Abstract: Methods for decontaminating near-surface facilities and water-containing regions of the earth contaminated with hazardous materials provide for (1) degrading hazardous materials in situ and/or (2) extracting hazardous materials from near-surface facilities in conjunction with other hazardous waste treatment technologies to produce a synergistic response for hazardous waste management. The method also includes using a phase-modulated multiple antenna system for decontaminating larger near-surface facilities or water-containing regions and for creating steerable and variable heating patterns. The radio frequency antenna apparatus can be used for extracting hazardous materials trapped in rock formations, decontaminating storage tanks, railroad cars, and oil drums, and catalyzing the microbial degradation of certain hazardous materials.