FRC/MGP 2021 Poster Presentations

Horizontal Directional Drilling and Well Installation for Substrate Injection

David S. Bardsley, P.G., Ellingson-DTD

Abstract: 

Horizontal wells are an effective tool for emplacement of substrates for remediation activities.  However, the most frequent concern among injection experts is “won’t all the injectate come out in the beginning of the well screen?”  Each horizontal injection well has a project-specific screen design based on common fluid dynamics calculations to ensure proper injectate delivery.  This presentation will detail proper drilling and well installation techniques along with a screen design case study.  

================================================================

Bench Scale In-Situ Stabilization/Solidification Study For Site Impacted With Coal Tar

Tomecia Bradley, CHMM, Program Manager, KEMRON Environmental Services, Inc.

Abstract:

KEMRON Environmental Services, Inc. performed an in-situ solidification/stabilization treatability study on materials sampled from the Camden Gas Site located in Camden, New Jersey.  The test materials were impacted with volatile organic compounds, semi volatile organic compounds and petroleum hydrocarbons typically contained in coal tar waste samples.  KEMRON evaluated the effectiveness of pozzolanic additives including combinations of type I Portland cement and blast furnace slag cement.   Testing was performed on a “representative”” site material in two phases including preliminary and optimization mixture evaluations.  The study was designed to facilitate full-scale treatment using soil auger technologies.  Therefore, KEMRON evaluated the density and viscosity of each reagent grout mixture to ensure these parameters were within an acceptable range for soil auger delivery.    Testing of the treated samples included unconfined compressive strength testing, permeability testing, wet/dry durability testing, and leachable volatile organic compounds, semivolatile organic compounds and extractable petroleum hydrocarbons analyses as determined by the Synthetic Precipitation Leaching Procedure (SPLP).  Additional testing of selected candidate samples included leachable contaminants of concern as determined by the 1315 method of the Leaching Environment Assessment Framework (LEAF).   The treatability study identified mixtures capable of meeting the project goals and regulatory criteria. It was then determined that full-scale remediation would depend on cost and feasibility of each treatment option.  

================================================================

Strategies and Case Studies  for Removing PFAS from Complex Wastewater

AnnieLu DeWitt, Water Filtration & PFAS Product Line Director for North America, Clean Harbors, Inc.

Abstract:

Removing PFAS from industrial sources requires treating complex wastewater with high concentrations of PFAS and co-contaminants. This presentation will discuss how proper initial water characterization aids in choosing the right combination of technologies to achieve strict discharge criteria. A review of current projects across the US will show the diversity of challenges encountered with treating industrial, remedial wastewaters and landfill leachates.

================================================================

Do's and Don'ts of PFAS Sampling and More

Michael Eger, Operations Manager, and Norman Farmer, PFAS Program Director, SGS North America, Inc.

Abstract:

PFAS are a class of synthetic fluorinated chemicals used in many industrial applications and consumer products. They are persistent, found at low levels in the environment, and bio-accumulate.  Human exposure to PFAS is mainly by ingestion. These compounds bind to proteins, they are not metabolized, and are mainly detected in blood, liver and kidneys.  Elimination of long chain PFAS (such as PFOS, PFHxS and PFOA) from the human body takes years, whereas elimination of shorter chain PFAS is in the range of days, which is why EPA is primarily concerned with long chain PFAS compounds.  The sources that can release significant quantities of PFAS to the environment include AFFF (Aqueous Film Forming Foam) applications, industrial and manufacturing discharges, landfill leachate treatment plant discharges, municipal wastewater treatment plant discharges, and more.  Liquid chromatography / tandem mass spectrometry (LC/MS/MS) is used to analyze PFAS compounds. Because of the potential presence of PFAS in common consumer products and in equipment typically used to collect soil, sediment, groundwater, surface water, and drinking water samples as well as the need for very low reporting limits, special handling and care must be taken when collecting samples for PFAS analysis. PFAS adsorbs strongly to glass and Teflon-containing materials can contribute to increased background level. This presentation summarizes some techniques and procedures that should be followed when sampling for these compounds.   

================================================================

Enhancing the Performance of In-Situ Reactive Barriers Using a Synergistic Mixture of Colloidal Activated Carbon and Zero Valent Iron

Dr. John Freim, Regenesis Bioremediation

Abstract: 

Activated carbon has a strong affinity for many groundwater contaminants including chlorinated hydrocarbons and petroleum hydrocarbons.  When incorporated into sub-surface barriers that intercept groundwater plumes, activated carbon can accomplish the immobilization of aqueous phase contaminants within the barrier, preventing downgradient migration. Because activated carbon does not actively degrade these substances, it is often advantageous to incorporate a destructive mechanism to compliment the activated carbon within the barrier.  Sulfidated zero valent iron (SZVI) accomplishes the rapid abiotic reduction of many chlorinated hydrocarbon while producing relatively few partially dechlorinated daughter products. Thus, reactive barriers that incorporate a mixture of activated carbon and SZVI provide a synergistic combination of contaminant sorption and degradation.We will provide the results of models that predict the performance of activated carbon barriers with and without SZVI and organic bioremediation amendments that are co-applied to promote contaminant destruction.  We will then present the results of a remediation program where a sub-surface barrier containing a mixture of colloidal activated carbon colloidal sulfidated iron.

================================================================

Using Electrical Hydrogeology to Rapidly Remediate a Karst Diesel Site

Dr. Todd Halihan, Professor, Oklahoma State University and Chief Technical Officer, Aestus, LLC.    

Abstract:

Using GeoTrax CSM+™ process to image the subsurface from the surface, a robust 3D conceptual site model (CSM) was developed to guide subsequent confirmation drilling and remediation work. The site was imaged again using our time-lapse (temporal) GeoTrax Survey LTM™ technology to verify remediation effectiveness. Both the temporal imaging and the site monitoring wells indicated clean conditions following remediation in less than 2 years from the time of the diesel release.

================================================================

Cutler Bay Commercial Site

Bryan Lucas CEM, CRS, CES, Department Manager - Environmental, Health & Safety Services, Universal Engineering Sciences

Abstract:

UES completed a Phase I/II ESAs on the subject property which consisted of 13 acres of agricultural land where it was determined that the historical use of the subject property as agricultural land caused impacts to soil and groundwater with metals and herbicides above regulatory standard.  Based on the Phase II findings, Department of Environmental Resource Management (DERM) required a Site Assessment Report (SAR) be completed following the new DERM guidance document “Interim Site Assessment Guidance for Former Agricultural Sites in Miami-Dade County” issued September 2020. This would be one of the first commercial developments to be required to follow this guidance. Universal Engineering Sciences staff worked with regulatory officials to develop an appropriate solution to address onsite contamination through source removal of impacted soil along with soil management and dust monitoring plans. The site is currently in the last quarter of natural attenuation monitoring. UES will discuss closure options with the client pending the results of the last sampling event prior to submission of the submission of the final monitoring report to DERM.

================================================================

Contaminants of Emerging Concern (CEC)

Frank Ramos, Save the Water

Abstract: 

Contaminants of emerging concern (CEC), which include such harmful chemicals as pesticides, pharmaceuticals, personal care products, flame retardants, etc. have been known to be hazardous to human and aquatic life, causing such issues as endocrine disruption, reproductive harm, carcinogenic effects, and acute toxicity. These contaminants have become an increasingly studied topic, with numerous research papers and studies available to the public on the harm and widespread occurrence of CECs in surface and drinking water. Despite this breadth of research, public awareness and effective solutions to the prevalence of CECs in water supplies have been severely lacking. While the number of CECs is currently in the thousands and increasing over time with more research, most water treatment facilities and water quality monitoring organizations only focus on the 90 drinking water contaminants regulated by the EPA. There is thus a vast knowledge gap in what contaminants are present in the water supply as well as their relative concentrations and quantities. It is therefore the goal of Save the WaterTM to conduct research on these CECs, specifically regarding (1) the known quantities of CECs in surface and drinking water throughout the United States, (2) the known and potential health impacts of these contaminants on human and aquatic life, (3) effective solutions to remove CECs from the water supply, and (4) the disseminating of information to the public on the prevalence and harmful impacts of CECs. Save the WaterTM has begun this arduous process by providing information on domestic water contamination and CECs through an online social media presence as well as by educating students on water issues through the Day in the Life of a Scientist (DILOS) program. Additionally, STWTM has been developing a vast database on emerging contaminants and their harmful effects, established maximum contaminant levels, and identified methods of detection/analysis. Although there is still considerable literature available regarding the occurrence and detrimental impacts of CECs, more work needs to be done to characterize and study these contaminants as well as regulate their concentrations in domestic water supplies. Save the Water’sTM proposed water quality analysis laboratory will pioneer this research, with the goal of providing the resources to quantify and remove CECs from drinking water, providing clean, safe, and accessible water for all.

================================================================

Directional TarGOST: Innovative Site Characterization for Integrated Remediation
Brad Rucker, Senior Geologist, AECOM 

Abstract: 

Background/ Objectives:  

The Hillsboro, IL Manufactured Gas Plant (MGP) began operation in 1913.  The plant was a carbureted water gas plant owned by Southern Illinois Power and Light Company (now part of Ameren).  The small creek valley on the edge of town that held the power plant and MGP also became the location for the drinking water treatment plant in 1926, and the City’s 36-inch primary sewer main runs down the valley as well.    The water gas tar present at the Hillsboro MGP has has migrated onto the water treatment plant property, beneath a 6” high pressure natural gas main, beneath the creek, and below the sewer main.   

Approach / Activities:    

AECOM has taken an innovative approach to the site characterization.  Modern tools used were: Geophysics to locate below grade structures, Tar-Specific Green Optic Scanning Tool (TarGOST) technology to detect tar, and Earth Volumetric Studio (EVS) modeling to illustrate the subsurface conditions.  TarGOST results are correlated to observations and traditional sampling and soil attenuation factor exceedances to define and delineate potential source areas.  Data is utilized to construct a thorough conceptual site model (CSM) that will assist in planning remediation.   Access to delineate impacts were limited below the sewer, gas main, and creek. Horizontal borings and TarGOST technologies were combined to improve source delineation.  This site is believed to be the second use of TarGOST in horizontal boreholes.  Cross Sections of planned locations showing geology, modeled TarGOST responses, and utility and boring locations were generated from EVS.  The Cross Sections were used to log observations and depths.  Limitations of Directional TarGOST were identified, and some potential improvements identified. Challenges in tracking data and the path in 3 dimensions were overcome.  The new data improved the existing models and confirmed the CSM.