Abstract: There are over a thousand sites with known environmental contamination in the San Francisco Bay Area, many with vapor-forming chemicals, such as solvents. These volatile chemicals often migrate from the subsurface into nearby buildings, where they can pose risks to occupants. In this talk, I will present an overview of the vapor intrusion pathway, how sites are investigated, and how risks are addressed. Drawing on local sites as examples, I will discuss conceptual site model development, remedies, and the tensions that often develop when making decisions with incomplete information.

Bio: Karina Navarro, P.E., is a Unit Chief in the Site Mitigation and Restoration Program of the California Department of Toxic Substances Control (DTSC), where she manages a team of scientists and engineers who regulate the cleanup of contaminated sites in Northern California. Prior to joining DTSC, Karina spent nine years working as a consulting engineer. She holds an M.S. in Civil and Environmental Engineering from Stanford University and a B.S. in Engineering from Swarthmore College.