Select Projects

Metals Fate and Transport Modeling:  Prepared expert report and testified both in deposition and at trial related to the fate and transport of metal constituents, such as nickel, aluminum, and arsenic, at 26 mining sites located around the world, including Canada, Wales, Japan, and Indonesia.

Metals Fate and Transport Modeling: Prepared expert report and testified in deposition related to the fate and transport of metal constituents in groundwater, including barium, boron, and arsenic, from multiple coal combustion residual surface impoundments.

Arsenic Fate and Transport Modeling:  Modeled the fate and transport of arsenic and other coal ash-related constituents in groundwater and surface water downgradient of a large Midwestern coal ash surface impoundment located in a karst environment.  Model simulations compared potential impacts to groundwater and surface water resulting from potential surface impoundment closure scenarios.

Surface Water Fate and Transport Modeling:  Prepared expert report on human health and ecological risks due to a potential spill of barged coal combustion byproducts (CCBs) on a large midwestern river.  Modeled the fate and transport of key CCB constituents, including arsenic, in surface water for a range of spill scenarios and river flow conditions.  Estimated potential downstream concentrations at drinking water intake locations.

Groundwater and Solute Transport Modeling:  For a PRP group, developed a 3-D numerical groundwater and solute transport model for PCE at a Superfund site in New Hampshire.  Calibrated the model using approximately 10 years of data with review and oversight by US EPA and USGS.  Designed an optimization algorithm to develop optimal groundwater pump-and-treat system.

Coal Ash Decision Framework:  Developed decision framework that aids utilities in selecting coal ash surface impoundment closure plans.  Framework considers impacts to groundwater, surface water, and air, as well as risks to workers and consumption of national resources.

Selected Publications

Bittner, A; Zhang, Q. 2024. “Evaluating Surface Impoundment Closure Alternatives Using Relative Impact Assessment – Two Case Study Examples.” Presented at the World of Coal Ash (WOCA) Conference, Grand Rapids, MI, May 14.

Bittner, AB; Kondziolka, J. 2022. “Alternative Liner Performance Demonstrations – A Science- Based Approach to Inform Policy Development.” Presented at the World of Coal Ash (WOCA) Conference, Covington, KY, May 18.

Lewis, A; Bittner, A; Radloff, K; Hensel, B. 2017. “Storage of coal combustion products in the United States: Perspectives on potential human health and environmental risks.” In Coal Combustion Products (CCP’s): Characteristics, Utilization and Beneficiation. (Eds.: Robl, T; Oberlink, A; Jones, R), Woodhead Publishing, Duxford, UK, p481-507.