George R. Alther, Biomin, Inc., P. O. Box 20028, Ferndale, MI  48220, Tel: 248-544-2552, Fax: 248-544-3733, Email: biomin@aol.com

Organoclays have been used for the removal of small amounts of oil from water very effectively, for some 15 years. What is still less known is the effectiveness of an organoclay/carbon combination, when the filter vessels are placed in series, for the removal of PCB and pesticides. What has been learned is 1. Organoclay is very effective for removal of PCB's by itself. 2. In combination with carbon, non detectable amounts of PCB are routinely reported.  The reason: Organoclay has a large capacity, 50% by weight or more, to remove transformer oil and PCB from water. Activated carbon, on the other hand, is excellent at removing the small quantities of PCB from water, down to 10 ppb or less.

This paper/article will describe the removal mechanisms for PCB removal by the two media, and show actual case histories to prove the point.

PCB Contaminated Soil Remediation in a Wetland Buffer Zone using UVF Screening and Weighted Averaging

David Billo, Paragon Environmental Services, Inc., 1400 Providence Highway, Norwood, MA 02062, Tel: 781-278-0911, Fax:  781-278-0910, Email: dbillo@paragonenv.com
Steve Greason, SiteLAB Corporation, 27 Greensboro, Road, Hanover, NH 03755, Tel: 603-643-7800, Fax: 603-643-7900, Email: sgreason@site-lab.com

In November 2000, Paragon collected 37 soil samples from a disposal site in eastern Massachusetts to delineate polychlorinated biphenyl (PCB) concentrations in soil prior to a proposed remediation. SiteLAB provided on-Site analysis of these samples for PCBs via ultraviolet fluorescence (UVF). We used the UVF data to delineate approximately 35 cubic yards of shallow (located in a wetland buffer zone) containing PCB contamination exceeding 5 parts per million (ppm). In order to avoid destroying a portion of the wetland and because of the costs involved with PCB disposal, Paragon decided to limit soil removal to the identified soil volume exceeding 5 ppm in the wetland buffer zone. Paragon notified the local Conservation Commission of our plans via submittal of a Notice of Intent. The Commission granted approval for the project and issued an Order of Conditions allowing us to proceed.

In December 2000, Paragon’s contractor cleared and chipped brush from the disposal site and excavated 65.96 tons of PCB-contaminated soil directly into two trailer dump trucks. They transported the soil to an out-of-state hazardous waste landfill under Hazardous Waste Manifests.

Paragon collected 12 post-excavation soil samples from within the excavation and submitted the samples for laboratory PCB analysis by EPA Method 8082. The laboratory analyses determined that PCB concentrations remaining within the excavation ranged from less than 0.086 milligram per kilogram (mg/Kg) to 3.8 mg/Kg. Paragon used these results along with concentrations of soil samples previously collected from soil outside of the excavation (the applicable UVF pre-excavation sample results and other laboratory results generated during previous Paragon investigations between 1997-2001) to calculate a weighted average PCB concentration for the site of 1.74 mg/Kg. This concentration is less than the Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection’s risk characterization standard of 2 mg/Kg; thus, supporting the submittal of a closure report for the disposal site.

Bioremediation of Polyaromatic Hydrocarbons Using a Groundwater Recirculating Treatment System

Peter J. Cagnetta, Science Applications International Corporation, 6310 Allentown Boulevard, Harrisburg, PA  17112, Tel: 717-901-8841, Email: peter.j.cagnetta@saic.com
Daniel B. Lewis, Spotts, Stevens, and McCoy, Inc., 345 North Wyomissing Boulevard, P.O. Box 6307, Reading, PA  19610, Tel: 610-376-6581, Email: dan.lewis@ssmgtroup.com

Releases from a No. 2 fuel oil UST and a motor oil UST resulted in the groundwater being impacted with fluorene, phenanthrene, and pyrene at a site in Reading, Pennsylvania.  The groundwater is presently at approximately 11 feet  below grade and occurs within the interbedded limestone and dolomite underlying the site.  

A remedial options assessment (ROA) identified that natural biodegradation of the hydrocarbons was occurring.  In order to maximize the biodegradation rate, a treatment system was designed and constructed which included one extraction well in the former UST area and four injection wells located along the downgradient and side-gradient edges of the plume.  Water was extracted from the well at 5 gpm and treated with granular-activated carbon, amended with atmospheric oxygen, and amended with ammonium phosphate fertilizer.  The amended water was then injected into 4 injection wells at 1.25 gpm per well.  The closed loop recirculation approach ensured the maximum mixing of contaminants, amendments, and indigenous bacteria. 

Throughout the first 80 days of operation, the concentrations of fluorene in well MW-3 declined from 466 micrograms per liter (mg/l) to <10 mg/l.  During the same time period, the pyrene concentration declined from 78 mg/l to <10 mg/l.  The concentration of phenanthrene in well MW-3 declined from 1,232 mg/l to <10 mg/l after 238 days.  The decay rates were calculated at 5.69, 1.09, and 0.07 mg/l per day for fluorene, pyrene, and phenanthrene, respectively. 

Prior to the start-up of the treatment system, the groundwater at well MW-3 contained a fluorene‑degrading microbial population and a pyrene-degrading population of 1,414 MPN/ml and 1,000 MPN/ml respectively.  After 78 days of operation, each population increased to over 20,000 MPN/ml and, subsequently after 160 days operation, declined to <500 MPN/ml.  The contaminant-degrading populations were stimulated by the addition of the amendments and then subsequently declined as the concentrations of contaminants or growth substrate declined.

The concentration of dissolved oxygen throughout the plume prior to the start-up of the treatment system was <2  mg/l.  After start-up and operation of the system, the dissolved oxygen ranged from 6 to 10 mg/l throughout the 12 months of operation.

Methane Recovery and Generation Pilot Testing from a Solid Waste Management Unit

Peter J. Cagnetta, Science Applications International Corporation, 6310 Allentown Boulevard, Harrisburg, PA  17112, Tel: 717-901-8841, Email: peter.j.cagnetta@saic.com
Isaac Diggs, Science Applications International Corporation, P.O. Box 2501, Oak Ridge, TN  37831, Tel: 865-481-8710, Email: isaac.w.diggs.sr@saic.com
Brooks Abeln, Science Applications International Corporation, 6310 Allentown Boulevard, Harrisburg, PA  17112, Tel: 717-901-8803, Email: brooks.g.abeln@saic.com
John Keiser, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Savannah District, 100 West Oglethorpe Avenue, Savannah, GA  31402 Tel: 912-652-5687, Email: john.e.keiser@sas02.usace.army.mil
Zainul Kidwai, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Savannah District, 100 West Oglethorpe Avenue, Savannah, GA  31402 Tel: 912-652-6167, Email: zainul.a.kidwai@sas02.usace.army.mil

A methane and recovery generation pilot testing program was conducted within a solid waste management unit at Fort Bragg, North Carolina.  The tests were conducted to address soil gas methane concentrations that were potentially in exceedance of North Carolina Department of Environment Natural Resources regulations.  The SWMU was historically used to contain construction and demolition debris.

Two in-situ recovery tests were completed.  Each test involved the extraction of methane gas through one extraction well and measuring the induced subsurface vacuum at three monitoring points located at distances of 5, 10, and 15 feet from each well.  Three vacuum rates were applied to each wellhead.  Applied wellhead vacuums ranged from 10 to 30 inches of water column.  The corresponding extraction flow rates ranged from 80 to 140 scfm.  At one location, the methane concentration in the soil gas at the beginning of the extraction test was 54% and declined to 30% at the conclusion of the 3-hour test.  At the second location, the methane concentration was initially 59% and declined to 45% at the end of the test.  Initial methane recovery rates for each test area were estimated at 4,355 and 1,058 pounds of methane per day, respectively.

Eight methane generation tests were conducted in the SWMU.  At each generation test point prior to the start of the test, the soil gas was evacuated to reduce the methane concentration to generally <5%.  The methane concentration in the soil gas at each point was then measured over a 48-hour period.  The increase in methane concentrations (and also the declining oxygen concentrations and increasing carbon dioxide concentrations) indicated that methane was being produced in the soil at each test point.  At the conclusion of each test, the soil gas methane concentration generally ranged from 30% to 55%, similar to pretest concentrations.  The rate of methane generation was calculated using the methane generation rate in percent per day, the air fill soil porosity, the soil bulk density, and the methane gas density.  In one area, the methane generation rates ranged from 2.6 to 13.8 mg/kg/day.  In the second area, the rates ranged from 19.0 to 26.8 mg/kg/day.

Dale W. Christensen, Parsons, 1700 Broadway, Ste 900, Denver, CO 80290, Tel: 303-764-8816
Paul Kieler, Department of Aviation, Airport Office Building, 8500 Pena Blvd, Denver, CO 80249, Tel: 303-342-2733

At 4,700 acres, the former Stapleton International Airport (SIA) in Denver Colorado is currently the largest municipal brownfield redevelopment project in the country.  Detailed long-range planning, extensive cooperation among all parties, and aggressive remedial actions at the former airport will result in complete remediation of SIA by April 2004, less than 4 years after commencement of the SIA remediation project.

In the years prior to and following closure of SIA in 1995, limited environmental investigations and remedial actions were implemented.  However, widespread areas of jet‑fuel-contaminated soil and groundwater remained, which prohibited sale of the property for redevelopment.  The Jet A fuel was released over many years of airport operation, with numerous sources primarily associated with the airport fuel handling system.  In one case, the resulting free product plume extended more than 2,000 feet from the source area.  Most of the remaining mass of fuel occurs in the 1- to 6-foot-thick “smear zone” where free product came in contact with and adhered to soil as groundwater levels fluctuated over time.

With a stringent timeframe imposed by the City of Denver and the developer (Forest City), an aggressive remedial approach was necessary.  Due to the low volatility of Jet A fuel, the large areal extent of the residual product in the smear zone, and the shallow nature of the smear zone, excavation and offsite disposal was selected as the primary remedy.  Significant groundwater contamination was limited because the volatile organic content of the weathered Jet A fuel was relatively low.

Since October 2000 Parsons has remediated 46 of approximately 110 acres directly impacted by contaminated soil.  The State has issued No-Further-Action (NFA) determinations for four areas of concern (that directly impacted approximately 3 acres) within the 100-acre Regional Retail Center parcel, which enabled construction of the retail hub to commence less than eight months after the start of remediation.  By October 2002, Parsons anticipates that 90 percent of the impacted areas at SIA will be remediated and NFAs will have been issued for an additional 35 acres, which would release more than 600 acres of the former operational area of the airport for redevelopment construction.

This presentation will demonstrate/illustrate the rationale, planning, and execution behind this successful brownfield redevelopment project, which will result in completion of the remediation project and property transfer less than five years after the initial agreement was signed with the developer.

In Situ Thermally Enhanced SVE with Bioventing for Treatment of Phenols and BTEX in Soils

M. Talaat Balba, Ph.D., Darlene Coons, Cindy Lin, Ph.D., Susan Scrocchi, and Alan Weston, Ph.D., Conestoga-Rovers & Associates (CRA), Inc., 2055 Niagara Falls Blvd., Suite 3, Niagara Falls, NY  14304, Tel:  716-297-6150, Fax:  716-297-2265

Historic activities at a chemical manufacturing facility in New York have resulted in the contamination of the soil and groundwater with a wide range of contaminants, including elevated levels of phenols, benzene, toluene, ethylbenzene, and xylenes (BTEX), polyaromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), and chlorobenzene.  A laboratory treatability study was conducted to assess the feasibility of in situ bioremediation of the vadose zone soils using slurry microcosms supplemented with nutrients and oxygen.  The results showed that the current levels of contaminants at the Site are inhibitory to microbial activity and biodegradation.  CRA concluded that an alternative treatment technology to quickly reduce contaminant concentrations was required before enhanced biodegradation would be effective.  CRA selected thermally enhanced soil vapor extraction (SVE) treatment as the knock-down step followed by bioventing as the polishing step for the treatability testing.  Three 20‑gallon treatment vessels were filled with representative Site soils and two were fitted with a vapor extraction system, which included an activated carbon trap to remove vaporized chemicals from the air stream.  The two treatment vessels were placed in a chamber heated to 35ºC, and the third (without SVE) was used as a control tank, and was maintained at room temperature.  The SVE phase of the study ran for three months.  Approximately 10 pore volumes of air were removed per day.  The extracted air stream and the soils were sampled during this time, and the results showed that the concentrations of BTEX and phenols had been reduced by more than 99 and 75%, respectively.  The reduction in phenols and BTEX was accompanied by a significant increase in the microbial population.  The two test vessels were converted to bioventing by reducing the airflow to one pore volume per day.  One of the vessels was removed from the heated chamber and maintained at room temperature.  Bioventing was performed for an additional three months during which biodegradation of contaminants was monitored.  The rate of contaminant removal was calculated and the final contaminant concentrations were compared to applicable cleanup standards.  The treatment results will be used to design a field pilot test, which will be performed to finalize the full-scale treatment design.

Evaporate to Remediate Contaminated Soil

Gary N. Dixon, Severn Trent Services, Inc., 18 Cote Avenue, Goffstown, NH 03045, Tel: 603 668 7111 Fax: 603 647 0537, Email gdixon@samsco.com   

Contaminated groundwater concerns everyone for obvious reasons.  When a factory is situated on a contaminated site there is increased concern: both the factory’s own need for clean water, and the neighborhood’s concern for remediation of the contamination—even if it was not caused by the present factory operations.

In this presentation, general wastewater disposal alternatives will be reviewed emphasizing evaporation as unique, being a single-step solution; i.e., no secondary operation is required to handle up to 99% of the water.

Consideration will be given to less energy intense methods of disposal (hauling, filtration, and chemical treatment) and comparisons will illustrate how cost may, in fact, favor evaporation—especially where industry requires clean water for production processes.

Regulatory issues will be discussed covering hazardous wastes and air quality issues, as will as technical, economic, and other user concerns (e.g., equipment operator friendliness).  The presenter’s experience with industrial uses for evaporation will provide a springboard for considerating groundwater contamination by metals, hydrocarbons, detergents, and other materials both organic and inorganic.

Optimization Strategies for Remediation Systems

David E. Fulton, IT Corporation, 200 Horizon Center Blvd, Trenton, NJ 08691, PH: 609-588-6397, Fax: 609-588-6403 Email: dfulton@theitgroup.com

Over the next decade, the Department of Defense will spend over $1 Billion per year on the operation and maintenance (O&M) of environmental remediation systems. Each of these systems has a life cycle cost that includes the remedial design, construction, and O&M.  While the remedial design and construction represents a significant project cost, the O&M phase of the project is where the achievement of the remedial action bjectives are realized. Therefore, a systematic and comprehensive approach is needed for evaluating and improving remediation system performance in order to maximize risk reduction, reduce operating and monitoring costs, accelerate site closure, and ensure protection of  human health and the environment. This presentation discusses strategies for optimizing the performance of remediation systems to achieve the remedial action objectives at the lowest cost and within the quickest timeframe. A remedial process optimization (RPO) approach is defined that includes project set-up, project evaluation, data collection, data analysis, and implementation of RPO strategies. Specific approaches include data and cost analysis techniques that focus on system operations, maintenance, and value-added modifications that result in enhanced performance, reduced project costs, and focusing the remediation system towards site closure. Examples of strategies that have been implemented and the resulting cost savings and enhanced performance are presented.

Lessons Learned from Relying on Data from Improperly Constructed Monitoring Wells

Joseph R. Havasi, URS Corporation, 800 West Saint Clair Avenue, Cleveland, Ohio 44113, Tel: 216-622-2400, Fax: 216-622-0123

A phased Remedial Investigation (RI) was conducted at a government facility from 1995 through 2000.   The facility is being converted to an industrial park under an aggressive re-use schedule.  Chlorinated solvents (primarily cis-1,2-dichloroethylene and trichloroethylene) were detected in groundwater at one of the sites on base. The solvents were detected in two monitoring wells, D1MW12 and D1MW13, located approximately 10 feet and 75 feet hydraulically downgradient of a former construction and demolition debris (CDD) landfill where solvent wastes were also improperly disposed. The wells were installed by another agency in 1994 and used with wells installed by URS during the RI. This paper will present data utilized from these wells that were used for assessment and preliminary remedial planning purposes, and discuss the perilous fate of these wells and suspicions that were raised during well decommissioning with regard to the adequacy of the well construction.  In addition, this paper will present the likely cause of inflated concentrations of contaminants in groundwater at D1MW12 and D1MW13, a summary of remediation activities that were to be conducted to address contaminated groundwater, a revised data set based on replacement wells, the current status of groundwater issues at the site, and some lessons learned from relying on improperly constructed monitoring wells. 

A Case Study For Design/Build of a Multi-Phase Extraction System at a Gasoline Station

Thomas W. Porter and James C. Hayward, EA Engineering, Science and Technology, 7037 Fly Road, E. Syracuse, New York 13057, Tel: 315-431-4610, Fax: 315-431-4280
Denise Wallace, Fort Drum Military Installation, Public Works, Environmental Div., Building T-4838, Fort Drum, New York 13602, Tel: 315-772-5063, Fax: 315-772-8050

A case study is presented for a multi-phase extraction (MPE) interim remedial measure (IRM) at an active gasoline station at the Fort Drum Military Installation to address subsurface petroleum hydrocarbon contamination.  The subject site is situated on lacustrine deposits consisting of sand and silt.  Groundwater is present from 21 to 26 feet below ground surface, with hydraulic conductivity estimated at 2.0 ft/day.  Previous investigative activities revealed petroleum-impacted soil, separate-phase product, and a dissolved-phase petroleum hydrocarbon plume were present hydraulically downgradient of the former underground storage tanks.  The dissolved-phase plume had also impacted a downgradient wetland area and extends in the direction of a nearby river.  A Corrective Measures Study (CMS) was conducted which developed, screened, and evaluated potential corrective measure alternatives to address contaminated soil and ground water. The CMS recommended MPE to remediate subsurface soil and ground water in the upgradient source area, and aquifer air sparging (AAS) with ozone and tiered monitoring to address the downgradient dissolved-phase hydrocarbon plume.  MPE combines two remedial technologies: soil vapor extraction (SVE) and liquid recovery.  SVE is designed to volatilize low molecular-weight compounds using relatively high volumes of air, while liquid recovery involves the direct extraction of LNAPL and groundwater from the subsurface.  With the concurrence of the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (NYSDEC), EA performed design/build services for both an MPE system and AAS with ozone system at the site.  This paper discusses lessons learned during the design, implementation, and operation of the MPE system.  Value-added engineering during the design/build process was critical in reducing project costs and facilitating construction.  The MPE system consists of 10 recovery wells, extraction piping, and process equipment (vacuum pump, air/liquid separator, oil/water separator, and air stripper).  EA is currently operating the MPE system to evaluate the effectiveness of this technology at the subject site and its potential for use at other sites on the Installation.

Nanoparticle Iron for Source Area Treatment

Richard W. Arnseth, Tetra Tech NUS, Inc., 800 Oak Ridge Turnpike, Oak Ridge, TN  37830, Tel: 865-220-4721, Fax: 865-483-2014
Keith W. Henn, Tetra Tech NUS, Inc., Foster Plaza 7, 661 Andersen Drive, Pittsburgh, PA  15220-2745 Tel: 412-921-8146, Fax: 412-921-6550
Mark Peterson, Tetra Tech NUS, Inc., 7018 AC Skinner Pkwy., Suite 250, Jacksonville, FL  32256 , Tel: 904-281-0400, Fax: 904-281-0070
Dan Waddill, Southern Division Naval Facilities Engineering Command, (Code ES34), 2155 Eagle Drive, P.O. Box 190010, North Charleston, SC 29419-9010, Tel: 843-820-5616, Fax: 843-820-7465
Dana Gaskins, Southern Division Naval Facilities Engineering Command, (Code ES31), 2155 Eagle Drive,  P.O. Box 190010, North Charleston, SC 29419-9010, Tel: 843-820-5628, Fax: 843-820-7465

Aquifers contaminated with chlorinated organic solvents present two distinct problems – treating the dissolved plume and addressing the source area.  Numerous remedial technologies have been developed to address the dissolved phase contamination in groundwater.  A different range of technologies has been developed to treat source areas where a reservoir of contaminant is often stored in a fine-grained matrix.  In recent years, the focus of remedial technology development has been on in-situ and passive methods for contaminant destruction.  Typically, in-situ and passive technologies have been applied to the dissolved plume and more active remedial technologies have been applied to the source area.  Nanoparticle (NP) iron may offer a means to combine the advantages of in-situ and passive treatment with aggressive source treatment.  Iron nanoparticles are submicron (<10^-6 m), bacteria-sized particles of zero valent iron (Fe⁰) with (or without) a trace coating of noble metal catalyst (e.g., palladium or platinum).  NP iron’s large surface area (>30 m²/g) promotes rapid reactions with dissolved chlorinated organics.  Because of their high reactivity and extremely small particle size (typical particle diameters range from 100-200 nanometers), NP iron may be delivered directly into a fine-grained source area where rapid dechlorination of dissolved phase contaminants may speed the dissolution of residual held in the fine-grained matrix.  The NP-water slurry can be injected under pressure or by gravity to the source area through existing wells or minimally invasive drive points.  There are no depth limitations for the NP treatment technology.  The Navy is preparing to test NP iron to treat the source area near Hangar 1000 at Naval Air Station Jacksonville in Florida.  Source area delineation is being refined to better target the NP application.  NP delivery methods will be tested as will methods for evaluating the distribution and effectiveness of the NP.

Enhanced Recovery of Light Non-Aqueous Liquids Utilizing Preferential Pathways Induced by Subsurface Utilities

Eric V. Johnson, AMEC Earth & Environmental, Inc., 239 Littleton Road, Suite 1B, Westford, MA 01886 Tel: 978-692-9090, Fax: 978-692-6633, Email: eric.v.johnson@amec.com
Samuel P. Farnsworth, AMEC Earth & Environmental, Inc., 239 Littleton Road, Suite 1B, Westford, MA 01886, Tel: 978-692-9090, Fax: 978-692-6633
Richard Adams, AMEC Earth & Environmental, Inc., 239 Littleton Road, Suite 1B, Westford, MA 01886 Tel: 978-692-9090, Fax: 978-692-6633
W. Patrick Harrison, CSX Transportation, Inc., 1590 Marietta Boulevard, NW, Atlanta, GA 30318, Tel: 404-350-5355, Fax: 404-350-5327

At the study site, light non-aqueous phase liquids (LNAPL) are present as a result of historic operations.  The recovery of LNAPL poses a remediation challenge in any geologic media.   Efforts to recover the LNAPL at the study site have been additionally challenged because the majority of the LNAPL is present beneath a semi-confining peat layer.  Remedial investigations have indicated that, to remove the LNAPL, it is necessary to depress the water table below the semi-confining layer.

The semi-confining layer is discontinuous in nature and interrupted by the presence of subsurface utilities. Two 24-inch drainage lines transect the site and provide a boundary for the largest continuous mass of LNAPL.  In addition, these 24-inch drainage lines interrupt the peat layer and provide a preferential flow mechanism for the LNAPL through the surrounding bedding material.  The 24-inch drainage lines have been slip-lined to prevent LNAPL infiltration into the lines. 

Remediation efforts have included groundwater and LNAPL recovery via recovery wells placed in the vicinity of the 24-inch drainage lines.  These efforts have resulted in greater than expected LNAPL recovery by taking advantage of the preferential flow induced by the surrounding bedding material around the lines.  In addition, the drainage lines likely interrupt other discontinuities and preferential fractures within the peat, therefore providing additional flow mechanism for LNAPL toward the recovery wells. 

Contamination Put to Bed: A North Carolina Furniture Manufacturer's Case Study

John T. Burkart, Cooper Environmental, Inc., 2300 Sardis Road North, Charlotte, North Carolina, 28227 Tel: 704-845-2000, Email: jburkart@coopereng.com
Dale Lanier, Cooper Environmental, Inc., 2300 Sardis Road North, Charlotte, North Carolina, 28227\Tel: 704-845-2000, Email: dlanier@coopereng.com

An assessment involving the property transfer of a North Carolina furniture manufacturing facility detected volatile organic compounds in soil and ground water samples.  A comprehensive investigation was performed at the site following the discovery of the contamination.  The investigation determined that impacted soil extending from 6 feet below grade level (BGL) to 30 feet BGL (top of ground water) was located near the facility’s drum storage area and product pump house.  Compounds detected in soil samples included toluene (920,000 µg/kg), ethylbenzene, xylenes, and other regulated compounds.  The investigation also determined that a plume of impacted ground water was centered immediately to the west of the product pump house.  Compounds detected in ground water samples included toluene (17,000 µg/l), benzene (200 µg/l), ethylbenzene (1,100 µg/l), xylenes (4,780 µg/l), and C5 – C8 aliphatics (6,000 µg/l).

Pilot testing conducted at the site in December 1999 indicted that soil vapor extraction (SVE) and air sparging (AS) technologies could be used to remediate the impacted soil and ground water.  An SVE and AS remediation system was constructed at the site in October and November 2000 following state approval.  The remediation system was activated in January 2001. 

Ground water and air effluent samples have been periodically collected at the site.  Total petroleum hydrocarbon concentrations have decreased in the air effluent from 9,463 mg/kg (pilot test) to 160 mg/kg (October 2001).  Toluene concentrations have decreased in the ground water samples from 17,000 µg/l (August 1999) to 39 µg/l (October 2001).  

The remedial activities have significantly reduced the magnitude and extent of the impacted area.  This presentation describes the business management and technical approaches that were utilized during the investigation and remedial phases of this project. 

Bioaugmenting Grease Traps: a Model Study

Alexander Sabelnikov, Ph.D., Sc.D, Perlucid Corp. 120 Lake Ave.South, Suite 25, Nesconset NY 11767, Tel: 631-979-2900, Fax: 631-979-4372, E-mail: alexsab.geo@yahoo.com
Daniel Keenan, Perlucid Corp. 120 Lake Ave.South, Suite 25, Nesconset NY 11767, Tel: 631-979-2900, Fax: 631-979-4372
Vladimir Khorotkih, Ph.D., Sc.D, Moscow State University, Moscow, 119899, Russia, Tel: 7-095-939-1257; Fax: 7-095-939-5888

Stringent controls of the discharge of fats and oils into water environment have been enacted and enforced by various federal, state and municipal authorities, because of their detrimental effects on microbiological processes at wastewater treatment plants, aquatic life, and ecology as a whole. Use of bioaugmentation for an on site treatment of fats and oil inside “grease traps” might help small food-related businesses such as restaurants, grocery stores, and bakeries to tackle the problem more efficiently. However, because of the variability of grease traps and of their operation scenarios such bioaugmentation projects are usually developed on case-to-case basis and fulfilled in a tedious, time consuming test-and-trial manner.  It would be most helpful, if a suitable model of a grease trap operation existed that could predict, whatever roughly it might be, which grease digesting bacteria species, if any, would survive and establish themselves within the grease trap at a particular operation scenario, what bacterial concentration might be expected on day-to-day basis, etc.

In this report an attempt was made to roughly approximate the behavior of live bacterial cells during different grease trap operation scenarios by a simple, semi-continuous flow culture model. The model was used to screen for those bacterial species (if any) that would survive and form a steady state population under the specified operation conditions. Based on the model a laboratory device was constructed that could more closely mimic different grease trap operation scenarios. The device was then inoculated with different bacteria or their consortium, subjected to different operation scenarios, and monitored for the changes in colony forming bacterial counts and population distribution. Different floating materials introduced into the device have been investigated for their ability to support bacterial growth in films.

Consolidation of Sanitary Landfills

Alejandro J. Sarubbi, Department  of Structure & Construction Engineering, University of Buenos Aires, Alberti 1650, PB “2”, Buenos Aires, Argentina. Zip Code: (1247), Tel: (54-11)-4229-6909, Fax: (54-11)-4942-8827, Email: alsarubbi@yahoo.com.ar
G. Sánchez Sarmiento, Department of Physics, University of Buenos Aires, Av. Paseo Colón 850, (1063) Buenos Aires, Argentina, Tel: (54-11) 4326-9176/4326-7542, Fax: (54-11) 4326-2424, Email: sanchezsarmiento@arnet.com.ar

A Sanitary Landfill (SL) is a structure designed following engineer techniques for mechanical stability and based on sanitary rules for avoiding potential environmental impacts, so that it is friendly with the ecological media and the human beings. Also, it is recognized in Argentina and Latin America as well as in many countries around the world, as the most used technique for final disposal of solid wastes, but at the same time, these landfills are near the cities where the garbage comes from. So that several efforts have been made to recover that land and return to the community. For acquiring this objective is important to understand how and when SL becomes stabilized.

The deformations observed in large SL are due to several factors, i.e. composition of refuse, type of SL, climatic conditions, geology (base layer of soils), hydrogeological (aquifers movements), operative methodology (acquired compaction and differential/total settlements), history of landfilling (sequence of disposal), partial and total heights of refuse, gas & leachate management, inflow of rain water, impermeabilization system, etc.

A SL operated in sequential and correlated steps involves a large-scale consolidation process that can be appropriately modeled as a two-dimensional plane strain model, which exhibits many common features with the one-dimensional Terzaghi consolidation problem. The analysis considers finite-strain effects, the garbage’s permeability varying with the void ratio and pore leachate, garbage moisture to flow through it, and vertical expansion with a second layer of garbage creating a new stress framework. The finite element analyses can predict the deformation of the SL final cover as the consolidation process advances, and will enable to design more cost-effectively avoiding unsafe conditions.

The Resolution of Tight Emulsions in Industrial Scale Waste Processing

Robert Scalliet, Dilitec Corporation 2700 Revere #123, Houston TX 77098-1346, Tel: 713 523 6234, Fax: 713 523 2245, Email:  scallietrob@msn.com

Waste processing applies scientific principles to the creation of technologies to restore air, water and soils to their status before pollution, transform the pollutants in a manner that they are no threats for the environment anymore and recycle what can be.

As waste such as contaminated soils is a mixture of solids and of one or two liquid phases, recovery and reuse of any of its components require prior separation of the phases.  In the laboratory, small scale separations can be done with sophisticated methods but, most often, these methods are too expensive to be applied to large scale operations, especially when the cost of processing is higher than the value of the recovered components.  Initiating the processing, then, needs another incentive that overrules this consideration such as damages inflicted on the environment or a threat to public health.  The separation methods generally used on an industrial scale: solvent extraction, filtration, centrifugation, thermal processes… are summarily reviewed.

But organic and mineral materials mixed with water are most often a stable emulsion, which has to be economically broken before those means are applied.  The innovative process proposed is to submit it to the high shearing forces of a ball mill. The process that incorporates this piece of equipment as well as the equipment configuration, are patented under US Patents #6,056,882( May 2, 2000) and # 6,214,236 ( April 10, 2001)and    described in this paper.

A Poor Man’s Remediation: Low Tech Chemical Oxidation of VOCs in Soil 

Lance S. Traves, Managing Principal, Labyrinth Management Group, 1684 Medina Road, Suite 110, Medina, Ohio 44256 Tel: 330-239-4825, Fax: 330-239-9874, Email: ltraves@aol.com
Sheldon Taylor, American Weather Seal, 4409 S. Cleveland Massillon Road, Norton, Ohio 44203, Tel: 330-825-3493, Fax: 330-825-8416, Email: staylor@amweatherseal.com

In situ chemical oxidation of non-chlorinated VOCs in soil using hydrogen peroxide has been used at small but growing number of contaminated sites throughout the United States.  Many of the past approaches to this treatment method have relied on proprietary technology and specialized applications.  As a result, the use of hydrogen peroxide injection as a cost-effective and environmentally friendly remedial option for contaminated sites may not be as widespread as otherwise possible. This paper presents a case study on the use of a “low tech” approach to the injection of hydrogen peroxide for the successful in-situ remediation of non-chlorinated VOCs in soil and groundwater at an industrial facility in Ohio.  The case study includes a discussion of the key aspects of the design and application of a simple and cost-effective injection approach and hydrogen peroxide delivery device.  This discussion is followed by an overview of onsite treatment activities and project hurdles that were overcome to obtain a 92% to 99% reduction in the existing soil contamination at the site.  After this overview, a summary of the projected cost-savings associated with the use of hydrogen peroxide injection at the site is presented.  Finally, the paper ends with a brief overview of the lessons learned during the project that should further assist in the future application of this “low tech” approach to in situ chemical oxidation with hydrogen peroxide at increasing number of contaminated sites.

The Controlling Action of Barrier Wall on Contaminated Migration

Huang Wei, College of Architecture and Civil Engineering, Wenzhou University, China  325027
Ding Wei, Wuhan Qiaoshui Architectural Decorating Engineering Ltd.Co., Qiaokou, Wuhan, Hubei, (430030) P.R.China, Tel  86 -27-83805132, Fax  86 -27 -83805132, Email dw001@163.net

The city population has been increasing and city waste has also increased in high speed as economic prosperity and urbanized development is expediting. The rubbish dangers seriously the human's existing environment and threatens people's usual lives. It has become social problem of pollution facing to each country in the world. In the past decades, much research about environment protection is aimed at the pollution of waste water and exhaust gas, but ignorant of the pollution of rubbish and other trash. By investigating information, 80% landfills in Canada has influenced the underwater environment around it in more or less extend. Due to the waste pollution, it has occasionally caused varieties of diseases and has resulted in food poison. In China, the landfill of most regions has not satisfied the demands of sanitary landfill. In fact, most of landfills are in passive states of naturally pilling up, naturally assimilating and incapacity processing. One reason is that the proper field is limited, the other reason is lack of technique condition and finance foundation. With the idea of environment protection enhanced and the knowledge of waste polluting soil, underground water and environment gradually deepen, solving the problem of waste pollution has caused generally attention of academic, engineering fields and all circles. The idea of barrier wall isolating pollution is economic, convenient and easier to construct. Some developed countries have widely used the technique. In China the research starts late in this aspects and more foundation work has been further completed. This paper has discussed the migrating law of contaminant ion and the controlling action of barrier wall. Based on the discussion of the migration model of the pollutant ion in porous media, one dimensional pollutant migration has been studied under ignorance of ion decaying factor in its migration, and assumption that the concentration of the containment contaminant input into barrier wall constant. The function formulas of the concentration of the pollutant ion and its output flow have been deduced. Then, the controlling effects on contaminant polluting of the thick and the material property of a barrier wall have been investigated, and obtained the conclusion that its material property acts more important role on controlling the pollutant concentration.

Lessons Learned in the Use of Modified Fenton’s Reagent for the Treatment of Petroleum Contaminated Soil and Groundwater

Brian V. Moran, Norfolk RAM Group, 100 Kuniholm Drive, Holliston, MA  01746, Tel: 508-429-2368 x12, Fax: 508-429-3246
Charles P. Young, Norfolk RAM Group, 100 Kuniholm Drive, Holliston, MA  01746, Tel: 508-429-2368 x18, Fax: 508-429-3246
Melissa Parker, Norfolk RAM Group, 100 Kuniholm Drive, Holliston, MA  01746, Tel: 508-429-2368 x30, Fax: 508-429-3246

Norfolk RAM Group (formerly d/b/a Norfolk Environmental) has been successfully using Fenton’s Reagent (catalyzed hydrogen peroxide under acidic conditions) since 1996 to replace traditional “excavate and haul” approaches that were not practical or too costly in many situations. With the number of successful projects completed now approaching 100, our experience with Fenton’s Reagent in small scale remediation projects has produced a number of practical considerations which have been incorporated into each project undertaken. Of paramount importance is the optimization of the delivery system used to introduce Fenton’s Reagent into the contaminated medium (soil and/or groundwater).  Key factors to consider during the design of the delivery system include unsaturated zone soils, soil permeability, and the proper use of catalyst.  Stoichiometric calculations based on the known release volume or the average contaminant concentrations can be used to provide a quick feasibility evaluation for practicality and cost considerations. Since many of these small scale petroleum remediation projects involve residential fuel oil releases, reaction monitoring is of primary importance where occupants are at home during treatments. Real time air monitoring and effective controls on off-gassing and ventilation are necessary components of each delivery system installation. Although much has been written concerning the controlling of, or lack of control during the reaction of Fenton’s Reagent and petroleum, several steps can be taken to maximize the control of each application reaction. Considerations influencing control of the application reaction include the concentration of hydrogen peroxide used, the proper concentration of catalyst applied, the judicious use of off-gas venting controls, the rate of application, the time between each application, the presence or absence of free phase petroleum present and the use of water to cool and dilute.

Containment of NAPL and Passive Hydraulic Control at a Former manufactured Gas Plant Site

Edward P. Zimmerman and Mark Haney, Harding ESE, Inc., 32 Daniel Webster Highway, Suite 25, Merrimack, NH, 03054, Tel: 610-889-3737, Fax: 603-880-6111

Harding ESE was engaged by Northern Indiana Public Service Company to design a containment barrier and a groundwater management system that would prevent the migration of separate phase and dissolved phase hydrocarbons from the site into the neighboring Grand Calumet River while having the structural integrity sufficient to allow for future sediment removal in the river.

In order to maximize containment, reliability, and structural integrity, low permeability sheet piling was selected as the preferred containment option. However, the barrier would create mounding of the groundwater, allowing this groundwater to mingle with the site contaminants and then migrate around or through the sheet pile. To prevent this circumvention of the barrier, it was necessary to provide a form of hydraulic control. Pump and treat, funnel and gate, and passive controls were evaluated for this purpose. The classic pump and treat system was rejected due to long term operating costs. Funnel and gate technology has lesser operating costs, but due to the heterogeneous nature of the site contaminants, location of the gates was problematic and the use of this technology was restricted. Harding ESE determined that the most appropriate remedy is a passive system that relies on the stagnation of site groundwater created by the barrier and a preferential pathway similar to a French drain that diverts the upgradient groundwater around the site, avoiding contact with the site contaminants. A 3-D MODFLOW model was used to design the passive hydraulic control system.

The remedy incorporated a low permeability vegetative cover that restricts rain water infiltration and phreantophte trees that extract groundwater through water-conducting tissues in their root system. This utilization or uptake of groundwater combines with the other mechanisms to avoid mounding and produce acceptable groundwater elevations and flow patterns, thus achieving the remedial objectives. In addition to managing groundwater, the root zone of these trees will be expected to stimulate biological activity capable of degrading the site contaminants as well.

By utilizing passive hydraulic controls rather than the conventional active pump and treat technology, it is estimated that the costs of the remedy have been reduced by as much as $1,000,000. Due to this innovative approach, Harding ESE was given project responsibility from conceptual design through construction, including permitting and Agency coordination, and has been hired as the Design/Build Contractor to construct the remedy of this site.

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