Hundreds of sites around the country contaminated with chlorinated solvents such as trichloroethylene may be candidates for monitored natural attenuation. Researchers are evaluating whether monitored natural attenuation, which exploits natural physical, chemical and biological processes in the subsurface, could be applied more broadly nationwide and harnessed more effectively to contain and break down contaminants. Oak Ridge National Laboratory's Tom Early, who serves on a technical panel, said researchers are exploring ways to enhance one or more of these natural processes to improve on nature's ability to minimize or eliminate the impact of contaminants in the environment. During the next several years, testing of promising approaches for enhancing some of these processes will take place on the Savannah River Site. A final goal is to develop a protocol with the involvement of regulators and stakeholders. The Department of Energy funds the three-year project led by the Savannah River Technology Center.