Laser-Induced Fluorescence for the Delineation & Characterization of Fuel-Contaminated Soils in Subarctic Climates
Kenneth R. Andraschko, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Alaska District, Elmendorf AFB                             

Use of a Collaborative Dataset to Enhance Data Representativeness
Louis Burkhardt, Raytheon, Sudbury, MA

Use of Borehole Geophysical Logging, Packer Testing, and Discrete Groundwater Sampling in Assessment and Remediation of a Release of #2 Fuel Oil at a Western Massachusetts Residence
Jeffrey W. Garretson, ENPRO Services, Inc., Newburyport, MA

Sampling Sediment Porewater in the Lower Duwamish Waterway Using a Passive Sampler
Jay Hodny, W. L. Gore and Associates, Inc., Elkton, MD

A Study of Tritium in Municipal Solid Waste Leachate
Robert D. Mutch, Jr., HydroQual,Inc., Mahwah , NJ

The Repeated Trespass of Tritium-Contaminated Water into a Surrounding Community from Repeated Waste Spills from a Nuclear Power Plant
Paul Rosenfeld, UCLA School of Public Health, Los Angeles, CA

Laser-Induced Fluorescence for the Delineation & Characterization of Fuel-Contaminated Soils in Subarctic Climates

Kenneth R. Andraschko, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Alaska District, CEPOA-EN-EE, P.O. Box 6898, Elmendorf AFB, AK  99506-6898, Tel:  907-753-5647, Fax:  907-753-2820
Charley S. Peyton, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Alaska District, CEPOA-PM-C, P.O. Box 6898, Elmendorf AFB, AK  99506-6898, Tel:  907-753-5718, Fax:  907-753-5626

Fuel-contaminated sites are common projects for environmental professionals.  A key factor in successfully designing a remedial approach for these sites is an accurate estimate of the nature, quantity and location of contaminated soil.  This is problematic with standard sampling techniques, often leading to large errors, extended field work and cost overruns.  These problems are magnified in Alaska and other regions where short work seasons and difficult logistics are common.  Using a real-time, in situ laser-induced fluorescence (LIF) technique, the Corps of Engineers has been able to delineate fuel-contaminated soils with great accuracy in and above the saturated zones.  The technology can also differentiate between contaminant types such as gasoline, diesel or bunker fuel oil.  Subsequent remedial actions can then be more accurately designed and bid, saving time and money.  In addition to a discussion of the technology, case studies will be presented of projects in which LIF was used to address soil excavation, in situ treatment, or potentially responsible party issues.

Use of a Collaborative Dataset to Enhance Data Representativeness

Louis Burkhardt, Raytheon, 528 Boston Post Road, MS 1880, Sudbury, MA 01776, Tel: 978-440-1855, Fax: 978-440-1800, Email:  louis_j_burkhardt@raytheon.com 
R. Joseph Fiacco, Jr., ERM, 399 Boylston St., 6th Floor, Boston, MA 02116, Tel: 617-646-7840, Fax: 617-267-6447, Email:  joe.fiacco@erm.com
Michael Ravella, ERM, 399 Boylston St., 6th Floor, Boston, MA 02116, Tel: 617-646-7808, Fax: 617-267-6447, Email:  mike.ravella@erm.com
Maelle Duquoc, ERM, 399 Boylston St., 6th Floor, Boston, MA 02116, Tel: 617-646-7809, Fax: 617-267-6447, Email:  maelle.duquoc@erm.com
Camillo Coladonato, ERM, 399 Boylston St., 6th Floor, Boston, MA 02116, Tel: 617-646-7808, Fax: 617-267-6447, Email:  camillo.coladonato@erm.com
Johannes Mark, ERM, 399 Boylston St., 6th Floor, Boston, MA 02116, Tel: 617-646-7835, Fax: 617-267-6447, Email:  johannes.mark@erm.com
Eric J. Moore ERM, 399 Boylston St., 6th Floor, Boston, MA 02116, Tel: 617-646-7818, Fax: 617-267-6447, Email:  eric.moore@erm.com

Effective characterization of chlorinated solvent sites in glaciated terrains presents a number of technical challenges. The highly heterogeneous nature of stratified glacial sedimentary deposits results in complex distribution of chlorinated volatile organic compounds (CVOCs-within source zones and associated dissolved-phase plumes. Typically, source zones consist of residual dense non-aqueous phase liquid (DNAPL), diffused CVOCs, and/or sorbed CVOCs located in relatively low permeability zones. In some cases, these relatively low permeability zones are obvious silt or clay layers, but in many other cases they are indiscernibly finer-grained sand lenses that can be difficult to locate. Dissolved-phase CVOC plumes emanating from these source areas typically exhibit the general dimensions of the source area, due to minimal transverse dispersivity, and migrate within relatively high permeability zones.

Cost-effective characterization of CVOC sites in glaciated terrains requires an innovative approach, such as the Triad approach. The Triad approach is characterized by three major components: systematic project planning, dynamic work strategies, and real-time measurement technologies.  The ultimate objective of a Triad investigation is to enhance data representativeness and reduce uncertainty. Historically, significant focus has been placed on reducing analytical uncertainty, with significantly less focus placed on reducing sampling uncertainty. One approach for reducing both sample and analytical uncertainty involves the generation of collaborative datasets. Collaborative datasets involve the collection of relatively closely spaced, lower-cost, semi-quantitative to quantitative field data combined with a limited number of strategically located, higher-cost, traditional, quantitative laboratory data (e.g., soil and groundwater samples). The traditional data are used to “calibrate” the field data, resulting in development of detailed three-dimensional characterization datasets.

A Triad investigation was conducted at a complex site in eastern Massachusetts. A collaborative dataset was generated using the membrane interface probe (MIP), modified Waterloo Profiler, and traditional monitoring wells. Collectively, these data were used to define a series of chlorinated solvent source areas and plumes at the site. Relative to historical investigations conducted at the site, development of a collaborative data set significantly reduced uncertainty associated with the site.

Use of Borehole Geophysical Logging, Packer Testing, and Discrete Groundwater Sampling in Assessment and Remediation of a Release of #2 Fuel Oil at a Western Massachusetts Residence

Jeffrey W. Garretson, Project Manager, ENPRO Services, Inc., 12 Mulliken Way, Newburyport, MA, Tel: 978-465-1595, Fax: 978-465-2050, Email: jgarretson@enpro.com
Geoffrey A. Brown, Ph.D., ENPRO Services, Inc., Newburyport, MA 
Mario Carnevale, Hager GeoScience, Inc., Woburn, MA

A release of more than 250 gallons of #2 fuel oil at a Western Massachusetts residence was discovered in April 2006.  The release appeared to be attributable to a leaking fuel oil storage tank line that lay under the concrete floor.  The released fuel oil entered bedrock fractures beneath the residence and impacted 150- and 250-foot deep bedrock drinking water wells at the subject site and at an adjacent residence.  In an attempt to determine the extent of petroleum impacts in bedrock, borehole geophysical logging was performed on the two impacted wells to characterize bedrock fractures in the wells.  Equipment utilized in the borehole logging included: a borehole diameter caliper probe; formation resistivity, single point resistance and spontaneous potential electric probes; a natural gamma radiation probe; fluid temperature and resistivity probes; an acoustic televiewer probe; and a heat pulse flow meter probe (under both ambient and stressed conditions).  The geophysical results provided data on bedrock fracture size, depth, orientation, and conductivity.  Based on the data, packer testing was performed to provide additional information on fracture conductivity and to allow collection of groundwater samples from discrete depths.  The geophysical, hydrologic, and chemical data were subsequently utilized to develop a bedrock assessment program including installation, evaluation, and monitoring of five additional bedrock wells located to intercept the more impacted fractures.  Data from all bedrock wells were subsequently used to design and implement systems for both groundwater recovery and ex-situ treatment and in-situ soil and groundwater treatment via chemical oxidation (Fenton’s Reagent).  

Sampling Sediment Porewater in the Lower Duwamish Waterway Using a Passive Sampler

Jay W. Hodny, Ph.D., W. L. Gore & Associates, Inc., 100 Chesapeake Boulevard, Elkton, MD 21921, Tel: 410-392-7600, Fax: 410-506-4774, Email: jhodny@wlgore.com
Teri A. Floyd, Ph.D., Floyd and Snider, Inc., Two Union Square, 601 Union Street, Suite 600, Seattle, WA 98101, Tel: 206-292-2078, Fax: 206-682-7867, Email: Teri.Floyd@floydsnider.com

Collecting porewater samples in freshwater and marine environments is challenging even under ideal sampling conditions.  Sampling difficulties may lead to poor data quality, damage to ecologically sensitive areas, and unnecessary expense.  To insure data quality and minimize environmental damage, membrane-based passive samplers offer a unique screening method to identify and delineate contaminated porewater and sediment.  Subsequent more complex and invasive sampling can then be focused, effective and economical. The Washington State Department of Ecology and the US EPA have been overseeing sediment characterization and cleanup efforts along the Lower Duwamish Waterway, now listed on the Superfund National Priorities List.  An embayment was investigated to determine whether groundwater, contaminated by chlorinated compounds from upgradient sources, was entering the river by upwelling through the embayment sediments or through shallow localized seeps.  The investigation included deployment of patented, passive samplers, constructed of GORE-TEX® membrane and hydrophobic adsorbents.  The samplers proved to be an accurate, sensitive, easy-to-use porewater sampling tool. The passive samplers were driven into the embayment and seep sediment during two phases of investigation.  The first phase focused on the embayment area, while the second phase focused on two of the seeps suspected of being the exit points for contaminated groundwater.  Sediment samples were also taken and the porewater analyzed.  The datasets generated by the passive sampling and the conventional method were closely correlated and confirmed the passive sampler’s detection capability in sediment porewater.  Seven years later, porewater sampling using piezometers and peepers also confirmed the original passive sampling results. Passive sampling provided an accurate and economical method to characterize the location and extent of contaminated groundwater entering an embayment in the Lower Duwamish Waterway from an upgradient facility, and focused subsequent sampling efforts.  The investigation is presented, and includes discussions on the passive sampler and the results of the investigation.

A Study of Tritium in Municipal Solid Waste Leachate 

Robert D. Mutch, Jr., P.Hg., P.E. (MSCE), HydroQual, Inc., 1200 MacArthur Blvd., Mahwah, New Jersey 07430, Tel:  201-529-5151, Fax:  201-529-5728, Email: rmutch@hydroqual.com
Richard Carbonaro, Ph.D., Manhattan College, Riverdale, NY 10471, Tel:  718-862-7276, Fax:  718-862-8018, Email: rcarbonaro@manhattan.edu

A study was conducted of tritium levels in leachate from landfills in New York and New Jersey.  Recent studies, including this study of landfills in New York and New Jersey, have revealed that leachate from municipal solid waste landfills commonly contains surprisingly high levels of tritium.  In this study the mean level of tritium in the leachate from ten different landfills was 33,800 pCi/L, with a high of 192,000 pCi/L.  In a similar study of landfills in Pennsylvania, the mean level of tritium was 20,900 pCi/L with values as high as 182,000 pCi/L.  In contrast, current levels of tritium in precipitation average 50 to 100 picoCuries per liter (pCi/L) and have been steadily declining since the early 1960’s when atmospheric testing of nuclear weapons caused tritium levels over North America to reach levels as high as 15,000 pCi/L. The Maximum Contaminant Level (MCL) set by the USEPA for tritium is 20,000 pCi/L.  Tritium also manifests itself in landfill gas and landfill gas system condensates.  In a recent study of tritium levels in landfills in California, one landfill gas condensate sample was found to contain 551,000 pCi/L of tritium, a level more than 27 times the USEPA MCL.

The principal source of tritium in municipal solid waste leachate and landfill gas condensates is believed to be gaseous tritium lighting devices.  Self-powered exit signs are the most common examples of these devices.  Some of these gaseous tritium-containing exit signs contain as much as 25 to 30 Curies of tritium.  Although these devices are regulated by the Nuclear Regulatory Commission and require proper handling and disposal methods, they often find their way into municipal solid waste. 

This paper discusses levels of tritium observed in this and other recent studies and discusses the implications to landfill worker health and safety, leachate treatment, and leachate monitoring and detection. 

The Repeated Trespass of Tritium-Contaminated Water into a Surrounding Community from Repeated Waste Spills from a Nuclear Power Plant

Paul Rosenfeld, Ph.D, UCLA School of Public Health, 16-035 CHS, Box 951772, Los Angeles, CA, 90095, Tel: 310-795-2335, Email: prosenfe@ucla.edu
Amy Hensley, M.S., UCLA School of Public Health, 16-035 CHS, Box 951772, Los Angeles, CA, 90095, Tel: 310-622-3350, Email: arhensley@gmail.com
Andrew Scott, B.S., Soil/ Water/ Air Protection Enterprise, 201 Wilshire Blvd, 2nd Floor, Santa Monica, CA, 90401, Tel: 559-260-2180, Email: Andrew@swape.com  
James Clark, Ph.D., Soil/ Water/ Air Protection Enterprise, 201 Wilshire Blvd, 2nd Floor, Santa Monica, CA, 90401, Tel: 310-907-6165, Email: jclark@swape.com

The Excelon Nuclear Power Plant (ENPP), located in Braceville, Illinois has historically released tritiated water and airborne tritium into the surrounding residential community.  ENPP discharges its tritium waste via a “blow down line (BDL),” a pipe that runs through the surrounding community emptying in the Kankakee River.  Along the BDL are vacuum breakers (VB-1 to VB-11) which regulate pressure along the line.  Since 1996, there have been at least three major spills resulting from failures of the VBs.  In November 1996, VB-1 broke, releasing over 300,000 gallons of water containing tritium. In December 1998, VB-3 leaked 2.9 million gallons of contaminated water over a 30-day period; possibly containing tritium concentrations between 624,000 pCi/L and 1,852,000 pCi/L.  There was no remediation of the standing water from this release.  In November 2000, failure of VB-2 released an estimated 3 million gallons of water containing tritium at concentrations between 167,000 pCi/L and 3,103,000 pCi/L. Ground water sampling from 2005 to 2006 has shown that maximum concentrations of tritium were above the U.S.EPA MCL of 20,000 pCi/L. In addition, sampling was conducted by ENPP and the local environmental agency. As a result, the released tritium has impacted air, ground water, and vegetation of the surrounding community. We conducted a field investigation of the community surrounding the ENPP and have determined that the released tritium continues to impact air, ground water, and vegetation. Litigation against ENPP has been launched due to the repeated trespass of waste products into the surrounding community, diminishing its property value.

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