J., Winters, J.A., Rifai, H. S., Miller, R.N., Gonzales, J., and Wiedemeir, T.H., ÒModeling Intrinsic Remediation With Multiple Electron Acceptors: Results From Seven Sites,Ó Proceedings of NGWA Petroleum Hydrocarbons Conference, Houston, Texas. November 1995.

Rifai, H. S., C. J. Newell, R. N. Miller, S. Taffinder, and M. Rounsavill. ÒSimulation of Natural Attenuation with Multiple Electron Acceptors,Ó Intrinsic Remediation, Edited by R. Hinchee, J. Wilson, and D. Downey, Battelle Press, Columbus, Ohio, p 53-65, 1995.

U.S Environmental Protection Agency, "Estimating Potential for Occurrence of DNAPL at Superfund Sites," EPA Quick Reference Fact Sheet (EPA Publication 9355.4-07FS), January 1992.

Hughes, J., C. J. Newell, and R.T. Fisher, ÒProcess for In-Situ Biodegradation of Chlorinated Aliphatic Hydrocarbons By Subsurface Hydrogen Injection,Ó U.S. Patent No. 5602296, 2/14/97.

Hanson Excellence of Presentation Award, American Association of Petroleum Geologists, 1996 AAPG Annual Convention, May 1996, San Diego, California.

Outstanding Presentation Award, American Institute of Chemical Engineers, Summer National Meeting, June 1994, Denver, Colorado.

Instructor, Natural Attenuation Workshop, Petroleum Hydrocarbons and Organic Chemicals in Ground Water Conference, Houston, Texas, Nov. 1997.

Invited Speaker, EPA Region 4 Natural Attenuation of Chlor. Solvents Conference, Atlanta, Georgia, Feb. 1997.

Invited Speaker, Natural Attenuation of Chlorinated Solvents Conference, Dallas, Texas, September, 1996; Region 4 Natural Attenuation of Chlorinated Solvents Conference, Feb. 1997.

Certified Risk-Based Corrective Action Trainer for State Regulators for ASTM. Provided training sessions for state regulators in Texas, Mississippi, Arkansas, Kentucky, Missouri, Florida, and New Mexico, 1996-1997.

Technical Presentations, Delivered numerous technical presentations, such as presentations at the NGWA Petroleum Hydrocarbons & Organic Chem. in Ground Water conference in 1987, 1991, 1995, 1996, and 1997.

Developer and lead presenter, "Managing LNAPLs and DNAPLs in the Subsurface," Short Course, Houston Texas, February 1994, sponsored by the Gulf Coast Hazardous Substances Research Center.

Lecturer, EPA Superfund University Training Institute (SUTI) 1992-1997. Taught following topics: Groundwater Flow Modeling, Natural Attenuation, and Active Bioremediation.

Lecturer, EPA Seminar on Characterizing and Remediating DNAPL at Hazardous Waste Sites; Dallas, Washington D.C, Philadelphia, Atlanta, Kansas City, Chicago, Denver, San Francisco, Seattle, Boston, 1993.

Invited Speaker, EPA DNAPL Workshop, R.S. Kerr Environmental Research Lab., 1991.

Invited Speaker, Centre for Groundwater Research Short Course, University of Waterloo, Ontario, 1991.

Instructor, University of Houston, Groundwater Contaminant Transport Course, 1990 - 1991.

Instructor for portions of the following short courses:

Ground Water Hydrology and Contamination

Urban Hydrology and Watershed Management

Stormwater Management Using the Penn State Runoff Model