Federal

Remediation

Technologies

Roundtable

<www.frtr.gov>

EPA 542-R-00-006

June 2000

Abstracts of Remediation

Case Studies

Volume 4

Prepared by the

Member Agencies of the

Federal Remediation Technologies Roundtable
Abstracts of Remediation 

Case Studies

Volume 4

Prepared by Member Agencies of the 

Federal Remediation Technologies Roundtable

Environmental Protection Agency

Department of Defense

U.S. Air Force

U.S. Army

U.S. Navy

Department of Energy

Department of Interior

National Aeronautics and Space Administration

Tennessee Valley Authority

Coast Guard

June 2000
ii

NOTICE

This report and the individual case studies and abstracts were prepared by agencies of the U.S.

Government. Neither the U.S. Government nor any agency thereof, nor any of their employees, makes

any warranty, express or implied, or assumes any legal liability or responsibility for the accuracy,

completeness, or usefulness of any information, apparatus, product, or process disclosed, or represents

that its use would not infringe privately-owned rights. Reference herein to any specific commercial

product, process, or service by trade name, trademark, manufacturer, or otherwise does not imply its

endorsement, recommendation, or favoring by the U.S. Government or any agency thereof. The views

and opinions of authors expressed herein do not necessarily state or reflect those of the U.S. Government

or any agency thereof.

Compilation of this material has been funded wholly or in part by the U.S. Environmental Protection

Agency under EPA Contract No. 68-W-99-003.
iii

FOREWORD

This report is a collection of abstracts summarizing 78 case studies of site remediation applications

prepared by federal agencies. The case studies, collected under the auspices of the Federal Remediation

Technologies Roundtable, were undertaken to document the results and lessons learned from technology

applications. They will help establish benchmark data on cost and performance which should lead to

greater confidence in the selection and use of cleanup technologies.

The Roundtable was created to exchange information on site remediation technologies, and to consider

cooperative efforts that could lead to a greater application of innovative technologies. Roundtable

member agencies, including the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, U.S. Department of Defense,

and U.S. Department of Energy, expect to complete many site remediation projects in the near future. 

These agencies recognize the importance of documenting the results of these efforts, and the benefits to

be realized from greater coordination.

The case study reports and abstracts are organized by technology in a multi-volume set listed below. The

78 new case studies are available on a CD-ROM, and cover a variety of in situ and ex situ technologies. 

Remediation Case Studies, Volumes 1-13, and Abstracts, Volumes 1-3, were published previously, and

contain 140 projects, and are also available on the CD-ROM. Abstracts, Volume 4, covers a wide variety

of technologies, including full-scale remediations and large-scale field demonstrations of soil and

groundwater treatment technologies. In the future, the set will grow as agencies prepare additional case

studies.

2000 Series

Published on CD-ROM, FRTR Cost and Performance Case Studies and Related Information,

EPA-542-C-00-001; June 2000

1998 Series

Volume 7: Ex Situ Soil Treatment Technologies (Bioremediation, Solvent Extraction,

Thermal Desorption), EPA-542-R-98-011; September 1998

Volume 8: In Situ Soil Treatment Technologies (Soil Vapor Extraction, Thermal Processes),

 EPA-542-R-98-012; September 1998

Volume 9: Groundwater Pump and Treat (Chlorinated Solvents), EPA-542-R-98-013;

September 1998

Volume 10: Groundwater Pump and Treat (Nonchlorinated Contaminants), EPA-542-R-98-

014; September 1998

Volume 11: Innovative Groundwater Treatment Technologies, EPA-542-R-98-015; 

September 1998

Volume 12: On-Site Incineration, EPA-542-R-98-016; September 1998

Volume 13: Debris and Surface Cleaning Technologies, and Other Miscellaneous

Technologies, EPA-542-R-98-017; September 1998
iv

1997 Series

Volume 5: Bioremediation and Vitrification, EPA-542-R-97-008; July 1997; PB97-177554

Volume 6: Soil Vapor Extraction and Other In Situ Technologies, EPA-542-R-97-009; 

July 1997; PB97-177562

1995 Series

Volume 1: Bioremediation, EPA-542-R-95-002; March 1995; PB95-182911

Volume 2: Groundwater Treatment, EPA-542-R-95-003; March 1995; PB95-182929

Volume 3: Soil Vapor Extraction, EPA-542-R-95-004; March 1995; PB95-182937

Volume 4: Thermal Desorption, Soil Washing, and In Situ Vitrification, EPA-542-R-95-

005; March 1995; PB95-182945

Abstracts

Volume 1: EPA-542-R-95-001; March 1995; PB95-201711

Volume 2: EPA-542-R-97-010; July 1997; PB97-177570

Volume 3: EPA-542-R-98-010; September 1998

Volume 4: EPA-542-R-00-006; June 2000

Accessing Case Studies

The case studies and case study abstracts also are available on the Internet through the Federal

Remediation Technologies Roundtable web site at: http://www.frtr.gov. The Roundtable web site

provides links to individual agency web sites, and includes a search function. The search function allows

users to complete a key word (pick list) search of all the case studies on the web site, and includes pick

lists for media treated, contaminant types, and primary and supplemental technology types. The search

function provides users with basic information about the case studies, and allows them to view or

download abstracts and case studies that meet their requirements. 

Users are encouraged to download abstracts and case studies from the Roundtable web site. Some of the

case studies are also available on individual agency web sites, such as for the Department of Energy.

In addition, a limited number of hard copies are available free of charge by mail from NSCEP (allow 4-6

weeks for delivery), at the following address:

U.S. EPA/National Service Center for Environmental Publications (NSCEP)

P.O. Box 42419

Cincinnati, OH 45242

Phone: (513) 489-8190 or

(800) 490-9198

Fax: (513) 489-8695
v

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Section Page

INTRODUCTION .............................................................1

ABSTRACTS

IN SITU SOIL TREATMENT ABSTRACTS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19

Cometabolic Bioventing at Building 719, Dover Air Force Base, Dover Delaware . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20

Bioventing at Multiple Air Force Test Sites . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22

In Situ Gaseous Reduction System Demonstrated at White Sands Missile Range, New Mexico . . 24

Electrokinetics at an Active Power Substation (Confidential Location) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26

Electrokinetics at Site 5, Naval Air Weapons Station Point Mugu, California . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28

Electrokinetic Extraction at the Unlined Chromic Acid Pit, Sandia National Laboratories,

New Mexico . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30

In-Situ Thermal Desorption at the Former Mare Island Naval Shipyard, California . . . . . . . . . . . . 32

Soil Vapor Extraction Enhanced by Six-Phase Soil Heating at Poleline Road Disposal Area,

Fort Richardson, Alaska . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 34

Phytoremediation at Argonne National Laboratory – West, Waste Area Group 9, Operable

Unit 9-04, Idaho Falls, Idaho . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 36

Phytoremediation at the Open Burn and Open Detonating Area, Ensign-Bickford Company,

Simsbury, Connecticut . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 38

Phytoremediation at Twin Cities Army Ammunition Plant, Minneapolis-St. Paul, Minnesota . . . . 40

EG&G's Aerobic Biofiltration System for the Destruction of Hydrocarbon Vapors from TM

Fuel-Contaminated Soils . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 42

Internal Combustion Engines for the Destruction of Hydrocarbon Vapors from FuelContaminated Soils . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 44

Purus PADRE Regenerative Resin System for the Treatment of Hydrocarbon Vapors from Fuel- ®

Contaminated Soils . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 46

Barometrically Enhanced Remediation Technology (BERT ) Demonstration at Idaho TM

National Engineering and Environmental Laboratory, RWMC, Pit 2, Idaho Falls, Idaho . . . . . . . . 48

INCINERATION ABSTRACTS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 51

On-Site Incineration at Weldon Spring Ordnance Works, St. Charles County, Missouri . . . . . . . . . 52

THERMAL DESORPTION ABSTRACTS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 55 

Thermal Desorption at the Arlington Blending and Packaging Superfund Site 

Arlington, Tennessee . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 56
vi

Thermal Desorption at Letterkenny Army Depot Superfund Site, K Areas, OU 1 Chambersburg,

Franklin County, Pennsylvania . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 58

Low Temperature Thermal Desorption at Longhorn Army Ammunition Plant, Karnack, Texas . . . 60

Thermal Desorption at the Rocky Flats Environmental Technology Site, Trenches T-3 and T-4,

Golden, Colorado . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 62

OTHER EX SITU SOIL TREATMENT ABSTRACTS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 65

Slurry Reactor Biotreatment of Explosives-Contaminated Soils at Joliet Army Ammunition

Plant, Joliet, Illinois . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 66

Joint Small Arms Range Remediation (Physical Separation and Acid Leaching) at Fort Polk

Range 5, Leesville, Louisiana . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 68

Thermo NUtech's Segmented Gate System at Los Alamos National Laboratory Technical

Area 33, Los Alamos, New Mexico . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 70

Thermo NUtech's Segmented Gate System at Pantex Plant, Firing Site 5, Amarillo, Texas . . . . . . 72

Thermo NUtech's Segmented Gate System at Sandia National Laboratories, ER Site 16,

Albuquerque, New Mexico . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 74

Thermo NUtech's Segmented Gate System at Sandia National Laboratories, ER Site 228A,

Albuquerque, New Mexico . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 76

Thermo NUtech's Segmented Gate System at Tonapah Test Range, Clean Slate 2, 

Tonapah, Nevada . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 78

Chemical Extraction for Uranium Contaminated Soil at the RMI Titanium

Company Extrusion Plant, Ashtabula, Ohio . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 80

Transportable Vitrification System at Oak Ridge National Laboratory, Oak Ridge, Tennessee . . . 82

PUMP AND TREAT ABSTRACTS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 85

Groundwater Extraction and Treatment at the Logistics Center Operable Unit, Fort Lewis,

Washington . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 86

IN SITU GROUNDWATER TREATMENT ABSTRACTS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 89

In Situ Bioremediation Using Molasses Injection at an Abandoned Manufacturing Facility,

Emeryville, California . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 90

In Situ Bioremediation Using Molasses Injection at the Avco Lycoming Superfund Site,

Williamsport, Pennsylvania . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 92

In Situ Bioremediation Using Bioaugmentation at Area 6 of the Dover Air Force Base,

Dover Delaware . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 94

Aerobic Degradation at Site 19, Edwards Air Force Base, California . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 96

In Situ Bioremediation at the Hanford 200 West Area Site, Richland, Washington . . . . . . . . . . . . . 98

Aerobic Degradation at Moffett Naval Air Station, Mountain View, California . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 100

Enhanced In Situ Anaerobic Bioremediation of Fuel-Contaminated Ground Water . . . . . . . . . . . 102
vii

In Situ Bioremediation (Anaerobic/Aerobic) at Watertown, Massachusetts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 104

Methane Enhanced Bioremediation Using Horizontal Wells at the Savannah River Site,

Aiken, South Carolina . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 106

In Situ Bioremediation at the Texas Gulf Coast Site, Houston, Texas . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 108

In Situ Redox Manipulation at U.S. DOE Hanford Site, 100-H and 100-D Areas . . . . . . . . . . . . . 110

In Situ Chemical Oxidation Using Potassium Permanganate at Portsmouth Gaseous

Diffusion Plant, X-701B Facility . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 112

Phytoremediation Using Constructed Wetlands at the Milan Army Ammunition Plant,

Milan, Tennessee . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 114

Multi-Phase Extraction at the 328 Site, Santa Clara, CA . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 116

Dual Phase Extraction at the Defense Supply Center, Richmond, Virginia . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 118

Dual Vapor Extraction at Tinkham’s Garage Superfund Site, Londonderry, NH . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 120

Frozen Soil Barrier at Oak Ridge National Laboratory, Oak Ridge, Tennessee . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 122

Horizontal Wells Demonstrated at U.S. DOE's Savannah River Site and Sandia 

National Laboratory . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 124

In Situ Chemical Oxi-Cleanse Process at the Naval Air Station Pensacola Florida, Operable

Unit 10, Pensacola, Florida . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 126

In Situ Chemical Oxidation Using Fenton’s Reagent at Naval Submarine Base Kings Bay,

Site 11, Camden County, Georgia . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 128

Six Phase Heating at the Skokie, Illinois Site . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 130

Hydrous Pyrolysis Oxidation/Dynamic Underground Stripping (HPO/DUS) at Visalia

Superfund Site, CA . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 132

Intrinsic Remediation at AOCs 43G and 43J, Fort Devens, Massachusetts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 134

Monitored Natural Attenuation at Keesler Air Force Base, Mississippi . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 136

Monitored Natural Attenuation at Kelly Air Force Base , Former Building 2093 

Gas Station, Texas . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 138

In Situ Permeable Reactive Barriers for Contaminated Groundwater at Fry Canyon . . . . . . . . . . . 140

Permeable Reactive Wall Remediation of Chlorinated Hydrocarbons in Groundwater at

Moffett Field Superfund Site . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 142

Groundwater Extraction and a Permeable Reactive Treatment Cell at Tacony Warehouse,

Philadelphia, Pennsylvania . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 144

DEBRIS/SOLID MEDIA TREATMENT ABSTRACTS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 147

Direct Chemical Oxidation at Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory Livermore, California . 148

Acid Digestion of Organic Waste at Savannah River Site, Aiken, South Carolina . . . . . . . . . . . . 150

Remotely Operated Scabbling at Argonne National Laboratory-East, Argonne, Illinois . . . . . . . . 152

Soft Media Blasting at the Fernald Site, Fernald, Ohio . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 154

Concrete Grinder at the Hanford Site, Richland, Washington . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 156
viii

Concrete Shaver at the Hanford Site, Richland, Washington . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 158

Concrete Spaller Demonstration at the Hanford Site, Richland, Washington . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 160

Stabilization Using Phosphate Bonded Ceramics at Argonne National Laboratory, 

Argonne, Illinois . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 162

Stabilize Ash Using Clemson’s Sintering Process at Clemson University, Clemson, 

South Carolina . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 164

Mixed Waste Encapsulation in Polyester Resins at the Hanford Site . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 166

Innovative Grouting and Retrieval at the Idaho National Engineering and Environmental

Laboratory, Idaho Falls, Idaho . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 168

Polysiloxane Stabilization at Idaho National Engineering and Environmental Laboratory,

Idaho Falls, Idaho . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 170

Amalgamation of Mercury-Contaminated Waste using NFS DeHg Process, Applied SM

Technology Laboratories, Erwin, TX . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 172

Amalgamation of Mercury-Contaminated Waste using ADA Process, Colorado Minerals

Research Institute . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 174

GTS Duratek (GTSD) Process for Stabilizing Mercury (<260 ppm) Contaminated Mixed

Waste from U.S. DOE's Los Alamos National Laboratory . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 176

Stabilize High Salt Content Waste Using Sol Gel Process at Pacific Northwest National

Laboratory, Richland, WA . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 178

ATG Process for Stabilizing Mercury (<260 ppm) Contaminated Mixed Waste from

U.S. DOE's Portsmouth, Ohio Facility . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 180

Graphite Electrode DC Arc Furnace at the Idaho National Engineering and Environmental

Laboratory, Idaho Falls, Idaho . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 182

Plasma Hearth Process at the Science and Technology Applications Research (STAR) Center,

Idaho Falls, Idaho . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 184

Tables

1 Summary of Remediation Case Studies ............................................ 3

2 Remediation Case Studies: Summary of Cost Data . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11
1

INTRODUCTION

Increasing the cost effectiveness of site remediation is a national priority. The selection and use of more

cost-effective remedies requires better access to data on the performance and cost of technologies used in

the field. To make data more widely available, member agencies of the Federal Remediation

Technologies Roundtable (Roundtable) are working jointly to publish case studies of full-scale

remediation and demonstration projects. Previously, the Roundtable published 13 volumes of case study

reports. At this time, the Roundtable is publishing a CD-ROM containing 78 new case study reports,

primarily focused on soil and groundwater cleanup.

The case studies were developed by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), the U.S.

Department of Defense (DoD), and the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE). They were prepared based on

recommended terminology and procedures agreed to by the agencies. These procedures are summarized

in the Guide to Documenting and Managing Cost and Performance Information for Remediation Projects

(EPA 542-B-98-007; October 1998).

The case studies and abstracts present available cost and performance information for full-scale

remediation efforts and several large-scale demonstration projects. They are meant to serve as primary

reference sources, and contain information on site background and setting, contaminants and media

treated, technology, cost and performance, and points of contact for the technology application. The

studies contain varying levels of detail, reflecting the differences in the availability of data and

information. Because full-scale cleanup efforts are not conducted primarily for the purpose of

technology evaluation, data on technology cost and performance may be limited.

The case study abstracts in this volume describe a wide variety of ex situ and in situ soil treatment

technologies for both soil and groundwater. Contaminants treated included chlorinated solvents;

petroleum hydrocarbons and benzene, toluene, ethylbenzene, and xylenes; polycyclic aromatic

hydrocarbons; pesticides and herbicides; explosives/propellants; metals; and radioactivity. Many of the

applications described in the case study reports are ongoing and interim reports are provided

documenting their current status. 

Table 1 provides summary information about the technology used, contaminants and media treated, and

project duration for the 78 technology applications in this volume. This table also provides highlights

about each application. Table 2 summarizes cost data, including information on quantity of media
2

treated and quantity of contaminant removed. In addition, Table 2 shows a calculated unit cost for some

projects, and identifies key factors potentially affecting technology cost. (The column showing the

calculated unit costs for treatment provides a dollar value per quantity of media treated and contaminant

removed, as appropriate.) Cost data are shown as reported in the case studies and have not been adjusted

for inflation to a common year basis. The costs should be assumed to be dollars for the time period that

the project was in progress (shown on Table 1 as project duration).

While a summary of project costs is useful, it may be difficult to compare costs for different projects

because of unique site-specific factors. However, by including a recommended reporting format, the

Roundtable is working to standardize the reporting of costs to make data comparable across projects. In

addition, the Roundtable is working to capture information in case study reports that identify and

describe the primary factors that affect cost and performance of a given technology. Factors that may

affect project costs include economies of scale, concentration levels in contaminated media, required

cleanup levels, completion schedules, and matrix characteristics and operating conditions for the

technology.
3

Table 1. Summary of Remediation Case Studies

Site Name, State (Technology) (Quantity Treated**) Duration 

Principal

Contaminants*

Media Project

Chlorinated Solvents

BTEX and/or TPH

Pesticides/Herbicides

Explosives/Propellants

Metals

Radionuclides 

In Situ Soil TreatmentDover Air Force Base, Building 719, Delaware q Soil (450,000 lbs) May 1998 to July 1999 Field demon(Bioventing) bioventing t

soil

Multiple Air Force Test Sites, Multiple Locations q Soil (200 to 270,000 yd April 1992 to December Major initia(Bioventing) per site) 1995 (typical test about feasibility o

3

1 year) contaminate

White Sands Missile Range, SWMU 143, New Mexico q Soil April 1998 to June 1998 Demonstrate 

(Chemical Reduction/Oxidation) situ reductio

Active Power Substation, Confidential Location Soil Summer 1998 (6 month First field d(Electrokinetics) pilot-scale study) remediation 

contaminate

Naval Air Weapons Station Point Mugu, Site 5, q Soil March 1998 to June Field demonCalifornia (Electrokinetics) 1999 treatment of Sandia National Laboratories, Unlined Chromic Acid q Soil May 1996 to November The first fiePit, New Mexico (Electrokinetics) 1996 electrokinet

ions from ar

Former Mare Island Naval Shipyard, California (In Soil September 1997 to Field demonSitu Thermal Treatment; In Situ Thermal Desorption) December 1997 desorption t

deep contam

Fort Richardson Poleline Road Disposal Area, OU B, q Soil (3,910 yd or July 1997 to December Demonstrati

Alaska (In Situ Thermal Treatment; Six Phase Heating) 7,150 tons) 1997 (treatability Study) contaminati

3

Argonne National Laboratory - West, Waste Area q Soil May 1998 to October Bench-scale Group 9, OU 9-04, Idaho (Phytoremediation) 1998 treat heavy mEnsign-Bickford Company - OB/OD Area, Connecticut q Soil April 1998 to October Phytoremed(Phytoremediation) 1998 phytoextracTwin Cities Army Ammunition Plant, Minnesota q Soil Spring/Summer 1998 Phytoremed(Phytoremediation) a northern c
Table 1. Summary of Remediation Case Studies (continued)

Site Name, State (Technology) (Quantity Treated**) Duration 

Principal

Contaminants*

Media Project

Chlorinated Solvents

BTEX and/or TPH

Pesticides/Herbicides

Explosives/Propellants

Metals

Radionuclides 

4

Patrick Air Force Base, Active Base Exchange Service

q Soil vapors January 1994 to Demonstrati

Station, Florida (Soil Vapor Extraction) February 1994 vapors from 

biofiltration

Patrick Air Force Base, Active Base Exchange Service

q Soil vapors October 1993 to January Demonstrati

Station, Florida (Soil Vapor Extraction) 1994 vapors from 

internal com

Vandenberg Air Force Base, Base Exchange Service

q Soil vapors February 1994 to June Demonstrati

Station, California (Soil Vapor Extraction) 1994 vapors from 

adsorption

Idaho National Engineering and Environmental

q Soil December 1996 to Demonstrate 

Laboratory, Pit 2, Idaho (Soil venting, BERT ) January 1999 remediation 

TM

IncinerationFormer Weldon Springs Ordnance Works, OU 1,

q Soil (30,000 tons or August 1998 to 1999 Use of on-si

Missouri (Incineration (on-site)) 18,000 yd ) nitroaromat

3

Wooden pipeline

Thermal DesorptionArlington Blending and Packaging Superfund Site, q q Soil (41,431 tons) January 1996 to June Application Tennessee (Thermal Desorption) 1996 desorption t

soil

Letterkenny Army Depot Superfund Site, K Areas, q q Soil (13,986 yd ) September 1993 to Thermal desOU1, Pennsylvania (Thermal Desorption) October 1994 contaminate

3

oil and grea

Longhorn Army Ammunition Plant, Burning Ground

q Soil (32,293 yd or February 1997 to Thermal des

No. 3, Texas (Thermal Desorption) 51,669 tons) December 1997 concentratio

3

Rocky Flats Environmental Technology Site, Trenches q q Soil and debris June 1996 to August Application T-3 and T-4, Colorado (Thermal Desorption) (3,796 yd ) 1996 soils contam

3

levels of rad
Table 1. Summary of Remediation Case Studies (continued)

Site Name, State (Technology) (Quantity Treated**) Duration 

Principal

Contaminants*

Media Project

Chlorinated Solvents

BTEX and/or TPH

Pesticides/Herbicides

Explosives/Propellants

Metals

Radionuclides 

5

Other Ex Situ Soil TreatmentJoliet Army Ammunition Plant, Illinois

q Soil July 1994 to August Use of biosl

(Bioremediation (ex situ) Slurry Phase) 1995 of explosiveFort Polk Range 5, Louisiana (Chemical

q Soil (1,098 tons) August 1996 to Demonstrati

Reduction/Oxidation) December 1996 acid leachin

Los Alamos National Laboratory, Technical Area 33,

q Soil and debris April 1999 to May 1999 Use of a gat

New Mexico (Physical Separation; Segmented Gate (2,526 yd ) requiring ofSystem)

3

Pantex Plant, Firing Site 5, Texas (Physical Separation;

q Soil and debris (294 yd ) March 1998 to May Use of a gat

Segmented Gate System) 1998 requiring of

3

Sandia National Laboratories, ER Site 16, New

q Soil (661.8 yd ) February 1998 to March Use of a gat

Mexico (Physical Separation; Segmented Gate System) 1998 requiring of

3

Sandia National Laboratories, ER Site 228A, New

q Soil (1,352 yd ) July 1998 to November Use of a gat

Mexico (Physical Separation; Segmented Gate System) 1998 requiring of

3

Tonapah Test Range, Clean Slate 2, Nevada (Physical

q Soil and debris (333 yd ) May 1998 to June 1998 Use of a gat

Separation; Segmented Gate System) requiring of

3

RMI Titanium Company Extrusion Plant, Ohio q q Soil (64 ton; 38 batches) January 1997 to Demonstrati

(Solvent Extraction) February 1997 process for t

contaminate

Oak Ridge National Laboratory, Tennessee q q Sludge (16,000 lbs) October 1997 Demonstrati(Vitrification) vitrification 

waste sludg

Pump and TreatFort Lewis Logistics Center, Washington (Pump and

q Groundwater August 1995 to ongoing Containmen

Treat) (2.147 million gallons) contaminant
Table 1. Summary of Remediation Case Studies (continued)

Site Name, State (Technology) (Quantity Treated**) Duration 

Principal

Contaminants*

Media Project

Chlorinated Solvents

BTEX and/or TPH

Pesticides/Herbicides

Explosives/Propellants

Metals

Radionuclides 

6

In Situ Groundwater TreatmentAbandoned Manufacturing Facility - Emeryville, q q Groundwater Ongoing, data from BioremediatCalifornia (Bioremediation (in situ) Groundwater) April 1997 to October both chlorin

1998 chromium

Avco Lycoming Superfund Site, Pennsylvania q q Groundwater Ongoing, data through One of the f(Bioremediation (in situ) Groundwater) July 1998 injection tec

Superfund s

Dover Air Force Base, Area 6, Delaware

q Groundwater Testing Phase: First succes

(Bioremediation (in situ) Groundwater) September 1996 to June using live b

1999 TCE using r

Edwards Air Force Base, California (Bioremediation

q Groundwater February 1996 to April Field demon

(in situ) Groundwater) (12,132 m pumped) 1997 recirculation 

3

two-aquifer 

Hanford 200 West Area, Washington (Bioremediation

q Groundwater January 1995 to March In situ biore

(in situ) Groundwater) 1996 solvents and Moffett Field Superfund Site, California

q Groundwater September 1986 to One of the e

(Bioremediation (in situ) Groundwater) November 1988 aerobic in siNaval Weapons Station Seal Beach, California

q Groundwater (in situ), September 1997 to Demonstrate 

(Bioremediation (in situ) Groundwater) Soil (in situ), LNAPL October 1998 treating fuel Watertown Site, Massachusetts (Bioremediation (in

q Groundwater Ongoing, data from Combined a

situ) Groundwater) November 1996 to treatment of 

October 1997

Savannah River Site, South Carolina (Bioremediation

q Groundwater and February 1992 to April Demonstrati

(in situ) Groundwater) sediment 1993 methane injTexas Gulf Coast Site, Texas (Bioremediation (in situ)

q Groundwater Ongoing, data from June Groundwate

Groundwater) 1995 to December 1998 trenches for 

Hanford Site, 100-H and 100-D Areas, Washington

q Groundwater September 1995 to Demonstrate 

(Chemical Reduction/Oxidation) September 1998 treatment of 
Table 1. Summary of Remediation Case Studies (continued)

Site Name, State (Technology) (Quantity Treated**) Duration 

Principal

Contaminants*

Media Project

Chlorinated Solvents

BTEX and/or TPH

Pesticides/Herbicides

Explosives/Propellants

Metals

Radionuclides 

7

Portsmouth Gaseous Diffusion Plant, X-701B Facility,

q Groundwater (in situ) Spring 1997 (operated Demonstrate 

Ohio (Chemical Reduction/Oxidation) for one month) treating chloMilan Army Ammunition Plant, Tennessee

q Groundwater June 1996 to July 1998 Use of cons

(Constructed Wetlands) of explosive328 Site, California (Dual-Phase Extraction)

q Soil and Groundwater November 1996 to May Use of DPE 

1999 VOCs in sil

groundwate

Defense Supply Center, Acid Neutralization Pit,

q Soil, Groundwater July 1997 to July 1998 Use of DPE 

Virginia (Dual-Phase Extraction) (17 million gallons) contaminateTinkham's Garage Superfund Site, New Hampshire

q Soil (9,000 yd ) November 1994 to Use of DVE 

(Dual-Phase Extraction) Groundwater September 1995 contaminate

3

Oak Ridge National Laboratory, Tennessee (Frozen

q Soil, Sediment, September 1996 to Demonstrate 

Soil Barrier) Groundwater September 1998 containment 

impoundme

Portsmouth Gaseous Diffusion Plant, X-701B Facility,

q Groundwater (in situ) 1988 to 1993 Demonstrate 

Ohio (In Situ Oxidation) groundwateNaval Air Station Pensacola, OU 10, Florida (In Situ

q Groundwater November 1998 to May Field demon

Oxidation; Fenton's Reagent) 1999 oxidation us

chlorinated 

Naval Submarine Base Kings Bay, Georgia (In Situ

q Groundwater (78,989 November 1998 to Use of Fento

Oxidation; Fenton's Reagent) gallons) August 1999 chlorinated Confidential Manufacturing Facility, Illinois (In Situ

q Soil and groundwater June 1998 to April 1999 Use of SPH 

Thermal Treatment; Six Phase Heating) (34,600 yd ) solvents in s

3

Visalia Superfund Site, California (In Situ Thermal Groundwater June 1997 to mid-1999 Use of HPOTreatment; Dynamic Underground Stripping) quantity of cFort Devens, AOCs 43G and 43J, Massachusetts

q Groundwater March 1997 to June Intrinsic rem

(Monitored Natural Attenuation) 1999 contaminate
Table 1. Summary of Remediation Case Studies (continued)

Site Name, State (Technology) (Quantity Treated**) Duration 

Principal

Contaminants*

Media Project

Chlorinated Solvents

BTEX and/or TPH

Pesticides/Herbicides

Explosives/Propellants

Metals

Radionuclides 

8

Keesler Air Force Base Service Station, AOC-A q q Soil, groundwater, and September 1997 to April Monitored n(ST-06), Mississippi (Monitored Natural Attenuation) soil gas 1999 gasoline conKelly Air Force Base, Former Building 2093 Gas

q Soil, groundwater, and July 1997 to July 1998 Monitored n

Station, Texas (Monitored Natural Attenuation) soil gas gasoline-conFry Canyon, Utah (Permeable Reactive Barrier) q q Groundwater Ongoing, data from Demonstrati

(33,000 ft or 200,000 September 1997 to treat uranium

3

gallons) September 1998

Moffett Field Superfund Site, California (Permeable

q Groundwater April 1996 to December Demonstrati

Reactive Barrier) 1997 groundwate

solvents

Tacony Warehouse, Pennsylvania (Permeable Reactive

q Groundwater (393,165 May 1998 through 2001 Use of an ex

Barrier; Pump and Treat) gallons during the first (projected) permeable r

year) contaminate

Debris/Solid Media TreatmentLawrence Livermore National Laboratory, California q q Waste streams from Not identified Pilot-scale d(Chemical Reduction/Oxidation; Direct Chemical LLNL operations process to trOxidation) aqueous waSavannah River Site, South Carolina (Chemical

q Organic wastes 1996 to 1997 Demonstrate 

Reduction/Oxidation) wastes as an Argonne National Laboratory - East, Illinois (Physical

q Debris (concrete) August 1997 to Demonstrati

Separation) September, 1997 concrete dem

radioactivel

Argonne National Laboratory - East, Illinois (Physical

q Debris (concrete floor) Not identified Demonstrati

Separation) scabbler to d

concrete flo

Fernald Site, Ohio (Physical Separation)

q Debris August 1996 to Demonstrati

September 1996 surfaces con
Table 1. Summary of Remediation Case Studies (continued)

Site Name, State (Technology) (Quantity Treated**) Duration 

Principal

Contaminants*

Media Project

Chlorinated Solvents

BTEX and/or TPH

Pesticides/Herbicides

Explosives/Propellants

Metals

Radionuclides 

9

Hanford Site, Washington (Physical Separation)

q Debris (concrete) (54 ft ) November 1997 Demonstrati

2

grinder to dconcrete sur

Hanford Site, Washington (Physical Separation)

q Debris (concrete) November 1997 Demonstrati

decontaminsurfaces

Hanford Site, Washington (Physical Separation)

q Debris (contaminated January 1998 First demon

concrete walls and concrete spafloors) (4.6m )2

Argonne National Laboratory - East, Illinois

q Salt-containing waste Not identified Demonstrat

(Solidification/Stabilization) streams ceramics to 

containing w

Clemson University, South Carolina

q Incinerator fly ash 1995 Treatability 

(Solidification/Stabilization) waste fly ash Hanford Site, Washington (Solidification/Stabilization) q q Process waste streams Not identified Treatability 

to stabilize h

Idaho National Engineering and Environmental

q Soil and debris Summer 1994 to Field demon

Laboratory, Idaho (Solidification/Stabilization) Summer 1996 grouting and 

applicable to 

Idaho National Engineering and Environmental

q Process waste streams 1997 to 1998 Demonstrati

Laboratory, Idaho (Solidification/Stabilization) encapsulate Idaho National Engineering and Environmental

q Liquid mercury (75 kg) 1998 Demonstrate 

Laboratory, Idaho (Solidification/Stabilization) mercuryLos Alamos National Laboratory, New Mexico

q Liquid mercury (132 kg) 1998 Demonstrate 

(Solidification/Stabilization) mercuryLos Alamos National Laboratory, New Mexico q qq Sludge (1,253 lbs) September 1997 to Demonstrate (Solidification/Stabilization) Laboratory Wastes September 1998 mercury in r
Table 1. Summary of Remediation Case Studies (continued)

Site Name, State (Technology) (Quantity Treated**) Duration 

Principal

Contaminants*

Media Project

Chlorinated Solvents

BTEX and/or TPH

Pesticides/Herbicides

Explosives/Propellants

Metals

Radionuclides 

10

Pacific Northwest National Laboratory, Washington

q Salt waste surrogates Not identified Laboratory 

(Solidification/Stabilization) stabilize higPortsmouth Gaseous Diffusion Plant, Ohio q q Ion exchange resin 1998 Demonstrate (Solidification/Stabilization) (160 kg) mercury in rIdaho National Engineering and Environmental q q Wastes - including slag, 1997 to 1998 Demonstrate 

Laboratory, Idaho (Vitrification) plutonium-238 waste, a variety of 

neutron generators

STAR Center, Idaho (Vitrification) q q Fly ash, soil, sludges, 1993 to 1997 Demonstrati

debris to treat meta

variety of w

* Principal contaminants are one or more specific constituents within the groups shown that were identified during site investigations.
11

Table 2. Remediation Case Studies: Summary of Cost Data

Site Name, State (Technology) ($) Treated Removed for Treatment 

Technology Cost Quantity of Media Contaminant Calculated Unit Co

1,2

Quantity of 

1,2

In Situ Soil TreatmentDover Air Force Base, Building 719, Delaware Not provided 450,000 lbs Not provided Not provided (Bioventing)Multiple Air Force Test Sites, Multiple Locations P: $92,300 200 to 270,000 Not provided P: $10 to $60 per cub(Bioventing) cubic yards per site yard White Sands Missile Range, SWMU 143, New Mexico P: $798,163 Not provided Not provided P: $43 to $100 per cu(Chemical Reduction/Oxidation) yardActive Power Substation, Confidential Location Not provided Not provided Not provided Not provided (Electrokinetics)Naval Air Weapons Station Point Mugu, Site 5, Not provided Not provided Not provided Not provided California (Electrokinetics)Sandia National Laboratories, Unlined Chromic Acid Not provided Not provided Not provided Not provided Pit, New Mexico (Electrokinetics)Former Mare Island Naval Shipyard, California (In Not provided Not provided Not provided $100 to $250 per ton Situ Thermal Treatment; In Situ Thermal Desorption) (vendor estimate)Fort Richardson Poleline Road Disposal Area, OU B, $967,822 3,910 cubic yards Not provided $189 to $288 per cubAlaska (In Situ Thermal Treatment; Six Phase Heating) yard, $726 to $2,552 

lb of contaminantremoved

Argonne National Laboratory - West, Waste Area P: $2,247,000 Not provided Not provided Not provided Group 9, OU 9-04, Idaho (Phytoremediation) Ensign-Bickford Company - OB/OD Area, Connecticut Not provided Not provided Not provided Not provided (Phytoremediation)Twin Cities Army Ammunition Plant, Minnesota Not provided Not provided Not provided $30.34 per cubic yard (Phytoremediation) soil per year ($153 pe

cubic yard over the lifthe project)

Patrick Air Force Base, Active Base Exchange Service Not provided Not provided Not provided $18.66 to $38.06 per Station, Florida (Soil Vapor Extraction - Biofiltration) (costs estimates were 

provided by other vendors)
Table 2. Remediation Case Studies: Summary of Cost Data (continued)

Site Name, State (Technology) ($) Treated Removed for Treatment 

Technology Cost Quantity of Media Contaminant Calculated Unit Co

1,2

Quantity of 

1,2

12

Patrick Air Force Base, Active Base Exchange Service Not provided Not provided Not provided Operating costs of $0Station, Florida (Soil Vapor Extraction - Thermal to $15.40 per kg TVH Destruction) destroyed, $97 to $55

per kg of BTEX destroyed

Vandenberg Air Force Base, Base Exchange Service DEMO: $36,634 Not provided 570 gals of DEMO: $23 per kg oStation, California (Soil Vapor Extraction - Resin hydrocarbons hydrocarbon removed Adsorption) Idaho National Engineering and Environmental P: $67,860 Not provided Chlorinated P: $100 per cubic yarLaboratory, Pit 2, Idaho (Soil venting BERT ) solvents ranged 

TM

from 0.25 to 2.9 gms/day

IncinerationFormer Weldon Springs Ordnance Works, OU 1, $13,665,997 30,000 tons Not provided Not provided Missouri (Incineration (on-site)) (18,000 cubic 

yards) 85,230 feet of pipeline

Thermal DesorptionArlington Blending and Packaging Superfund Site, C: $4,293,893 41,431 tons Not provided $105 per ton Tennessee (Thermal Desorption) O: $62,351 Letterkenny Army Depot Superfund Site, K Areas, $4,647,632 13,986 cubic yards Not provided $220 per cubic yard OU1, Pennsylvania (Thermal Desorption) Longhorn Army Ammunition Plant, Burning Ground $4,886,978 32,293 cubic yards Not provided $151 per cubic yard No. 3, Texas (Thermal Desorption) (51,669 tons) Rocky Flats Environmental Technology Site, Trenches $1,934,203 3,796 cubic yards Not provided $350 per cubic yard T-3 and T-4, Colorado (Thermal Desorption) 
Table 2. Remediation Case Studies: Summary of Cost Data (continued)

Site Name, State (Technology) ($) Treated Removed for Treatment 

Technology Cost Quantity of Media Contaminant Calculated Unit Co

1,2

Quantity of 

1,2

13

Other Ex Situ Soil TreatmentJoliet Army Ammunition Plant, Illinois Not provided Not provided Not provided P: $290 to $350 per (Bioremediation (ex situ) Slurry Phase) cubic yard Fort Polk Range 5, Louisiana (Physical Separation and DEMO: $1,169,000 DEMO: 835 tons Not provided DEMO: $1,400 per toAcid Leaching) P: $1,700,000 PC: 10,000 tons P: $170 per ton Los Alamos National Laboratory, Technical Area 33, $275,745 2,526 cubic yards Not provided $109 per cubic yard New Mexico (Physical Separation; Segmented Gate System)Pantex Plant, Firing Site 5, Texas (Physical Separation; $203,887 294 cubic yards Not provided $111 per cubic yard Segmented Gate System) Sandia National Laboratories, ER Site 16, New $164,109 661.8 cubic yards Not provided $236 per cubic yard Mexico (Physical Separation; Segmented Gate System) Sandia National Laboratories, ER Site 228A, New $220,040 1,352 cubic yards Not provided $154 per cubic yard Mexico (Physical Separation; Segmented Gate System) Tonapah Test Range, Clean Slate 2, Nevada (Physical $138,126 333 cubic yards Not provided Not provided Separation; Segmented Gate System) RMI Titanium Company Extrusion Plant, Ohio Pilot: $638,670 64 tons (38 batches) Not provided P: $250 to $350 per t(Solvent Extraction) of soil Oak Ridge National Laboratory, Tennessee C: $5,000,000 16,000 lbs of pond Not provided Not provided (Vitrification) AO: $10 to $44 per and neutralization 

kg of waste sludge 
Table 2. Remediation Case Studies: Summary of Cost Data (continued)

Site Name, State (Technology) ($) Treated Removed for Treatment 

Technology Cost Quantity of Media Contaminant Calculated Unit Co

1,2

Quantity of 

1,2

14

Pump and TreatFort Lewis Logistics Center, Washington (Pump and $5,208,000 2.147 million 2,772 lbs of TCE Not provided Treat) gallons (through (through 9/97) 

8/98) 

In Situ Groundwater TreatmentAbandoned Manufacturing Facility - Emeryville, $400,000 Not provided Not provided Not provided California (Bioremediation (in situ) Groundwater) Avco Lycoming Superfund Site, Pennsylvania C: $220,000 Not provided Not provided Not provided (Bioremediation (in situ) Groundwater) AO: $50,000 Dover Air Force Base, Area 6, Delaware C: $285,563 Not provided Not provided Not provided (Bioremediation (in situ) Groundwater) O: $522,620 (for 15 

months) 

Edwards Air Force Base, California (Bioremediation C: $323,452 Not provided 12,132 cubic meters Not provided (in situ) Groundwater) O: $14,354 Hanford 200 West Area, Washington (Bioremediation Not provided Not provided Not provided P: $5.80 per cubic me(in situ) Groundwater) Moffett Field Superfund Site, California Not provided Not provided Not provided Not provided (Bioremediation (in situ) Groundwater)Naval Weapons Station Seal Beach, California DEMO: $875,000 Not provided Not provided P: $4,340 per gallon o

(Bioremediation (in situ) Groundwater) P: $1,085,000 fuel Watertown Site, Massachusetts (Bioremediation (in DEMO: $150,000 Not provided Not provided Not provided situ) Groundwater)Savannah River Site, South Carolina (Bioremediation PC: $452,407 Not provided 17,000 lbs VOCs Not provided (in situ) Groundwater) PAO: $236,465 

Texas Gulf Coast Site, Texas (Bioremediation (in situ) C: $600,000 Not provided Not provided Not provided Groundwater) AO: $100,000 Hanford Site, 100-H and 100-D Areas, Washington Not provided Not provided Not provided Not provided (Chemical Reduction/Oxidation)
Table 2. Remediation Case Studies: Summary of Cost Data (continued)

Site Name, State (Technology) ($) Treated Removed for Treatment 

Technology Cost Quantity of Media Contaminant Calculated Unit Co

1,2

Quantity of 

1,2

15

Portsmouth Gaseous Diffusion Plant, X-701B Facility, DEMO: $562,000 Not provided Not provided P: $64 per cubic yard Ohio (Chemical Reduction/Oxidation) P: $516,360 Milan Army Ammunition Plant, Tennessee P: $3,466,000 Not provided Not provided P: $1.78 per 1,000 (Constructed Wetlands) gallons of groundwate328 Site, California (Dual-Phase Extraction) C: $300,000 Not provided 1,220 lbs VOCs $53 per cubic yard 

O: $550,000 (based on treatment o

16,000 cubic yards) 

Defense Supply Center, Acid Neutralization Pit, Treat: $538,490 17 million gallons 145 lbs VOCs Treat: $0.03 per galloVirginia (Dual-Phase Extraction) of groundwater Tinkham's Garage Superfund Site, New Hampshire $1,500,000 9,000 cubic yards Not provided $170 per cubic yard (Dual-Phase Extraction) Oak Ridge National Laboratory, Tennessee (Frozen DEMO: $1,809,000 Not provided Not provided Not provided Soil Barrier) Savannah River Site, Aiken, South Carolina Not provided Not provided Not provided Not provided (Horizontal Wells)Naval Air Station Pensacola, OU 10, Florida (In Situ DEMO Not provided Not provided Not provided Oxidation; Fenton's Reagent) C: $97,018 

 O: $81,320 

Naval Submarine Base Kings Bay, Georgia (In Situ Phase 1: $223,000 Phase 1: 78,989 Not provided Not provided Oxidation; Fenton's Reagent) gallons Confidential Manufacturing Facility, Illinois (In Situ Not provided Not provided Not provided $32 per cubic yard Thermal Treatment; Six Phase Heating) Visalia Superfund Site, California (In Situ Thermal Not provided Not provided 141,000 gal of P: $39 per cubic yard Treatment; Dynamic Underground Stripping) creosote Fort Devens, AOCs 43G and 43J, Massachusetts $671,642 Not provided Not provided Not provided (Monitored Natural Attenuation) PAO: $50,000 
Table 2. Remediation Case Studies: Summary of Cost Data (continued)

Site Name, State (Technology) ($) Treated Removed for Treatment 

Technology Cost Quantity of Media Contaminant Calculated Unit Co

1,2

Quantity of 

1,2

16

Keesler Air Force Base Service Station, AOC-A PO: $15,000 per Not provided Not provided Not provided (ST-06), Mississippi (Monitored Natural Attenuation) event Kelly Air Force Base, Former Building 2093 Gas Not provided Not provided Not provided Not provided Station, Texas (Monitored Natural Attenuation)Fry Canyon, Utah (Permeable Reactive Barrier) DEMO C: $674,000 33,000 cubic feet Not provided Not provided 

PAO: $55,000 to (200,000 gallons $60,000 through 9/98)

Moffett Field Superfund Site, California (Permeable PC: $4,910,942 Not provided Not provided Not provided Reactive Barrier) PAO: $72,278 

Tacony Warehouse, Pennsylvania (Permeable Reactive $607,336 393,165 gallons Not provided Not provided Barrier; Pump and Treat) C: $416,777 during the first year 

 AO: $16,880 Other: $132,417

Debris/Solid Media TreatmentLawrence Livermore National Laboratory, California Not provided Not provided Not provided P: $9.88 per kg of car

(Chemical Reduction/Oxidation) in the waste if oxidan

recycled; $79 per kg ocarbon if not recycled

Savannah River Site, South Carolina (Chemical P: $2,000,000 to Not provided Not provided Not provided Reduction/Oxidation) $8,000,000 Argonne National Laboratory - East, Argonne, Illinois C: $165,000 Not provided Not provided Not provided (Concrete Scabbling) O: $1,995/day Fernald Site, Fernald, Ohio (Soft Media Blasting) Not provided Not provided Not provided DEMO: $4.60 per squ

foot 

Hanford Site, Hanford, Washington (Concrete Grinder) C: $854 (purchase); 54 square feet Not provided Not provided 

$75/week (rental) 
Table 2. Remediation Case Studies: Summary of Cost Data (continued)

Site Name, State (Technology) ($) Treated Removed for Treatment 

Technology Cost Quantity of Media Contaminant Calculated Unit Co

1,2

Quantity of 

1,2

17

Hanford Site, Washington (Concrete Shaver) C: $17,861 Not provided Not provided $1.32 per square foot Hanford Site, Washington (Concrete Spaller) Not provided 4.6 square meters Not provided $128 per square meteArgonne National Laboratory - East, Illinois PC: $2,000,000 Not provided Not provided Not provided (Phosphate Bonded Ceramic Stabilization) PO: $6,510 per 

cubic meter of waste 

Clemson University, Clemson, South Carolina Not provided Not provided Not provided Not provided (Stabilization Using Clemson’s Sintering Process)Hanford Site, Hanford, Washington (Polyester Resin PC: $2,000,000 Not provided Not provided Not provided Encapsulation) PO: $5,940 per 

cubic meter of waste 

Idaho National Engineering and Environmental P: $19,000,000 Not provided Not provided Not provided Laboratory, Idaho (Innovative Grouting and Retrieval) (1-acre); 

$64,000,000(4-acre) 

Idaho National Engineering and Environmental Not provided Not provided Not provided $8 per pound ($573 pLaboratory, Idaho (Polysiloxane Stabilization) cubic foot) of salt waIdaho National Engineering and Environmental Not provided 75 kg of mercury Not provided P: $300 per kg (based Laboratory, Idaho (Amalgamation of Mercury using treating more than 1,5the NFS De Hg Process) kg) 

SM

Los Alamos National Laboratory, New Mexico Not provided 132 kg of mercury Not provided P: $300 per kg (based (Amalgamation of Mercury using the ADA Process) treating more than 1,5

kg) 

Los Alamos National Laboratory, New Mexico Not provided Not provided 1,253 lbs of sludge, Not provided (Solidification/Stabilization - GTS Duratek Process) 3 containers of

laboratory wastes

Pacific Northwest National Laboratory, Washington P: $600,000 to Not provided Not provided Not provided (Solidification/Stabilization - Sol Gel Process) $1,000,000 
Table 2. Remediation Case Studies: Summary of Cost Data (continued)

Site Name, State (Technology) ($) Treated Removed for Treatment 

Technology Cost Quantity of Media Contaminant Calculated Unit Co

1,2

Quantity of 

1,2

18

Portsmouth Gaseous Diffusion Plant, Ohio PC: 30,000 160 kg of resin Not provided $1.73 per kg (Solidification/Stabilization) PO: $95 per hour Idaho National Engineering and Environmental PC: $50 to $80 Not provided Not provided P: $7,400 to $10,800 Laboratory, Idaho (Graphite Elctrode DC ARC million cubic meter (based on Furnace) PO: $12 to $18 17,000 cubic meters) 

million (startup);$48 to $62 million(for 5yrs)

STAR Center, Idaho (Plasma Hearth Process) PC: $50 to 86.2 Not provided Not provided P: $7,400 to $10,800 

million cubic meter PO: $12 to $18 

million (startup); $48 to 62 million(for 5 yrs)

Actual full-scale costs are reported unless otherwise noted. 1

Cost abbreviation: AO = annual operation and maintenance (O&M) costs, C = capital costs, D = disposal costs, DEMO = demonstration costs, O = to

2

P = projected costs, Pilot = pilot-scale costs.
19

IN SITU SOIL TREATMENT ABSTRACTS
Cometabolic Bioventing at Building 719, 

Dover Air Force Base, Dover Delaware

20

Site Name: Location:

Dover Air Force Base, Building 719 Dover, Delaware

Period of Operation: Cleanup Authority:

Propane acclimation period: December 1997 to April 1998 CERCLA

Bioventing operation: May 1998 to July 1999

Purpose/Significance of Application: Cleanup Type:

Field demonstration of in situ cometabolic bioventing to treat chlorinated Field demonstration

solvents in soil

Contaminants: Waste Source:

Chlorinated Solvents Discharges to a drainage ditch and

• Maximum concentrations of chlorinated aliphatic hydrocarbons (CAHs) in sanitary sewer; leaks from

soil found during site investigations were TCE (250 mg/kg); TCA (1,000 underground and above ground tanks

mg/kg); DCE (20 mg/kg)

• Estimated mass of CAH in test plot - 26 pounds; TCA made up

approximately 70% of the total estimated mass of contaminants

• Soil in the area is sand with varying amounts of clay, silt and gravel. Soil

permeability is 1.9x10 to 7.0x10 cm . -7 -8 2

Contacts: Technology:

EPA Remedial Project Manager:

Darius Ostrauskas of 4,500 ft of soil 

Remedial Project Manager • Three injection wells, screened to a depth of 10 ft bgs

U.S. EPA Region 3 • A blower and a mass flow controller were used to inject a mixture of air and

1650 Arch Street (3HS50) propane (300 ppm in air) through the three wells at a rate of 1 cfm

Philadelphia, PA 19103 • 13 soil gas monitoring points to monitor soil gas conditions throughout the

(215) 814-3360 demonstration. Each soil gas monitoring point was equipped with two gas

ostrauskas.darius@epa.gov probes (one at a depth of 4-5 ft and one at a depth of 8-9 ft bgs); an additional

EPA Contact for Demonstration:

Dr. Gregory Sayles

U.S. EPA (mail stop 420)

26 W. Martin Luther King Drive

Cincinnati, OH 45268

(513) 569-7607

Fax: (513) 569-7105

E-mail: sayles.gregory@epa.gov

In Situ Bioremediation; Cometabolic Bioventing

• Test plot - approximately 30 ft long, 20 ft wide, and 10 ft deep with a volume 3

11 “temporary” soil gas monitoring points were used during initial air

permeability testing, and during system operation, to monitor soil gas

Type/Quantity of Media Treated:

Soil/ 450,000 lbs, based on an assumed density of 100 lbs/ft3

Regulatory Requirements/Cleanup Goals:

The objectives of the pilot test included evaluating in situ cometabolic bioventing to treat chlorinated solvents in soil and

to collect data for potential full-scale application of the technology at the site

Results:

• After 14 months of operation, concentrations of TCE, TCA, and DCE were reduced in the soil in the test area 

• Reductions included TCE from >10 mg/kg to <0.25 mg/kg; TCA from >100mg/kg to <0.5mg/kg; and DCE from

>20mg/kg to <0.25mg/kg 

Costs:

Not provided
Cometabolic Bioventing at Building 719, 

Dover Air Force Base, Dover Delaware

21

Description:

Dover Air Force Base (AFB), located in Dover, Delaware, is a 4,000 acre military installation that began operating in

1941. Building 719 is a jet engine inspection and maintenance shop where a variety of materials, including solvents and

fuel, were used un base operations. Until the mid-1960s, wastes from the shop were discharged to a drainage ditch and

sanitary sewer. During site investigations, leaking tanks were identified in the area to the northeast of the shop, and soil

and groundwater at the site was found to be contaminated with chlorinated solvents. Dover AFB was listed on the

National Priorities List in March 1989. As part of the interim ROD for the site, a pilot test of in situ cometabolic

bioventing was conducted at Building 719 to evaluate the ability of the technology to remove CAHs. The test plot

selected for the pilot study was an area contaminated with high concentrations of CAHs. Prior to the pilot test, laboratory

tests were performed on soils from the test plot area to evaluate candidate substrates. Propane was selected because of its

ability to stimulate cometabolic activity towards both TCA and TCE. 

The bioventing system used for the pilot test included three injection wells, screened to a depth of 10 ft bgs, which was

the lowest expected water table elevation. In addition, soil gas conditions were monitored throughout the demonstration

using soil gas monitoring points. In situ cometabolic bioventing was successful in reducing CAH concentrations in test

plot soils. After 14 months of operation, TCE and DCE were reduced to concentrations of less than 0.25 mg/kg, and TCA

was reduced to concentrations of less than 0.5 mg/kg. According to the researchers for the pilot test, results of laboratory

treatability testing identified propane as a useful cosubstrate for driving the cometabolism of TCE and TCA.
Bioventing at Multiple Air Force Test Sites

22

Site Name: Location:

Multiple Air Force Test Sites (145 total; refer to case study for names and Multiple locations throughout U.S.

locations of each test site)

Period of Operation: Cleanup Authority:

• Overall program: April 1992 to December 1995 Sites are being addressed under

• Each test: varied by site; typical operation about one year CERCLA, RCRA, and state

underground storage tank programs

Purpose/Significance of Application: Cleanup Type:

Major initiative to demonstrate the feasibility of bioventing to remediate Pilot scale

petroleum-contaminated soil at 145 Air Force sites

Contaminants: Waste Source:

Benzene, Toluene, Ethylbenzene, and Xylenes (BTEX) and Total Petroleum Leaks from underground storage

Hydrocarbons (TPH) tanks, including tanks used to store

• Data provided for average initial concentrations of BTEX and TPH in soil gasoline, JP-4, diesel fuel, heating

and soil gas (based on 328 samples from 100 test sites) oils, and waste oils

• Average BTEX constituent concentrations in soil (soil gas) - benzene - 106

mg/kg (88 ppmv); toluene - 250 mg/kg (13 ppmv); ethylbenzene - 276 mg/kg

(64 ppmv); xylenes - 1,001 mg/kg (46 ppmv)

• Average TPH concentration in soil - 3,301 mg/kg; Total Volatile

Hydrocarbons (TVH) in soil gas - 22,555 ppmv

Contacts: Technology:

Air Force Contact:

Lt. Col. Ross N. Miller wells, number of monitoring wells, and blower size and type

U.S. Air Force Center for • Typical configuration included vent wells (1 to 9 per site; depths -7 to 233

Environmental Excellence feet below ground surface); vapor monitoring wells (1 to 6 per site); blower

Brooks, AFB (1 to 5 horsepower; either rotary vane or regenerative)

Texas • Horizontal vent wells used at five sites 

Telephone: 210-536-4331

In Situ Bioventing

• Specific configuration varied by site for number, depth of vent (air injection)

Type/Quantity of Media Treated:

Soil

• Quantities treated at each test site ranged from 200 to more than 270,000

cubic yards; based on radius of influence of vent well(s) at each site

• Soil gas permeability - about 20% of the test sites contained greater than 50%

silt and clay fractions; the radius of oxygen influence from a single vent well

was equal to or greater than the contaminated area at about 50% of the test

sites

• Soil pH - pH ranged from 5 to 9 at the majority of sites

• Soil moisture - ranged from 5% to 20% at the majority of sites

• Total Kjeldahl nitrogen - ranged from <50 to 200 mg/kg at the majority of

sites

• Soil temperature - not measured at each site; soil temperatures between 0(C

and 25(C observed at test sites

Regulatory Requirements/Cleanup Goals:

• The objectives of the bioventing initiative included documenting the ability of bioventing to remediate petroleumcontaminated soils in a variety of conditions, and obtaining a significant set of bioventing data

• No specific cleanup goals were identified for the test sites
Bioventing at Multiple Air Force Test Sites

23

Results:

Results from data collected after one year of bioventing (328 sampling locations at 100 sites): 

• Average reduction in BTEX concentrations of 97% in soil and 85% in soil gas; average TPH concentrations reduced by

24% in soil; average TVH concentrations reduced by 90% in soil gas

• Biodegradation rates measured at the test sites - at start of test ranged from <300 mg/kg/yr to >6000 mg/kg/yr; average

1,200 mg/kg/yr

• Average biodegradation rate decreased to 700 mg/kg/yr, as a result of the decreasing bioavailability of hydrocarbons

over time

• Bioventing was effective in a variety of climate conditions, ranging from 0(C in Alaska to 25(C in California; higher

biodegradation rates were observed in warmer climates

• A combination of high moisture content and fine-grained soils made bioventing infeasible at only two of the 145 test

sites

Costs:

• The average actual cost for design, installation, and 1-year of operation of pilot-scale bioventing at a single vent well

site was $60,000 

• The projected cost of full-scale bioventing generally ranges from $10 to $60 per cubic yard of soil treated

• At sites with more than 10,000 cubic yards of contaminated soil, costs are less than $10 per cubic yard; at sites with

less than 500 cubic yards of contaminated soil, costs are greater than $60 per cubic yard

• Projected costs for a typical full-scale bioventing system (defined as an Air Force site with 5,000 cubic yards of soil

contaminated with 3,000 mg/kg of JP-4 fuel; bioventing system consisting of four vent wells at a depth of 15 feet,

operated for two years) - $92,300, including $27,000 for pilot testing and $27,500 for full-scale construction

Description:

In April 1992, the Air Force Center for Environmental Excellence (AFCEE), in cooperation with the Air Force Armstrong

Laboratory and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, began an initiative to demonstrate the feasibility of using

bioventing to remediate petroleum contaminated soils in a variety of climatic, soil, and contaminant conditions. Between

April 1992 and December 1995, initial bioventing tests were conducted at 145 Air Force sites throughout the country. 

The pilot-scale systems included vent (air injection) wells, monitoring wells, and blowers. The specific configuration

varied by test site, and horizontal vent wells were used at five of the sites. Concentrations of BTEX and TPH were

measured in soil and soil gas from over 300 sampling locations at 100 sites at the start of bioventing operations and after

one year of operation. Results showed that bioventing was effective in reducing concentrations of BTEX and TPH in soil

and soil gas in a variety of site conditions. Soil BTEX and TPH concentrations were reduced by 97% and 24%,

respectively. Soil gas BTEX and TVH concentrations were reduced by 85% and 90%, respectively. According to the

Air Force, the reductions in BTEX are sufficient to meet the most conservative EPA risk-based cleanup criteria for soils,

and regulatory acceptance of this technology was obtained in 38 states and the 10 EPA regions. The pilot-scale systems

have been converted to full-scale systems at about half of the test sites, saving the Air Force an estimated $5 to $10

million in design and construction costs.
In Situ Gaseous Reduction System Demonstrated at White Sands Missile Range,

New Mexico

24

Site Name: Location:

White Sands Missile Range, SWMU 143 NM

Period of Operation: Cleanup Authority:

April - June 1998 Not identified

Purpose/Significance of Application: Cleanup Type:

Demonstrate use of injection of H S for in situ reduction of hexavalent Field demonstration 2

chromium 

Contaminants: Waste Source:

Heavy metals Spills

• Cr6+

Contacts: Technology:

Technical Contacts:

Ed Thornton ppmv) into soils, where it reacts with oxidized metals such as Cr and

Pacific Northwest National uranium, followed by extraction of gas containing reduced metals, such as

Laboratory (PNNL) Cr

(509) 373-0358 • System included an injection pump, extraction pump, water knockout tank,

DOE Contacts:

Jim Hanson • Treatment progress was measured by breakthrough of H S at the extraction

DOE EM50 wells

(509) 372-4503

James A. Wright

DOE SRS

(803) 725-5608

In Situ Gaseous Reduction (ISGR)

• ISGR involves injection of a low concentration H S gas mixture (100-200 2 6+

3+

scrubber, one central injection well, and six extraction wells; wells were

completed to approximately 20 ft bgs

2

Type/Quantity of Media Treated:

Soil (in situ)

Regulatory Requirements/Cleanup Goals:

• Objectives of demonstration were to provide technical and cost information about ISGR; obtain operational

information; and determine site air flow characteristics

• No specific cleanup goals were identified

Results:

• After completion of the demonstration, soil samples were collected from nine boreholes; these results showed that

nearly all the Cr in the interval from 4 - 10 ft bgs was reduced - this zone contained clean white gypsum sand that 6+ 

initially contained the highest concentrations of Cr6+

• The mass of Cr did not change appreciably in the 10-16 ft bgs interval, which contained a brownish sand containing 6+

gypsum plus clay

• These results suggested that the effectiveness of ISGR is limited by subsurface heterogeneities, with channeling of the

injected gases in the most permeable white sand

• Comparison of pre- and post-demonstration soil samples showed that >70% of the Cr mass was reduced, and all post- 6+

treatment samples had <30 mg/kg of Cr6+

Costs:

• Projected costs for a full-scale application of ISGR were a total cost of $798,163, or $43/yd 3

• Projected unit for ISGR were estimated to range as high as $100/yd , depending on the size of the waste site 3
In Situ Gaseous Reduction System Demonstrated at White Sands Missile Range,

New Mexico

25

Description:

The White Sands Missile Range lies within the Mexican Highland Section of the Basin and Range Province. 

Contamination was discovered at SWMU 143 in January 1990 when greenish-yellow soil was found in a corner of the

equipment yard. A review of facility records indicated that several 55-gallon drums of Entec 300 had spilled directly onto

the ground in 1982 or 1983. 

In a cooperative effort between DOE and DoD, ISGR was demonstrated at this site in the spring and summer of 1998. 

The technology involved injecting 200 ppm H S mixture into chromate-contaminated soils. Results showed that >70% of 2

the Cr in the soil was reduced to Cr during the demonstration, and that all post-treatment soil samples had <30 mg/kg 6+ 3+

of Cr . The amount of H S consumed during the test was greater than the amount predicted in laboratory studies, and is 6+

2

likely due to interfering reactions in the field or slower reaction kinetics. A life-cycle cost analysis suggested that ISGR

should be a less expensive remedy than excavation, especially for sites where the depth of contamination is more than 15 -

20 ft bgs. During FY 1999-2000, a deployment is planned at the DOE Hanford site to remediate Cr -contaminated soils 6+

in the 100 Area.
Electrokinetics at an Active Power Substation (Confidential Location)

26

Site Name: Location:

Active Power Substation (Confidential Location) Southern U.S.

Period of Operation: Cleanup Authority:

Summer 1998 (6 month pilot-scale study) Not identified

Purpose/Significance of Application: Cleanup Type:

First field demonstration of electrokinetic remediation in the U. S. by Field demonstration

Electrokinetics, Inc.

Contaminants: Waste Source:

Heavy Metals Herbicide use

• Arsenic concentrations ranged from 1-1,400 mg/kg

Contacts: Technology:

Vendor:

Laurie LaChiusa arsenic extraction and one for arsenic stabilization – each measuring 30 ft

Vice President long by 20 ft wide by 31 ft deep (18,600 ft )

Electrokinetics, Inc. • Each treatment cell had three anodes spaced 10 ft apart and one cathode

11552 Cedar Part Avenue located 30 ft from the middle anode; the cathode was made of carbon steel

Baton Rouge, LA 70809] and inserted to a depth of 31 ft

Telephone: (225) 753-8004 • In the first cell, a depolarizing agent was pumped in at the cathode to create a

E-mail: ekinc@pipeline.com neutral to slightly basic catholyte

Electrokinetics

• Pilot-scale testing was conducted in two adjacent treatment cells – one for

3

• In the second cell, proprietary reactive anodes were used to inject an arsenicbinding compound into the soil mass

• The first cell (extraction) required 80 kW-hr per yd ; the second cell 3

(stabilization) 74 kW-hr per yd ; for each cell, the pH was 5 and moisture 3

content was 25%

• Prior to the pilot-scale tests, bench-scale studies were conducted using soil

samples from several substation sites located in the southeastern U.S.

Type/Quantity of Media Treated:

Soil

• Silty sands without heavy clay

• Soil properties include pH of 5 and hydraulic conductivity of 6 x 10 cm/sec -5

Regulatory Requirements/Cleanup Goals:

• Assess the performance of extraction and stabilization systems, and determine which configuration would yield the best

results for extracting arsenic and preventing off-site migration

Results:

• Bench-scale test results showed that >99% of arsenic was extracted; tests of arsenic-binding compounds showed that

soil passed both the TCLP and SPLP leachability tests

• A final report for the pilot-scale demonstration had not yet been submitted, and performance results are not available

for release to the public

• Results are expected to be available in the first quarter of 2000

Costs:

• Cost data are not yet available for release to the public; these are expected to be available in the first quarter of 2000
Electrokinetics at an Active Power Substation (Confidential Location)

27

Description:

A large southern U.S. power company performed bench- and pilot-scale studies of electrokinetic extraction and

electrokinetic stabilization for selected arsenic contaminated sites. After extensive analysis of both the results of benchscale studies on representative soils and site conditions at several substations, one active power substation site

(confidential location) was selected for pilot-scale electrokinetic treatment. Both electrokinetic extraction and

electrokinetic stabilization configurations were explored at this site. 

The pilot-scale demonstration was performed using one treatment cell for arsenic extraction, that used a depolarizing

agent, and one cell for arsenic stabilization, that used proprietary reactive anodes. Results from the bench-scale tests

showed extraction of >99% of the arsenic from the soil, and that soil passed both TCLP and SPLP leachability tests. 

Results from the pilot-scale tests are expected to be made available in the first quarter of 2000.
Electrokinetics at Site 5, Naval Air Weapons Station Point Mugu, California

28

Site Name: Location:

Naval Air Weapons Station Point Mugu, Site 5 Point Mugu, California

Period of Operation: Cleanup Authority:

March 1998 - June 1999 Not identified

Purpose/Significance of Application: Cleanup Type:

Field demonstration of electrokinetics for treatment of metals in a sandy soil Field demonstration

Contaminants: Waste Source:

Heavy metals Lagoons used for wastewater

• Total concentrations of chromium up to 25,100 mg/kg and cadmium up to discharges from electroplating and

1,810 mg/kg metal finishing activities

• TCLP concentrations of chromium were nondetect and cadmium were 10.5

mg/L

Contacts: Technology:

Technology Researcher:

Gene L. Fabian and the surrounding berms, and was an artificially confined treatment area

Mechanical Engineer • The second cell (#2) was an unconfined treatment area that was open to

US Army Environmental Center groundwater and tidal effects

Attn: SFIM-AEC-ETD • Operations within test cell #2 were never initiated due to performance

5179 Hoadley Road problems observed in cell #1

APG-EA, MD 21010-5401 • An electrically nonconductive sheet pile barrier wall was installed to a depth

Telephone: (410) 436-6847 of 20 feet around the perimeter of cell #1

E-mail: • Three rows of anode wells and two rows of cathode wells were installed to a

gene.fabian@aec.apgea.army.mil depth of 10 ft; initial current density was 0.2 mA/cm

Vendor:

Lynntech, Inc. 0.33 mA/cm 

Electrokinetics

• Two 1/8-acre test cells; one cell (#1) contained the two former waste lagoons

2

• By 5/98 (3 months of operation), the size of the test area was reduced (1/16

acre), and the current density was increased from 0.2 mA/cm to more than 2

2

• In 10/98 (22 weeks of operation), the field demonstration was temporarily

suspended

• From January to June 1999, system operation resumed in a further reduced

area (approximately 500 ft )2

Type/Quantity of Media Treated:

Soil

• Soil type was sandy soil and sediment, with 85% sand, 7% gravel, 6% silt,

and 1% clay

• Soil properties included pH of 5.84, total organic carbon of 6,390 mg/kg,

hydraulic conductivity of 0.045 cm/sec, and cation exchange capacity of 3.9

Regulatory Requirements/Cleanup Goals:

• Metals - meet TCLP levels and California state total threshold limit concentration, and soluble threshold limit

concentration levels

Results:

• Analytical results of multiple soil and pore fluid samples were used to track the movement of heavy metals over time

• October 1998 results indicated that chromium was migrating towards the cathode

• June 1999 results indicated that cadmium was moving toward the surface and towards the cathode region, and that

chromium was moving toward the cathode region

• During the demonstration, elevated levels of trihalomethanes and free chlorine were found in the electrolyte solutions
Electrokinetics at Site 5, Naval Air Weapons Station Point Mugu, California

29

Costs:

Not provided

Description:

The U.S. Army Environmental Center and the Engineer Research and Development Center of Waterways Experiment

Station conducted a field demonstration of electrokinetics at a metal-contaminated site at Site 5 of Naval Air Weapons

Station Point Mugu, California. NAWS Point Mugu comprises approximately 4,500 acres, and is located approximately

50 miles northwest of Los Angeles. Site 5, the Old Area 6 Shops, is a large area where electroplating and metal finishing

operations were conducted. The area of study was approximately one-half acre in and around two former waste lagoons

located in the center of Site 5. The lagoons are unlined and were used between 1947 and 1978 to receive wastewater

discharge from electroplating and metal finishing activities. Prior to the field demonstration, extensive laboratory testing

was conducted to assess the potential effectiveness of electrokinetic extraction at NAWS Point Mugu.

Results from laboratory studies showed that electrokinetics could successfully be applied to the demonstration site at

NAWS Point Mugu. During the demonstration, electrokinetics increased the mobility of cadmium and chromium at this

site. Operation of the electrokinetic extraction system at the NAWS Point Mugu site is continuing to identify and further

assess the factors that limit the performance of the technology. According to USAEC, at its current stage of development,

this technology is not considered to be sufficiently developed to be considered as a commercially available technology. 

Issues to be resolved prior to full-scale commercialization include formation of trihalomethanes; effects on naturally

occurring ions; a methodology for predicting treatment performance; electrode design and its effects on electric field

shape and intensity; and a methodology for determining the configuration of the electrodes under field conditions.
Electrokinetic Extraction at the Unlined Chromic Acid Pit, Sandia National

Laboratories, New Mexico

30

Site Name: Location:

Sandia National Laboratories (SNL), Unlined Chromic Acid Pit New Mexico

Period of Operation: Cleanup Authority:

May 15 to November 24, 1996 Not identified

Purpose/Significance of Application: Cleanup Type:

The first field demonstration of electrokinetics for removal of contaminant ions Field demonstration

from arid soil

Contaminants: Waste Source:

Heavy metals (chromium) Waste pit

• Total chromium concentrations were measured in soil as high as 200 mg/kg,

up to 17 ft bgs

• TCLP chromium concentrations were measured in soil as high as 28 mg/L

Contacts: Technology:

Technology Researcher:

Dr. Eric R Lindgren an inner, iridium-coated titanium electrode; extracts contaminants by moving

Sandia National Laboratories them into water held under tension (a partial vacuum) inside the outer casing

P.O. Box 5800 • For demonstration, three rows of electrodes in 144 ft area; center row - five

Albuquerque, NM 87185-0719 anodes; outer two rows - each five cathodes

Telephone: (505) 844-3820 • Voltage applied between electrodes - 1,572 kW hrs total; current applied to

E-mail: erlindg@sandia.gov each electrode was about 15 amps

Electrokinetics

• SNL’s patented electrode - constructed of a porous, ceramic outer casing and

2

• Additional components included a liquid control system, a vacuum control

system, a power application system, and a monitoring system

Type/Quantity of Media Treated:

Soil

• Near surface geology consists of alluvial fan deposits with some eolian

deposits

• Sediments consist of intercalated fine-to-coarse grained, well-sorted to

poorly-sorted sands, gravels, and cobbles

• Water table located 485 ft bgs

• Soil moisture content about 10 weight percent; conductivity is <10 mS/m

Regulatory Requirements/Cleanup Goals:

• Demonstrate extraction of chromate from unsaturated soils without addition of significant amounts of water

Results:

• 13 tests were performed in the demonstration (12 operating conditions; 1 system performance testing)

• A total of approximately 600 grams of hexavalent chromium were removed from the soil after 2700 hours of operation

(0.22 g/hr) 

• At the system's preferred operating conditions, approximately 200 grams of hexavalent chromium were removed during

700 hours of operation (0.29 g per hour)

• After treatment, soil samples adjacent to the cathodes had total chromium concentrations of 72 ppm and TCLP

concentrations less than 5 mg/L

• Addition of significant amounts of water was not required

Costs:

Not provided
Electrokinetic Extraction at the Unlined Chromic Acid Pit, Sandia National

Laboratories, New Mexico

31

Description:

Sandia National Laboratories (SNL) is located southeast of Albuquerque, New Mexico, within the boundaries of Kirtland

Air Force Base. The Unlined Chromic Acid Pit is located in the Chemical Waste Landfill at SNL, which is located in

Technical Area III. The chromium disposed of in the Unlined Chromic Acid Pit was in the form of chromic sulfuric

acids. A chromium plume resides in the vadose (unsaturated) zone beneath the pit, with the most contaminated horizon

beneath the pit containing concentrations of chromium higher than 200 mg/kg.

A field demonstration of in situ electrokinetic extraction technology was conducted at the Unlined Chromic Acid Pit to

show that chromate could be extracted from unsaturated soils on a field scale without the addition of significant amounts

of water. The field demonstration targeted the floor of the former pit at a horizon 8 to 14 feet below the surface, with

three rows of electrodes placed in a 12-foot by 12-foot area. Test results met the goal, with the soil samples adjacent to

the cathodes showing total chromium concentrations of 72 ppm and TCLP concentrations less than 5 mg/L. In addition,

the electrokinetic process was found to be stable over long periods of time. While SNL's electrokinetic extraction system

was successful in removing chromium from unsaturated sandy soil, SNL noted that the electrode system was a research

prototype and was not specifically engineered for commercialization. After the 1996 field demonstration, SNL began

developing a passive system, where the system is operated at a lower power, thereby avoiding the expense of actively

cooling the electrokinetic electrode system. The new system uses a solid matrix capture system, eliminating the need for

the liquid control and vacuum systems.
In-Situ Thermal Desorption at the Former Mare Island Naval Shipyard, California

32

Site Name: Location:

Former Mare Island Naval Shipyard California

Period of Operation: Cleanup Authority:

September to December 1997 California EPA

Purpose/Significance of Application: Cleanup Type:

Field demonstration of in situ thermal desorption to treat PCBs in shallow and Field demonstration

deep contaminated soils 

Contaminants: Waste Source:

PCBs Contaminated wash water discharged

• PCB levels were measured as high as 2,200 mg/kg, with an average of 220 to soil

mg/kg during a RI

Contacts: Technology:

Vendors:

Mr. Gary R. Brown, P.E. using the MU-125 (125 cfm capacity) unit

Project Oversight Manager • 12 thermal/vapor extraction wells, installed to a depth of 14 ft bgs and

RT Environmental Services, Inc. screened from 6 inches to 14 ft, used to treat deeper soil

215 West Church Road • Two thermal blankets used to treat shallow soils 

King of Prussia, PA 19406

Telephone: 610-265-1510

Fax 610-265-0587

Email: grbrwn@aol.com

Mr. Vince Fredrick, Project Manager

TerraTherm Environmental Services,

Inc.

19510 Oil Center Blvd.

Houston, TX 77073

Telephone: 281-925-0400

Fax: 281-925-0480

Email: vfredrick@terratherm.com

U.S. Navy Contacts:

Mr. Ken Spielman

EFA West, NAVFAC

Code 182

900 Commodore Drive

San Bruno, CA 94066

Telephone: 650-244-2539

Fax: 650-244-2553

Email:

khspielman@efawest.navfac.navy.mil

Mr. Chris Lonie

EFD Pacific 

Env Restoration 258 Makalapa Dr

Pearl Harbor 96860-3134

Telephone: 808-474-5962

Email:

LonieCM@efdpac.navfac.navy.mil

In-Situ Thermal Desorption (ISTD)

• Two demonstrations were conducted  a thermal well and a thermal blanket 

• Emissions control system included a flameless thermal oxidation unit, a heat

exchanger, and GAC augmented with pelletized calcium hydroxide

• Heating was conducted for a total of 35 days (over a period of 3 months) to

reach the target temperature of 600(F at four central monitoring locations

• Process flow rates ranged from 38 to 82 scfm

Type/Quantity of Media Treated:

Soil

• Aquifer material - siltstone/fine-grained sandstone

• Groundwater depth - approximately 9 feet to 15 feet bgs 

• Moisture content - approximately 20%

• Porosity - approximately 30%
In-Situ Thermal Desorption at the Former Mare Island Naval Shipyard, California

33

Regulatory Requirements/Cleanup Goals:

• The primary performance objective for the demonstration was to treat PCBs in soil to a concentration of less than 2

mg/kg

• Off-gas limits included an HCL emission rate limit of 4.0 lbs/hr

Results:

• All post-treatment samples had total PCB concentrations below the quantitation limit (10 ug/kg) and met the

performance objective of <2 mg/kg

• On average, the thermal wells reduced total PCBs from 53,540 ug/kg to <10 ug/kg, to a 12 ft depth

• On average, the thermal blankets reduced total PCBs from 20,607 ug/kg to <10 ug/kg, to a 1 ft depth

• The HCl emission rate limit of 4.0 lbs/hr was not exceeded during the demonstration

• CO emissions were below 10 ppmV with a mean concentration of approximately 2 ppmV

• Total hydrocarbon emissions ranged from 0 to 8 ppmV with a median discharge rate of less than 0.002 lb/hr as CH4

• Excess oxygen was 12%, except during the change over to the thermal blanket 

Costs:

• Actual construction and operating costs for this project are not available

• Depending on site-specific factors, the vendor has established an overall cost range of approximately $100 to $250 per

ton

Description:

The Former Mare Island Naval Shipyard includes an electrical workshop, known as Building 866, which was used from

1955 to 1994. From 1955 to 1978, transformers washed in the workshop contained polychlorinated biphenyl (PCB) oils,

which were drained and washed into a 30-gallon sump through floor grates and drains. The liquid waste and sludge that

accumulated in the sump were pumped to a 3,000 gallon grease trap near the western corner of the building. The test site

was located in the area of the former grease trap and adjacent paved areas located at the northwest corner of Building 866. 

Levels of PCBs as high as 2,200 mg/kg were identified at the site during the remedial investigation. A demonstration of

In-Situ Thermal Desorption (ISTD) using thermal blankets and thermal wells was conducted in this area by the U.S. Navy

and the Bay Area Defense Conversion Action Team (BADCAT) Environmental Technology Project (ETP). 

ISTD is a combination of thermal desorption and vacuum extraction, and is conducted in-situ. Two demonstrations were

conducted (thermal well and thermal blanket) and were found to be effective in treating PCB impacted soils, achieving the

performance objective of 2 mg/kg. The results of the demonstrations suggested minor modifications in well heater

materials, control, and monitoring to aid in more even soil heating and extend heater life and efficiency. The heater

failures experienced on this project were attributable to the use of 316 stainless steel heater strips (rather than 310

stainless steel), and the initially high operating temperature of heaters.
Soil Vapor Extraction Enhanced by Six-Phase Soil Heating at Poleline Road

Disposal Area, Fort Richardson, Alaska

34

Site Name: Location:

Poleline Road Disposal Area (PRDA), Operable Unit B Fort Richardson, Alaska

Period of Operation: Cleanup Authority:

Treatability Study - July through December 1997 CERCLA and State

Record of Decision (ROD) date - 

August 8, 1997

Purpose/Significance of Application: Cleanup Type:

Treatability study of SVE enhanced with SPSH to treat soil contaminated with Treatability study

VOCs.

Contaminants: Waste Source:

Organic Compounds Chlorinated solvents were used

• Volatiles (halogenated) as a carrier for neutralization

- 1,1,2,2-Tetrachloroethane (TCA) chemicals after burning of

- Tetrachloroethene (PCE) materials in disposal trenches

- Trichloroethene (TCE)

- Maximum concentrations: 2,030 mg/kg TCA, 159 mg/kg PCE, 384 mg/kg TCE

Contacts: Technology:

Project Management:

USACE, Alaska District vertically in a circular array. Each electrode served as an SVE vent

P.O. Box 898 • Electric current passed through the soil creating steam and contaminant

Anchorage, Alaska 99506-0898 vapors

Kevin Gardner to a condenser

US Army, Dept of Public Works • The condenser cooled and condensed hot vapors and separated the gas and

Fort Richardson, Alaska liquid phases

(907) 384-3175 • The gas phase passed through a knockout tank and was discharged to the

Vendor:

David Fleming

Current Environmental Services

P.O. Box 50387

Bellevue, Washington 98015

(425) 603-9036

david@cesiweb.com

http://cesiweb.com/index.cfm

Regulatory Contacts:

Lewis Howard

Alaska Department of Environmental

Conservation

555 Cordova

Anchorage, Alaska 99501

(907) 269-7552

Lhoward@envircon.state.ak.us

Matt Wilkening

US EPA Region 10

1200 6 Street th

Seattle, Washington 98101

(206) 553-1284

wilkening.matt@epamail.epa.gov

Soil Vapor Extraction (SVE) with Six-Phase Soil Heating (SPSH)

• Electrical power was delivered to the soil by steel electrodes inserted

• A blower pulled soil vapors from the SVE vents and through a knockout tank

atmosphere

• The liquid stream was treated by air stripping and was discharged on site

Type/Quantity of Media Treated:

• 3,910 cubic yards or 7,150 tons of soil in situ

• Soil Moisture Content: 7.3  13.9%

• Air Permeability (within the soil volume): 1.6 x 10 cm 7 2

• Soil Porosity: 21  27%
Soil Vapor Extraction Enhanced by Six-Phase Soil Heating at Poleline Road

Disposal Area, Fort Richardson, Alaska

35

Regulatory Requirements/Cleanup Goals:

• System performance was evaluated against three primary criteria:

1. The ability of each of the three six-phase heating arrays to heat soil in-situ

2. Demonstrated removal of contaminants, as measured in the condenser off-gas and condensate

3. Demonstrated reduction of soil contamination, as measured in the pre- and post-treatment soil samples

• The air stripper effluent was compared to the Alaska maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for drinking water 

Results:

• The treatability study met all of the criteria established for system performance 

• The air stripper effluent met Alaska MCLs 

Costs:

• The total cost for this project was $967,822

• The total cost for treatment ranged from $189 to $288 per CY ($103 to $158 per ton) of soil. The soil treatment costs

ranged from $726 to $2,552 per pound of contaminant removed

• The large power requirement of the treatment equipment was a significant operating cost because the site was in a

remote location and power was provided by diesel generators

Description:

The PRDA was active from approximately 1950 to 1972. Chlorinated solvents were used as a carrier for neutralization

chemicals that were applied after burning of materials in disposal trenches. These materials included chemical warfare

agents, smoke bombs, and Japanese cluster bombs (detonated prior to burial). Four disposal areas have been identified in

an area encompassing approximately 1.5 acres. Two solvents, TCA and TCE, were found in higher concentrations and

over a larger area than any other chemicals detected. PCE was also detected above action levels. A 1996 treatability study

at the PRDA concluded that SVE was capable of removing solvent vapors from the subsurface, but at a rate that would

require more than 10 years of treatment. Based on these results, it was recommended that SVE treatment enhanced with

in-situ soil heating could be used at the site as a means for completing treatment more rapidly.

A treatability study was conducted between July and December 1997 to evaluate SVE enhanced by SPSH. Three arrays

were constructed and operated at PRDA. Two arrays were 27 feet in diameter and one array was 40 feet in diameter.

Each array was operated for six weeks after a shakedown period. The smaller arrays demonstrated over 90% removal of

soil contaminants; the larger array demonstrated over 80% removal of contaminants. These results indicated that there

may be limitations to the size of the array that can effectively treat soil at a particular site. The size of the array is limited

by the resistivity of the soil and power requirements.
Phytoremediation at Argonne National Laboratory – West, Waste Area Group 9,

Operable Unit 9-04, Idaho Falls, Idaho

36

Site Name: Location:

Argonne National Laboratory – West, Waste Area Group 9, Operable Unit 9-04 Idaho Falls, Idaho

Period of Operation: Cleanup Authority:

May to October 1998 CERCLA

• ROD dated 9/29/98

Purpose/Significance of Application: Cleanup Type:

Bench-scale testing of phytoremediation to treat heavy metals in soil Bench scale

Contaminants: Waste Source:

Heavy metals Scientific and engineering research

• Contaminants of concern included chromium, mercury, selenium, silver, and activities

zinc. 

• Soil concentrations are 44.85 mg/kg Cr, <1.5 mg/kg total Hg, and 56.32

mg/kg total Zn

Contacts: Technology:

Technology Provider:

Ray Hinchman/M. Cristina Negri sand

Argonne National Laboratory • Three candidate plant species were tested: Prairie Cascade hybrid willow;

9700 S. Cass Avenue canola; and kochia

ES-Bldg 362 • For the soil experiment, the soil was spiked with EDTA and citric acid

Argonne, IL 60439 • For the sand experiment, the soil was spiked with metals (soluble forms of

Telephone: (630) 252-3391/9662 Cr, Zn, Hg, Ag, and Se)

E-mail:

hinchman@anl.gov/negri@anl.gov

Site Contact:

Scott D. Lee

Argonne National Laboratory - West

P.O. Box 2058

Idaho Falls, ID 83403-2528

Telephone: (208) 533-7829

Phytoremediation

• Greenhouse experiments were performed using contaminated soil and clean

Type/Quantity of Media Treated:

Soil

• Site is a relatively flat, semi-arid, sagebrush desert

• Climate conditions are a temperature range of 7.9°F - 84.8°F; a growing

season of April to mid-October; and annual average precipitation of 8.7

inches

• Soil texture is loam, with particle size distribution of 47% sand, 34.6% silt,

18.4% clay

• Soil composition is 1.59% organic matter, 5.41% lime, 5,310 mg/kg

extractable Ca, 510 mg/kg extractable Mg, 76 mg/kg extractable Na, 438

mg/kg extractable K, 48 mg/kg extractable P, 71 mg/kg soluble SO , and 76 4

mg/kg soluble Na; soil pH is 8.57

Regulatory Requirements/Cleanup Goals:

• Determine uptake rates and metal concentration factors for each plant species

• Determine the most effective, non-hazardous chelating agent to increase the availability of metals from impacted soils

• Evaluate potential maximum uptake of metals by candidate plant species under selected conditions

Results:

• The optimum formulation of chelating agents for treating the metals was determined to be a 0.05 molar solution of 40%

EDTA and 60% citric acid

• In the sand experiment, the best recovery levels for zinc, chromium, mercury, and silver were found in the willow with

96%, 38%, 42%, and 24% recovery, respectively

• Testing using actual soils yielded significantly lower removals than with the sand experiment; the amount of zinc and

chromium removed was 4-5% and 2%, respectively 

• The willow roots had better removal of the metals than either kochia or canola

• It was concluded that willows would be used in the field; possible removal rates of up to 14% of Zn and 3 to 4% Cr per

year were predicted, which could result in cleanup times between 6 - 7 years for Zn and 9 years for Cr
Phytoremediation at Argonne National Laboratory – West, Waste Area Group 9,

Operable Unit 9-04, Idaho Falls, Idaho

37

Costs:

• Use of phytoremediation at full-scale for four sites at ANL-W was projected to cost $2,247,000, including management

- $528,000; documentation - $98,000; construction - $841,000; and O&M - $780,000

• The construction cost consisted of an initial 2-year field test at $300,000 and a contingency of $542,000 for five

additional years of phytoremediation

Description:

The Idaho National Engineering and Environmental Laboratory (INEEL), located in Idaho Falls, Idaho, is a government

facility managed by the U.S. DOE. Various sites at ANL-W are contaminated with wastes generated from the scientific

and engineering research at ANL-W and contain various levels of petroleum products, acids, bases, PCBs, radionuclides,

and heavy metals. The ROD for Waste Area Group 9 identifies seven areas that will undergo remediation and identifies

phytoremediation as the remedy, with a contingent remedy of excavation and disposal. As a pre-condition for

implementing phytoremediation in these areas, bench scale (laboratory and greenhouse) tests were performed to evaluate

the applicability of phytoremediation as well as to determine operating parameters and time frames for full-scale

implementation

The bench-scale tests were conducted in a greenhouse using contaminated soil and sand that was spiked with metals. 

Results from these tests showed that use of contaminated soils yielded significantly lower removals than sand, with

removals from soil of chromium - 2% and zinc - 4 to 5%, and that willows were the best species for use at the site. Based

on these results, ANL-W calculated the number of years of phytoremediation that would be required to meet the

remediation goals for several site areas, and these estimates ranged from 6 to 122 years. As a next step, each of five sites

at ANL-W will be treated using phytoremediation during a two-year field test. Each site will be planted with three-foot

tall bare-root willow trees in a grid pattern, and whole tree harvesting (roots and above ground) will occur at the end of

each growing season. Excavated trees will be chipped and transported to an on-site incineration facility for disposal.
Phytoremediation at the Open Burn and Open Detonating Area, Ensign-Bickford

Company, Simsbury, Connecticut

38

Site Name: Location:

Ensign-Bickford Company, Open Burn and Open Detonating Area Simsbury, Connecticut

Period of Operation: Cleanup Authority:

April - October 1998 Not identified

Purpose/Significance of Application: Cleanup Type:

Phytoremediation of lead in soil using both phytoextraction and Full scale

phytostabilization

Contaminants: Waste Source:

Lead Open burn and open detonation

• Average concentration of total lead was 635 mg/kg; concentrations were

higher than 1,000 mg/kg in many areas of the site, with some areas exceeding

4,000 mg/kg

• Leachable lead concentrations were higher than 0.015 mg/L using the

Synthetic Precipitation Leaching Procedure (SPLP)

Contacts: Technology:

Vendor:

Dr. Michael Blaylock concentrations - Areas 1-4) and phytostabilization (for treatment of one area

Edenspace Systems Corp. with low lead concentrations - Area 5) to reduce total soil lead concentrations

11720 Sunrise Valley Drive and SPLP extractable lead

Reston, Virginia 20191 • Soils were fertilized with nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium; dolomite lime

Telephone: (703) 390-1100 was added to adjust soil pH 

Fax: (703) 390-1180 • Fertilizers and lime were tilled into the soil to a depth of 15 to 20 cm; an

E-mail: SoilRx@aol.com overhead irrigation system was used to provide moisture

Phytoremediation

• Combination of phytoextraction (for treatment of four areas with high lead

• Areas 1-5 were seeded with Indian mustard and sunflower; 3 treatment crops

were planted

• Supplemental foliar fertilizers were added through the irrigation system

• Area 5 also treated with stabilizing amendments

Type/Quantity of Media Treated:

Soil

• Soil type is silty loam with a pH of 6.5 to 7.5

• Water table ranges in depth from 2 to 4 ft below surface soil

• Site drainage is poor; soil remains saturated throughout the growing season

(April to October)

Regulatory Requirements/Cleanup Goals:

• Reduce total lead concentrations; specific cleanup levels not identified

Results:

• Plant growth for each of the treatment crops was generally good

• Some areas within the treatment area remained saturated; these areas exhibited poor plant growth and reduced biomass

yields

• Total lead concentrations in Areas 1-4 decreased from an average of 635 mg/kg (4/98) to 478 mg/kg (10/98); by 10/98,

the highest concentrations in Areas 1-4 had been reduced

• Lead uptake ranged from 342 mg/kg (dry weight) in the Indian mustard in treatment crop 1 to 3252 mg/kg in the Indian

mustard in treatment crop 3

• Average lead uptake measured in the sunflower plant material and Indian mustard were similar, having average lead

concentrations from all crops of approximately 1000 mg/kg (dry weight).

• The average reduction in SPLP lead concentration in Area 5 was 0.95 mg/L.

Costs:

Not provided
Phytoremediation at the Open Burn and Open Detonating Area, Ensign-Bickford

Company, Simsbury, Connecticut

39

Description:

The Ensign-Bickford Company in Simsbury, Connecticut, conducted open burn/open detonation (OB/OD) activities,

resulting in near surface soils in the area becoming contaminated with lead. From 1996 to 1997, Edenspace Systems

Corp. (formerly known as Phytotech, Inc.) conducted phytoremediation treatment of a 1.5 acre area surrounding the

OB/OD area. In 1998, this effort was expanded to include a total of 2.35 acres and to address not only reductions in total

lead concentrations, but also stabilizing leachable lead in the soil. 

Phytoremediation was conducted using three treatment crops of Indian mustard and sunflower over a six month period. 

Total lead concentrations in a portion of the site decreased from an average of 635 mg/kg (4/98) to 478 mg/kg, with hot

spots also reduced. In the area where phytostabilization also was used, the average reduction in SPLP lead concentration

was 0.95 mg/L. Further treatment is planned during 1999 and 2000.
Phytoremediation at Twin Cities Army Ammunition Plant, 

Minneapolis-St. Paul, Minnesota

40

Site Name: Location:

Twin Cities Army Ammunition Plant (Site C and Site 129-3) Minneapolis-St. Paul, Minnesota

Period of Operation: Cleanup Authority:

Spring and Summer 1998 Not identified

Purpose/Significance of Application: Cleanup Type:

Phytoremediation of heavy metals in soil in a northern climate Field demonstration

Contaminants: Waste Source:

Heavy metals Burn areas, pits used for wastewater

• Site C: antimony, arsenic, beryllium, lead, and thallium; average of 2,610 disposal

ppm lead in surface soil

• Site 129-3: antimony, barium, chromium, and lead; average of 358 ppm lead

in surface soil

Contacts: Technology:

Technology Contact:

Ms. Darlene F. Bader • Sites were prepared by clearing, fencing, plowing, and installing an irrigation

U.S. Army Environmental Center system

SFIM-AEC-ETD (Bader • Two crops were grown on each site; first corn and second white mustard

5179 Hoadley Road, Bldg E4430 • Amendments (acetic acid and EDTA) were added to the soil to aid in the

Aberdeen Proving Ground, MD solubilization and uptake of lead

21010-5401 • Each crop was harvested and smelted

Telephone: (410) 436-6861

E-mail: t2hotline@aec.apgea.army.mil

Phytoremediation

• Demonstration used 0.2-acre plots at Site C and Site 129-3

Type/Quantity of Media Treated:

Soil

• Climate conditions included an average annual precipitation rate of 28.6

inches and an average annual temperature of 49.6(F; the location also can

have early/late frosts

• Soil type at Site C is peat, underlain by fine sand and sandy clay; at Site 129-

3, fine- to medium-grained sand

• Depth to water table at Site C is 2 to 6 ft bgs; at Site 129-3, 140 to 200 ft bgs

Regulatory Requirements/Cleanup Goals:

• Determine if phytoextraction is a technically and economically feasible means of reducing lead contamination from

near-surface soils; specific cleanup levels not identified

Results:

• Results from the first year’s demonstration showed less than anticipated biomass yields and lead uptake in the

harvested plant material

• Corn yielded 2.1 to 3.6 tons per acre, compared to the anticipated yield of 6.0 tons per acre; poor yields were attributed

to agronomically low producing soils at the site and the presence of other soil contaminants

• Lead concentrations in harvested corn averaged 0.65% and 0.13% dry weight for Sites C and 129-3, compared with the

0.85% removal obtained during a prior greenhouse study

• White mustard yielded 1.9 to 2.1 tons per acre; on a per plot basis, the total yields for Site C were half of this value

since the white mustard grew in only about 50% of the plot area

• In the areas where plants grew, the yields were comparable to the expected yield of 2 tons per acre of mustard

• Lead concentrations in harvested white mustard averaged 0.083% and 0.034% dry weight for Sites C and 129-3,

compared with the 1.5% obtained during greenhouse studies
Phytoremediation at Twin Cities Army Ammunition Plant, 

Minneapolis-St. Paul, Minnesota

41

Costs:

• USAEC developed a preliminary cost estimate for a typical full-scale phytoextraction project in a northern U.S.

location, with two crops grown per year (one corn and one white mustard), sub-optimal soil conditions for plant

growth, soil lead levels of about 2,500 ppm, and five years of remediation required to meet the regulatory standard

• The projected cost for full-scale phytoextraction was $30.34 per cubic yard of soil per year, or about $153 per cubic

yard of soil over the life of the project

Description:

The Twin Cities Army Ammunition Plant (TCAAP) is a 2,370-acre facility located in Arden Hills, Minnesota,

approximately 10 miles north of Minneapolis-St. Paul, Minnesota. The TCAAP was used for the production and storage

of small arms ammunition, related materials, fuzes, and artillery shell materials. A phytoremediation demonstration was

conducted at areas within Sites C and 129-3 at the TCAAP. Site C was used for burning production materials and

decontamination equipment. Site 129-3 contained pits that were believed to have contained contaminated wastewater

from a lead styphanate production facility. The project is a two-year field demonstration executed under a partnering

agreement among the U.S. Army Environmental Center (USAEC), Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA), TCAAP, and the

U.S. Army’s Industrial Operations Command (IOC). 

During the first year, phytoremediation was conducted at thee sites using corn and white mustard, and results were less

than anticipated. Changes planned for 1999 to improve performance included use of alternate mustard varieties; use of

higher fertilizer rates to encourage greater biomass; varying the irrigation scheme to encourage rooting and growth;

alternate amendment delivery systems; deep tilling; and alternate EDTA degradation methods.
EG&G's Aerobic Biofiltration System for the Destruction of Hydrocarbon TM

Vapors from Fuel-Contaminated Soils

42

Site Name: Location:

Patrick Air Force Base, Active Base Exchange (BX) Service Station Florida

Period of Operation: Cleanup Authority:

1/15/94 to 2/26/94 RCRA UST

Purpose/Significance of Application: Cleanup Type:

Treatment of extracted vapors from an SVE system Field demonstration

Contaminants: Waste Source:

Volatile hydrocarbons and BTEX Leaks from USTs

• Initial soil gas contained TVH of 2,400 ppmv in study area

Contacts: Technology:

Vendor:

EG&G proprietary mixture of inorganic and organic substrate containing active

Rotron Division bacteria

Saugerties, NY • Unit removed hydrocarbons by adsorption and biodegradation

Air Force Contact:

U.S. Air Force ppm, then passed through a humidifier prior to the Biocube

Center for Environmental Excellence • A recirculation loop was installed to allow multiple passes through the

Technology Transfer Division biofilter

Brooks AFB, TX • Air emissions from the biofilter were passed through vapor-phase carbon

Biocube (supplement to SVE) TM

• Demonstration used an above-ground biofiltration unit, consisting of a

• Soil vapors from a horizontal vent well at 4 ft bgs passed through knockout

drum and diluted with fresh air to maintain an influent concentration of 1,000 TM

prior to discharge; three 55-gal drums were used

Type/Quantity of Media Treated:

Soil vapors

• Average depth to water table is 5 ft

Regulatory Requirements/Cleanup Goals:

• Test objectives were to remove BTEX - >90% and TVH - >75%, based on an influent concentration of 1,000 ppmv

Results:

• In first 8 days of operation, at a flow rate of 30 scfm, no measurable differences were detected between BiocubeTM

influent and effluent, and the system was reconfigured

• Maximum removal efficiencies of 90.8% for BTEX and 29.5% for TVH were achieved at very low loading rates and

flow rate of 3.2 scfm

• At a 49 scfm flow rate, removal efficiencies were BTEX of 40% and TVH of 18%

• Limitations experienced during the demonstration included a relatively slow system acclimation; vacuum leaks and

dilution of process gas; and inaccurate flow measurements

Costs:

• Full-scale cost estimates were not provided based on this demonstration

• Costs provided by other biofiltration vendors showed unit costs of $18.66/kg to $38.06/kg, for TVH influent

concentrations of 1,000 to 2,000 ppmv and flow rates of 20 - 40 scfm
EG&G's Aerobic Biofiltration System for the Destruction of Hydrocarbon TM

Vapors from Fuel-Contaminated Soils

43

Description:

A field demonstration of the Biocube aerobic biofiltration system technology was conducted at Patrick Air Force Base TM

in Florida to determine the effectiveness of the technology in reducing VOCs in extracted soil vapors prior to release to

the atmosphere. The Biocube demonstration was tested on the soil vapors extracted from a single extraction well at the TM

Base Exchange service station.

The target removal efficiencies could be achieved only when the flow rate and loading were reduced to impractically low

levels. As such, the Biocube could not be used as the primary vapor treatment technology when high BTEX and TVH TM

removal efficiencies were required.
Internal Combustion Engines for the Destruction of Hydrocarbon Vapors from

Fuel-Contaminated Soils

44

Site Name: Location:

Patrick Air Force Base, Active Base Exchange (BX) Service Station Florida

Period of Operation: Cleanup Authority:

10/18/93 to 1/14/94 Not identified

Purpose/Significance of Application: Cleanup Type:

Use of an internal combustion engine to treat extracted vapors from an SVE Field demonstration

system

Contaminants: Waste Source:

Volatile hydrocarbons Leaks from USTs

• Initial soil gas contained TVH - 26,800 ppmv; benzene - ND; toluene - 15

ppmv; ethylbenzene - 14 ppmv; xylenes - 200 ppmv; concentrations

decreased after these initial levels were measured

• Low levels of oxygen and BTEX were found in the soil vapors

Contacts: Technology:

Vendor:

Tom Davis displacement engine, 55-gallon knockout drum prior to engine, and onboard

VR Systems computer 

Anaheim, CA • Horizontal vent well installed at 4 ft bgs as part of a bioventing pilot test, and

Telephone: (714) 826-0483 used in vapor extraction mode for demonstration

Fax: (714) 826-8746 • During ICE demonstration, flow rate of 150 scfm and average engine speed

Air Force Contact:

U.S. Air Force

Center for Environmental Excellence

Technology Transfer Division

Brooks AFB, TX

Internal combustion engine (ICE, as a supplement to SVE)

• Demonstration used a VR Systems Model V3 Ford Motor Company 460 in3

of 1,790 rpm used for first 2 days, followed by a flow rate of 80 scfm

• Propane used as supplemental fuel; 1,925 ft used in first 2 days 3

Type/Quantity of Media Treated:

Soil vapors

• Average depth to water table is 5 ft

Regulatory Requirements/Cleanup Goals:

• The objectives of the demonstration included evaluating the performance and cost of the ICE technology

Results:

• Destruction efficiency was >99% for BTEX and >96% for TVH throughout the test period

• A 4% reduction in TVH destruction efficiency occurred when the engine rings and valves began to wear, allowing a

portion of the propane to pass unburned through the exhaust 

Costs:

• Average operating cost was $325/day for first 5 days of operation, including equipment rental, propane, and labor

• Over the course of the test, operating costs ranged from $0.83 to 15.40/kg TVH destroyed, and $97 to 550/kg of BTEX

destroyed 

• Costs varied based on soil vapor concentrations and supplemental fuel requirements
Internal Combustion Engines for the Destruction of Hydrocarbon Vapors from

Fuel-Contaminated Soils

45

Description:

A field demonstration of an internal combustion engine (ICE) technology for extracted soil vapors was conducted at

Patrick Air Force Base in Florida. In Florida, soil vapor extraction must include a vapor treatment technology capable of

removing 99% of the VOCs prior to discharge. The ICE demonstration was tested on the soil vapors extracted from a

single extraction well at the Base Exchange service station.

The ICE tested was a Ford Motor Company 460 in displacement engine; it was preceded by a 55-gallon knockout drum. 3

An onboard computer was used to control system operation. For the demonstration, the initial flow rate was 150 scfm

with an average engine speed of 1,790 rpm, followed by a flow rate of 80 scfm for the remainder of the demonstration. 

Propane was used as supplemental fuel. The destruction efficiency measured was >99% for BTEX and >96% for TVH

throughout the test period. The researchers found that initial soil gas oxygen levels were low, and they had to adjust flow

rates to maintain an adequate oxygen/fuel ratio. According to the researchers, ICE technology is most effective when

initial soil gas TVH is greater than 40,000 ppm, when the unit can operate without supplemental fuel.
Purus PADRE Regenerative Resin System for the Treatment of Hydrocarbon ®

Vapors from Fuel-Contaminated Soils

46

Site Name: Location:

Vandenberg Air Force Base, Base Exchange (BX) Service Station Lompoc, CA

Period of Operation: Cleanup Authority:

2/11/94 to 6/1/94 Santa Barbara County Air Pollution

Control District

California Department of Toxic

Substances

Central Coast Regional Water Quality

Control Board

Purpose/Significance of Application: Cleanup Type:

Use of resin adsorption to treat extracted vapors from an SVE system Field demonstration

Contaminants: Waste Source:

Petroleum hydrocarbons and BTEX Leaks from USTs

• Maximum concentrations in soil: TPH-gasoline - 22,000 mg/kg; benzene -

210 mg/kg; toluene - 2,000 mg/kg; ethylbenzene - 490 mg/kg; xylenes - 2,900

mg/kg

• Maximum concentrations in soil gas: volatile hydrocarbons - 54,000 ppmv;

benzene - 400 ppmv

Contacts: Technology:

Vendor:

Purus Inc. hydrocarbon vapors removed using soil vapor extraction (5 SVE wells; flow

2713 N. First Street rates 20 - 49 scfm)

San Jose, CA 95134-2000 • System used filter beds filled with synthetic polymeric adsorbent (PurSorb - 

Air Force Contact:

U.S. Air Force • In the desorption cycle, organic material was volatilized, condensed, and

Center for Environmental Excellence transferred to a tank; 2-stage condenser operated at 2 C and 45 C

Technology Transfer Division • Treated soil gas with less than 1,000 ppm total hydrocarbons was returned to

Brooks AFB, TX the soil using a perimeter injection trench for in situ biotreatment

Resin Adsorption (as a supplement to SVE)

• Demonstration used a Purus Padre Model 1.6 vapor treatment system to treat ®

200); preceded by a water and dirt trap; two beds were used with 180 lbs

adsorbent/bed; beds were switched between adsorption and desorption cycles

o o

Type/Quantity of Media Treated:

Soil vapors

• Contamination found within a permeable silty sand, extending from 3 to 14 ft

bgs

• Depth to groundwater varies from 7 to 9 ft bgs and fluctuates seasonally

• Impermeable clay bed located between 14 and 20 ft bgs

• Soil vapor depleted of oxygen due to fuel biodegradation

Regulatory Requirements/Cleanup Goals:

• Objectives of the demonstration included evaluating the performance and cost of the Purus Padre technology ®

• No air emission permit was required; instead operating conditions were established for ambient air, flux emissions, and

site emissions

Results:

• Average soil vapor concentrations reduced by factor of five during first 18 days of treatment and by factor of 20 during

110 days of operation, with increase in oxygen content 

• Resin system removal rates averaged > 98% for total hydrocarbons and >99% for benzene

• The system recovered approximately 570 gallons of hydrocarbons (1,600 kgs; 3,520 lbs) and 70 gallons of water during

the 110 day demonstration
Purus PADRE Regenerative Resin System for the Treatment of Hydrocarbon ®

Vapors from Fuel-Contaminated Soils

47

Costs:

• Demonstration costs were $36,634, consisting of setup - $2,500; rental - $25,667; operation labor - $4,500; power -

$1,212; nitrogen - $1,760; and mobilization/demobilization - $1,000

• Total treatment cost corresponded to a unit cost of $23/kg ($10.45/lb) of hydrocarbons removed

• A comparison of technologies showed that internal combustion engine technology will be less expensive that Purus

Padre at fuel spill sites ®

Description:

In 1985, two 10,000 gallon unleaded gasoline tanks and associated piping were removed from the Vandenburg AFB BX

service station. Two additional gasoline storage tanks and a 250-gallon waste oil tank were removed in 1991. 

Hydrocarbon contamination was discovered in soil and groundwater beneath the tanks. A two-phased bioventing pilot

test began on February 11, 1994. During phase one, high levels of hydrocarbon vapors were removed using soil vapor

extraction, treated using a Purus Padre resin adsorption unit, and returned to the soil using a perimeter injection trench ®

for in situ biotreatment. When the average soil gas concentrations had been reduced to less than 1,000 ppmv, the Purus

Padre unit was removed and soil gas returned directly through the trench. ®

This demonstration used a Purus Padre Model 1.6 vapor treatment system to treat hydrocarbon vapors removed using ®

five soil vapor extraction wells, with a total flow rate of 20 - 49 scfm. The system used filter beds filled with PurSorb - 

200; 180 lbs adsorbent/bed were used. System removal rates averaged > 98% for total hydrocarbons and >99% for

benzene, and recovered approximately 570 gallons of hydrocarbons (1,600 kgs). Demonstration costs were $36,634,

corresponding to a unit cost of $23/kg of hydrocarbon removed. This system was found to be an effective method of

controlling vapor emissions.
Barometrically Enhanced Remediation Technology (BERT ) Demonstration at TM

Idaho National Engineering and Environmental Laboratory, RWMC, Pit 2, Idaho

Falls, Idaho

48

Site Name: Location:

Idaho National Engineering and Environmental Laboratory, Radioactive Waste Idaho Falls, Idaho

Management Complex, Pit 2

Period of Operation: Cleanup Authority:

December 1996 to January 1999 Not identified

Purpose/Significance of Application: Cleanup Type:

Demonstrated use of passive soil venting for remediation of VOC- Field demonstration

contamination

Contaminants: Waste Source:

Chlorinated solvents Waste burial pit

• Maximum concentration of carbon tetrachloride was 111 ppm

Contacts: Technology:

Technical Contacts:

William E. Lowry one-way valve to vent soil gas to the atmosphere at a low rate; the system

Science and Engineering Associates, Inc. operation relies on small changes in atmospheric pressure and wind

(505) 424-6955 effects to displace soil gas

E-mail: blowry@seabase.com • The system at INEEL used a surface seal 100 ft by 100 ft made of 45-mil

Eric Miller 10 ft thick and 30 ft diameter, and a vent pipe 6 ft tall

Lockheed Martin Idaho Technologies • In October 1996 (after almost 2 years of operation), the system was

Company modified to extend the collection plenum to the edges of the surface seal

(208) 526-9410 to expose more soil; this was referred to as the wind-enhanced

E-mail: ecm@inel.gov configuration

Management Contacts:

William Haslebacher

Federal Energy Technology Center

(304) 285-5435

E-mail: whasle@fetc.doe.gov

Barometrically Enhanced Remediation Technology (BERT ) TM

• BERT consists of a large surface area seal, a collection plenum, and a TM

EPDM, a collection plenum filled with 1⁄4 to 1⁄2 inch pea gravel that was

• No boreholes or site electrical power was used in the demonstration

Type/Quantity of Media Treated:

Soil (in situ)

• Surface soils are typically less than 20 ft thick and consist of gravelly

sand and fine-grained eolian deposits; water table is 600 ft bgs

Regulatory Requirements/Cleanup Goals:

• Objectives of demonstration were to obtain technical and cost information about BERTTM

• No specific cleanup goals were identified

Results:

• During the initial phase of the demonstration, the average vent flow rate was 9 m /day, with contaminants removed as 3

follows: TCE - 27.8 ppm and 1.15 g/day, CCl - 5.2 ppm and 0.25 g/day, and chloroform - 19.6 ppm and 0.73 g/day 4

• During the wind-enhanced phase of the demonstration, the average vent flow rate was 34 m /day, with contaminants 3

removed as follows: TCE - 18.9 ppm and 2.9 g/day, CCl - 6.8 ppm and 1.2 g/day, and chloroform - 9.4 ppm and 1.3 4

g/day

• Results showed that wind speed had a greater effect on vent flow than did changes (drop) in atmospheric pressure
Barometrically Enhanced Remediation Technology (BERT ) Demonstration at TM

Idaho National Engineering and Environmental Laboratory, RWMC, Pit 2, Idaho

Falls, Idaho

49

Costs:

• Projected costs for a full-scale application of BERT were $67,860 total, including materials, labor, and O&M, or TM

$100/yd ($74/ton) 3

• Unit costs for BERT were compared with costs for landfill disposal ($320/yd , $237/ton), soil vapor extraction TM 3

($183/yd , $136/ton), and thermal desorption ($360/yd , $267/ton), and found to be lower on both a per cubic yard and 3 3

per ton basis

Description:

The Idaho National Engineering and Environmental Laboratory (INEEL) Radioactive Waste Management Complex

(RWMC) contains a Subsurface Disposal Area (SDA). The SDA is a 96 acre fenced disposal area where mixed wastes

containing VOCs and radioactive wastes were buried in shallow waste disposal pits, trenches, and soil vault rows. 

Disposal pit 2 at the SDA received barrels of sludge between 1954 and 1965. The primary contaminant in this area was

chlorinated solvents.

The Barometrically Enhanced Remediation Technology (BERT ) was demonstrated at this site. BERT induces net TM TM

upward displacement of soil gas based on small changes in atmospheric pressure and wind speed. A system was

demonstrated that was 100 ft long by 100 ft wide, and that required no boreholes or site power. During the initial phase of

the demonstration, the average vent flow rate was 9 m /day, with removals of TCE, CCl , and chloroform ranging from 3

4

0.25 to 1.15 g/day. During the wind-enhanced phase of the demonstration, the average vent flow rate was 34 m /day, with 3

removals of TCE, CCl , and chloroform ranging from 1.2 to 2.9 g/day. Results showed that wind speed had a greater 4

effect on vent flow than changes/drops in atmospheric pressure. Unit costs for BERT were compared with costs for TM

landfill disposal, soil vapor extraction, and thermal desorption, and found to be lower on both a per cubic yard and per ton

basis. A BERT system is currently under construction at Los Alamos National Laboratory, with operation anticipated TM

by the end of July 1999.
50

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51

INCINERATION ABSTRACTS
On-Site Incineration at Weldon Spring Ordnance Works, St. Charles County,

Missouri

52

Site Name: Location:

Former Weldon Spring Ordnance Works (WSOW), Operable Unit 1 St. Charles County, Missouri

Period of Operation: Cleanup Authority:

• Trial Burn - 8/14/98 to 8/16/98 CERCLA and State

• Interim Operation - 8/17/98 to 9/18/98 Record of Decision (ROD) date - May

• Full-Scale Operation - 9/19/98 through 1999 1996

Purpose/Significance of Application: Cleanup Type:

Full-scale, on-site incineration of explosives and propellants Full scale

Contaminants: Waste Source:

Explosives/Propellants Discharge and leaks/spills of

• 2,4,6-Trinitrotoluene (TNT) and 2,4- and 2,6-Dinitrotoluene (DNT) contaminated wash water and

• Maximum concentrations: wastewater; open burning of

- 510,632 mg/kg TNT explosives

- 7,100 mg/kg 2,4-DNT

- 200 mg/kg 2,6-DNT

• Some soil contaminated by lead, asbestos, PCBs, and PAHs

Contacts:

Project Management:

Mr. Dan Mroz

USACE, Kansas City District

USACE-MD-H

601 E. 12 Street th

Kansas City, KS 64106

(816) 983-3567

Captain Jim Workman

USACE

Big Piney Building 1018

P.O. Box 200

Ft. Leonard Wood, MO 65473

(314) 498-5176

Vendor:

Mr. Alan J. Zupko

Roy F. Weston, Inc.

1 Weston Way

West Chester, PA 19380-1499

(610) 701-3623

Regulatory Contacts:

Mr. Tom Lorenz

U.S. EPA Region 7

726 Minnesota Avenue

Kansas City, KS 66101

(913) 551-7292

Mr. Ray Strebler

Missouri Department of Natural Resources,

Hazardous Waste Program,

Division of Environmental Quality

P.O. Box 176

Jefferson City, MO 65102-0176

(573) 751-7241

Technology:

On-Site Incineration

• Excavated pipeline and combustible debris were shredded

• Soil and shredded materials were fed through a screen to remove large

debris

• The incineration system consisted of a co-current, rotary kiln and a

secondary combustion chamber (SCC)

• The kiln operated at an exit gas temperature above 1626 F and the SCC o

operated above 1823 Fo

• Hot gases exiting the SCC passed through a two-stage spray tower and

two pulse-jet baghouses in parallel

• Treated soil and fly ash were stockpiled for compliance sampling

• Treated soil and fly ash that met treatment standards were used as fill

material at the site

Type/Quantity of Media Treated:

• An estimated 30,000 tons (18,000 cubic yards) of nitroaromaticscontaminated soil 

• An estimated 85,230 linear feet of nitroaromatics-contaminated wooden

pipeline

• Average Moisture Content: 18%

• BTU Value: 60 Btu/lb

• Pipeline: 1 linear foot weighed approximately 25 pounds; the shredded

density was 0.43 tons/CY
On-Site Incineration at Weldon Spring Ordnance Works, St. Charles County,

Missouri

53

Regulatory Requirements/Cleanup Goals:

• Destruction and Removal Efficiency (DRE) of 99.99% for POHC

• Regulatory limits for treated soil and fly ash after incineration were 57 ppm TNT and 2.5 ppm 2,4- and 2,6-DNT

• Treated soil and fly ash with TCLP values in excess of 5 mg/L lead were stabilized

• Air emission requirements included control of metals, hydrogen chloride, chlorine, 2,3,7,8-tetrachlorinated dibenzo-pdioxin toxic equivalents, carbon monoxide, total hydrocarbons, nitrous oxides, particulate matter and opacity in the

stack gas

Results:

• Sampling of treated soil and fly ash indicated that the soil and pipeline cleanup goals were met

• Emissions data from the trial burn, interim operations and full-scale operations indicated that all emissions standards

were met

Costs:

• The total cost for this project was $13,665,997 including all remedial activities performed at the site, including

incineration

Description:

The former Weldon Spring Ordnance Works included a nitroaromatics manufacturing facility operated by the Army

between 1941 and 1945. Wash water and wastewater generated in the TNT and DNT production plants were discharged to

settling lagoons at the WSOW prior to mid-1942 and to wastewater treatment plants via an underground wooden pipeline

after mid-1942. Leaks and spills occurred at the production buildings and the wastewater pipeline. Open burning was used

to dispose and/or treat off-specification material, surplus product and contaminated soil. Nitroaromatics were detected in

surface soil, shallow subsurface soil, groundwater and springs at the former WSOW. A ROD was signed in September

1996, specifying on-site incineration as the remedial technology for addressing nitroaromatics-contaminated soil and

wooden pipeline at the site. Contaminated soil and pipeline at the former WSOW was identified as Operable Unit (OU) 1.

Site cleanup goals were specified in the ROD. 

Site work for construction of the incinerator was commenced in December 1997. Incinerator start up and shake down were

performed in July and August 1997. The trial burn was conducted in August 1998. After receiving approval from EPA

and MDNR of the proposed operating limits, the incinerator was put into full-scale operation in September 1998. 

Treatment was completed in April 1999. The incineration system consisted of a co-current, rotary kiln followed by a SCC.

After confirming that treated soil and fly ash met the cleanup criteria, the materials were backfilled at the site.

Demobilization of the incinerator from the site was completed in 1999.
54

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55

THERMAL DESORPTION ABSTRACTS
Thermal Desorption at the Arlington Blending and Packaging Superfund Site

Arlington, Tennessee

56

Site Name: Location:

Arlington Blending and Packaging Superfund Site Arlington, TN

Period of Operation: Cleanup Authority:

January 13 to June 4, 1996 CERCLA - Remedial Action

• ROD signed June 28, 1991

Purpose/Significance of Application: Cleanup Type:

Application of low temperature thermal desorption to treat pesticide- Full scale

contaminated soil

Contaminants: Waste Source:

Pesticides and Metals Leaks and spills of pesticides during

• Maximum concentrations during remedial investigation: chlordane (390 blending and packaging operations;

mg/kg surface and 120 mg/kg subsurface); endrin (70 mg/kg surface and 20 process wastewater discharged to

mg/kg subsurface); pentachlorophenol (130 mg/kg surface and 9.5 mg/kg) drainage ditches at the site

subsurface; arsenic (370 mg/kg surface)

Contacts: Technology:

Vendor:

Smith Environmental Technologies

Corporation (formerly Canonie)

EPA Remedial Project Manager: • Off-gas treatment included a cyclone/baghouse system; a low pressure drop

Derek Matory

U.S. EPA Region 4

345 Courtland Street, NE

Atlanta, GA 30365

Telephone: (404) 562-8800

Fax: (404) 562-8788

E-mail: matory.derek@epa.gov

Additional Contacts:

George Harvell

Memphis Environmental Center

2603 Corporate Avenue, Suite 100

Memphis, TN 38132

Telephone: (901) 345-1788

Fax: (901) 398-4719

Paul Sadler

Senior Project Engineer

Focus Environmental, Inc.

9050 Executive Park Drive

Knoxville, TN 37923

Telephone: (423) 694-7517

E-mail: psadler@focusenv.com

Low Temperature Thermal Desorption

• Direct-fired rotating dryer that heated the soil to between 580 and 750(F

using a hot air stream 

• Propane gas was used to heat the air stream, and the organic constituents in

the soil were desorbed in the dryer through contact with the heated air 

Venturi air scrubber; and vapor-phase carbon adsorption

• A vacuum of 0.10 to 0.18 inches of water was maintained throughout the

process train

Type/Quantity of Media Treated:

Soil - 41,431 tons 

• Soils primarily silty sands with an average moisture content of 17 wt%

• pH of soil - 6.8

Regulatory Requirements/Cleanup Goals:

• Cleanup goals for organics were: chlordane (3.3 mg/kg); heptachlor (0.3 mg/kg); pentachlorophenol (0.635 mg/kg); 

endrin (0.608 mg/kg); heptachlor expoxide (0.2 mg/kg)

• Cleanup goal for arsenic initially established at 25 mg/kg in ROD; changed to 100 mg/kg in ESD. All treated soil with a

total arsenic concentration >100 mg/kg was to be disposed of off-site. Any treated soil with total arsenic concentrations

>100 mg/kg and leachable arsenic >5mg/L (determined by the toxicity characteristic leaching procedure) was required

to be identified as hazardous waste and stabilized prior to disposal off-site

• Emission standards for the unit were total hydrocarbons (500 ppmv); particulates (0.08 gr/dscf); and system removal

efficiency (>95%)
Thermal Desorption at the Arlington Blending and Packaging Superfund Site

Arlington, Tennessee

57

Results:

• A total of 84 batches of soil (41,431 tons) were treated 

• All but six batches of soil met the cleanup goals for the organics on the first pass through the system

• Three batches exceeded the cleanup levels and were retreated and met the cleanup goals

• An additional three batches were slightly above the cleanup levels for total chlordane; based on the concentrations, EPA

determined that the batches were not required to be retreated

• One batch of treated soil did not meet the 100 mg/kg limit for arsenic and was shipped offsite for disposal in a Subtitle

C landfill; however, because the TCLP level for arsenic was below the 5 mg/L limit, solidification/stabilization prior to

off-site disposal was not required

• Compliance with the emissions standards was verified during the performance test; the unit met all emissions standards

during the three test runs, achieving a system removal efficiency >99.999%

Costs:

• Total project cost was $5,586,376 including $4,356,244 in costs directly associated with the thermal treatment

• Treatment costs included $4,293,893 in capital costs and $62,351 in O&M costs 

• The calculated unit cost for this application was $105 per ton, based on 41,431 tons of soil treated

Description:

The Arlington Blending and Packaging Superfund site, located in Arlington, Tennessee, is a 2.3 acre site that was used for

the formulation and packaging of pesticides and herbicides from 1971 to 1978. Chemicals handled at the facility included

the pesticides endrin, aldrin, dieldrin, chlordane, heptachlor, lindane, methyl parathion, and thimet as well as solvents and

emulsifiers used in the formulation operations. Leaks and spills of chemicals occurred during these operations and process

wastewater was discharged to drainage ditches at the site. The site was placed on the National Priorities List (NPL) in July

1987. A remedial investigation (RI), begun in 1988, determined that the main areas of soil contamination at the site were

located around and beneath the process buildings. The ROD, signed in 1991, specified excavation of contaminated soil and

treatment on site using thermal desorption.

Smith’s low temperature thermal aeration (LTTA) process was used to treat the contaminated soil at the site. The unit

included a direct-fired rotating dryer that heated the soil using a hot air stream. The heated soil was discharged from the

rotary dryer to an enclosed pugmill where it was quenched with water to cool and rehumidify the soil. The treated soil was

then sampled, and based on the results, backfilled on site or stabilized and shipped off-site for disposal. A total of 41,431

tons of contaminated soil in 84 batches were treated during this application. All but six batches of soil met the cleanup

goals for the organics on the first pass through the system. Three batches exceeded the cleanup levels and were retreated.

Three additional batches slightly exceeded the cleanup goal for total chlordane. EPA determined, based on the

concentrations, that the batches did not have to be retreated. Following confirmation that the cleanup goals had been met,

treated soil was backfilled at the site. Only one batch of treated soil did not meet the total arsenic limit and was shipped

offsite for disposal in a Subtitle C landfill. The original estimate for the soil excavation was 10,000 tons, based on the

results from field-based screening using the Drexil method. Subsequent verification analyses indicated that the results

from this method were not accurate. The site was recharacterized, using immunoassay sampling (results confirmed to be

accurate by an off-site laboratory), and an additional 30,000 tons of soil requiring excavation were identified. The use of

immunoassay sampling saved time by providing real time results (versus 5 to 6 day turnaround time for an off-site

laboratory). 
Thermal Desorption at Letterkenny Army Depot Superfund Site, K Areas, OU 1

Chambersburg, Franklin County, Pennsylvania

58

Site Name: Location:

Letterkenny Army Depot Superfund Site K Areas, OU 1 Chambersburg, Franklin County, Pennsylvania

Period of Operation: Cleanup Authority:

September 1993 to October 1994 CERCLA

• ROD signed June 28, 1991

• ROD modified August 2, 1991

Purpose/Significance of Application: Cleanup Type:

Thermal desorption to treat VOC-contaminated soil, including soils with Full scale

high oil and grease content

Contaminants: Waste Source:

Volatile Organic Compounds and Metals Disposal of waste in lagoons; leaks and spills

• Maximum concentrations of TCE of 30,000 mg/kg in soils in K areas from waste solvent drum storage area

• Maximum concentrations of lead of 10,000 mg/kg in soils in K areas

Contacts: Technology:

Vendor:

McLaren/Hart, Inc

300 Stevens Drive

Philadelphia, PA 19113

EPA Contact:

Stacie Driscoll water; volumetric air flow of 500 to 1,000 cubic feet per minute per

U.S. EPA Region 3 chamber

1650 Arch Street • Residence Time- 60 minutes for clay soils and 120 to 150 minutes for

Philadelphia, PA 19103 black stained soils

Telephone: (215) 814-3368 • Off-gas treatment included two cyclones, two air expansion chambers

Facsimile: (215) 814-3001 to cool the temperature of the air from about 120( F to about 90(F,

E-mail: driscoll.stacie@epamail.epa.gov and one 4,000 pound activated carbon adsorption unit

USACE Contact:

Paul Stone

U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE)

Baltimore District

PO Box 1715

Baltimore, MD 21203-1715

Telephone: (410) 962-4906

Facsimile: (410) 962-6732

E-mail: Paul.R.Stone@nab02.usace.army.mil

Low Temperature Thermal Desportion

• Patented I.R.V.-100 LTTD system

• 1.2 million BTU/hr system; six carbon steel treatment chambers (5

cubic yards of soil per chamber capacity)

• Each chamber equipped with 16 propane-fired infrared heaters; soil

temperature of 600(F

• System operated at under a vacuum of 12 to 20 column inches of

Type/Quantity of Media Treated:

Soil - 13,986 cubic yards (11,366 cubic yards of clay soil; 2,620 cubic

yards of black stained soil) 

Regulatory Requirements/Cleanup Goals:

• ROD specified cleanup goal for TCE in treated soil - 0.05 mg/kg

• RCRA Land Disposal Restriction treatment standards for the following VOCs - acetone, benzene, carbon tetrachloride,

chlorobenzene, o-dichlorobenzene, 1,1,1-trichloroethane, 1,1,2-trichloroethane, tetrachloroethene, ethylbenzene,

toluene, and total xylene) and for metals

• No goals were established for total RCRA metals 

• Emissions standards for the unit included an opacity limit of < 10% for 30 minutes, total VOC emissions of < 1

pound/hour, and particulate matter of < 0.08 grains per dry standard cubic foot
Thermal Desorption at Letterkenny Army Depot Superfund Site, K Areas, OU 1

Chambersburg, Franklin County, Pennsylvania

59

Results:

• A total of 13,986 cubic yards of contaminated soil were treated to the cleanup goals; information on the total number of

batches treated was not provided

• Soil that did not meet the cleanup goals on the first pass were retreated until the goals were met; approximately 10% of

the clay soils and 14% of the black stained soils from the K-1 area required retreatment 

• Treated soil that exceeded the TCLP limits for metals required to be stabilized and shipped off site for disposal; 

treated soils that was excavated from the top 6 feet of the K-1 area and the top 3 feet of the K-2 area were stabilized

prior to off-site disposal; a total of about 4,000 cubic yards of treated soils was stabilized prior to disposal off site 

• The remaining treated soil was backfilled on-site

Costs:

• Total actual project cost - $5,402,801, including $4,647,632 in actual costs for McLaren/Hart’s application of thermal

treatment and other project costs identified by USACE for design and project remediation ($192,827), design contract

costs ($249,320), and construction contract management ($312,320)

• The unit cost for the application was $220 per cubic yard, based on 13,986 cubic yards of soil treated

• McLaren/Hart’s actual costs of $4,647,632 include $2,622,470 for five modifications to the contract

• USACE subsequently paid McLaren/Hart a total of $3,905,256 for the remediation of the K area soils, as a result of a

settlement agreement regarding costs of the modifications

Description:

The Letterkenny Army Depot is a 19,243-acre U.S. Army facility located in Chambersburg, Franklin County,

Pennsylvania. Since 1942, the Army has used the site to overhaul, rebuild, and test missile systems; store and demilitarize

ammunition; and maintain and refurbish equipment and vehicles. Operations at the facility have included degreasing,

metal plating, painting and paint stripping, steam cleaning, and petroleum storage. Wastes from these operations were

disposed of in landfills, trenches, pits, and surface impoundments at the site. Site investigations identified elevated levels

of volatile organic compounds in soil and groundwater in the site, including three areas of soil contamination, also referred

to as the K areas. K-1 was a waste disposal lagoon, K-2 was used as a transfer station, and K-3 was an area used to store

drums of waste solvent. A 1992 remedial investigation identified elevated levels of TCE, polychlorinated biphenyls

(PCBs), metals, and semivolatile organic compounds (SVOCs) in soils in the K areas. A Record of Decision, signed in

June 1991, specified excavation of VOC-contaminated soil and on-site treatment using low temperature thermal

desorption. 

A low temperature thermal desorption system (LTTD), model I.R.V.- 100 designed by McLaren/Hart, was used to treat the

contaminated soil from the K areas. The 1.2 million BTU/hr system, operated under vacuum, included a total of six

carbon steel treatment chambers used to heat soils to temperatures up to 600(F. The unit operated from September 1993

to October 1994. A total of 13,986 cubic yards of soil were treated during this application, including 2,620 cubic yards of

“black stained” soils that were encountered during the excavation of areas K-1 and K-3. The black stained soils contained

heavy oils, greases, and debris and were stockpiled separately from the “clay soils” for treatment. Approximately 10% of

the clay soils and 14% of the black stained soils from the K-1 area were retreated. In addition, a total of about 4,000 cubic

yards of treated soils was stabilized prior to disposal. This included treated soil that was above the TCLP metals levels and

from the top 6 feet of K-1 area and top 3 feet of K-2 area. The remaining treated soil was backfilled on-site. According to

vendor, the presence of the black stained soils had not been anticipated at the time of the original contract. The adverse

effects of these soils on the operation of the unit, from the heavy hydrocarbons in the soil, were discovered during the first

demonstration test and required modification to the design and operation of the system, including expansion of the

emissions controls. This resulted in increased costs and a delay in the schedule over the original plan.
Low Temperature Thermal Desorption at Longhorn Army Ammunition Plant,

Karnack, Texas

60

Site Name: Location:

Longhorn Army Ammunition Plant, Burning Ground No. 3 Karnack, Texas

Period of Operation: Cleanup Authority:

• Proof of Performance Test - February 1997 CERCLA and State

• Full-Scale Operation - February to December 1997 ROD date - May 1995

Purpose/Significance of Application: Cleanup Type:

Thermal desorption to treat chlorinated solvents in the site soil and source Full scale

materials

Contaminants: Waste Source:

Organic Compounds - Volatiles (Halogenated) Open burning, incineration,

• Trichlororethylene (TCE) and Methylene Chloride evaporation, and burial of pyrotechnic

• Maximum concentrations in mg/kg - TCE (1,000 mg/kg) and Methylene and combustible solvent wastes

Chloride (742 mg/kg)

Contacts: Technology:

Project Management:

Jonna Polk

USACE, Tulsa District

1645 South 101 Avenue st

Tulsa, OK 74128-4629

Oscar Linebaugh

USACE, Ft. Worth District

Eastern Area Office

(318) 676-3365 x225

David Tolbert • Solids exiting the thermal desorption units and baghouses were stockpiled for

Longhorn/Louisiana Army compliance sampling

Ammunition Plant

Highway 80 East, Gate 4

Doyline, LA 71055

(903) 679-2054

Vendor:

Bryan Smith

Radian International LLC

Longhorn Army Ammunition Plant

P.O. Box 107

Karnack, TX 75661

(903) 679-3448

Regulatory Contact:

Chris Villarreal

U.S. EPA Region 6

1445 Ross Avenue, Suite 1200

Dallas, TX 75202-2733

(214) 665-6758

Diane Poteet

TNRCC

Superfund Investigation, 

MC-143

12100 Park 35 Circle, Bldg. D

Austin, TX 78753

On-Site Low Temperature Thermal Desorption (LTTD)

• Soil was fed through a vibrating screen to remove large debris

• Soil passed counter-current to hot combustion gases in one of two parallel

LTTD units

• Soil was heated between 350 and 650 Fo

• The gas stream from each LTTD unit passed through a baghouse and then the

two streams were combined

• The combined gas stream was preheated to 680 F prior to entering the o

catalytic oxidizer where desorbed VOCs in the gas stream were destroyed

• Hot gases exiting the oxidizer passed through a heat exchanger, multi-stage

quench and packed bed scrubber

Type/Quantity of Media Treated:

Soil (ex situ)

• 32,293 cubic yards (51,669 tons) of soil

• Average Clay Content: 31.5 %

• Mean Particle Size: 0.032 mm

• Average Moisture Content: 17.5 %

• Bulk Soil Density: 1.6 tons per cubic yard
Low Temperature Thermal Desorption at Longhorn Army Ammunition Plant,

Karnack, Texas

61

Regulatory Requirements/Cleanup Goals:

• If TCE or methylene chloride concentrations in the soil were below 40 mg/kg, the treatment objective was to reduce the

concentrations to 2 mg/kg or lower

• If TCE or methylene chloride concentrations in the soil exceeded 40 mg/kg, the treatment objective was to reduce the

concentrations by at least 95%

• Air emission requirements included control of total chemical emissions, particulate matter and 2,3,7,8-tetrachlorinated

dibenzo-p-dioxin toxic equivalents in the stack gas

Results:

• Sampling of treated soil indicated that all soil cleanup goals were met

• Emissions data from the Proof of Performance test and full-scale operations indicated that all emissions standards were

met

Costs:

• The total cost for this project was $4,886,978

• The total cost for treatment was $151 per cubic yard ($95 per ton) of contaminated material

Description:

Burning Ground No. 3 was operational from 1955 to 1997. The site was used for the treatment, storage, and disposal of

pyrotechnic and combustible solvent wastes including open burning, incineration, evaporation and burial. Site

investigations indicated the presence of high concentrations of chlorinated solvents and heavy metals in subsurface soils

and shallow groundwater at the site. In addition, buried sawdust and other solvent-contaminated wastes were encountered. 

A ROD was signed in May 1995, specifying LTTD as the remedial technology for addressing soil contamination at the

site. Site soil cleanup goals were specified in the ROD. 

Mobilization and set-up of the soil treatment plant (STP) occurred in January 1997. System start-up and shake down and

the Proof of Performance test were conducted in February 1997. After successfully demonstrating that the STP could meet

performance requirements, the STP was put into full production. Soil/source material excavation and full-scale operation

of treatment system was performed between February and December 1997. The STP consisted of a counter-current, LTTD

system followed by a low-temperature, catalytic oxidation system to treat the LTTD off-gas. After confirming that treated

soil met the cleanup criteria, the soil was used as general fill material for landfill caps at two sites at the LHAAP. 

Demobilization of the STP from the site was completed in January 1998 and site restoration was completed by June 1998.
Thermal Desorption at the Rocky Flats Environmental Technology Site, 

Trenches T-3 and T-4, Golden, Colorado

62

Site Name: Location:

Rocky Flats Environmental Technology Site, Trenches T-3 and T-4 Golden, Colorado

Period of Operation: Cleanup Authority:

June - August 1996 CERCLA - Removal

• Action Memorandum

Date - January 18, 1996

Purpose/Significance of Application: Cleanup Type:

Application of thermal desorption to treat soils contaminated with VOCs and low levels of Full scale

radiation

Contaminants: Waste Source:

Chlorinated solvents, ketones, and low level radionuclides Burial of drums and debris

• The highest concentrations of VOCs in trench T-3 were TCA at 13,000 mg/kg, acetone at in trenches on the site

5,100 mg/kg, methylene chloride at 2,400 mg/kg, and carbon tetrachloride at 700 mg/kg 

• The highest concentrations of VOCs in trench T-4 were TCE at 680 mg/kg and acetone at

120 mg/kg

• Subsurface soils contaminated with low levels of radionuclides including uranium,

plutonium, and tritium

Contacts: Technology:

Vendor:

Ronnie Hill

Principal Construction Manager

McLaren-Hart, Inc.

9323 Stockport Place

Charlotte, NC 28273

(704) 587-0003

ronnie_hill@mclaren-hart.com

EPA Contact: • System throughput - 1 yd /hour

Tim Rehder

Rocky Flats Project Coordinator

U.S. EPA Region 8

999 18 Street, Suite 500 th

Denver, CO 80202-2466

(303) 312-6293

rehder.timothy@epa.gov

State Contact:

Steve Gunderson

CDPHE Rocky Flats Cleanup Agreement Coordinator

4300 Cherry Creek Dr. South

Denver, CO 80246-1530

(303) 692-3367

steve.gunderson@state.co.us

DOE Contact:

Hopi Salomon

Rocky Mountain Remediation Services, LLC

Rocky Flats Environmental Technology Site

P.O. Box 464

Golden, CO 80402-0464

(303) 966-2677

Fax: (303) 966-8244

Vacuum-enhanced low temperature thermal desorption

• IRV-100 system manufactured by McLaren-Hart

• 6 treatment chambers (18 feet long, 8 feet wide and 5 feet

high; operating capacity of 5yd per chamber) 3

• Each chamber equipped with 16 propane units

• Energy output of total system (infrared energy) - 1.5 MM

Btu/hr

• Vacuum condition in treatment chamber - 500 mm Hg

• Air flow rate - 1,000-3,000 cfm

• Residence time - 5.25 hours 3

• Soil temperature - 250(F 

• Emissions controls - two dry particulate filters (in series), a

condenser, and a granular activated carbon unit

Type/Quantity of Media Treated:

Soil and debris - 3,796 cubic yards 

• Soils consist of sandy and clayey gravel

• Moisture content approximately 8%
Thermal Desorption at the Rocky Flats Environmental Technology Site, 

Trenches T-3 and T-4, Golden, Colorado

63

Regulatory Requirements/Cleanup Goals:

Cleanup goals specified for 12 VOCs:

• Goal of 6 mg/kg each for TCE, TCA, PCE, DCE, DCA, chloroform, carbon tetrachloride

• Goal of 10 mg/kg each for benzene, ethylbenzene, toluene

• Goal of 160 mg/kg for acetone and 30 mg/kg for methylene chloride

Results:

• A total of 58 batches (3,796 yd total) of soil were treated during this application 3

• Of the 58 batches treated, 52 met the cleanup goals on the first pass, including 20 batches where all 12 VOCs were

below the detection level 

• Six batches did not meet the cleanup goals on the first pass, exceeding the level for PCE; these batches were retreated

and met the cleanup goals

• Concentrations of six VOCs (TCA, DCE, DCA, carbon tetrachloride, chloroform, and ethylbenzene) were below the

detection level in all 58 batches 

• According to the vendor, there were no exceedances of the applicable air emissions standards

Costs:

• The total cost for this project was $1,934,203, including $1,328,600 in costs directly associated with the thermal

treatment

• The calculated unit cost was $350/yd based on the treatment of the 3,796 yd of contaminated soil and debris 3 3

• The original contract cost was $1,200,000, based on treating 2,200 yds of contaminated soil; two change orders were 3

issued for the remediation of additional soil volumes, changing the total amount of soil treated from 2,200 yd to 3,796 3 

yd , with a final project cost of $1,934,204 3

Description:

From 1951 to 1989, the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) used the Rocky Flats site to process and store plutonium,

manufacture components for nuclear weapons, fabricate, machine, and assemble components from metals, and store

solvents used in the manufacturing processes. Hazardous and radioactive wastes were stored and disposed of at various

locations at the site, including on-site trenches. Waste handling practices at the site also included recycling of hazardous

materials. Trenches T-3 and T-4 were used for the disposal of sanitary sewage sludge contaminated with uranium and

plutonium and miscellaneous debris, primarily flattened drums contaminated with volatile organic compounds (VOCs),

uranium, and plutonium. Subsurface soils in trenches T-3 and T-4 were found to contain elevated levels of VOCs,

semivolatile organic compounds, and metals, along with low-level radiological contamination. A Proposed Action

Memorandum (PAM) was issued in January 1996 calling for thermal treatment of the T3/T4 soils. Prior to treatment, each

load of excavated soil was screened using a Field Instrument for the Detection of Low Energy Radiation (FIDLER) to

identify “potentially radiologically contaminated material”. Soil with readings above 5,000 counts per minute (cpm) was

segregated and treated separately from the soil that was not considered to be potentially radioactive. A total of about 380

cubic yards of soil were identified as potentially radioactive.

The thermal desorber used at this site, an infrared radiation-heated unit manufactured by McLaren-Hart (the IRV-100

system), was a modular, batch-operated vacuum system, equipped with six treatment chambers. The system was operated

under a vacuum of approximately 500 mm Hg and soil was heated to temperatures of 250(F. Thermal treatment

operations were conducted from June to August, 1996. A total of 58 batches (3,796 yd total) of soil were treated during 3

this application. Fifty-two of the batches met the cleanup goals on the first pass. The six batches that did not meet the

cleanup goals were retreated and met the cleanup goals. The total project cost was $1.9 million with the cost for the

thermal treatment application being $1.3 million or $350/yd (based on 3,796 yd of contaminated soil and debris). 3 3

According to vendor, the total project cost would likely be less for a similar application at sites where radiological

engineering controls were not required. 
64

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65

OTHER EX SITU SOIL TREATMENT ABSTRACTS
Slurry Reactor Biotreatment of Explosives-Contaminated Soils at Joliet Army

Ammunition Plant, Joliet, Illinois

66

Site Name: Location:

Joliet Army Ammunition Plant Joliet, Illinois

Period of Operation: Cleanup Authority:

July 1994 to August 1995 CERCLA

• Final ROD scheduled for June 2001

Purpose/Significance of Application: Cleanup Type:

Use of bioslurry technology for treatment on explosives wastes Field demonstration

Contaminants: Waste Source:

Explosives Process water from munitions washout

• Excavated soils had concentrations of TNT - 1,000 - 6,226 mg/kg; DNT - ND

- 360 mg/kg; TNB - 48 - 360 mg/kg; RDX - ND - 310 mg/kg; and HMX - ND

- 215 mg/kg

Contacts: Technology:

Technical Contacts:

J.F. Manning, Jr., R. Boopathy, and

E.R. Breyfogle

Argonne National Laboratory

Environmental Research Division

Bioremediation Group

9700 South Cass Avenue

Argonne, IL 60439-4843

Mark Hampton

U.S. Army Environmental Center

SFIM-AEC-ETD

Aberdeen Proving Ground, MD

21010-5401

(410) 436-6852

mark.hampton@aec.apgea.army.mil

EPA Remedial Project Manager:

Diana Mally

U.S. EPA Region 5

77 W. Jackson Blvd.

Chicago, IL 60604

(312) 886-7275

E-mail: mally.diana@epa.gov

In Situ Bioremediation

• Field bioslurry system included a soil screening operation, four 420-gallon

bioslurry reactor tanks (variable speed drive mixer with double impeller); two

slurry dewatering beds; and tanks for water storage 

• Bioslurry demonstration was performed in the reactors (350-380 gals/reactor),

with addition of molasses, pH adjustment (to >6), and aerobic-anoxic

operating cycles

• Four reactors were operated: (1) a control with no molasses; (2) a 20% weekly

replacement; (3) a 10% weekly replacement; and (4) a 5% daily replacement

• All reactors were operated with a 10-16% W/W soil slurry in a sequencing

batch mode

• Soil was screened to 40 mesh (0.0165 inch) prior to placement in the reactors

Type/Quantity of Media Treated:

Soil

Regulatory Requirements/Cleanup Goals:

• Determine effectiveness and cost of bioslurry systems for degrading explosives in soil

• Evaluate a field-scale system for mechanical integrity and ability to enrich a microbial consortium, and to analyze

system performance over an extended operating period

• A target goal of 20 mg/kg for TNT was used for the demonstration, since a cleanup goal had not yet been established
Slurry Reactor Biotreatment of Explosives-Contaminated Soils at Joliet Army

Ammunition Plant, Joliet, Illinois

67

Results:

• Removed more than 99% of explosives from the soil

• The 20% weekly replacement reactor (soil retention time of 5 weeks), when operated at >25 C, degraded TNT to <50 o

mg/kg and DNT to <100 mg/kg, and RDX and TNB to <10 mg/kg; the report does not indicate if this reactor met the

target goal for TNT

• The 10% weekly replacement reactor (soil retention time of 10 weeks), when operated at >25 C, degraded TNT to <20 o

mg/kg and DNT to <10 mg/kg, and RDX and TNB to <10 mg/kg

• The 5% daily replacement reactor (soil retention time of 5 weeks) had performance similar to that of the 20% weekly

replacement reactor, and removed TNT to <20 mg/kg

• The control reactor (no molasses addition) showed no explosives removed from the soil

Costs:

• Projected costs for full-scale implementation of the slurry-phase biotreatment system was $290-350/yd3

Description:

Joliet Army Ammunition Plant was constructed in Will County, Illinois, approximately 17 miles south of Joliet, in the early

1940's. JAAP contains two major functional areas - a manufacturing area for production of constituent chemicals and

explosive materials, covering 14 square miles, and a load-assemble-package (LAP) area for munitions filling and assembly

lines, storage magazines, and demilitarization, covering 27 square miles. In April 1989, the LAP area was added to the

NPL. Soil for a field demonstration of bioslurry technology was obtained from Group 61, Site L1 of the LAP Area, a

ridge-and-furrow area that received pink water from washout of munitions.

The field demonstration showed that bioslurry technology could reduce concentrations of TNT and other explosives in

soil. The important process parameters are the need for an organic co-substrate (molasses), operation of the reactors in an

aerobic-anoxic sequence, and temperature. In warmer temperatures (>25 C), operation of the system at 20% weekly o

replacement will achieve removal of explosives. Colder temperatures did not destroy the microbial activity, but did slow

the metabolic rate. In particular, degradation of TNT continued with the accumulation of DNT. The reactors were

operated successfully at lower replacement rates (10% weekly) in colder weather. The treated soil (bioslurry) can be

applied directly to land and will not affect plant growth.
Joint Small Arms Range Remediation (Physical Separation and Acid Leaching)

at Fort Polk Range 5, Leesville, Louisiana

68

Site Name: Location:

Fort Polk Range 5 Leesville, Louisiana

Period of Operation: Cleanup Authority:

August - December, 1996 RCRA

Purpose/Significance of Application: Cleanup Type:

Demonstration of physical separation and acid leaching to treat metals in soil Field demonstration

Contaminants: Waste Source:

Heavy Metals - Lead Small arms testing

• Stockpiled untreated soil had a lead assay of 0.5%

Contacts: Technology:

Vendor Contacts:

Acetic Acid Leaching:

Thomas Leggiere

ContracCon Northwest Inc

Hydrochloric Acid Leaching:

Craig Jones

Brice Environmental Corporation

Army Contacts: • The treated soil slurry was separated from the leachate and dewatered (filter

Richard O’Donell

Lisa Miller

Army Environmental Center

Physical separation and acid leaching

• Demonstration included two vendors - one used physical separation and acetic

acid (weak acid) leaching; the other used physical separation and hydrochloric

acid (strong acid) leaching

• Physical separation for both vendors included screening to remove oversize

debris, including bullets and bullet fragments; hydrodynamic separation;

density separation; froth flotation; and magnetic separation

• Following separation, the soil was mixed with the acid in a tank; for the acetic

acid leaching, three tanks were used in series; for the hydrochloric acid

leaching, one mix tank was used

press); leachate was regenerated (preciptiation)

• Average processing rate - 2.8 tons/hr (acetic acid) and 6.3 tons/hr

(hydrochloric acid) 

Type/Quantity of Media Treated:

Soil

• Acetic acid leaching process - 263 tons

• Hydrochloric acid leaching process - 835 tons

Regulatory Requirements/Cleanup Goals:

• TCLP for lead of 5 ug/L

• Total metals concentration for lead, copper, zinc, and antimony - 1,000 mg/kg each for acetic acid leaching and 500

mg/kg each for hydrochloric acid leaching

Results:

• Soil from physical separation alone was tested for TCLP lead; did not meet cleanup criteria

• Acetic Acid Leaching:

– Initially, approximately 93% total lead, 93% total copper, 77% total zinc, and 70% total antimony removed

– During the demonstration, both total and leachable lead levels in treated soil rose due to buildup of lead in

regenerated leachate as a result of inadequate precipitation

– Total lead was reduced from 2,828 mg/kg in untreated soil to 122-1,443 mg/kg in processed soil; data on TCLP lead

levels was not provided

• Hydrochloric Acid Leaching: 

– Met both total and TCLP lead targets throughout demonstration

– Removed 96% total lead, 97% total copper, 89% total zinc, and 60% total antimony

– Total lead was reduced from 4,117 mg/kg in untreated soil to 165 mg/kg in treated soil

– Average TCLP lead level in treated soil was 2 mg/L
Joint Small Arms Range Remediation (Physical Separation and Acid Leaching)

at Fort Polk Range 5, Leesville, Louisiana

69

Costs:

• Costs from the acid leaching demonstration were not analyzed because of the operational difficulties experienced with

leachate regeneration 

• Costs for physical separation and hydrochloric acid leaching demonstration were $1,400/ton for the 835 tons of soil

processed

• Projected full-scale costs for physical separation and hydrochloric acid leaching are $170/ton based on 10,000 tons of

soil

Description:

A demonstration of physical separation and acid leaching of soil from a small arms testing range at Fort Polk was

conducted from August to December, 1996. Two types of acid leaching were demonstrated - one using acetic acid to

demonstrate a weak acid and one using hydrochloric acid to demonstrate a strong acid. Soil containing heavy metals was

excavated from the small arms range and stockpiled for the demonstration. The soil was sent through physical separation

followed by acid leaching. The treated soil was separated from the leachate, and dewatered; the leachate was regenerated

and reused in the process.

Results showed that treating soil using physical separation alone did not meet the cleanup goals. While the acetic acid

leaching initially removed metals, operational problems with the regeneration of the leachate resulted in increasing levels

of lead in the treated soil. The hydrochloric acid leaching process met the cleanup goals for all metals throughout the

demonstration. Projected full-scale costs for physical separation and hydrochloric acid leaching are $170/ton based on

10,000 tons of soil treated. 
Thermo NUtech's Segmented Gate System at Los Alamos National Laboratory

Technical Area 33, Los Alamos, New Mexico

70

Site Name: Location:

Los Alamos National Laboratory Technical Area 33 Los Alamos, New Mexico

(Report also addresses testing from Site TA-15)

Period of Operation: Cleanup Authority:

April 28  May 19, 1999 Voluntary Corrective Action

(soil processing on 15 days)

Purpose/Significance of Application: Cleanup Type:

Use of a gate system to reduce volume of radioactive-contaminated soil Full scale

requiring off-site disposal

Contaminants: Waste Source:

Natural Uranium (NU) and Depleted Uranium (DU) Nuclear weapon production operations

• Concentrations reported as high as 431.46 pCi/g

Contacts: Technology:

Vendor:

Joe Kimbrell

Thermo NUtech

Albuquerque, NM

(505) 254-0935 ext. 209

Management Support: • Contaminated soil on conveyor belt was diverted by segmented gates into

Ray Patteson, Sandia National

Laboratories, (505) 884-1904

John McCann, Los Alamos National

Laboratory, (505) 665-1091

Segmented Gate System (SGS)

• SGS is a combination of conveyor systems, radiation detectors (primarily

gamma radiation), and computer control used to segregate waste by

contamination level

• Detectors monitored radioactivity content of soil traveling on belt and

computer opened specified gates to separate portions of soil based on

radioactivity criteria 

stockpiles

• Operating parameters included a belt speed of 30 ft/min, belt length of 16 - 18

ft, soil layer thickness of 2 in by width of 30.75 in, and soil density of 1.02

g/cm3

• Total soil processing time was 91.1 hrs; average daily operational time was

6.48 hrs

• Oversize debris and rock pre-screened 

Type/Quantity of Media Treated:

Soil and Debris

• 2,526 yds of soil were processed 3

• Soil moisture content estimated as 12-15%

Regulatory Requirements/Cleanup Goals:

• Reduce the volume of contaminated soil by separating soil that was above the specified criteria and that would require

off-site storage and disposal, from soil that was below the criteria 

• The sorting criterion was 50 pCi/g

Results:

• Overall volume reduction of contaminated soil was 91.64%; approximately 350 yds of above-criteria soil required off- 3

site disposal

• Average activities for soil from Sites C33-003, C33-010, and C33-007b were: above-criteria 318, 431.46, and 165.89

pCi/g, respectively, and below-criteria soil: 3.2, 44.8, and 9.88 pCi/g 

Costs:

• Actual cost for SGS was $275,745, including $6,600 for pre-deployment activities, $46,000 for mobilization, $185,445

for processing, $35,000 for demobilization, and $2,700 for final report

• Additional costs incurred by LANL were $543,400, including for staff, prime contractor, G&A, and soil disposal

• Overall unit cost of SGS was $109/yd of soil processed 3 
Thermo NUtech's Segmented Gate System at Los Alamos National Laboratory

Technical Area 33, Los Alamos, New Mexico

71

Description:

Los Alamos National Laboratory (LANL) is a 43-square mile multi-disciplinary research facility owned by the U.S. DOE

and located in north-central New Mexico. Technical Area 33 (TA-33), located in the eastern portion of LANL, is an active

testing area. TA-33 was used to test initiators (components of nuclear weapons) from 1947 to the 1950's. This report

focused on remediation of uranium-contaminated soil and debris from Potential Release Sites (PRSs) 33-007(b), 33-

010(c), and C33-003 in TA-33. Historical records indicate that natural uranium (NU) and depleted uranium (DU) are

present at these sites. 

A Segmented Gate System (SGS) was used to reduce the volume of radioactive-contaminated soil that required off-site

disposal. SGS is a combination of conveyor systems, radiation detectors, and computer control, where contaminated soil

on a conveyor belt is diverted by segmented gates into stockpiles by contamination level. Detectors monitor the

radioactivity content of the soil traveling on the belt and a computer opens specified gates to separate portions of the soil

based on radioactivity criteria. At this site, the overall volume reduction was measured as 91.64%. The actual cost for the

application was $275,745, including $185,445 for processing. This corresponded to an overall unit cost of $109/yd based 3

on 2,526 yd . During the demonstration, delays were caused by operational failures from hydraulic systems. 3
Thermo NUtech's Segmented Gate System at Pantex Plant, Firing Site 5, Amarillo,

Texas

72

Site Name: Location:

Pantex Plant, Firing Site 5 Amarillo, Texas

Period of Operation: Cleanup Authority:

March 27 - May 1, 1998 RCRA Corrective Action

(soil processing from April 17 - April 19, 1999)

Purpose/Significance of Application: Cleanup Type:

Use of a gate system to reduce volume of radioactive-contaminated soil Full scale

requiring off-site disposal

Contaminants: Waste Source:

Depleted Uranium (DU) Firing range for test shots of depleted

- Concentrations reported as high as 567 pCi/g uranium and explosives

Contacts: Technology:

Site Contact:

Martin Amos, Battelle Pantex

(806) 477-6458

Vendor: and computer opened specified gates to separate portions of soil

Scott Rogers, Thermo Nutech

(423) 481-0683

Management Support:

Tom Burford, Sandia National Laboratories,

(505) 845-9893

Segmented Gate System (SGS)

• SGS is a combination of conveyor systems, radiation detectors

(primarily gamma radiation), and computer control used to

segregate waste by contamination level

• Detectors monitored radioactivity content of soil traveling on belt

based on radioactivity criteria 

• Contaminated soil on conveyor belt was diverted by segmented

gates into stockpiles

• Operating parameters included a belt speed of 30 ft/min, belt length

of 16 - 18 ft, soil layer thickness of 2 in by width of 30.75 in, and

soil density of 1.0 g/cm3

• Average daily operational time was 2.67 hrs

• Oversize debris and rock pre-screened 

Type/Quantity of Media Treated:

Soil and Debris

• 294 yds of soil were processed 3

• Soil moisture content estimated as 17%

Regulatory Requirements/Cleanup Goals:

• Reduce the volume of contaminated soil by separating soil that was above the specified criteria and that would require

off-site storage and disposal, from soil that was below the criteria 

• The sorting criterion was 50 pCi/g

Results:

• Overall volume reduction of contaminated soil was 38.5%; approximately 180.8 yds of above-criteria soil required off- 3

site disposal

• Average activities ranged from 125 - 213 pCi/g for above-criteria soil and 20 - 54 pCi/g for below-criteria soil

Costs:

• Actual cost for SGS was $203,887, including $18,768 for regulatory and compliance issues, $103,015 for mobilization,

$32,594 for soil processing, and $49,510 for demobilization

• Additional costs incurred by LANL were for site preparation, excavation, oversight labor, health physics support,

sample analysis, and waste disposal (specific cost data not provided)

• Unit cost of SGS was $111/yd based on 294 yd of soil 3 3
Thermo NUtech's Segmented Gate System at Pantex Plant, Firing Site 5, Amarillo,

Texas

73

Description:

Firing Site 5 (FS-5) is within the boundaries of the Pantex Plant, located northeast of Amarillo, Texas. The site was used

to conduct test shots of combined explosives and depleted uranium. The firing site was surrounded on three sides by an

earthen berm 10 ft high and 33 ft thick at the base. Soil at the site was contaminated with depleted uranium (DU).

A Segmented Gate System (SGS) was used to reduce the volume of radioactive-contaminated soil that required off-site

disposal. SGS is a combination of conveyor systems, radiation detectors, and computer control, where contaminated soil

on a conveyor belt is diverted by segmented gates into stockpiles based on contamination level. Detectors monitor the

radioactivity content of the soil traveling on the belt and a computer opens specified gates to separate portions of the soil

based on radioactivity criteria. At this site, the overall volume reduction for the first 294 yds of soil treated was measured 3

as 38.5%, and the results were determined to be unsatisfactory; processing was terminated at this time. The actual cost for

the application was $203,887, including $32,594 for soil processing. This corresponded to a unit cost of $111/yd for soil 3

processing. Lessons learned included problems with using a hand survey method for classifying soil, which resulted in

misclassifying soil as above the SGS criterion, and the method used each day to cover and uncover the piles.
Thermo NUtech's Segmented Gate System at Sandia National Laboratories, ER Site

16, Albuquerque, New Mexico

74

Site Name: Location:

Sandia National Laboratories, ER Site 16 Albuquerque, New Mexico

Period of Operation: Cleanup Authority: Regulatory Authority:

February - March 1998 RCRA Corrective Action New Mexico Environment Department

(soil processing from February 27  • Part B permit issued 8/93

March 5, 1998)

Purpose/Significance of Application: Cleanup Type:

Use of a gate system to reduce volume of radioactive-contaminated soil Full scale

requiring off-site disposal

Contaminants: Waste Source:

Depleted Uranium (DU) Dump Site

• Concentrations reported as high as 4,100 pCi/g

Contacts: Technology:

Site Contact:

Tom Burford

Sandia Corporation

DOE/AL

(505) 845-9893

Vendor: radioactivity criteria 

Scott Rogers

Thermo NUtech

A ThermoRetec Company

4501 Indian School Road NE, Suite

G105

Albuquerque, NM 87110

(505) 424-3072

Technical Support:

Sue Collins

Sandia National Laboratories

(505) 284-2546

Segmented Gate System (SGS)

• SGS is a combination of conveyor systems, radiation detectors (primarily

gamma radiation), and computer control

• Contaminated soil on conveyor belt was diverted by segmented gates into

stockpiles

• Detectors monitored radioactivity content of soil traveling on belt and

computer opened specified gates to separate portions of soil based on

• Operating parameters included a belt speed of 30 ft/min, belt length of 16 -

18 ft, soil layer thickness of 2 in by width of 30.75 in, and soil density of

1.0 g/cm3

• Average daily processing time was 4.7 hrs, less than the target of 7 hrs

• Oversize debris and rock pre-screened using a field grizzly (vertical bar grate)

and hammermill

Type/Quantity of Media Treated:

Soil

• 661.8 yds of soil were processed 3

• Soil identified as silty sands, containing 35-45% silt and clay; moisture

content estimated as 10%

Regulatory Requirements/Cleanup Goals:

• Reduce the volume of contaminated soil by separating soil that was above the specified criteria and that would require

off-site storage and disposal, from soil that was below the criteria 

• The sorting criterion was 54 pCi/g

Results:

• Overall volume reduction of contaminated soil was 99.9%; 358 kg of above-criteria soil required off-site disposal

• After first pass, average activity of above-criteria soil was 406.5 pCi/g and below-criteria soil 4.2 pCi/g

Costs:

• Actual cost was $164,109, including $59,326 for mobilization, $57,770 for operations, and $47,013 for demobilization

• Overall unit cost was $236/yd of soil processed, reflecting the relatively small amount of soil processed 3 

• Additional activities included site preparation, operation of crane, excavation, oversight labor, health physics support,

water supply, sample analysis, and waste disposal
Thermo NUtech's Segmented Gate System at Sandia National Laboratories, ER Site

16, Albuquerque, New Mexico

75

Description:

Sandia National Laboratories' Environmental Restoration (ER) Site 16 is located northeast of the Technical Area III/V

complex, within Kirtland Air Force Base. The site covers 25 acres and was an open dumping ground for concrete and

other rubble. The concrete and rubble was presumed to be the source on contamination. Approximately 1/3 acre was

excavated for the project from the side and bottom of an arroyo, after the removal of larger debris. 

A Segmented Gate System (SGS) was used to reduce the volume of radioactive-contaminated soil that required off-site

disposal. SGS is a combination of conveyor systems, radiation detectors, and computer control, where contaminated soil

on a conveyor belt is diverted by segmented gates into stockpiles. Detectors monitor the radioactivity content of the soil

traveling on the belt and a computer opens specified gates to separate portions of the soil based on radioactivity criteria. 

At this site, the overall volume reduction was measured as 99.9%. The actual cost for the application was $164,109,

including $59,326 for mobilization, $57,700 for operations, and $47,013 for demobilization. This corresponded to an

overall unit cost of $236/yd . Lessons learned included impacts from startup requirements, jams in the screen/hammermill 3

caused by larger rocks, and soil buildup in the gas chutes. 
Thermo NUtech's Segmented Gate System at Sandia National Laboratories, ER Site

228A, Albuquerque, New Mexico

76

Site Name: Location:

Sandia National Laboratories, ER Site 228A Albuquerque, New Mexico

Period of Operation: Cleanup Authority:

July - November 1998 Not identified

(soil processing from November 6-17, 1998)

Purpose/Significance of Application: Cleanup Type:

Use of a gate system to reduce volume of radioactive-contaminated soil Full scale

requiring off-site disposal

Contaminants: Waste Source:

Depleted Uranium (DU) Burial pits

• Concentration not provided

Contacts: Technology:

Site Contact:

Sandia Corporation

DOE/AL

Vendor: • Detectors monitored radioactivity content of soil traveling on belt and

Thermo NUtech

A ThermoRetec Company

4501 Indian School Road NE, Suite G105

Albuquerque, NM 87110

Technical Support:

Sue Collins

Sandia National Laboratories

(505) 284-2546

Segmented Gate System (SGS)

• SGS is a combination of conveyor systems, radiation detectors

(primarily gamma radiation), and computer control

• Contaminated soil on conveyor belt was diverted by segmented gates

into stockpiles

computer opened specified gates to separate portions of soil based on

radioactivity criteria 

• Operating parameters included a belt speed of 30 ft/min, belt length of

16 - 18 ft, soil layer thickness of 2 in by width of 30.75 in, and soil

density of 1.29 g/cm3

• Average daily processing time was 4.47 hrs, less than the target of

7 hrs

• Oversize debris and rock pre-screened using a field grizzly (vertical

bar grate) and hammermill

Type/Quantity of Media Treated:

Soil

• 1,352 yds of soil were processed 3

• Extended 0.4 acres at a depth of 2 ft

• Soil identified as sandy, moisture content estimated as 10%

Regulatory Requirements/Cleanup Goals:

• Reduce the volume of contaminated soil by separating soil that was above the specified criteria and that would require

off-site storage and disposal, from soil that was below the criteria 

• The sorting criterion was 27 pCi/g

Results:

• Overall volume reduction was measured as 99.56%; 21 55-gallons drums of above-criteria soil required off-site disposal

• Average activity of above-criteria soil was 223 pCi/g and below-criteria soil 14.77 pCi/g 

• 5.2 yds of soil from Burn Site showed volume reduction of 99.4% 3

Costs:

• Actual cost was $220,040, including $29,000 for excavation and pre-screening, $41,300 for mobilization, $117,000 for

operations, and $32,340 for demobilization

• Overall unit cost was $154/yd , reflecting the relatively small quantity of soil processed 3

• Project contracted as a lump sum fixed price; did not include excavation, oversight labor, health physics support, water

supply, fuel services, generator support, sample analysis, and waste disposal
Thermo NUtech's Segmented Gate System at Sandia National Laboratories, ER Site

228A, Albuquerque, New Mexico

77

Description:

Environmental Restoration (ER) Site 228A, the Centrifuge Dump Area and Tijeras Arroyo Operative Unit-ADS 1309, is

located 500 ft east of Technical Area II, within Kirtland Air Force Base. In July 1997, heavy rains eroded a portion of a

depleted uranium burial from the Tijeras Arroyo rim. Depleted uranium mixed with soil and debris washed down the

slope.

A Segmented Gate System (SGS) was used to reduce the volume of radioactive-contaminated soil that required off-site

disposal. SGS is a combination of conveyor systems, radiation detectors, and computer control, where contaminated soil

on a conveyor belt is diverted by segmented gates into stockpiles. Detectors monitor the radioactivity content of the soil

traveling on the belt and a computer opens specified gates to separate portions of the soil based on radioactivity criteria. 

At this site, the overall volume reduction was measured as 99.56%. The actual cost for the application was $220,040,

including $29,000 for excavation and pre-screening, $41,300 for mobilization, $117,000 for operations, and $32,340 for

demobilization. This corresponded to an overall unit cost of $154/yd . Lessons learned included impacts from weather 3

delays and equipment concerns, and difficulties with rocks that were 3 inches in diameter.
Thermo NUtech's Segmented Gate System at Tonapah Test Range, Clean Slate 2,

Tonapah, Nevada

78

Site Name: Location:

Tonapah Test Range, Clean Slate 2 Tonapah, Nevada 

Period of Operation: Cleanup Authority:

May 4  June 12, 1998 RCRA Corrective Action

(soil processing from May 18  June 3, 1999)

Purpose/Significance of Application: Cleanup Type:

Use of a gate system to reduce volume of radioactive-contaminated soil Field demonstration

requiring off-site disposal

Contaminants: Waste Source:

Plutonium Weapons test range

- Concentrations reported as high as 1,100 pCi/g

Contacts: Technology:

Vendor:

Scott Rogers, Thermo Nutech, (423) 481-0683

Management Support: • Detectors monitored radioactivity content of soil traveling on belt

Tom Burford, Sandia National Laboratories,

(505) 845-9893

Technical Contact:

Mike Hightower, Sandia National Laboratories,

(505) 844-5499

Segmented Gate System (SGS)

• SGS is a combination of conveyor systems, radiation detectors

(primarily gamma radiation), and computer control used to segregate

waste by contamination levels

and computer opened specified gates to separate portions of soil

based on radioactivity criteria 

• Contaminated soil on conveyor belt was diverted by segmented gates

into stockpiles, based on the criteria

• Operating parameters included a belt speed of 30 ft/min, belt length

of 16 - 18 ft, soil layer thickness of 1 - 2 in by width of 30.75 in, and

soil density of 1.0 g/cm3

• Oversize debris and rock were pre-screened 

Type/Quantity of Media Treated:

Soil and Debris

• 333 yds of soil were processed 3

• Soil was primarily sand and silt with some gravel and cobbles; soil

type and moisture content optimal for SGS operation

Regulatory Requirements/Cleanup Goals:

• Reduce the volume of contaminated soil by separating soil that was above the specified criteria and that would require

off-site storage and disposal, from soil that was below the criteria 

• The sorting criterion was 50 - 1,500 pCi/g; demonstration results were to be used to define optimum operating

parameters

Results:

• 79 runs were conducted, each characterized by different soil activity levels, operating parameters, and end points

(sorting criterion)

• Results showed that optimum separation criteria for soils with <400 pCi/g was about 300 pCi/g, resulting in a volume

reduction of 60% and an average clean soil activity of 160 pCi/g

• Soils between 400 - 800 pCi/g did not appear to have an optimum separation criterion, and had a volume reduction of

30 - 40% and an average clean soil activity of 250 pCi/g

• Soils >800 pCi/g did not appear to have an optimum separation criterion, and had a volume reduction of 30% and an

average clean soil activity of 500 pCi/g; this clean soil activity was too high and suggested that processing soil with

>800 pCi/g would probably not be appropriate

Costs:

• Actual cost for SGS was $138,126, including $8,203 for regulatory and compliance issues, $29,614 for mobilization,

$78,545 for physical treatment, and $21,764 for demobilization
Thermo NUtech's Segmented Gate System at Tonapah Test Range, Clean Slate 2,

Tonapah, Nevada

79

Description:

Tonapah Test Range is a DOE and DoD weapons testing range. The Clean Slate-2 soil remediation site of the range is in

the northwest portion of Nellis Air Force Base. In 1963, a series of four nuclear weapons, component, and explosive

vulnerability destruction experiments, known as Operation Roller Coaster, were conducted at the range. These

experiments left varying levels of finely dispersed plutonium at the site. Approximately 32,000 yds of soil in Clean Site-2 3

are contaminated, with the site still being characterized.

A Segmented Gate System (SGS) was used to reduce the volume of radioactive-contaminated soil that required off-site

disposal. SGS is a combination of conveyor systems, radiation detectors, and computer control, where contaminated soil

on a conveyor belt is diverted by segmented gates into stockpiles based on contamination levels. Detectors monitor the

radioactivity content of the soil traveling on the belt and a computer opens specified gates to separate portions of the soil

based on radioactivity criteria. At this site, 79 periods of operation (runs) were conducted, each characterized by different

soil activity levels, operating parameters, and end points (sorting criterion) ranging from 50 to 1,500 pCi/g. Results

showed that optimum separation criteria for soils with <400 pCi/g was about 300 pCi/g, resulting in a volume reduction of

60% and an average clean soil activity of 160 pCi/g. Soils >400 pCi/g did not appear to have an optimum separation

criterion. Results suggested that processing soil with >800 pCi/g would probably not be appropriate for the SGS. Actual

cost for SGS was $138,126, including $78,545 for soil processing. Results from these tests were used to develop potential

treatment scenarios for the SGS at Clean Slate-2. Lessons learned covered topics such as the need for accurate site

characterization data and the benefits of selective excavation of hot spots.
Chemical Extraction for Uranium Contaminated Soil at the RMI Titanium

Company Extrusion Plant, Ashtabula, Ohio

80

Site Name: Location:

RMI Titanium Company Extrusion Plant Ashtabula, Ohio

Period of Operation: Cleanup Authority:

January 7, 1997 - February 14, 1997 NRC

Purpose/Significance of Application: Cleanup Type:

Demonstration of chemical leaching process for treatment of uranium- Field demonstration 

contaminated soil

Contaminants: Waste Source:

Radionuclides - Uranium Particulates from uranium extrusion

• Most uranium present as U operations +236

• Uranium levels in feed soil were 74 - 146 pCi/g

Contacts: Technology:

DOE Contacts:

Ward Best, DOE Ashtabula Area

Office, (216) 993-1944

Jeff Kulpa, RMI Environmental

Services, (216) 993-2804

Erik Groenendijk, ART pilot project

manager, (813) 264-3529

Mike Hightower

Sandia National Laboratories

Telephone: (505) 844-5499

Fax: (505) 844-0116

E-mail: mmhight@sandia.gov

EPA Contact:

Brian Nickel

Ohio EPA

401 East Fifth Street

Dayton, OH 45402-2911

Telephone: (513) 285-6357

Fax: (513) 285-6249

Chemical Extraction

• Process involves application of heated bicarbonate solution to soil in a rotary

reactor, liquid/soils separation, dewatering, and ion exchange to remove

uranium from liquid 

• Solution was 0.2 M NaHCO at a 115 F and retention time of 1.5 hrs; reactor 3

o

was a 5 yd cement mixer 3

• Processed 1 to 2 tons of soil/batch, using a 30% solids slurry

Type/Quantity of Media Treated:

Soil

• 64 tons (38 batches)

• high clay content silt loams and clay loams; low organic material

Regulatory Requirements/Cleanup Goals:

• Evaluate process performance, such as ability to meet a 30 pCi/g free release standard and achieve a significant volume

reduction of the waste

Results:

• Treated soil from two areas of the plant had 12-14 pCi/g of uranium, with removal efficiencies of 87-91%

• Treated soil from another area of the plant had 27-47 pCi/g; the higher concentrations was attributed to high feed

concentrations from a hot spot with 587 pCi/g

• Volume reduction was 95%; less than 5% residual waste required off-site disposal

• Average feed concentration to ion exchange was 16 ppm and output 1.7 ppm, resulting in a 91% removal efficiency

Costs:

• The total cost for the pilot plant was $638,670, including mobilization and preparatory work; monitoring, sampling,

testing, and analysis; chemical treatment; decontamination and decommissioning; disposal commercial; demobilization;

and data compilation and report writing

• The report authors indicate that a linear relationship does not exist between pilot plant and full-scale costs

• Full-scale costs were estimated to range from $250-350 per ton of soil treated
Chemical Extraction for Uranium Contaminated Soil at the RMI Titanium

Company Extrusion Plant, Ashtabula, Ohio

81

Description:

From 1962 to 1988, the RMI Titanium Company (RMI) performed uranium extrusions operations for the U.S. DOE at its

plant in Ashtabula, Ohio. The uranium metal processed at the site included deleted and slightly enriched material that was

used in nuclear and non-nuclear weapons. During the early years of extrusion and machining, particulate uranium was

generated and discharged from roof vents and stacks and settled on surrounding soils. A test of a carbonate extraction

process was conducted to leach uranium from contaminated soils.

Thirty-eight batches of 1-2 tons/batch were treated in a pilot-scale test of a chemical extraction process, through DOE’s

ITRD program. Treated soil had an overall removal efficiency of approximately 82% with a volume reduction of 95%;

less than 5% of residual waste required off-site disposal. Difficulties with meeting the cleanup goal were identified only

when treating soil from a hot spot. The total cost for the pilot plant was $638,670, and full-scale costs were estimated as

$250-350/ton.
Transportable Vitrification System at Oak Ridge National Laboratory,

Oak Ridge, Tennessee

82

Site Name: Location:

Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL) Oak Ridge, TN

Period of Operation: Cleanup Authority:

October 1997 RCRA and NRC

Purpose/Significance of Application: Cleanup Type:

Demonstration of a transportable vitrification system to treat low-level mixed Field demonstration

waste sludges

Contaminants: Waste Source:

Metals and Radionuclides Mixed low-level waste sludges from

DOE operations - included pond

sludge and sludge from a

neutralization facility

Contacts: Technology:

Principal Investigator:

Frank Van Ryn

Bechtel Jacobs Company

ORNL

P.O. Box 2003

Oak Ridge, TN 37831

Telephone: 423-574-1907

Fax: 423-574-9786

E-mail: xs2@ornl.gov

DOE Technical Program Manager: • Waste glass poured from drain bay chamber into 8-cubic foot stainless steel

Dave Hutchins

Environmental Technology Group,

EM-93

U.S. DOE, Oak Ridge Operations

Office 

P.O. Box 2001

Oak Ridge, TN 37831

Telephone: 423-241-6420

Fax: 423-576-5333

E-mail: hutchinsda@oro.doe.gov

Vitrification

Transportable Vitrification System (TVS):

• Waste and Additives and Materials Processing Module - 240-gal melter feed

blend tank equipped with a load cell and agitator, centrifugal pump, feed tank,

melter module, and emission control module

• Melter Module - joule-heated glass melter equipped with molybdenum rod

electrodes and lined with heavy flux contact refractory

• Melter capacity - up to 300 lb/hr; operating temperature - 1,150 to 1,400(C;

heated with a 500,000-BTU/hr propane burner

• Melter equipped with a drain bay chamber to remove waste glass and salt tap

side chamber to remove corrosive salts 

containers 

• Emission Control Module included quench tower, packed bed cooler, variable

throat venturi, mist eliminator, reheater, and high-efficiency particulate air

filters

• Control and Services Module - used to control and monitor equipment

operation

Type/Quantity of Media Treated:

Sludge

• Pond sludge and mixtures of pond and neutralization sludge - 16,000 lbs

Regulatory Requirements/Cleanup Goals:

• RCRA Land Disposal Restriction (LDR) standards and NRC guidelines 

• Air emissions limits were specified in a State of Tennessee air permit
In situ Bioremediation Using Molasses Injection at an Abandoned Manufacturing

Facility, Emeryville, California

83

Results:

• The waste form produced by the TVS met the RCRA LDR standards and NRC guidelines, was stable and durable, and

represented a 60% volume reduction of the waste

• The TVS system operated within the required emissions limits

• The melting rate decreased during the demonstration, resulting in lower average throughput rate (450 kg/day versus

expected 900 kg/day); attributed to high iron content of waste which decreased heat transfer characteristics of glass

material

Costs:

• Projected costs for a full-scale system include:

- Capital costs, including all equipment - $5 million

- Operating costs - $10 to $44/kg of waste, assuming analytical expenses similar to those incurred for the

demonstration; assuming less extensive analytical requirements for normal operations, operating costs were estimated

at $7 to $17/kg of waste

Description:

In October 1997, following completion of process development and testing, demonstration of the TVS was conducted at

ORNL, using actual low-level mixed waste containing metals. The waste used for the demonstration was B&C pond

sludge and a mix of B&C pond sludge and sludge from a neutralization facility. The objectives of the demonstration

included meeting the RCRA LDR standards and NRC guidelines for the glass waste form, meeting the air emissions limits

for the operation of the TVS, and collecting operating and performance data for the process for use in scale-up. 

The results of the demonstration showed that the TVS was capable of treating low-level mixed waste sludges to the RCRA

LDR levels and the NRC guidelines, and of operating within the required air emission standards. The waste form

produced by the TVS was highly durable with long-term integrity, and significant reductions in waste volumes were

achieved. For different waste compositions from those tested, additional process development would be required to

determine the process controls and scale-up methods needed to achieve optimal glass waste forms, consistent melter

operation, and to avoid adverse melter conditions. Treatability studies are recommended for any waste stream to be treated

using TVS.
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85

PUMP AND TREAT ABSTRACTS
Groundwater Extraction and Treatment at the Logistics Center Operable Unit,

Fort Lewis, Washington

86

Site Name: Location:

Fort Lewis Logistics Center Operable Unit Fort Lewis, Washington

Period of Operation: Cleanup Authority:

August 1995 - ongoing CERCLA Remedial Action

Record of Decision (ROD) signed on

September 25, 1990

Purpose/Significance of Application: Cleanup Type:

Use of two groundwater extraction systems to remove VOCs and treat using air Full scale

stripping.

Contaminants: Waste Source:

Organic Compounds, Halogenated (Chlorinated Solvents) - TCE and DCE Disposal of waste solvents in surface

Maximum TCE concentration in groundwater is greater than 100,000 mg/L. trenches, including disposal of free

liquids and disposal of drums

containing liquids 

Contacts: Technology:

Project Management:

Project Manager located down gradient of the source areas (The I-5 system)

Mr. Bill Goss • Extracted groundwater is treated by air stripping

USACE, Seattle District • Treated groundwater is recharged to the subsurface via wells and infiltration

4735 Marginal Way, South galleries near each extraction area

O&M Contractor:

URS Greiner Woodward-Clyde

2401 Fourth Avenue, Suite 1000

Seattle, Washington 98121

LTM - Kelly Teague 

(206) 674-7931

O&M - Steffran Neff

(206) 343-7933

Regulatory Contact:

Mr. Bob Kievit

U.S. EPA Region X

Washington Operations Office

300 Desmond Drive, Suite 102

Lacey, Washington 98503

(360) 753-9014 

• Groundwater is extracted via two well fields located at the suspected main

contaminant source area (The East Gate system), and from a line of wells

Type/Quantity of Media Treated:

• 2.147 Million gallons of water extracted, treated and recharged as of 8/98

• 2772 pounds of TCE removed as of 9/97

Regulatory Requirements/Cleanup Goals:

• Groundwater extracted at the Logistics Center Site is required to be treated to drinking water standards (MCLs) prior to

recharge to the subsurface for the contaminants of concern: TCE - 5 mg/L; DCE - 70 mg/L

• Air emissions from the treatment systems are required to be below 75 pounds per month (I-5) and 325 pounds per

month (East Gate), respectively

Results:

• Effluent sampling at each air stripper indicates that TCE concentrations in the treated groundwater are consistently

below the treatment requirement of 5 mg/L. Several samples collected during the first few months of operation for the

East Gate system contained TCE in concentrations exceeding 5 mg/L, however, operations have since been modified to

improve performance of this system. No results above MCLs have been observed since October 1995. TCE removal

efficiencies for the air strippers have ranged from 96 percent to greater than 99 percent since start up in 1995

• Air emissions have been below allowable limits for both treatment systems since since start up in 1995
Groundwater Extraction and Treatment at the Logistics Center Operable Unit,

Fort Lewis, Washington

87

Costs:

The total cost incurred for design, construction and the first year of O&M for the two extraction and treatment systems

was $5,208,000. The design cost was $1,251,000, and the construction cost was $3,528,000

Description:

The Logistics Center site at Fort Lewis covers 650 acres and is currently an active facility. The site was previously

operated as an ordnance depot from 1942 to 1963 and has been operated as a non-aircraft maintenance facility since 1963.

Groundwater at the Logistics Center has been contaminated with chlorinated organic compounds as the likely result of

past disposal activities that included disposal of waste solvents in trenches excavated at the site. The principle

contaminants of concern at the site are TCE and DCE. In 1990, a ROD was signed for the Logistics Center Operable Unit

specifying that the contaminant plume be monitored and reduced over time, and that migration of groundwater

contamination from the site be minimized.

In response to the ROD, it was determined that two extraction and treatment systems would be installed at the site. One

system (the East Gate system) was designed to reduce the contaminant plume in the source area, and the other system (I-5)

was designed to minimize off-site migration of contaminants. Both systems include treatment of contaminated

groundwater using air stripping, followed by recharge of treated water to the subsurface. Recharge is accomplished using

infiltration galleries located at each site and also by injection wells located at the East Gate site. The treatment systems

have been in operation since 1995, and it is anticipated that treatment will continue for 30 years. The treatment systems

each consistently meet federal and local requirements for treatment of groundwater prior to recharge and for allowable air

emissions.
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89

IN SITU GROUNDWATER TREATMENT ABSTRACTS
In Situ Bioremediation Using Molasses Injection at an Abandoned Manufacturing

Facility, Emeryville, California

90

Site Name: Location:

Abandoned Manufacturing Facility Emeryville, California

Period of Operation: Cleanup Authority:

Pilot study - August 1995 to February 1996 State voluntary cleanup program

Full scale system - ongoing, data available from April 1997 to October 1998

Purpose/Significance of Application: Cleanup Type:

Bioremediation of a site contaminated with both chlorinated solvents and Pilot and Full scale

hexavalent chromium

Contaminants: Waste Source:

TCE, hexavalent chromium Electroplating operations

• Concentrations of TCE reported as high as 12,000 μg/L

Contacts: Technology:

Remediation Contractor:

Daniel L. Jacobs inoculated solution (supernatant), and tap water was injected into the

ARCADIS Geraghty & Miller, Inc. subsurface

3000 Cabot Boulevard West, Suite • The full-scale system used 91 temporary injection points, installed to 24 ft

3004 bgs with a Geoprobe

Langhorne, PA 19047 • Molasses injection events were performed in April 1997 and February 1998,

Telephone: (215) 752-6840 which involved a mixture of water, molasses, and a small amount of

Fax: (215) 752-6879 supernatant

e-mail: Djacobs@gmgw.com • During the first injection event, each injection point received 25 gallons of

In situ bioremediation

• A pilot study was performed using a mixture of molasses, biologically

molasses, 1 gallon of supernatant, and 125 gallons of water

Type/Quantity of Media Treated:

Groundwater

• Site geology consists of interbedded sand and clay units

• Depth to groundwater is approximately 3.5 to 8 ft

• Groundwater velocity is estimated at approximately 60 ft per yr

Regulatory Requirements/Cleanup Goals:

• The pilot study was performed to determine if TCE degradation and metal precipitation could be enhanced by an in situ

reactive zone

• Cleanup goals for the full-scale application were not identified

Results:

• The average TCE concentration in on-site wells has decreased by 99% (3,040 μg/L in April 1995 to 4 μg/L in October

1998) during bioremediation

• The trends for TCE degradation products (cis-1,2-DCE and VC) indicate that TCE has been reductively dechlorinated

to ethene under the engineered anaerobic conditions; initial cis-1,2-DCE and VC concentrations increased following

the first reagent injection, but declined as shown in the October 1998 groundwater monitoring results

• The average concentrations of total chromium and hexavalent chromium in the injection area have been reduced by

approximately 98% and 99%, respectively

Costs:

• The overall project cost was approximately $400,000
In Situ Bioremediation Using Molasses Injection at an Abandoned Manufacturing

Facility, Emeryville, California

91

Description:

Metal plating operations were conducted at a manufacturing facility located in Emeryville, California (actual site name

confidential) from 1952 until 1989. Investigations conducted at the site found groundwater to be contaminated with

chlorinated solvents, primarily TCE, and hexavalent chromium. From August 1995 to February 1996, the site owner

conducted a pilot study of anaerobic reductive dechlorination to evaluate its potential as a groundwater remedy under a

state voluntary cleanup program. Based on the results of the pilot test, a full-scale system was installed and is operating at

the site.

The injection of molasses reagent solution created conditions favorable for the reduction in TCE, DCE, VC, and

chromium concentrations in the subsurface. During an 18-month period of full-scale operation, average concentrations of

TCE were reduced by 99%, from more than 3,000 ug/L to 4 ug/L, and average concentrations of Cr+6 also were reduced

by 99%. The pilot study showed that the rate of reductive dechlorination could be enhanced with the use of an injected

molasses solution.
In Situ Bioremediation Using Molasses Injection at the Avco Lycoming

Superfund Site, Williamsport, Pennsylvania

92

Site Name: Location:

Avco Lycoming Superfund Site Williamsport, Pennsylvania

Period of Operation: Cleanup Authority:

Pilot study October 1995 to March 1996; CERCLA

Full-scale system ongoing, data available through July 1998 • ROD signed December 1996

Purpose/Significance of Application: Cleanup Type:

One of the first applications of molasses injection technology on a full scale at a Pilot and Full scale

Superfund site

Contaminants: Waste Source:

Chlorinated solvents and heavy metals - TCE, DCE, VC, hexavalent chromium, Spills and leaks from plating

cadmium operations; disposal in lagoons and

• Maximum concentrations measured in late 1996 were TCE - 700 ug/L, wells

hexavalent chromium - 3,000 ug/L, and cadmium - 800 ug/L

Contacts: Technology:

Remediation Contractor:

Daniel L. Jacobs extraction

ARCADIS Geraghty & Miller, Inc. • Full scale molasses injection system consists of 20 four-inch diameter

3000 Cabot Boulevard, West, Suite injection wells, ranging in depth from 19 to 30 ft, completed in the

3004 overburden

Langhorne, PA 19047 • Molasses is added two times each day at variable concentrations and rates

Telephone: (215) 752-6840 • Eight additional wells are used for monitoring system performance

Fax: (215) 752-6879 • This is a proprietary technology owned by ARCADIS Geraghty & Miller.

E-mail: djacobs@gmgw.com

EPA Remedial Project Manager:

Eugene Dennis

U.S. EPA Region 3

1650 Arch Street (3HS21)

Philadelphia, PA 19103-2029

(215) 814- 3202

E-mail: dennis.eugene@epa.gov

In Situ Bioremediation; Anaerobic Reductive Dechlorination

• Pilot studies consisted of molasses injection and air sparging/soil vapor

Type/Quantity of Media Treated:

Groundwater

• Site geology consists of a sandy silt overburden overlying a fractured bedrock

and a fractured limestone 

• Target area for treatment is the shallow overburden to approximately 25 ft

bgs, covering approximately 2 acres

Regulatory Requirements/Cleanup Goals:

• The 1996 ROD specified the following cleanup goals for groundwater: TCE - 5 ug/L; 1,2-DCE - 70 ug/L; VC - 2 ug/L;

Cd - 3 ug/L; Cr+6 - 32 ug/L; Mn - 50 ug/L

Results:

• The pilot study showed that the technology was able to create strongly reducing conditions

• The baseline sampling event showed that anaerobic, reducing conditions were present only near two of the site

monitoring wells

• Since the injection of reagent, the redox levels have decreased to anaerobic conditions in many of the wells that had

previously indicated an aerobic environment, and cleanup goals have been met in some of the wells

• Analytical results for TCE, DCE, and VC for an area that was converted from aerobic to anaerobic show that TCE was

reduced from 67 to 6.7 ug/L, a 90% reduction. The concentration of DCE initially increased, indicating the successful

dechlorination of TCE, and then decreased to 19 ug/L

• Concentrations of TCE, DCE, and Cr+6 have been reduced to less than their cleanup goals in many of the monitoring

wells at the site
In Situ Bioremediation Using Molasses Injection at the Avco Lycoming

Superfund Site, Williamsport, Pennsylvania

93

Costs:

• ARCADIS Geraghty & Miller reported a total project value of $145,000 for the pilot study application at this site,

including preparation of a work plan

• The costs for the construction of the full scale molasses injection system was approximately $220,000. Operation and

maintenance, including monitoring, is approximately $50,000 per year

Description:

The Avco Lycoming Superfund site (Lycoming) is a 28-acre facility located in Williamsport, Pennsylvania. Since 1929,

various manufacturing companies have operated at the site. Past waste handling practices have contaminated the site,

including disposal of waste in wells and lagoons, and spillage and dumping of wastes from metal plating operations. In

1984, the state identified volatile organic compound (VOC) contamination in the local municipal water authority well

field located 3,000 ft south of the site. A pump and treat system was installed in the mid 1980's. In May 1995, the PRP

proposed the use of in situ bioremediation to replace the pump and treat remedy. Pilot studies of molasses injection and

air sparging/soil vapor extraction (SVE) were conducted from October 1995 to June 1996. A new ROD, issued in

December 1996, replaced the pump and treat remedy with in situ bioremediation, and a full-scale system has been

operating at the site since January 1997. Construction of the air sparging/SVE system was suspended in the Spring of

1998, due to higher than anticipated water levels. 

The use of molasses injection was shown to create an anaerobic reactive zone in an 18-month period where concentrations

of TCE, DCE, and hexavalent chromium were reduced. According to the PRP contractor, this technology was shown to

save substantial resources when compared to pump and treat.
In Situ Bioremediation Using Bioaugmentation at 

Area 6 of the Dover Air Force Base, Dover Delaware

94

Site Name: Location:

Dover Air Force Base, Area 6 Dover, Delaware

Period of Operation: Cleanup Authority:

Proof of Technology Test: September 1996 to March 1998 CERCLA

Testing for Technology Scale-up: April 1998 to June 1999 (planned) 

Full-scale System: Summer 1999 (planned)

Purpose/Significance of Application: Cleanup Type:

The first successful bioaugmentation project using live bacteria from another Field demonstration (pilot proof of

site to treat TCE using reductive dechlorination technology test)

Contaminants: Waste Source:

Chlorinated solvents Waste disposal

• Concentrations in the pilot area before the test were PCE - 46 ug/L, TCE -

7,500 ug/L, cis-DCE - 2,000 ug/L, and vinyl chloride - 34 ug/L

Contacts: Technology:

RTDF Contact:

Dr. David Ellis • The pilot system included three extraction or pumping wells and three

DuPont Engineering injection wells, each screened to a depth of 38 to 48 ft bgs, and designed to

Barley Mill Plaza 27-2234 operate as an isolated or “closed-loop” recirculation cell

P.O. Box 80027 • The pumping wells were operated at a combined rate of 3.75 gpm (1.25 gpm

Wilmington, DE 19880-0027 each), providing a residence time of about 60 days for groundwater from the

(302) 892-7445 deep zone of the aquifer

email: david.e.ellis@usa.dupont.com • The extracted groundwater was filtered, and substrate (sodium lactate) and

ITRC Contact:

Paul Hadley • On June 5 and 20, 1997, an aqueous culture (from the DOE’s Pinellas site in

ITRC In Situ Bioremediation Largo, Florida; augmenting solution) was injected into the cell

Technical Task Team Leader

California Environmental Protection

Agency

Department of Toxic Substances

Control

PO Box 806

Sacramento, CA 95814

(916) 324-3823

EPA Remedial Project Manager:

R. Drew Lausch

U.S. EPA Region 3

1650 Arch Street

Philadelphia, PA 191103

(215) 814-3359

email: lausch.robert@epa.gov

In Situ Bioremediation

• Groundwater flow and three-dimensional transport models (MODFLOW and

MT3D) were used in designing the pilot system

nutrients (ammonia and phosphate) were injected into the combined

groundwater stream downstream of the filter

Type/Quantity of Media Treated:

Groundwater

• The saturated portion of the formation consists of various sands and is about

38 feet thick 

• The aquifer acts as one unconfined unit that includes three zones

(approximately equal thickness) - an upper zone of fine sand (0 to 12 ft bgs),

an intermediate zone of medium sand (12 to 25 ft bgs), and a deep zone also

of medium sand (25 to 48 ft bgs)

• Groundwater is found in the intermediate and deep zones, starting at 10 to 12

ft bgs.

• Hydraulic conductivity was 60 ft/day and groundwater velocity 140 ft/yr

Regulatory Requirements/Cleanup Goals:

Pilot test goals: 1) demonstrate that TCE and PCE degradation can be stimulated in the deep portion of an aquifer; 2)

confirm that degradation will proceed to nontoxic end products; 3) develop operation and cost data for a full-scale system;

and 4) document the methodology used in the pilot system
In Situ Bioremediation Using Bioaugmentation at 

Area 6 of the Dover Air Force Base, Dover Delaware

95

Results:

• During the first five months of operation, the concentration of TCE gradually decreased, cis-DCE showed a slight

increase, and there was no increase for vinyl chloride or ethene, indicating that limited dechlorination was occurring

• For the first 90-days following bioaugmentation, TCE concentrations continued to decrease and DCE concentrations

continued to increase; however, there was no evidence of vinyl chloride or ethene in the groundwater

• By March 1998, all TCE and DCE in the groundwater were converted to ethene and between 75 and 80% of the TCE

and DCE had been recovered as ethene, indicating that the bioaugmentation was successful in destroying TCE by

reductive dechlorination

• From April 1998 through June 1999, the test was focusing on testing of parameters involved with technology scale up

Costs:

• Total capital costs were $285,563

• Total operating costs were $164,962 for the first three months of operation (through November 30, 1996) and $522,620

for the first fifteen months of operation (through November 30, 1997)

• According to the RTDF contact, a typical full-scale bioaugmentation system would cost substantially less than the

system used in the pilot test at Dover

Description:

Dover Air Force Base (AFB), located in Dover, Delaware, is a 4,000 acre military installation that began operating in

1941. An estimated 23,000 cubic feet of waste, including solvents, waste fuels and oils, and a variety of other wastes,

were disposed at the site from 1951 to 1970. Soil and groundwater at the base were found to be contaminated with

volatile organic compounds, including TCE and PCE, and with heavy metals, including arsenic and cadmium. In March

1989, the site was listed on the National Priorities List. During a remedial investigation, “Area 6" was one of the areas at

the base that was determined to have been contaminated with chlorinated solvents; a plume of VOCs was identified in

groundwater in this area. Based on the results of that investigation as well as additional sampling, the area was selected

for pilot testing of a bioaugmentation process. The remediation of Dover AFB is managed by EPA Region 3 and the

Delaware Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control. Interim RODs were signed in September 1995

that identify the following technologies for remediation at Dover: anaerobic reductive dehalogenation, cometabolic

bioventing, and monitored natural attenuation. The pilot test was performed as part of the Bioremediation Consortium of

the Remediation Technology Development Forum. 

Data from the pilot test indicated that an extended period of time was required for the bacteria to exhibit functional

dechlorination. At the start of bioaugmentation, lag periods of about 180 days between bioaugmentation and complete

reduction of TCE and DCE to ethene were observed, including a 90-day lag period before vinyl chloride was first

observed. Injection well plugging was a problem during the pilot test. Several methods were used to keep the wells

unplugged including cleaning the well screens with wire brushes and pumping out residue from the screened interval,

using hydrogen peroxide to clean the wells, and changing substrates from sodium lactate to lactic acid. Hydrogen

peroxide proved the most effective technique for keeping the wells from clogging.
Aerobic Degradation at Site 19,

Edwards Air Force Base, California

96

Site Name: Location:

Edwards Air Force Base California

Period of Operation: Cleanup Authority:

February 5, 1996 to April 1, 1997 CERLCA

Purpose/Significance of Application: Cleanup Type:

Field demonstration of in situ bioremediation using groundwater recirculation Field demonstration

wells to remediate TCE in a two aquifer system 

Contaminants: Waste Source:

Chlorinated Solvents Equipment cleaning and solvent

• Primary contaminant in groundwater- trichloroethene (TCE) degreasing operations

• Levels as high as 1,150 ug/L found in the groundwater; average TCE

concentration in the upper and lower aquifer of 680 and 750 ug/L, respectively

• No 1,1-DCE found at the site prior to the demonstration

Contacts: Technology:

EPA RPM:

Richard Russell and spaced 10 m apart; equipped with submersible pumps

U.S. EPA Region 9 • Each treatment well screened in both the upper (15 m) and lower aquifers (10

75 Hawthorne Street, SFD-8-1 m)

San Francisco, CA 94105 • Groundwater recirculation - one well withdrew water from the upper aquifer

(415) 744-2406 and discharged it into the lower aquifer, while the other well withdrew water

e-mail: russell.richard@epa.gov from the lower aquifer and discharged it into the upper aquifer creating a

Air Force Project Manager:

David Steckel • Operation included groundwater pumping, pulsed addition of toluene, and

AFFTC/EMR addition of dissolved oxygen (DO, as gaseous oxygen) and hydrogen

5 East Popson Avenue, Building peroxide (H O )

2650A • An area of 480 m (0.12 acres) was monitored using 20 monitoring wells

Edwards Air Force Base, CA 93524- • The demonstration included five phases, during which time the operating

1130 parameters were varied: pre-operational studies (days 0 - 33); establishment

(805) 277-1474 of a toluene-degrading consortium (days 34 - 55); pre-steady-state operation

fax: (805) 277-6145 (days 56 - 136); steady-state operation (days 145 - 271); and balanced flow

e-mail: david.steckel@edwards.af.mil operation (days 317 - 444)

Principal Investigator:

Dr. Perry McCarty

Stanford University

Department of Civil and

Environmental Engineering

Stanford, CA 94305-4020

(650) 723-4131

fax: (650) 725-9474

e-mail: mccarty@ce.stanford.edu

In Situ Bioremediation; Aerobic Degradation

• Two 8-in diameter, PVC treatment wells installed approximately 24 m deep

bioreactive treatment cell 

• Initial flow rate - 38 liters per minute (L/min)

2 2 2

Type/Quantity of Media Treated:

Groundwater

• Volume of water in test area - 1,160 m3

• Volume of water pumped - 12,132 m from upper to lower aquifer; 16,063 m 3 3

from lower to upper aquifer

• Groundwater contaminant plume of approximately 53 acres

• Two relatively homogeneous aquifers - upper, unconfined aquifer is 8 m

thick, and separated by a 2 m aquitard from the lower confined aquifer; 

lower, confined aquifer is approximately 5 m thick and lies above weathered

bedrock

Regulatory Requirements/Cleanup Goals:

• The objectives of the field demonstration included evaluate the effectiveness of in situ bioremediation to treat TCE in

groundwater and to collect data for potential full-scale application at the site

• Specific remedial goals were not established for the demonstration
Aerobic Degradation at Site 19,

Edwards Air Force Base, California

97

Results:

• The system was found to be technically feasible for remediation of TCE in a two aquifer system

• TCE concentrations were reduced by 97.7%, from levels of up to 1,150 μg/L to 27 μg/L

• The average reduction of TCE during steady-state operation (days 145 - 271) was 87% in the upper aquifer bioactive

zone and 69% in the lower aquifer adjacent to treatment well T1 discharge screen

• The average reduction of TCE during balanced flow operation (days 365 - 444) was 86% and 83% in the upper and

lower aquifer bioactive zones, respectively

• No information was provided about potential degradation products from this demonstration

Costs:

• The total cost for the demonstration at Edwards AFB was $337,807, including $323,453 in capital costs and $14,354 in

O&M costs

Description:

Edwards Air Force Base covers approximately 301,000 acres, is located on the western portion of the Mojave Desert,

about 60 miles north of Los Angeles, and is used for aircraft research and development. From 1958 through 1967, rocket

engines were maintained in facilities at the site. Spent TCE from maintenance operations was disposed at Site 19, a 53

acre area on the west side of Rogers Dry Lake. The resulting groundwater contaminant plume extends approximately

3,200 ft down-gradient from the source area. The site was added to the National Priorities List in August 1990. A Record

of Decision (ROD) had not been signed for this facility at the time of this report. 

Site 19 at Edwards Air Force Base was selected for a field demonstration to evaluate in situ bioremediation for the

treatment of groundwater contaminated with TCE. The system used for the demonstration consisted of two treatment

wells screened in both the upper and lower aquifers. One treatment well was used to withdraw water from the upper

aquifer and discharged it into the lower aquifer, while the other treatment well was used to withdraw water from the lower

aquifer and discharge it into the upper aquifer. This process recirculated the water between the two aquifers creating a

bioreactive treatment cell. Treatment system operation included the pulsed addition of toluene, and the addition of

dissolved oxygen and hydrogen peroxide (H O ). The demonstration included steady-state and balanced flow operation. 2 2

The results of the field demonstration showed that in situ bioremediation using groundwater recirculation was technically

feasible for remediating TCE in a two aquifer system. TCE concentrations were reduced by 97.7%. The average

reduction of TCE during steady-state operation was 69% to 87% in the lower and upper aquifer bioactive zones,

respectively. The average reduction of TCE during balanced flow operation was 83% and 86% in the lower and upper

aquifer bioactive zones, respectively. Prevention of well clogging was found to be an important operational concern for

application of this technology. In this demonstration, site operators used well redevelopment and addition of hydrogen

peroxide to control clogging.
In Situ Bioremediation at the Hanford 200 West Area Site, Richland, Washington

98

Site Name: Location:

Hanford 200 West Area Richland, Washington

Period of Operation: Cleanup Authority:

January 1995 to March 1996 Not identified

Purpose/Significance of Application: Cleanup Type:

In situ bioremediation of chlorinated solvents and nitrate, including use of a Field demonstration

computer-based tool to aid in system design and operating strategies

Contaminants: Waste Source:

Chlorinated solvents Chemical processing operations

• Concentrations in groundwater at the demonstration site were approximately

2 mg/L for carbon tetrachloride (CCl ) and about 250 mg/L for nitrate 4

• Estimated 600,000 kg of CCl in soil and groundwater at demonstration site 4

Contacts: Technology:

Technical Contact:

Rod Skeen recirculate groundwater; two monitoring wells located between recirculation

Principal Investigator wells; a nutrient injection system; and a groundwater sampling system

Pacific Northwest National • Groundwater was extracted and filtered, nutrients were added, and reinjected 

Laboratory • Nutrients consisted of acetate and nitrate pulses added at 24 hr intervals; the

(509) 375-2265 nitrate pulses were skewed 10 hrs from the acetate pulses

Management Contact:

Jim Wright • Two separate tests were performed  one in the upper aquifer zone and one in

DOE EM-50 the lower aquifer zone

Subsurface Contaminants Focus Area

Manager

(803) 725-5608

Licensing Information:

John Sealock

Technology Transfer

PNNL

(509) 375-3635

In Situ Bioremediation

• One injection/extraction well pair (dual multi-screened wells) used to

• An Accelerated Bioremediation Design Tool (ABDT) was used to determine

pulse requirements

Type/Quantity of Media Treated:

Groundwater

• The unsaturated zone is 75 m thick and uncontaminated

• Upper aquifer zone occurs at 75 - 78 m bgs; lower aquifer zone occurs at 87 -

92 m bgs; zones separated by low permeability unit and do not interact with

each other significantly

Regulatory Requirements/Cleanup Goals:

Purpose of the demonstration was to evaluate the ability of the technology to degrade chlorinated solvents and to collect

information about the use of ABDT

Results:

• Approximately 2 kg of CCl were biodegraded during the upper and lower zone tests, with less than 2% conversion to 4

chloroform

• CCl4 biodegradation rate  0.8 mg/g-biomass/day in upper zone and 0.9 mg/g/day in lower zone

• The concentration of CCl in the upper zone was reduced from approximately 2.0 to 1.2 mg/L after 100 days 4

• The upper zone test produced more than 20 kg of bacteria and the lower zone more than 10 kg (dry weight)

• No plugging of the injection well was observed

• The ABDT was used to design and operate an effective in situ bioremediation system for the demonstration
In Situ Bioremediation at the Hanford 200 West Area Site, Richland, Washington

99

Costs:

• An analysis of projected costs showed that the costs for in situ bioremediation were $5.80/m , compared to $13.30/m 3 3

for the baseline technology of air sparging/GAC; the treatment time was estimated as 1.9 yrs for ISB and 4.5 yrs for

AS/GAC 

• In situ bioremediation is cost-effective where plumes or portions of plumes are small enough for volumetric treatment

(100 m diameter range), in aquifers where contaminant plumes exhibit non-equilibrium contaminant partitioning, and in

source area plumes with significant contaminant sorption

Description:

The Hanford Site's mission has been to support national defense efforts through the production of nuclear materials. 

From 1944 to 1989, as part of the plutonium recovery processes, a variety of wastes including solvents, metals, and

radionuclides were released to the soil and groundwater. Soil and groundwater at the 200 West Site Area at Hanford,

located approximately 250 ft north of the sanitary tile field and 750 ft west of the 221-T plant, is contaminated with an

estimated 600,000 kg of CCl . The 200 West Site Area was selected for a field-scale demonstration of in situ 4

bioremediation. The demonstration included two separate tests, which were conducted in distinct, unconnected aquifer

zones at the test site.

A recirculating well in situ bioremediation system was demonstrated at the 200 West Site Area, which showed reductions

in the mass and concentration of CCl in the two aquifer zones. Lessons learned from the field demonstration included 4

that effective ISB system design and operational process control requires an ABDT or similar process simulator, and that

use of an ABDT allows quick corrective action (such as changes in the amount/duration of nutrient pulse or the pulse

period) to maintain rapid contaminant destruction during these changes. In addition, ISB was found to yield significant

economic and efficiency gains over conventional baseline technologies for remediation of groundwater contaminated with

VOCs and nitrates, and to be potentially effective for treating plumes caused by dissolution of non-aqueous phase liquids.
Aerobic Degradation at Moffett Naval Air Station, Mountain View, California

100

Site Name: Location:

Moffett Naval Air Station Mountain View, California

Period of Operation: Cleanup Authority:

September 1986 to November 1988 (three seasons) CERCLA

Purpose/Significance of Application: Cleanup Type:

One of the earliest field demonstrations of aerobic in situ bioremediation under Field demonstration

varying experimental conditions

Contaminants: Waste Source:

Chlorinated Solvents Leaks and spills from aircraft and

• 1,1,1-trichloroethane (TCA) and 1,1-dichloroethane (DCA) found in test maintenance operations; disposal of

zone; regulatory approval obtained for adding TCE, cis- and trans-DCE, and waste in landfills

VC to the injected groundwater for demonstration

Contacts: Technology:

EPA RPM:

Roberta Blank recirculation treatment cell

U.S. EPA Region 9 • TCE, cis- and trans-DCE, and VC injected into groundwater (regulatory

75 Hawthorne Street, SFD-8-1 approval obtained)

San Francisco, CA 94105 • Experiments conducted using native bacteria, methane addition, phenol and

(415) 744-2384 toluene addition, and hyfrogen peroxide addition; bromide tracer tests also

e-mail: blank.roberta@epa.gov performed

Principal Investigator:

Dr. Lewis Semprini

Oregon State University

Department of Civil, Construction,

and Environmental Engineering

202 Apperson Hall

Corvallis, OR 97331-2302

(541) 737-6895

fax: (541) 737-3099

e-mail: Lewis.Semprini@orst.edu

In Situ Bioremediation; Aerobic Degradation

• One extraction well and two injection wells used to create groundwater

Type/Quantity of Media Treated:

Groundwater

• Test zone located in shallow, confined aquifer - 1.5 m thick; approximately 4

to 6 m bgs

• Hydraulic conductivity - 0.11 cm/sec; indigenous methanotrophic bacteria

present in aquifer

Regulatory Requirements/Cleanup Goals:

• The objectives of the field demonstration included evaluating the performance of in situ biodegradation of chlorinated

aliphatic hydrocarbons (CAHs) using native bacteria enhanced through addition of methane, toluene, and phenol

• Specific remedial goals were not established for this demonstration

Results:

• Methane addition was required for biodegradation of CAHs

• Removal rates for methane addition - TCE (20 - 30%), cis-DCE (45 - 55%), trans-DCE (80 - 90%), and VC (90- 95%);

rate of TCE reduction remained relatively constant over three seasons of testing

• Use of phenol and toluene achieved higher percent removals of TCE (93 - 94%)

• Presence of 1,1-DCE was toxic to the transforming bacteria

Costs:

Not provided
Aerobic Degradation at Moffett Naval Air Station, Mountain View, California

101

Description:

Moffett Naval Air Station, used for aircraft operations and maintenance, operated from 1933 to 1994, and is located 35

miles south of San Francisco in Santa Clara County. In 1994, the Navy ceased operations and the airfield was transferred

to the National Aeronautics and Space Administration. Soil and groundwater at the site are contaminated with petroleum

products and VOCs, including TCE and PCE. Moffett was selected for a field demonstration of aerobic biodegradation

and a series of experiments were conducted to evaluate the performance of the technology in treating CAHs using native

bacteria enhanced through addition of methane, toluene, and phenol. 

Results showed that active use of methane in the treatment zone was required for biodegradation of CAHs, and that

groundwater residence times in the treatment zone of 1-2 days resulted in biodegradation of TCE, DCE, and VC. The use

of phenol and toluene achieved higher percent removals of TCE (93 - 94%) compared with use of methane (19%), and

hydrogen peroxide was found to achieve TCE removals similar to those achieved using oxygen. While 1,1-DCE was

partially transformed in the study with phenol, the transformation products were toxic to the transforming bacteria. 

Therefore, the use of this technology when 1,1-DCE is present may not be appropriate. Alternating pulsed addition of

methane and oxygen helped to prevent biofouling in the area near the injection well. According to the researchers, the

relatively low concentration of phosphate in the groundwater did not limit the biodegradation of CAHs at this site; other

phosphate minerals may have dissolved in the groundwater to replenish this mineral as it was being removed by the

bacteria. The results from the field experiments were found to be consistent with the results from batch soil column

laboratory testing using aquifer solids from the test zones. 
Enhanced In Situ Anaerobic Bioremediation of Fuel-Contaminated Ground Water 

102

Site Name: Location:

Naval Weapons Station (NWS) Seal Beach Southern CA

Period of Operation: Cleanup Authority: Regulatory Authority:

9/97 - 10/98 California Regional Water Quality Lawrence Vitale

Control Board CARWQCB Region 8

2010 Iowa Ave, Suite 100

Riverside, CA 92507-2409

(909) 782-4130

Purpose/Significance of Application: Cleanup Type:

Demonstrate anaerobic bioremediation for treating fuel hydrocarbons Field demonstration

Contaminants: Waste Source:

Fuel hydrocarbons and BTEX Leaks from USTs

• Maximum concentrations in groundwater: benzene - 4,000 ug/L;

ethylbenzene - 250 ug/L; m+p-xylenes - 500 ug/L

Contacts: Technology:

Project Management:

Carmen A. LeBron 180 m each) 

Naval Facilities Engineering Service • Extraction rate 4.5 L/min; injection 1.5 L/min/well

Center • Electron acceptors varied by zone - one zone augmented with sulfate, one

1100 23 Ave, ESC 411 with sulfate and nitrate, one with none; three rounds of augmentations rd

Port Hueneme, CA 93043 performed

Telephone: (805) 982-1616 • Sampling performed with automated system

Fax: (805) 982-4304

E-mail: lebronca@nfesc.navy.mil

Principal Investigator:

Martin Reinhard

Dept. of Civil and Environ. Engr.

Stanford University

Stanford, CA 94305 4020

Telephone: (650) 723-0308

Fax: (650) 725-3162

E-mail: reinhard@cive.stanford.edu

In Situ Bioremediation 

• Demonstration used one extraction and three injection wells (three zones of 3

Type/Quantity of Media Treated:

Groundwater (in situ), Soil (in situ), LNAPL

• Contaminated area 20 acres, demonstration conducted on portion of site

• Groundwater velocity 0.7 cm/sec; transmissivity >2 ft /day; depth to 2

groundwater low

• Groundwater had been anaerobic for >10 yrs 

Regulatory Requirements/Cleanup Goals:

• Demonstrate the technical viability of the technology to treat petroleum hydrocarbons and to stimulate biodegradation

of BTEX with nitrate and sulfate

• No specific cleanup goals were identified

Results:

• Concentrations of BTEX compounds were reduced, with toluene preferentially degraded

• Ethylbenzene and m+p-xylene degradation stimulated by nitrate, with concentrations reduced from 250 to <10 ug/L for

ethylbenzene and from 500 to <20 ug/L for xylenes

• O-xylene degradation stimulated by sulfate, with concentration reduced from >400 to <10 ug/L

• Benzene removal was mostly due to flushing rather than biodegradation

Costs:

• Demonstration costs were $875,000, including equipment, labor, laboratory supplies, travel, and overhead; >9,000

samples were collected

• Projected present value costs for a full-scale bioremediation application were $1,085,000, or $4,340/gallon of fuel

recovered, compared with similar costs for pump and treat of $1,530,000, or $6,120/gallon of fuel recovered
Enhanced In Situ Anaerobic Bioremediation of Fuel-Contaminated Ground Water 

103

Description:

In 1984, a fuel leak was discovered at the Naval Weapons Station (NWS) Seal Beach when a steel tank was replaced with

fiberglass tanks. NWS Seal Beach is located in southern California between Long Beach and Huntington Beach. About

5,800 gallons of fuel had leaked and migrated to the groundwater and was a concern for its potential effects on a local

wildlife refuge.

A demonstration of in situ bioremediation was performed in a portion of the contaminated area of this site. The

demonstration evaluated the performance of various concentrations of sulfate and nitrate in three zones between one

extraction well and three injection wells. The results showed that concentrations of BTEX compounds were reduced,

with toluene preferentially degraded. Ethylbenzene and xylenes also were degraded, but benzene was found to be

removed mostly by flushing. Projected full-scale costs for in situ bioremediation were found to be approximately 30%

less than for pump and treat. Lessons learned included the effect of BTEX compounds in a non-aqueous phase, the

demand of non-BTEX fuel hydrocarbons on sulfate and nitrate, and the role of sulfate and nitrate as terminal electron

acceptors.
In Situ Bioremediation (Anaerobic/Aerobic) at Watertown, Massachusetts

104

Site Name: Location:

Not identified Watertown, Massachusetts

Period of Operation: Cleanup Authority:

Anaerobic: November 1996 to July 1997; Not identified

Aerobic: August 1997 to ongoing (data available through October 1997)

Purpose/Significance of Application: Cleanup Type:

Combined anaerobic/aerobic system for treatment of chlorinated solvents Field demonstration

Contaminants: Waste Source:

Chlorinated Solvents Manufacturing operations

• TCE, PCE; initial TCE levels were 12 mg/L

Contacts: Technology:

Technology Researcher:

Dr. Willard Murray anaerobic and aerobic biodegradation processes to degrade PCE and TCE;

Harding Lawson Associates anaerobic conditions were used for eight months (through late July 1997),

107 Audubon Road Suite 25 then changed to aerobic conditions 

Wakefield, MA 01880 • The system was a groundwater recirculating cell that consisted of three

(781) 245-6606 injection wells and three extraction wells, and covered a surface area of

E-mail: wmurray@harding.com approximately 10 ft by 20 ft; with wells screened from 13 to 20 ft bgs

EPA Contact:

Dr. Ronald Lewis • A relatively constant recirculating flow rate of 0.25 gpm was used along with

U.S. Environmental Protection an amendment injection rate of about four gallons per day (approximately 1%

Agency of the recirculating flow)

26 W. Martin Luther King Dr. • Lactic acid was used in the anaerobic conditions, and ORC socks plus

Cincinnati, OH 45268 methane in aerobic conditions

(573) 569-7856

lewis.ronald@epa.gov

In situ bioremediation

• A “two-zone” enhanced bioremediation process that used sequential

• Nutrients and a carbon source were injected into the groundwater through the

three up-gradient wells and extracted through the three down-gradient wells

Type/Quantity of Media Treated:

Groundwater

• Soil at the Watertown site consists of about 13 ft of sand and gravel over

approximately 7 ft of silty sand 

• Depth to groundwater is approximately 8 ft bgs

Regulatory Requirements/Cleanup Goals:

Purpose of the demonstration was to evaluate the use of a combined anaerobic and aerobic system for treatment of

chlorinated solvent

Results:

• After four to five months of operation of anaerobic operation, significant increases in DCE were observed along with

decreases in TCE concentrations, indicating that reductive dechlorination was occurring; no significant increases in VC

concentrations were observed until July 1997, 8 months after operations began

• By July 1997, TCE concentrations had been reduced from about 12 mg/L at the beginning of the demonstration to less

than 1 mg/L and there was an overall reduction of about 80% in the mass of total VOCs

• During the aerobic phase, levels of DCE and vinyl chloride have started to decrease in the groundwater; in addition,

DCE epoxide, a transient biodegradation product of aerobic degradation of DCE, was detected, indicating that aerobic

VOC-degrading bacteria have been stimulated

Costs:

• The field-scale pilot study has incurred a cost of approximately $150,000 through November 5, 1997

• No estimates were provided about the projected costs for a full-scale system using this technology
In Situ Bioremediation (Anaerobic/Aerobic) at Watertown, Massachusetts

105

Description:

The Watertown site has been used since the late 1800's for a variety of operations, including a coal gas manufacturing

plant, which ceased operations in the 1930's, and a metal plating shop, which ceased operations in 1990. The site is

currently being used as a manufacturing facility for electric switch assembly. Soil and groundwater at the site are

contaminated with chlorinated solvents, including TCE and PCE, from past operations and waste disposal practices. A

field demonstration of the Two-Zone Plume-Interception Treatment Technology, developed by Harding Lawson

Associates (HLA, formerly ABB Environmental Services, Inc.), was conducted at the Watertown site under the Superfund

Innovative Technology Evaluation (SITE) program. The field demonstration is currently ongoing.

Under anaerobic conditions, TCE in groundwater was reduced by reductive dechlorination (from 12 mg/L to less than 1

mg/L) and there was an overall reduction of about 80% of the total VOC mass in one well. Data indicate that

methanogenic conditions were not achieved during the anaerobic phase and most of the reductive dechlorination was

attributed to sulfate-reducing bacteria. A period of about one month was required to establish aerobic conditions after

ORC socks were placed in the wells. This lag time was attributed to the presence of residual carbon that had to be

degraded before aerobic conditions could be established. Initial results indicate that VOC levels, primarily DCE and vinyl

chloride, are decreasing. According to EPA, future applications should consider not starting in the winter, start when the

anaerobic process can go quickly, use a higher level of lactate, and drive the oxidation potential down quickly. 
Methane Enhanced Bioremediation Using Horizontal Wells

at the Savannah River Site, Aiken, South Carolina

106

Site Name: Location:

U.S. DOE Savannah River Site Aiken, South Carolina

Period of Operation: Cleanup Authority:

February 26, 1992 to April 30, 1993 CERCLA

Purpose/Significance of Application: Cleanup Type:

Field demonstration of in situ bioremediation system using horizontal wells and Field demonstration

methane injection

Contaminants: Waste Source:

Chlorinated Solvents Wastewater discharges from

• TCE and PCE concentrations in groundwater ranged from 10 to 1,031 ug/L aluminum forming and metal finishing

and 3 to 124 ug/l, respectively operations

• TCE and PCE concentrations in sediment ranged from 0.67 to 6.29 mg/kg

and 0.44 to 1.05 mg/kg, respectively

Contacts: Technology:

Principal Investigators:

Dr. Terry C. Hazen • Two horizontal wells used for the demonstration:

Lawrence Berkeley National - “lower” horizontal injection well - depth of 175 feet (below the water

Laboratory table); screen length of 310 feet; “upper” horizontal extraction well - 

Center for Environmental depth of 80 feet (in the vadose zone); screen length of 205 feet

Biotechnology - Air and gas injection rate - 200 scfm; air and contaminant extraction rate - 

MS 70A-3317 240 scfm

One Cyclotron Road • Catalytic oxidizer used to treat the extracted vapors

Berkeley, CA • Demonstration performed in six different operational modes:

(510) 486-6223 - baseline tests of the vapor extraction and injection systems (with and

fax: (510) 486-7152 without air sparging)

tchazen@lbl.gov - a series of nutrient additions (addition of 1% methane, 4% methane, pulsed

Brian Looney phosphate at 0.07% in air in combination with pulses of 4% methane)

Westinghouse Savannah River - a helium tracer test

Company - an assessment of microbiological assays for monitoring performance

PO Box 616

Aiken, SC 29802

(803) 725-6413/(803) 725-3692

DOE Integrated Demonstration

Manager:

Kurt Gerdes

U.S. DOE

Office of Environmental Management

Science & Technology Development

Office of Technology Systems

Cloverleaf Room 1135

Germantown, MD 20874

Telephone: (301) 903-7289

fax: (301) 903-7457

In Situ Bioremediation 

• Methane enhanced bioremediation

4% methane; and combination of nitrous oxide at 0.007% and triethyl

Type/Quantity of Media Treated:

Groundwater and sediment

• VOC plume was estimated to cover about 1200 acres and to be about 150-ft

thick

• Dense nonaqueous phase liquids (DNAPLs) have also been observed

• Depth to groundwater - 120 to 135 feet bgs

• Groundwater velocity - 15 to 100 feet/year

Regulatory Requirements/Cleanup Goals:

• Cleanup goals for groundwater included TCE (5 ppb) and PCE (5 ppb)

• Information was not provided about cleanup goals for sediment
Methane Enhanced Bioremediation Using Horizontal Wells

at the Savannah River Site, Aiken, South Carolina

107

Results:

• After 384 days of operation, the system removed about 17,000 lbs of VOCs through a combination of vacuum

extraction and biodegradation - the vacuum component of the system removed 12,096 lbs of VOCs and the biological

component degraded 4,838 lbs of VOCs

• After treatment, the total sediment inventory for both TCE and PCE decreased by 24%, with the concentrations of

VOCs in most sediment samples reported to be below the detection limits; concentrations of TCE and PCE in

groundwater were reported to be less than 5 ppb; soil gas concentrations reportedly decreased by more than 99%

• The addition of methane stimulated the growth of methanotrophs - 1% methane addition increased the population of

methanotrophs by several orders of magnitude, to levels close to 100,000 MPN/ml; 4% methane addition initially

increased the population of methanotrophs, which then decreased as a result of nutrient depletion

• The addition of nitrogen and phosphorous nutrients with pulsed methane stimulated microbial activity. This phase was

reported to optimize bioremediation and mineralization of TCE and PCE in groundwater and sediments

• Helium tracer tests indicated that more than 50% of the injected methane was consumed by indigenous microbes before

it reached the extraction well; results were not provided from the microbiological assays

Costs:

• Projected costs for full-scale application at this site were $452,407 for total capital costs (including equipment

amortized over 10 years, well installation, and mobilization) and $236,465 for operation and maintenance (including

monitoring, consumables, and demobilization)

Description:

The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) Savannah River Site (SRS) is a 300 square mile facility located in Aiken, South

Carolina that has been used for the research and production of nuclear materials. Area M at the facility was used for

aluminum forming and metal finishing operations. Wastewaters from this area containing an estimated 3.5 million pounds

of solvents were discharged to an unlined settling basin, a process sewer line, and a nearby stream from the 1950's to the

1980's. High levels of chlorinated solvents, primarily TCE (up to 1,031 ug/L in groundwater and 6.29 mg/kg im

sediment) and PCE (up to 124 ug/L in groundwater and 1.05 mg/kg in sediment), were found at the site and DNAPLs

were observed. The VOC groundwater plume was estimated to cover about 1200 acres and to be about 150-ft thick. 

From February 1992 to April 1993, DOE conducted a field demonstration of in situ methane enhanced bioremediation

using two horizontal wells - one located below the water table and used for injection and one located in the vadose zone

and used for extraction. A catalytic oxidizer was used to treat the extracted vapors. The demonstration was performed in

six different operational modes, varying the type and concentration of nutrients added and the use of pulsing. During the

demonstration, about 17,000 lbs of VOCs were removed through a combination of vacuum extraction and biodegradation. 

The addition of methane stimulated the growth of methanotrophs, with the addition of 1% methane increasing the

population of methanotrophs by several orders of magnitude. Results of a tracer test showed that more than 50% of the

injected methane was consumed by indigenous microbes before it reached the extraction well.
In Situ Bioremediation at the Texas Gulf Coast Site, Houston, Texas

108

Site Name: Location:

Texas Gulf Coast Site (actual site name confidential) Houston, Texas

Period of Operation: Cleanup Authority:

Ongoing (data available from June 1995 to December 1998) State of Texas Voluntary Cleanup

Program; administered by TNRCC

Purpose/Significance of Application: Cleanup Type:

Groundwater recirculation system using trenches for extraction and injection Full scale

Contaminants: Waste Source:

TCE, cis-1,2-DCE, VC Leaks and spills from manufacturing

• TCE was present at approximately 50 mg/L operations

Contacts: Technology:

Site Contractor:

Susan Tighe Litherland, P. E

David W. Anderson, P.E., P.G.

Roy F. Weston, Inc.

5300 Bee Caves Road, Suite 1-100

Austin, TX 78746

(512) 329-8399

fax: (512) 329-8348

e-mail: litherls@mail.rfweston.com

e-mail: andersod@mail.rfweston.com

Site Contact:

Not identified

In situ bioremediation

• An extraction-injection recirculation system, completed in May 1995,

consists of an alternating series of four extraction (1,800 linear ft total) and

four injection (1,100 linear ft total) trenches set at a spacing of approximately

100 ft

• The extraction trenches were completed to a depth of at least one foot into the

bottom clay layer (20 - 22 ft bgs), and were sloped to a sump

• System operation consists of groundwater circulation and addition of

methanol 

• As of January 1999, the recirculation rate averages 6 to 8 gpm, and a total of

12 million gallons have been recirculated through the system (approximately

2.5 pore volumes)

Type/Quantity of Media Treated:

Groundwater

• The area of contaminated groundwater is approximately 600 ft by 700 ft in an

unconsolidated water-bearing zone which occurs at a depth of approximately

12 - 20 ft bgs

• Hydraulic conductivity is 1 x 10 to 4 x 10 cm/sec -4 -4

• Groundwater velocity is 4 - 18 ft/yr

Regulatory Requirements/Cleanup Goals:

• The primary objectives of the clean up are to actively remediate the contaminated groundwater at this site to a point that

natural attenuation would prevent further migration of the plume, and to discontinue active treatment

• No specific cleanup goals have been identified for groundwater at this site

Results:

• Excluding results from the one potential “source” area, the average decrease in TCE concentrations is approximately

99% (from an average of 12 to 0.12 mg/L) during a 3 1⁄2 year period 

• TCE concentrations in portions of the plume have decreased to below the detection limit (0.005 mg/L). 

• Accounting for dilution, the site contractor reported that TCE concentrations were reduced by approximately 2% per

month during a period of nutrient-only addition, and approximately 10% per month during the period of methanol

addition

• The ratio of cis-1,2-DCE to TCE increased from approximately 0.06:1 to 0.30:1 after addition of methanol, suggesting

more active dechlorination associated with higher concentrations of substrate.

Costs:

• Capital costs for construction of the extraction/injection trenches and control building were approximately $600,000

• Annual costs for operation, maintenance and monitoring are approximately $100,000
In Situ Bioremediation at the Texas Gulf Coast Site, Houston, Texas

109

Description:

The Texas Gulf Coast site is an abandoned industrial manufacturing facility located near Houston, Texas that operated

between 1952 and 1985. Trichloroethene was used at the facility and was found in the groundwater starting in 1986. In

situ bioremediation is being used to clean up groundwater at the site under the State of Texas Voluntary Cleanup Program.

Methanol addition was found to increase the rate of biodegradation of TCE at this site, based on the reduction of TCE

concentration and increase in the ratio of cis-1,2-DCE to TCE. This site is planning to stop using active bioremediation

after four years of system operation (three years of methanol addition) to allow use of natural attenuation. According to

the site contractor, natural attenuation will be used to prevent future migration of the plume, and to achieve stable or

declining contaminant concentrations. Excessive biomass formation, leading to a reduced flow rate, was found to be a

concern for addition of methanol. Excess biomass was not noted during the period when nutrients alone were added;

however, a significant increase in biomass formation was noted after addition of methanol. To remedy this, the site

contractor modified their methanol addition to a batch system. The site contractor found that it was difficult to balance

the system hydraulics between the extraction and infiltration trenches, and that it required approximately one year of

operating time to achieve a balance. In addition, they found it difficult to interpret the treatment performance data

because of the non-homogeneous nature of the initial groundwater quality, and dilution due to recharge of rainwater and

clean water from beyond the planned treatment area.
In Situ Redox Manipulation at U.S. DOE Hanford Site, 100-H and 100-D Areas

110

Site Name: Location:

U.S. Department of Energy Hanford Site, 100-H and 100-D Areas Richland, WA

Period of Operation: Cleanup Authority:

September 1995 to September 1998 Not identified

Purpose/Significance of Application: Cleanup Type:

Demonstrate in situ redox manipulation for treatment of hexavalent chromium Field demonstration

Contaminants: Waste Source:

Chromium Nuclear processing operations

• Initial chromate concentrations 60 ug/L in 100-H area and 910 ug/L in 100-D

area

Contacts: Technology:

Technical Contacts:

John Fruchter solution (Na S O , also known as hydrosulfite) to react with natural iron in

Pacific Northwest National the subsurface and form reduced iron (Fe ); the reduced iron reacts with

Laboratory chromate to form insoluble chromium oxides

(509) 376-3937 • Dithionite solution was injected through one 8-inch diameter

Wayne Martin created a reduced zone 50 ft in diameter

Pacific Northwest National • The withdrawal phase took 83 hrs and 4.8 injection volumes to remove

Laboratory unreacted reagent, buffer, reaction products, bromide tracer, and mobilized

(509) 372-4881 metals

Management Contacts:

James A. Wright

DOE SR, Field Manager

(803) 725-5608

In Situ Redox Manipulation (ISRM)

• The field demonstration used 20,500 gallons of buffered sodium dithionite

22 4 2+

injection/extraction well, allowed to react for 18 hrs, and then withdrawn; this

• 16 two-inch monitoring wells were used to assess physical and chemical

conditions after the test

Type/Quantity of Media Treated:

Groundwater

• Depth to groundwater is 50 ft in 100-H area and 85 ft in 100-D area

• Aquifer is 15-20 ft thick

Regulatory Requirements/Cleanup Goals:

• Evaluate performance of ISRM for treating chromium in groundwater

• No specific cleanup goals were identified

Results:

• Concentrations of chromium in groundwater were reduced to less than 8 ug/L in one month

• 87-90% of the dithionite solution was recovered during the withdrawal phase, along with most of the mobilized metals

(Fe, Mn, Zn)

• Within 25 ft of the injection well, 60-100% of the available iron was reduced; this zone was estimated to have a life of

7-13 yrs

• Two years after treatment was complete, the treatment zone remained anoxic and hexavalent chromium below detection

limits

Costs:

• Projected costs for use of ISRM in a full-scale deployment at this site were identified using two methodologies (one for

a 200 ft barrier and one for a 1,400 ft barrier), both in comparison to projected costs for pump and treat; this analysis

showed cost savings for use of ISRM of $4.6 to 16 million 
In Situ Redox Manipulation at U.S. DOE Hanford Site, 100-H and 100-D Areas

111

Description:

The 100 Area of the Hanford site contains nine nuclear reactors, and is located in the north-central portion of the site near

the Columbia River. During reactor operations, chromium was introduced to the soil and groundwater in this area. 

A demonstration of in situ redox manipulation (ISRM) was conducted in the 100-H and 100-D areas at Hanford that

consisted of field-scale demonstrations. ISRM is a passive barrier technique that uses injection of buffered sodium

dithionite solution (Na S O ) to react with natural iron in the subsurface and form reduced iron (Fe ); the reduced iron 22 4

2+

reacts with chromate to form insoluble chromium oxides. Results from the field demonstration test showed that initial

chromate concentrations of 60 ug/L in the 100-H area and 910 ug/L in the 100-D area were reduced to less than 8 ug/L in

a one month period. In addition, 87-90% of the dithionite solution was recovered during the withdrawal phase, along with

most of the mobilized metals (Fe, Mn, Zn). A full-scale deployment for the Hanford 100-HR-3 operable unit is planned

to begin in late 1999.
In Situ Chemical Oxidation Using Potassium Permanganate at Portsmouth Gaseous

Diffusion Plant, X-701B Facility

112

Site Name: Location:

Portsmouth Gaseous Diffusion Plant, X-701B Facility Piketon, OH

Period of Operation: Cleanup Authority:

Spring 1997 (operated for one month) RCRA Corrective Action

Purpose/Significance of Application: Cleanup Type:

Demonstrate in situ chemical oxidation for treating chlorinated solvents Field demonstration

Contaminants: Waste Source:

Chlorinated solvents Leaks from USTs

• Initial TCE concentrations in groundwater averaged 176.7 mg/L

Contacts: Technology:

Technical Contacts:

Robert L. Siegrist groundwater (6 gpm) and one to reinject after addition of potassium

Colorado School of Mines and Oak permanganate (KMnO ) 

Ridge Natl. Lab. • Each well had a 200 ft screened section located in a 5 ft thick silty, gravel

(303) 273-3490 aquifer in the center of a plume

Olivia West into the downgradient well 90 ft from the extraction well; a total of 206,000

Oak Ridge Natl. Lab. gals of KMnO solution was injected

(423) 576-5005 • Oxidant solution (~2% KMnO ) was recirculated for one month

Management Contacts:

Tom Houk days to enhance delivery

Bechtel Jacobs Company, LLC • System shutdowns were due to heavy rains, well-screen clogging, and repairs

(740) 897-6502

James A. Wright

DOE SR, Field Manager

(803) 725-5608

In Situ Chemical Oxidation

• Demonstration used a pair of parallel horizontal wells - one to extract

4

• Crystalline KMnO was added to the extracted groundwater and reinjected 4 

4 

4

• Delivery of oxidant solution was not uniform throughout the horizontal well;

a subsequent injection of KMnO was made into a nearby vertical well for 8 4

Type/Quantity of Media Treated:

Groundwater (in situ)

• The Gallia sand and gravel unit was the target for the demonstration 

• DNAPL compounds (mostly TCE) were located 25-35 ft bgs, 12 ft below top

of water table

• Area of contamination approximately 90 ft by 220 ft by 6 ft (119,000 ft )3

containing 272.7 lbs of TCE

Regulatory Requirements/Cleanup Goals:

• Evaluate performance of the technology in degrading TCE

• No specific cleanup goals were identified

Results:

• Average concentrations of TCE were 176.7 mg/L before treatment, 110 mg/L at completion of treatment, and 41 mg/L

two weeks after recirculation ended; concentrations increased to 65 mg/L at 8 weeks and 103 mg/L at 12 weeks after

recirculation ended

• Immediately after recirculation ended, concentrations of TCE were low (BDL to low ug/L) in monitoring wells where

KMnO was also detected 4 

• Residual concentrations of KMnO were detected at nine monitoring well locations 19 months after the demonstration 4 

ended
In Situ Chemical Oxidation Using Potassium Permanganate at Portsmouth Gaseous

Diffusion Plant, X-701B Facility

113

Costs:

• The estimated cost for the demonstration was $562,000, consisting of project management ($67,440), predemonstration characterization ($162,980), remediation operations/oxidant recirculation ($162,980), resistivity

monitoring ($67,440), and post-demonstration characterization and demobilization ($101,160)

• Projected costs for use of the technology at a full-scale were $516,360, to treat a hot spot area of 22.9 acres in the

central portion of the X-701B plume; this corresponds to $64/yd3

Description:

The Portsmouth Gaseous Diffusion Plant (PORTS), located 80 miles south of Columbus, Ohio, is a 3,714-acre DOE

reservation. It was constructed between 1952 and 1956 and enriches uranium for electrical power generation. The X701B site, located in the northeastern area of PORTS, contains an unlined 200 ft by 50 ft holding pond. The pond was

used from 1954 to 1988 for neutralization and settling of metal-bearing acidic wastewater and solvent-contaminated

solutions. During a RCRA Facility Investigation, TCE was detected in a groundwater sample at 700 mg/L. 

A field demonstration of in situ chemical oxidation was conducted at PORTS using a pair of parallel horizontal wells 

one for extraction and one for reinjection. Crystalline KMnO was added to extracted groundwater and reinjected into the 4 

downgradient well 90 ft from the extraction well; a total of 206,000 gals of KMnO solution was injected and recirculated 4 

for one month. Results showed that immediately after recirculation ended, concentrations of TCE were low (BDL to low

ug/L) at those locations where KMnO was detected in the monitoring well. However, oxidant addition was not uniform 4 

and average concentrations were higher - 110 mg/L at completion of treatment, and 41 mg/L two weeks after recirculation

ended. The researchers concluded that the number and pattern of extraction and injections wells must be designed to

ensure maximum coverage of the treatment zone.
Phytoremediation Using Constructed Wetlands at the Milan Army Ammunition

Plant, Milan, Tennessee

114

Site Name: Location:

Milan Army Ammunition Plant Milan, Tennessee

Period of Operation: Cleanup Authority:

June 17, 1996 to July 21, 1998 Not identified

Purpose/Significance of Application: Cleanup Type:

Use of constructed wetlands for treatment of explosives-contaminated Field demonstration

groundwater

Contaminants: Waste Source:

Explosives Industrial wastewater discharged to

• Total nitrobody (the sum of the following six explosives: TNT, RDX, HMX, ditches

TNB, 2A-DNT, and 4A-DNT) concentrations in groundwater ranged from

3,250 to 9,200 ppb

• TNT concentrations in groundwater ranged from 1,250 to 4,440 ppb

• RDX concentrations in groundwater ranged from 1,770 to 4,240 ppb

• HMX concentrations in groundwater ranged from 87 to 110 ppb

Contacts: Technology:

AEC Project Manager:

Darlene F. Bader lagoon-based system

U.S. Army Environmental Center • Both systems were designed to retain groundwater for approximately 10 days

ATTN: SFIM-AEC-ETD (Bader) at an influent flow rate of 5 gpm per system

5179 Hoadley Road • The gravel system consisted of two 4 ft deep gravel-filled beds (cells)

APG, MD 21010-5401 connected in series and planted with emergent plants; the first cell (0.088

(410) 436-6861 acre) was maintained as anaerobic (by carbon addition) and the second cell

Fax: (410) 436-6836 (0.030 acre) as aerobic; emergent plants used were canary grass, wool grass,

E-mail: dfbader@aec.apgea.army.mil sweetflag, and parrotfeather

TVA Program Manager:

Richard A. (Rick) Almond • The demonstration was conducted in three phases - (I) plant screening and

Tennessee Valley Authority treatability studies; (II) design, construction, and 16 months of monitoring;

Reservation Road CEB 4C and (III) longer-term monitoring and optimization

Muscle Shoals, AL 35661

(256) 386-3030

Fax: (256) 386-3799

E-mail: raalmond@tva.gov

Technology Research Biologist:

Dr. Susan L. Sprecher

Chemical Control Technology

U.S. Army Corps of Engineers

Waterways Experiment Station, ES-p

3909 Halls Ferry Rd.

Vicksburg, MS 39180-6199

(601) 634-2435

Fax: (601) 634-2617

Constructed Wetlands

• Two types of wetlands were demonstrated - a gravel-based system and a

• The lagoon system consisted of two 2 ft deep lagoons (cells) connected in

series and planted with submergent plants

Type/Quantity of Media Treated:

Groundwater

• Groundwater flow north-northwest

Regulatory Requirements/Cleanup Goals:

• Reduce concentration of TNT to less than 2 ppb, and total nitrobody concentrations (see contaminants) to less than 50

ppb
Phytoremediation Using Constructed Wetlands at the Milan Army Ammunition

Plant, Milan, Tennessee

115

Results:

• The gravel-based system performed better than the lagoon-based system

• The gravel system reduced TNT, RDX, and HMX concentrations to below the cleanup goals during all but the coldest

months; in addition, a sustainable ecosystem was established

• The lagoon system met the cleanup goal for TNT of 2 ppb only during the first 50 days of the demonstration, but did

not remove RDX and HMX or meet the total nitrobody goals; in addition, an adequate plant population was not

maintained within the lagoon system

Costs:

• Projected costs for a 10-acre, full-scale, gravel-based system designed to treat 200 gpm of contaminated groundwater at

Milan AAP were $3,466,000 ($1998).

• Assuming a 95% system availability and 30-yr life, the total cost (capital plus O&M) for use of this system was

estimated as $1.78 per 1,000 gals of groundwater

Description:

The Milan Army Ammunition Plant (MAAP) is a government-owned, contractor-operated military industrial installation

within the U.S. Army Industrial Operations Command. The original facility was constructed during World War II. 

MAAP is located on 22,436 acres of land, which include approximately 548 acres for various production lines, 7,930

acres for storage areas, and 1,395 acres for administrative, shop maintenance, housing, recreation, and other functions. 

From World War II to 1981, MAAP’s production facilities discharged explosives-contaminated wastewater directly into

open ditches that drained from sumps or surface impoundments into local streams. Several of these drainage ditches

became contaminated with explosive residuals which leached into the groundwater. In 1981, the production facility’s

wastewaters were redirected to explosives-contaminated wastewater treatment plants. 

A wetlands demonstration system was constructed in Area K adjacent to Building K-100. The demonstration consisted of

gravel- and lagoon-based systems, and was conducted over a two-year period. The study found that the gravel-based

system had results better than the lagoon system, and met the goals during all but the coldest months. The lagoon system

did not consistently meet the goals, and had several operational problems, including a severe tadpole infestation and a

hailstorm. The demonstration study authors concluded that a wetland’s economic and technical feasibility depends on

site-specific factors such as regional temperature variations, rainfall patterns, groundwater flow characteristics, explosive

type and concentration, the presence of other contaminants, and regulatory requirements. In general, they found that

wetlands perform better in warmer climates with moderate levels of rainfall.
Multi-Phase Extraction at the 328 Site, Santa Clara, CA

116

Site Name: Location:

328 Site Santa Clara, CA

Period of Operation: Cleanup Authority:

November 19, 1996 to May 4, 1999 State of California San Francisco Bay

Shutdown period to assess rebound: June 5, 1998 through September 8, 1998 Regional Water Quality Control Board

Purpose/Significance of Application: Cleanup Type:

Use of DPE with pneumatic fracturing to remove VOCs from silty clay soils and Full scale

shallow groundwater

Contaminants: Waste Source:

Chlorinated Solvents Storage of waste from vehicle

• Trichloroethene (TCE) is the primary contaminant of concern, with the manufacturing operations

highest TCE concentration measured in the soil and groundwater during the

remedial investigation at 46 mg/kg and 37,000 ug/L, respectively

Contacts: Technology:

Vendor:

Jeffrey C. Bensch, P.E. • 41 fracture locations (two pneumatic fracture points installed between each

HSI GeoTrans pair of extraction wells)

3035 Prospect Park Drive, Suite 40 • Following initial fracturing, a low flow/low pressure compressor provided

Rancho Cordova, California 95670, continuous air injection into each fracture point

Tel: 916-853-1800 • Groundwater extraction rate - approximately 35 gpm on a continuous basis

Fax: 916-853-1860 • Average vapor flow rate - increased from approximately 39 scfm to over 65

E-mail: jbensch@hsigeotrans.com scfm, following pneumatic fracturing

State Contact:

Mr. George Lincoln

State of California

Regional Water Quality Control Board

San Francisco Bay Region

1515 Clay Street, Suite 1400

Oakland, CA 94612

Additional Contacts:

Zahra M. Zahiraleslamzadeh

Environmental Project Manager

FMC Corporation

1125 Coleman Avenue, Gate 1 Annex

P.O. Box 58123

Santa Clara, California 95052

Tel: 408-289-3141

Fax: 408-289-0195

E-mail: zahra_zahir@udlp.com

Dual Phase Extraction (DPE) with Pneumatic Fracturing System

• 20 dual phase, single pump extraction wells installed at the source area 

Type/Quantity of Media Treated:

Soil and Groundwater

• Depth to groundwater - 8 ft bgs; the first water-bearing zone (A-level aquifer)

present at 20 to 50 ft bgs; second water-bearing zone (B-level aquifer)

present 50 to 90 ft bgs 

• Sediments underlying the site include marine or basinal clays, coarse channel

deposits, and inter-channel silts and clays

Regulatory Requirements/Cleanup Goals:

• Less than 10 mg/L total VOCs in soil.

Results:

• The DPE system removed approximately 1,220 pounds of VOCs from the source area

- VOC mass removed by soil vapor extraction - 782 pounds

• Average source area VOC concentration in groundwater declined from over 12,000 ug/L to less than 800 ug/L

• During first month of operation, about 40% of the mass of VOCs removed was from the vadose zone; by the fifth

month, groundwater extraction was removing more VOC mass than SVE

• DPE system shut down June through August 1998 to assess rebound

- VOC concentrations remained relatively constant during shut down and after restart

• 27 confirmation soil samples averaged 0.93 mg/L total VOCs
Multi-Phase Extraction at the 328 Site, Santa Clara, CA

117

Costs:

• The cost to design and install the DPE system with pneumatic fracturing was approximately $300,000. 

• Approximate costs for two years of operation and maintenance services, reporting, and analytical fees were $450,000,

averaging $225,000 per year. Approximately $100,000 was required for the disposal of spent carbon. 

• The unit cost for treatment of the 0.5-acre source area from 0 to 20 feet bgs was $53 per cubic yard of soil (for

treatment of 16,000 yd )3

Description:

The 328 Site occupies approximately 27.1 acres in a primarily industrial and commercial area of San Jose and Santa

Clara, California, near the San Jose Airport. The 328 Site was used for manufacturing military tracked vehicles, including

assembly and painting operations, from 1963 through 1998. A former waste storage area was the suspected source of

VOC contamination of soil and groundwater at the site. The cleanup of the 328 Site was performed in anticipation of

future commercial/industrial redevelopment and was conducted by FMC Corporation in accordance with the State of

California San Francisco Bay Regional Water Quality Control Board Final Site Cleanup Requirements Order Number 96-

024. 

A DPE system, which included 20 dual phase, single pump extraction wells, was used to remove VOCs from silty clay

soils and shallow groundwater at the site Air flow through the soils was enhanced by pneumatic fracturing (PF) between

DPE extraction wells and by supplying continuous low flow/low pressure air to the fractured soils. Over 40 percent of the

VOC mass removal occurred from the vadose zone during the first month of operation. Groundwater extraction provided

greater mass removal rates than soil vapor extraction by the fifth month of operation. The combination of technologies

has allowed soil vapor extraction to be effective in an area that is not well suited for in-situ remediation. 
Dual Phase Extraction at the Defense Supply Center, Richmond, Virginia

118

Site Name: Location:

Defense Supply Center, Acid Neutralization Pit (ANP) Richmond, VA

Period of Operation: Cleanup Authority:

July 1997 - July 1998 CERCLA - Remedial Action

• ROD signed 1992

• ESD signed 1995

Purpose/Significance of Application: Cleanup Type:

Use of DPE to treat soil and groundwater contaminated with chlorinated Treatability study

solvents, including PCE and TCE

Contaminants: Waste Source:

Chlorinated Solvents Leaks from settling basins that

• The highest concentrations of VOCs detected in the upper aquifer were 3300 received wastewater from metal

micrograms per liter ()g/L) for PCE, 890 )g/L for TCE, and 26 )g/L for 1,2- plating operations

DCE; VOCs were not detected in the lower aquifer

Contacts: Technology:

Vendor:

Katy L. Allen, P.E. • DPE wells installed to depth of 22 to 28 ft bgs (10 ft screen length) and

Law Engineering and Environmental equipped with an electric, submersible (variable-frequency drive) pump, 

Services, Inc. • SVE vacuum at blower - 42 in WC; SVE air flow rate - 314 cfm

112 Town Park Drive • Groundwater extraction rate - 37 gpm

Kennesaw, GA 30144 • DPE radius of influence - 600 to 800 ft, downgradient

Tel: (770) 421-3400 • Air extracted by the SVE blower was vented to the atmosphere. Extracted

Regulatory Contact:

Stephen Mihalko • Effluent water was discharged to a storm sewer that flows to a nearby stream.

Remedial Project Manager

Virginia Department of Environmental

Quality

P.O. Box 10009

Richmond, VA 23240

Tel: (804) 698-4202

Todd Richardson

U.S. EPA Region 3

1650 Arch Street (MC 3HS50)

Philadelphia, PA 19103-2029

Tel: (215) 814-5264

E-mail: richardson.todd@epa.gov

Additional Contacts:

Bill Saddington

DSCR Remedial Project Manager

Defense Supply Center Richmond

8000 Jefferson Davis Highway

Richmond, VA 23297-5000

Tel: (804) 279-3781

E-mail: bsaddington@dscr.dla.mil

Dual Phase Extraction (DPE)

• 12 DPE wells and six air injection wells arranged in a rectangular grid

groundwater was pumped directly to a low-profile tray type air stripper to

remove VOCs. Air stripper off-gas was released to the atmosphere

Type/Quantity of Media Treated:

Soil and Groundwater/17 million gallons of groundwater recovered and treated

• The plume area was estimated to be 16,000 square feet

• Depth to groundwater - 10 to 15 ft bgs; hydraulic gradient - 0.001 to 0.002

ft/ft; aquifer transmissivity - 374 to 504 ft /d2
Dual Phase Extraction at the Defense Supply Center, Richmond, Virginia

119

Regulatory Requirements/Cleanup Goals:

• Remedial goals for PCE - 5 )g/L and TCE - 5 )g/L, or attainment of an asymptotic trend in contaminant of concern

concentrations in groundwater (whichever occurs first)

• The purpose of the DPE treatability study was to collect additional operational data to refine system design parameters,

and to evaluate the effectiveness of an air injection system to facilitate air flow through soils exposed by drawdown of

the groundwater surface

Results:

• Total VOC concentrations were reduced by more than 99% in several wells; for example, in two wells located in the

plume center initial concentrations of total VOCs were reduced from 1,980 )g/L to 11.9 )g/L and from 1,766 )g/L to

3.5 )g/L

• Total mass of VOC removed - 145 lb:

- Groundwater VOC mass removal rate - 28 lb (0.09 lb/d) total, including 2 lb (<0.01 lb/d) aromatic and 26 lb (0.08

lb/d) chlorinated

- Soil VOC mass removal rate - 117 lb (0.37 lb/d) total, including 70 lb (0.22 lb/d) aromatic and 47 lb (0.15 lb/d)

chlorinated

• At the completion of the treatability study, PCE and TCE concentrations remained above the remedial goals in several

wells, and increasing VOC concentrations were observed in wells at the outer edge of the radius of influence of the

DPE system

Costs:

• The total cost for the one year treatability study of the DPE system was $538,490, including $134,092 for pre-design

investigations supporting DPE design, $73,198 for engineering design of the DPE system, $205,743 in system

construction costs (equipment only), $24,309 in startup costs, and $101,148 in operation and maintenance, which

included the cost of sample collection and analysis 

• The total cost per unit volume of groundwater recovered and treated was $0.03 per gallon (based on 17 million gallons

of groundwater)

Description:

The 640-acre Defense Supply Center Richmond (DSCR) is a military support, service, and storage facility located

approximately 11 miles south of the City of Richmond, VA. Since 1942, DSCR has been furnishing and managing

general military supplies to the Armed Forces and several federal civilian agencies. Historic and current industrial

operations at the DSCR have included repair of equipment, engine rebuilding, and refurbishment of combat helmets and

compressed gas cylinders. The Acid Neutralization Pit (ANP) site, located in the northern section of the DSCR, consists

of two former concrete settling basins that received wastewater from metal cleaning operations conducted at one of the

warehouse buildings. In 1985, when the tanks were closed, they were observed to be cracked and broken. Site

investigations determined that the groundwater was contaminated with chlorinated solvents, primarily tetrachloroethene

(PCE) and trichloroethene (TCE). The site was placed on the National Priorities List. A ROD, signed in 1995,

addressed the contamination at the ANP site, and the results of the Feasibility Study identified DPE as a potentially viable

remediation alternative for the site.

A pilot test of the DPE system, along with aquifer testing, was performed in June 1995 to gather site-specific

hydrogeologic data and data on air extraction rates and SVE mass removal rates. The results of the testing supported the

use of DPE for VOC recovery at DSCR. A full-scale system, consisting of 12 DPE wells and six air injection wells were

installed and a treatability study was conducted for one year to evaluate the effectiveness of the full-scale system,

including collecting operational data to refine system design parameters, and to evaluate the effectiveness of the air

injection system. After one year, the DPE system removed 145 pounds of VOCs, including 117 pounds from the soil

vapor and 28 pounds from the groundwater. Although VOC concentrations were reduced in a number of wells, including

reductions of more than 99% in two wells located withing the plume, concentrations of PCE and TCE remained above the

cleanup goals in several wells. Based on the results of the treatability study, the Army’s contractor recommended that the

DPE system continue operation and that additional investigations be done to better define the capture zone of the system. 

The unit cost was $0.03 per gallon based on 17 million gallons of groundwater treated during the pilot test.
Dual Vapor Extraction at Tinkham’s Garage Superfund Site, Londonderry, NH

120

Site Name: Location:

Tinkham’s Garage Superfund Site Londonderry, NH

Period of Operation: Cleanup Authority:

November 22, 1994 to September 29, 1995 CERCLA

• ROD signed 1985

• ROD amended March 1989

Purpose/Significance of Application: Cleanup Type:

Use of DVE to treat soil and groundwater contaminated with chlorinated Full scale

solvents, including PCE and TCE

Contaminants: Waste Source:

Chlorinated Solvents Discharges of liquids and sludge to

• Tetrachloroethene (PCE) and trichloroethene (TCE) surface soils

• Site investigations found total VOCs as high as 652 ppm in soil and 42 ppm

in groundwater

Contacts: Technology:

Vendor:

Joleen Kealey overburden, and 8 deep DVE wells, screened in the upper bedrock and

Project Manager overburden; five existing pilot test wells were left in place and used for vapor

Terra Vac, Inc. extraction; the wells were distributed over three manifold lines 

213 Rear Broadway • SVE vacuum at blower - 5 in Hg (68 in WC) 

Methuen, MA 01844 • SVE flow rate - 500 scfm, average

Tel: (978) 688-5280 • Vapors treated using activated carbon; recovered groundwater treated using

EPA RPM:

James DiLorenzo

U.S. EPA Region 1 (MC:HBO)

One Congress Street, Suite 1100

Boston, MA 02114-2023

Tel: (617) 918-1247

E-mail: dilorenzo.jim@epa.gov

Dual Vapor Extraction (DVE)

• 33 DVE wells divided into 25 shallow DVE wells, screened in the

air stripping to meet the Derry POTW pre-treatment standards; off-gas from

air stripper treated using vapor phase carbon

Type/Quantity of Media Treated:

Soil and Groundwater/9,000 cubic yards of soil treated

• Overburden consisting of inorganic and organic silty clay and sand grading to

fine and medium-grained sand; weathered metamorphic bedrock at

approximately 14 feet bgs

• Depth to groundwater - 5 to 6 feet bgs

• Hydraulic conductivity - range 1 ft/d to 10 ft/d

Regulatory Requirements/Cleanup Goals:

• ROD specified 1 ppm total VOCs for soil and 5 ppb each for PCE and TCE in groundwater 

Results:

• Soil cleanup goals were achieved within ten months of operation; groundwater cleanup goals were not achieved at the

conclusion of DVE system operation and pump-and-treat has been implemented as the site

• Approximately 53 pounds of VOCs were removed by the DVE system:

- vapor extraction removed approximately 48 pounds; averaging 0.17 pounds per day 

- groundwater extraction removed approximately 5 pounds of VOCs (recovered in the aqueous phase); averaging 0.016

pounds per day

• The majority of VOCs recovered were PCE and TCE

• VOCs extracted in the vapor phase were reduced from concentrations as high 16 ppm to below 1 ppm (the soil cleanup

goal) 

• Concentrations of VOCs in groundwater in the source area decreased by over 99% in one well and by 64% in a second

well. However, total VOCs concentrations in groundwater remained above the cleanup goals and ranged from 29 to

237 ppb in the source area
Dual Vapor Extraction at Tinkham’s Garage Superfund Site, Londonderry, NH

121

Costs:

• The actual cost for the project, not including permitting and oversight, was $1.5 million, or $170/cy (based on 9,000 cy

of soil treated). 

• This cost includes an adjustment for inflation

Description:

The Tinkham’s Garage Superfund site includes 375 acres of residential and undeveloped land in Londonderry, NH. Site

investigations in 1981 found soil and groundwater contaminated with VOCs, including PCE, and TCE, resulting from

unauthorized surface discharges of liquids and sludge in 1978 and 1979. Several source areas were identified at the site

including areas near a condominium complex and a one acre area located behind Tinkham’s Garage (“Garage Area”). 

The original 1985 ROD for the site specified excavation of contaminated soil with onsite treatment by either thermal

aeration, composting, or soil washing. As a result of the pre-design and pilot studies, the ROD was amended in March

1989 to require the treatment of contaminated soil by DVE. For cost purposes, all VOC impacted soil was consolidated

for treatment. Contaminated soil from the various areas at the site was excavated and hauled to the Garage Area, where it

was and spread and compacted in place.

The DVE system consisted of 33 DVE wells divided into 25 shallow DVE wells, screened in the overburden, and 8 deep

DVE wells, screened in the upper bedrock and overburden. Five existing pilot test wells were left in place and used for

vapor extraction. The wells were distributed over three manifold lines to provide the greatest coverage over the area of

contamination. After 10 months of operation, approximately 53 pounds of VOCs were removed by the DVE system, with

SVE removing about 48 pounds and groundwater extraction removing about 5 pounds. The soil cleanup goals were

achieved. VOCs extracted in the vapor phase were reduced from concentrations as high as 16 ppm to below 1 ppm (the

soil cleanup goal). However, total VOCs concentrations in groundwater remained above the cleanup goals. According to

Terra Vac, DVE was not intended to achieve groundwater remediation goals; rather the extraction and treatment of

groundwater was necessary to target and remediate soil contamination located within the saturated zone. A pump and

treat system is currently operating at the site to provide a long term migration control remedy for groundwater. The actual

project cost was $1.5 million, or $170/cy (based on 9,000 cy treated).
Frozen Soil Barrier at Oak Ridge National Laboratory, Oak Ridge, Tennessee

122

Site Name: Location:

Oak Ridge National Laboratory Oak Ridge, Tennessee

Period of Operation: Cleanup Authority:

September 1996 to September 1998 NRC

Purpose/Significance of Application: Cleanup Type:

Demonstrate frozen soil barrier for containment of contaminated surface Field demonstration

impoundment 

Contaminants: Waste Source:

Radionuclides Nuclear processing operations

• Initial concentrations in sediment included strontium 90 - 75 Curies (Ci) and

cesium 137 - 16 Ci

Contacts: Technology:

Technology Vendor:

Edward Yarmak the perimeter of the impoundment, on 6 ft centers to a depth of approximately

Chief Engineer 30 ft bgs 

Arctic Foundations Inc. • The thermocouples were fabricated from 6 inch schedule 40 steel pipe, and

(907) 562-2741 used carbon dioxide as a working fluid, with an above-ground refrigeration

Technical Contacts:

Elizabeth Phillips, Principal control the amount of freezing

Investigator, DOE Oak Ridge • The frozen soil barrier was established in 18 wks, had a length of 300 linear

(423) 241-6172 ft, depth of 30 ft, thickness of 12 ft, frozen soil volume of 108,000 ft , and

Michael Harper, Co-Principal • A two-part polyurea coating was spray applied over a non-woven geotextile

Investigator, Bechtel Jacobs Company fabric to prevent surface water from entering the isolated area 

LLC • The system was operated first in a freeze-down phase, where the frozen soil

(423) 574-7299 barrier was created; subsequent operation was in maintenance phase

Steven Rock, EPA SITE 

(513) 569-7149

DOE Contact:

Scott McMullin, DOE Savannah River

(803) 725-5608

Frozen Soil Barrier

• The demonstration used an array of 50 sealed thermocouples installed around

system, to freeze the soil

• The refrigeration system used R-404A, and thermal expansion valves, to

3

contained a volume of 168,750 ft3

Type/Quantity of Media Treated:

Soil, Sediment, Groundwater

• Depth to groundwater is 2 to 9 ft bgs 

• Groundwater discharges to surface water at several locations around the

impoundment

• Complex hydrology due to presence of fractured bedrock

Regulatory Requirements/Cleanup Goals:

• Evaluate performance of the barrier for isolating and containing contaminants 

• No specific cleanup goals were identified

Results:

• Performance was evaluated based on groundwater level monitoring, dye tracer studies, and operation tests

• Groundwater level monitoring and dye tracer studies (eosine and phloxine dies) showed hydraulic isolation of the

impoundment

• A 7-day loss of power test showed that the barrier maintained its integrity during a power outage
Frozen Soil Barrier at Oak Ridge National Laboratory, Oak Ridge, Tennessee

123

Costs:

• The actual cost for the demonstration was $1,809,000, consisting of $43,000 for site infrastructure, surveys, and

maintenance; $1,253,000 for system design, fabrication, procurement, installation, and start-up; $274,000 for ORNL

site support; and $239,000 for barrier verification

• A review of projected costs for frozen soil barriers to grouted barriers showed that frozen soil is less costly for initial

installation and operation, with a break-even point of 8 to 9 yrs

Description:

The demonstration site is a former unlined, earthen impoundment used from 1958 through 1961 for retention/settling of

liquid radioactive wastes generated from operation of a Homogeneous Reactor Experiment (HRE) at DOE's Oak Ridge

facility. The impoundment was 75 ft long by 80 ft wide by 10 ft deep, with a capacity of approximately 310,000 gallons. 

In 1970, the impoundment was backfilled with local soils, covered with 8 inches of crushed stone, and capped with

asphalt. A 1986 study found that sediments buried in the impoundment contained strontium 90 and cesium 137, and that

groundwater that moved through this area transported contaminants to surrounding locations, including surface waters.

For the demonstration, a frozen soil barrier was constructed using thermocouple technology. The barrier had a length of

300 linear ft, depth of 30 ft, thickness of 12 ft, frozen soil volume of 108,000 ft , and contained a volume of 168,750 ft . 3 3

Groundwater level monitoring and dye tracer studies showed that the barrier provided for hydraulic isolation of the

impoundment, and a 7-day loss of power test showed that the barrier maintained its integrity during this time. A cost

analysis comparing projected costs for frozen soil barriers to grouted barriers showed that frozen soil barriers are less

costly for initial installation and operation, with a break-even point of 8 to 9 years.
Horizontal Wells Demonstrated at U.S. DOE's Savannah River Site and Sandia

National Laboratory

124

Site Name: Location:

U.S. DOE's Savannah River Site (SRS) and Sandia National Laboratory; Other Aiken, SC, and Albuquerque, NM

Sites (report focuses on use at SRS)

Period of Operation: Cleanup Authority:

1988 - 1993 Not identified

Purpose/Significance of Application: Cleanup Type:

Demonstrate use of horizontal wells to treat groundwater at multiple sites and Field demonstration

locations 

Contaminants: Waste Source:

Chlorinated solvents Multiple sources, including leaks of

solvents

Contacts: Technology:

Technical Contacts:

Dawn Kaback • Four different systems were used for directional drilling and horizontal well

Colorado Center for Environmental installation

Management • A short radius petroleum industry technology was used to install wells at 65

(303) 297-0180 ext. 111 ft bgs and 150-175 ft bgs; these wells were constructed of steel

E-mail: dsdaback@csn.net • A modified petroleum industry technology was used to install two

Management Contacts:

Skip Chamberlain install a well at 35-40 ft bgs; this well was constructed of fiberglass

DOE EM50 • A mini-rig utility industry technology was used to install two wells at 100 ft

(301) 903-7248 bgs; these wells were constructed of PVC

E-mail:

grover.chamberlain@em.doe.gov

James A. Wright

DOE SRS

(803) 725-5608

E-mail: wrightjamesb@srs.gov

Pump and Treat (report focuses on installation of horizontal wells above and

below water table)

comparable wells; these wells were constructed of HDPE

• A mini-rig utility industry/compactional tool drilling technology was used to

Type/Quantity of Media Treated:

Groundwater (in situ)

• Geology consists of 200 ft of alternating units of permeable sands with low

fines; water table is 120 ft bgs

Regulatory Requirements/Cleanup Goals:

• Test the feasibility of installing horizontal wells in unconsolidated sediments using directional drilling technology

Results:

• Directional drilling technology was used to install a total of seven wells (steel, stainless steel, PVC, HDPE, and

fiberglass) to depths of 35 - 175 ft bgs, with horizontal screen sections ranging from 150 - 400 ft

• The wells were used to demonstrate in situ air stripping, in situ bioremediation, and thermally enhanced soil vapor

extraction; four of the wells were later integrated in a vapor extraction remediation system

Costs:

• Costs for horizontal wells vary widely based on drilling method and size of rig, type of drilling tool, drilling fluid,

guidance system, vertical depth, total well length, site geology, well materials, and number of personnel on site

• Costs for installing a PVC or HDPE well using a small to medium sized utility-type drilling rig are projected as $164/m

($50/ft)

• Estimated capital costs for horizontal wells were comparable to the capital cost of five vertical wells; O&M costs for

the one horizontal well were less than one-third of the O&M costs for five vertical wells
Horizontal Wells Demonstrated at U.S. DOE's Savannah River Site and Sandia

National Laboratory

125

Description:

This report describes the installation and use of horizontal wells at several DOE sites, including Savannah River Site

(SRS) and Sandia National Laboratories. At SRS, seven wells were installed at depths of 35 - 175 ft bgs, with horizontal

screen sections ranging from 150 - 400 ft, and using the following materials: steel, stainless steel, PVC, HDPE, and

fiberglass. The wells were used to demonstrate in situ air stripping, in situ bioremediation, and thermally enhanced soil

vapor extraction; four of the wells were later integrated in a vapor extraction correction action. The SRS demonstration

identified two important factors for consideration during design of horizontal wells: (1) trips in and out of the well bore

should be minimized; and (2) well materials should be adequately flexible to negotiate curves.

At Sandia, several pieces of commercial machinery were tested and evaluated, including the water-assisted Jet Trac

Boring System, the air-assisted True Trac Boring System, the P-80 rod pusher, and the Pierce Arrow pneumatic hammer

tool. Based on the results from initial testing of these machines, construction was begun on a prototype machine, the X810.
In Situ Chemical Oxi-Cleanse Process at the Naval Air Station Pensacola Florida,

Operable Unit 10, Pensacola, Florida

126

Site Name: Location:

Naval Air Station Pensacola Florida, Operable Unit 10 Pensacola, Florida

Period of Operation: Cleanup Authority:

November 1998 to May 1999 RCRA Corrective Action

Purpose/Significance of Application: Cleanup Type:

Field demonstration of in situ chemical oxidation using Fenton's reagent to treat Field demonstration

chlorinated solvents

Contaminants: Waste Source:

Chlorinated Solvents Unlined sludge drying bed

• TCE primary target for demonstration

• Maximum concentration of TCE 3,600 ug/L

Contacts: Technology:

Vendors:

Mattehew Dingens in two phases

Geo-Cleanse International, Inc. • Fenton's reagent - hydrogen peroxide (50%) and an equivalent volume

4 Mark Road, Suite D of ferrous iron catalyst

Kenilworth, NJ 07033 • Phase I injected 4,089 gallons of hydrogen peroxide and similar

Telephone: (908) 206-1250 volumes of reagents through 14 injection wells at a depth of 10-40 ft bgs

E-mail: geocleanse@earthlink.net • Phase 2 injected 6,038 gallons of hydrogen peroxide and similar

Site Contact:

Tom Kelly stabilize the hydrogen peroxide 

Public Works Center • Operating parameters included injection rate of 0.25 - 3 gpm, injection

NAS Pensacola pressure of 5 - 110 psig, pH <8, and CO evolution of 5% - >25%

Telephone: (850) 452-8236

U.S. Navy Contacts:

Maxie Keisler/Michael Maughon

Naval Facilities Engineering Command

SOUTHNAVFACENGCOM

P.O. Box 190010

2155 Eagle Drive

N. Charleston, SC 29419

Telephone: (843) 820-7322/7422

Email:

keislermr@efdsouth.navfac.navy.mil;

maughonmj@efdsouth.navfac.navy.mil

Mark Stuckey

Hazardous Waste Regulation Section

2600 Blair Stone Road MS 4560

Tallahassee, FL 32399-2400

(850) 921-9246

E-mail: stuckey_m@dep.state.fl.us

In-Situ Chemical Oxidation using Fenton's Reagent

• Geo-Cleanse's patented process for in situ chemical oxidation conducted

volumes of reagent through 10 injection wells (9 old, 1 new), totaling

10,127 gallons; phosphoric acid was added to the reagent mix to

2

Type/Quantity of Media Treated:

Groundwater

• 16,500 gallons of groundwater in the source area

• Depth to groundwater 0-4 ft; contaminants detected in groundwater 35-

45 ft bgs

• Soil classified as fine to medium quartz sand

• Properties included porosity >15%; pH 3-6; hydraulic conductivity 2-44

ft/day; dissolved iron >500 mg/L

Regulatory Requirements/Cleanup Goals:

• Evaluate effectiveness of in situ chemical oxidation in treating chlorinated solvents

• No specific cleanup goals were identified
In Situ Chemical Oxi-Cleanse Process at the Naval Air Station Pensacola Florida,

Operable Unit 10, Pensacola, Florida

127

Results:

• Phase I reduced TCE concentrations from as high as 3,600 ug/L to 485 ug/L in source area well

• This was considered insufficient reduction; Phase I performance was attributed to elevated concentrations of ferrous

iron in the treatment area, likely due to a historic spill of sulfuric acid

• Phase II reduced TCE concentrations from 460 ug/L to <5 ug/L in source area well

Costs:

• Actual costs for this demonstration, reported by Geo-Cleanse, were $178,338, consisting of $97,018 for capital and

$81,320 for O&M; these costs do not include electrical power or water supply, which were provided by NAS

Pensacola

Description:

Naval Air Station (NAS) Pensacola is a 5,800-acre naval facility located in the western portion of the Florida panhandle. 

Operable Unit (OU) 10, is located on 26 acres of Magazine Point Peninsula in the northeast corner of the NAS, was the

site of the former Industrial Wastewater Treatment Plant (IWWTP). The IWWTP treated wastewater from operations

such as painting and electroplating, as well as organic solvents and acids, and included an unlined sludge drying bed. A

groundwater recovery system had been operated for more than 10 years under a RCRA corrective action program to

control migration of contaminated groundwater. In situ chemical oxidation using the Geo-Cleanse patented process was

evaluated for its ability to reduce concentrations of chlorinated solvents in the source area, such that natural attenuation

would be an effective remedy for down-gradient groundwater.

The Geo-Cleanse process used Fenton's reagent (hydrogen peroxide (50%) and an equivalent volume of ferrous iron

catalyst) and was conducted in two phases at OU-10. A total of 10,127 gallons of hydrogen peroxide and similar volumes

of reagents were injected under pressure through 15 wells at a depth of 10-40 ft bgs. Over the two phases, the

concentration of TCE was reduced from 3,600 ug/L to <5 ug/L, as measured in a source area monitoring well. Elevated

concentrations of ferrous iron in the groundwater, due to a historic sulfuric acid spill, limited the effectiveness of the first

phase of injections. In the second phase, phosphoric acid was added to the reagent mix to help stabilize the hydrogen

peroxide in the presence of elevated ferrous iron concentrations. The actual costs for the demonstration were $178,338,

and additional injections were not planned for this site. 
In Situ Chemical Oxidation Using Fenton’s Reagent

at Naval Submarine Base Kings Bay, Site 11, Camden County, Georgia

128

Site Name: Location:

Naval Submarine Base Kings Bay, Site 11 Camden County, GA

Period of Operation: Cleanup Authority:

November 1998 through August 1999 (Phase 1 and 2) RCRA Corrective Action

Purpose/Significance of Application: Cleanup Type:

Use of Fenton’s Reagent to remediate chlorinated solvents in groundwater Full scale

Contaminants: Waste Source:

Chlorinated Solvents Leaks from a landfill 

• PCE source was 120 feet long by 40 feet wide; 30 to 40 foot horizon below

ground surface (bgs); PCE concentrations in landfill source area detected as high

as 8,500 μg/L

• TCE, DCE, and VC detected at concentrations of more than 9,000 μg/L in

groundwater within the landfill source area

• Because PCE concentrations were as much as 5 percent (%) of the pure solubility

phase, the presence of dense non-phase aqueous liquids (DNAPL) was inferred

Contacts: Technology:

Vendor:

Matthew M. Dingens, Vice President Sales Fenton’s reagent

J. Daniel Bryant, Ph.D., Senior Geologist • Fenton’s reagent - hydrogen peroxide (50%) and an equivalent

Geo-Cleanse International, Inc. volume of ferrous iron catalyst were delivered via injection to the

4 Mark Road, Suite C subsurface

Kenilworth, NJ 07033 • Total of 44 injectors - 23 for Phase 1, including deep (42 ft bgs) and

Telephone: 908-206-1250 shallow (32 ft bgs) injectors; 21 injectors added for Phase 2, including

Facsimile: 908-206-1251 deep (40 ft bgs) and shallow (35 ft bgs) injectors

E-mail: geocleanse@earthlink.net • Phase 1 - two injections of Fenton’s reagent into the subsurface,

State Contact:

Billy Hendricks • Phase 2 - two injections of Fenton’s reagent into the subsurface,

Compliance Officer totaling 11,247 gallons (8,283 gallons June 3-11, 1999; 2,964 gallons

State of Georgia Environmental Protection July 12-15, 1999)

Division

205 Butler Street SE, Suite 1162

Atlanta, GA 30334

Telephone: 404-656-2833

E-mail: billy_hendricks@mail.dnr.state.ga.us

Navy Contact:

Clifton C. Casey, P.E.

Southern Division NAVFAC

Environmental Department (Code 18)

P.O. Box 190010

North Charleston, SC 29419-9010

Telephone: 843-820-5561

E-mail: CaseyCC@EFDSOUTH.NAVFAC.

NAVY.mil

In Situ Chemical Oxidation; Fenton’s reagent 

• Geo-Cleanse’s patented process for in situ chemical oxidation using

totaling 12,045 gallons (8,257 gallons November 2-21, 1998; 3,788

gallons February 8-14, 1999) of solution were injected.

Type/Quantity of Media Treated:

Groundwater

• Estimated volume of groundwater treated during the Phase 1was

78,989 gallons ( based on a treatment volume of 1,778 cubic yards

and a porosity of 22%)

• Information on volume of groundwater treated during Phase 2 was not

provided

Regulatory Requirements/Cleanup Goals:

• Cleanup goal for the RCRA corrective action at Site 11 was established by the state at 100 μg/L for total chlorinated

aliphatic compounds (CACs), defined as the sum of PCE, TCE, cis-1,2 DCE, and VC concentrations in groundwater
In Situ Chemical Oxidation Using Fenton’s Reagent

at Naval Submarine Base Kings Bay, Site 11, Camden County, Georgia

129

Results:

• Phase 1 - after first injection, total CAC concentrations were reduced to below the cleanup goal in five of the seven

monitoring wells, including one well located within the source area where concentrations had been reduced by >97%. 

However, total CAC concentrations remained above the cleanup goal in two downgradient monitoring wells; after

second injection, total CAC concentration remained at or above the cleanup goal in the two downgradient wells and

were found to have increased in other wells. As a result, a second phase of treatment was performed

• Phase 2 - after the first injection, total CAC concentrations were reduced to below the cleanup goal in all but one

downgradient monitoring well; however, concentrations increased above the cleanup goal in two downgradient

injectors. After the second injection, total CAC concentrations were reduced to below the cleanup goal in the

downgradient injectors and remained below the cleanup goal in all wells except for the one downgradient well (total

CAC concentration was primarily DCE) 

• Sample results from August 1999 showed elevated concentrations of total CACs in one injector located to the east of

the area of concern. The Navy has determined that there is a previously unknown source of contamination in this area

and is addressing the cleanup of the area separate from the Site 11 area of concern. Data on this cleanup were not

available at the time of this report

Costs:

• Total proposed cost for application of in situ chemical oxidation of Fenton’s reagent using the Geo-Cleanse process 

was approximately $223,000 for Phase 1, including costs for reagents, mobilization, onsite treatment time, injection

and monitoring equipment, documentation, and injector construction oversight and materials

• No additional cost data were provided

Description:

Naval Submarine Base (NSB) Kings Bay, 16,000 acre facility in Camden County, GA, is the U.S. Atlantic Fleet home

port to the next generation of ballistic submarines, and maintains and operates administration and personnel support

facilities. Site 11 is the location of a former 25-acre landfill at NSB Kings Bay, known as the Old Camden County

landfill, that was operated by the county during the mid-1970s to 1980. A variety of wastes from the local Kings Bay

community and the Navy were disposed of in the landfill, including solvents and municipal waste. Site investigations

found the groundwater in the area to be contaminated with PCE, as well as TCE, DCE, and VC. On March 18, 1994,

NSB Kings Bay entered into a Corrective Action Consent Order with the Georgia Environmental Protection Division to

address prior releases of hazardous constituents from Site 11. The Navy selected in situ chemical oxidation using

Fenton’s reagent for this site based on its successful use by the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) in remediating

chlorinated solvent contaminated groundwater at the Savannah River site. The Navy’s approach to the cleanup of Site 11

was to use in situ chemical oxidation to reduce groundwater contaminant concentrations in the source area followed by

natural attenuation to address residual contamination.

For the remeditation of Site 11, the Geo-Cleanse® process, a patented in situ chemical oxidation technology using

Fenton’s reagent, was used. The Fenton’s reagent consisted of hydrogen peroxide (50%) and an equivalent volume of

ferrous iron catalyst that were injected into the subsurface under pressure. The remediation was performed in two phases. 

For Phase 1, 23 injectors were installed in and around the area of concern and there were two injections of Fenton’s

reagent into the subsurface, totaling 12,045 gallons. During Phase 2, the system was expanded to add 21 injectors and

there were two injections of Fenton’s reagent into the subsurface, totaling 11,247 gallons. After two phases of treatment

using the Geo-Cleanse® process, total CAC concentrations had been reduced to below the cleanup goal of 100 ug/L in all

but one well located downgradient of the area of concern. The total CAC concentrations in this well were primarily DCE. 

The first phase of treatment (two injections) reduced total CAC concentrations to below the cleanup goal in five of the

seven monitoring wells, including a reduction of >97% in the well located within the source area. Cost data provided by

Geo-Cleanse indicated that the proposed cost for application of in situ chemical oxidation of Fenton’s reagent was

approximately $223,000 for Phase 1. No additional cost data were available.

In August 1999, elevated concentrations of total CACs concentrations were found in an injector located to the east of the

area of concern, indicating the presence of an additional contamination source area in the shallow soil. The soil in this

area has been excavated and the Navy is planning to use chemical oxidation to polish the groundwater in this area.
Six Phase Heating at the Skokie, Illinois Site

130

Site Name: Location:

Confidential Manufacturing Facility Skokie, Illinois

Period of Operation: Cleanup Authority:

June 4, 1998 to April 30, 1999 State Voluntary Cleanup

Purpose/Significance of Application: Cleanup Type:

Use of SPH to remediate chlorinated solvents in soil and groundwater Full scale

Contaminants: Waste Source:

Chlorinated Solvents Leaks from spill contaminant systems

• Primary contaminants included TCE, TCA, and DCE and underground storage tanks

• Concentrations in groundwater at start of SPH remediation (June 1998) -

TCE (130 mg/L maximum; 54.4 mg/L average), TCA (150 mg/L maximum;

52.3 mg/L average) and DCE (160 mg/L maximum; 37.6 mg/L average)

• DNAPL present

Contacts: Technology:

Vendor:

David Fleming, Corporate • Initial network of 107 electrodes (85 beneath the floor of a warehouse

Development Leader building) operated from June to November 1998; 78 electrodes added (185

Current Environmental Solutions total) and operated from December 1998 to April 1999 to treat additional area

P.O. Box 50387 of contamination

Bellevue, WA 98015 • Electrodes designed to be electrically conductive throughout a depth interval

Telephone: 425-603-9036 of 11 to 21 feet bgs and to increase the subsurface temperature in the depth

Fax: 425-643-7590 interval of 5 to 24 feet bgs to the boiling point of water

E-mail: david@cesiweb.com • Electrical power input - 13.8 kV local service at 1250 kW; 1,775 megawatt

Greg Beyke, Operations Manager not provided for Dec. 1998/Jan. 1999 through May 1999

Current Environmental Solutions • Temperature - 100(C; operating pressure/vacuum - 7.5 inches of mercury

1100 Laurel Crest Way (Hg)

Marietta, GA 30064 • Network of 37 soil vapor extraction wells, screened to 5 feet bgs, were used

Telephone: 770-794-1168 to capture vapors

E-mail: greg@cesiweb.com • Off-gas was condensed and sent through an air stripper prior to discharge to

EPA Contact:

Stan Komperda

Illinois EPA

Bureau of Land, No. 24

1021 East North Grand Avenue

Springfield, IL 62794-9276

Telephone: 217-782-5504

E-mail: epa4207@epa.state.il.us

PRP Oversight Contractor:

Gregory Smith

ENSR

27755 Diehl Rd.

Warrenville, IL 60555

Telephone: 630-836-1700

Six-Phase HeatingTM (electrical resistive heating combined with soil vapor

extraction)

hours (MW-hrs.) consumed from June 4 to November 20, 1998; information

the atmosphere

Type/Quantity of Media Treated:

Soil and groundwater

• 23,100 cubic yards treated from June to November 1998

• Additional 11,500 cubic yards treated from December 1998 to April 1999

• Soil at site - heterogeneous silty sands with clay lenses to 18 feet bgs

(hydraulic conductivity -10 to 10 cm/sec); underlain by dense clay till -4 -5

aquitard (hydraulic conductivity -10 cm/sec) -8

• Depth to groundwater- 7 feet bgs
Six Phase Heating at the Skokie, Illinois Site

131

Regulatory Requirements/Cleanup Goals:

• Tier III cleanup criteria for groundwater; developed by ENSR and approved by Illinois EPA as the cleanup goals for

the site 

• Tier III goals were TCE (17.5 mg/L); TCA (8.85 mg/L); and DCE (35.5 mg/L)

• No criteria established for soil

Results:

Results for the remediation of the initial 23,000 cubic yards of contamination:

• By December 1998 (six months of operation), theTier III cleanup goals were achieved for TCE, TCA, and DCE in all

wells in the initial area of contamination

• During this time, average groundwater concentrations were reduced by more than 99% for TCE (54.4 mg/L to 0.4

mg/L); more than 99% for TCA (52.3 mg/L to 0.2 mg/L), and more than 97% for DCE (37.6 mg/L to 0.8 mg/L)

Results for the remediation of the additional 11,000 cubic yards of contamination:

• By April 1999 (five months of operation), theTier III cleanup goals were achieved for TCE, TCA, and DCE in all wells

in the additional area of contamination

• During this time, average groundwater concentrations were reduced by more than 96% for TCE (4.16 mg/L to 0.15

mg/L); more than 92% for TCA (14 mg/L to 1 mg/L); and more than 90% for DCE (2.39 mg/L to 0.24 mg/L)

Costs:

• Cost data were provided on a unit cost basis; total project cost data were not provided

• The unit cost for this technology of $32 per cubic yard is based on a calculated treatment volume of 23,100 cubic yards,

or a treatment area of 26,000 square ft and a depth of 24 ft bgs 

• The unit cost for the treatment from December 1998 through May 1999 also was $32 per cubic yard, based on a

calculated treatment volume of 11,500 cubic yards

Description:

The Skokie site is a former electronics manufacturing facility located in Skokie, Illinois. From 1958 to 1988,

manufacturing operations included machining and electroplating. Soil and groundwater at the site was found to be

contaminated with solvents (TCE and TCA), including large pools of dense nonaqueous phase liquids (DNAPL). The site

is being remediated under Illinois’ voluntary Site Remediation Program. From 1991 to 1998, steam injection combined

with groundwater and vapor extraction reduced the area of contamination from about 115,000 square feet to about 23,000

square feet. As of early 1998, the remaining area to be remediated represented four source locations where manmade

subsurface features limited the effectiveness of the previously used steam-based remediation system. To complete the

remediation, the site owner selected Six-Phase HeatingTM (SPH). 

The SPH process operated at the Skokie site from June 4, 1998 to November 20, 1998 to remediate the initial estimated

23,000 cubic yards of contaminated soil and groundwater. Based on the results of sampling conducted in December 1998

that indicated there was a potential for vinyl chloride to be produced outside the initial treatment area at levels in excess of

the cleanup levels, a decision was made to expand the SPH system to cover an additional 11,500 cubic yard treatment

area. The SPH system restarted in December 1998 and operated until April 30, 1999 when cleanup goals were achieved

in the additional area. The unit cost for this technology was $32 per cubic yard for the initial 23,000 cubic yards of

contaminated soil and groundwater and also for the additional 11,500 cubic yards of contaminated media.
Hydrous Pyrolysis Oxidation/Dynamic Underground Stripping (HPO/DUS) at

Visalia Superfund Site, CA

132

Site Name: Location:

Visalia Superfund Site Visalia, CA

(report also includes treatment at DOE Portsmouth Site, Piketon, OH)

Period of Operation: Cleanup Authority:

June 1997 to mid-1999 CERCLA

ROD  6/10/94

Purpose/Significance of Application: Cleanup Type:

Use of HPO/DUS for treatment of large quantity of creosote in groundwater Field demonstration

Contaminants: Waste Source:

Semivolatiles  Halogenated and Nonhalogenated Wood preservation operations

• Creosote and pentachlorophenol were the primary contaminants

Contacts:

Site Contact:

Southern California Edison

Vendor:

Steam Tech Environmental Services

Technical Contact:

Robin Newmark

Lawrence Livermore National

Laboratory 

Telephone: (925) 423-3644

E-mail: newmark1@llnl.gov

EPA Contact:

Kathi Moore

U.S. EPA Region 9

75 Hawthorne Street

San Francisco, CA 94105

(415) 744-2221

Other Contacts:

James Wright

DOE SRS

Telephone: (803) 725-5608

E-mail: jamesb.wright@srs.gov

Kathy Kauffman

LLNL

Telephone: (925) 422-2646

Technology:

Hydrous Pyrolysis Oxidation/Dynamic Underground Stripping

• DUS involved continuous injection of steam and air into permeable zones

over a 5 month period to create a steam front, which swept contaminants from

the injection wells toward extraction wells; when the steam front collapsed,

groundwater reentered the treatment zone and the steam/vacuum extraction

cycle was repeated in a process called "huff and puff"

• System used 11 injection and 8 extraction wells; steam and air were injected

to 80 - 100 ft bgs in paired wells; average temperature was 60 C (maximum o

140 C), with groundwater extracted at 350 - 400 gpm o

• Extracted vapors initially were treated with carbon; however, because of the

expense of the carbon, it was replaced with treatment in steam boilers

• Extracted groundwater was treated with filtration and discharged to a POTW

• HPO occurred after the steam and air injection stopped, when groundwater

returned to the heated zone and mixed with oxygen; contaminants were

rapidly oxidized in this environment 

• Underground mapping was performed using 29 electrical resistance

tomography (ERT) wells and thermocouples to track the steam fronts and

heated areas

Type/Quantity of Media Treated:

Groundwater

• Three distinct water-bearing zones are present; shallow aquifers from 35 to 75

ft bgs, an intermediate aquifer from 75 to 105 ft bgs, and a deep aquifer below

120 ft bgs; the HPO/DUS system targeted the intermediate aquifer

Regulatory Requirements/Cleanup Goals:

• Evaluate the performance of DUS/HPO for removing creosote
Hydrous Pyrolysis Oxidation/Dynamic Underground Stripping (HPO/DUS) at

Visalia Superfund Site, CA

133

Results:

• During 25 months of operation, a total of 1,130,000 lbs (141,000 gals) of creosote were removed or treated (10,400

lbs/wk)

• Approximately 50% of the contaminants were removed in free phase, 16% as vapors, 16% in an aqueous phase, and

17% destroyed by HPO in situ

• Monitoring the progress of the heating fronts showed that all the aquifer was treated

Costs:

• A comparison of projected costs for use of HPO/DUS and pump and treat at Visalia showed that HPO/DUS would have

larger capital and annual O&M costs, but would be operated for less years, than pump and treat; projected unit costs

were $39/yd for HPO/DUS and $110/yd for pump and treat 3 3

• Key factors affecting the cost analysis include the groundwater extraction capacity and size of plume

Description:

Since the 1920's, the four-acre Visalia Poleyard was the site of a wood preservation treatment plant for power poles. Poles

were dipped into creosote, a pentachlorophenol compound, or both. Soil and groundwater to 100 ft bgs were contaminated

with creosote, pentachlorophenol, and diesel fuel. A pump and treat system was installed in 1975 and several years later a

slurry wall was constructed to contain the plume at its leading edge.

A field demonstration of Hydrous Pyrolysis Oxidation/Dynamic Underground Stripping (HPO/DUS) was conducted at

Visalia over a 25-month period. HPO/DUS is a combination of technologies including steam and air injection, vapor

extraction, pump and treat, and electrical resistance tomography. The system used at Visalia consisted of 11 injection and

8 extraction wells; steam and air were injected to 80 - 100 ft bgs in paired wells. Groundwater was extracted at 350-400

gpm. During the 25 months of operation, a total of 1,130,000 lbs (141,000 gals) of creosote were removed or treated

(10,400 lbs/wk). Approximately 50% of the contaminants were removed in free phase, 16% as vapors, 16% in an aqueous

phase, and 17% treated by HPO in situ.
Intrinsic Remediation at AOCs 43G and 43J, Fort Devens, Massachusetts

134

Site Name: Location:

Areas of Concern (AOCs) 43G and 43J Fort Devens, Massachusetts

Period of Operation: Cleanup Authority:

Intrinsic remediation assessment (IRA) - 3/97 to 6/99 CERCLA and State

Long-term monitoring - 12/99 to 12/11 (AOC 43G) and 12/04 (AOC 43J). Record of Decision (ROD) signed on

End dates are estimated. October 17, 1996

Purpose/Significance of Application: Cleanup Type:

This project demonstrates that intrinsic remediation is a viable treatment Full scale

alternative at sites contaminated with BTEX. 

Contaminants: Waste Source:

Organic Compounds Leaks and spills from former gasoline and

• Volatiles (nonhalogenated) waste oil USTs.

• BTEX (benzene, toluene, ethylbenzene, and xylene)

• Maximum benzene concentrations:

- 2,000 mg/L at AOC 43G

- 300 mg/L at AOC 43J

Contacts: Technology:

Project Management:

Mark Applebee

USACE, New England Division

696 Virginia Road

Concord, MA 01742-2751

mark.r.applebee@usace.army.mil

Jim Chambers

BRAC Environmental Coordinator

Devens Reserve Forces Training Area

30 Quebec Street

Devens, MA 01432-4429

(978) 796-3114

ChambersJ@devens-emh1.army.mil

Vendor:

Gina Nyberg

Stone & Webster Environmental

Technology & Services

245 Summer Street

Boston, MA 02210

(617) 589-2527

gina.nyberg@stoneweb.com

Regulatory Points of Contact:

Jerry Keefe

USEPA, Region 1

1 Congress St., Suite 1100

(Mailcode HBT)

Boston, MA 02114-2023

(617) 918-1393

Keefe.Jerry@epamail.epa.gov

John Regan

MADEP

627 Main Street

Worchester, MA 01605

(978) 792-7653

John.Regan-EQE@state.ma.us

Intrinsic Remediation

• Remediation approach requires a demonstration, through intensive site

characterization, that natural biological processes are destroying

contaminants in situ and that the site will reach specified remediation

goals within 30 years

• The demonstration includes:

- Observation of a stable or decreasing contaminant plume over time

- Correlation of contaminant plumes with electron acceptor distribution

- Modeling studies that indicate attenuation due to processes other than

dispersion, volatilization, and sorption

• Eight quarterly sampling rounds were conducted to accumulate the data

necessary for the remediation demonstration

• Annual long-term monitoring is required to confirm that adequate

remediation is occurring

Type/Quantity of Media Treated:

• The contaminant plume at AOC 43G extends 320 feet downgradient

from the source area and is 230 feet wide. The contaminant plume at

AOC 43J extends 250 feet downgradient from the source area and is 190

feet wide. Plume dimensions were calculated based on groundwater

concentrations above the maximum contaminant level (MCL) for

benzene in March 1997

• The aquifer is approximately 5 feet thick at AOC 43G and 10 feet thick

at AOC 43J

• Free product has been detected

• Electron acceptors are present in the groundwater at varying levels
Intrinsic Remediation at AOCs 43G and 43J, Fort Devens, Massachusetts

135

Regulatory Requirements/Cleanup Goals:

• The ROD established the preliminary remediation goals (PRGs) for AOCs 43G and 43J that must be met within 30

years; most goals were based on MCLs.

• Property boundary performance standards for AOCs 43G and 43J were based on the PRGs and the Massachusetts

Contingency Plan (MCP) GW-1 standards for extractable and volatile petroleum hydrocarbons (EPH/VPH)

Results:

• The results of the Mann-Kendall statistical trend analyses on BTEX compounds at both sites indicated that groundwater

concentrations exhibit a statistically significant decreasing trend

• At both sites, there is significant evidence of the utilization of electron acceptors and the appearance of degradation

products, suggesting that contaminants are being biologically degraded and not just physically diluted or dispersed

• Modeling indicates that the contaminant plumes at both sites will be reduced below the applicable MCLs between 8 and

15 years after the ROD was signed

• Fate and transport modeling demonstrated that it was unlikely that the BTEX plumes would move off of Army property

Costs:

• The total cost for the IRA was $671,642

• The anticipated long-term monitoring and reporting costs are $50,000 per year

• The number of wells sampled is a significant cost element because it effects the duration of field sampling events,

analytical expenses, and the effort involved with tracking and assessing data

Description:

AOCs 43G and 43J are two former gasoline stations operated at Fort Devens. These sites were also used for motor pool

operations during World War II. BTEX and TPH contamination in soil and groundwater at these sites is consistent with

the historical use of the areas. The Army determined that intrinsic remediation was the most appropriate remedy for the

contamination at both sites. The remedy consists of intrinsic remediation, IRA data collection and groundwater modeling,

long-term groundwater monitoring and annual reporting, and five-year site reviews

The IRAs for AOCs 43G and 43J demonstrated that intrinsic remediation is working and that the Army will not need to

initiate additional cleanup actions. Specifically, modeling indicates that the concentrations of the contaminants of concern

will be below groundwater cleanup levels in less than 30 years and that they will not migrate off of Army property
Monitored Natural Attenuation at Keesler Air Force Base, Mississippi

136

Site Name: Location:

Keesler Air Force Base (AFB), Base Exchange Service Station, Area of Concern Biloxi, Mississippi

 A (ST-06)

Period of Operation: Cleanup Authority:

September 1997 to April 1999 EPA Region 4 and Mississippi DEQ

Purpose/Significance of Application: Cleanup Type:

Monitored natural attenuation for a gasoline contaminated site UST cleanup

Contaminants: Waste Source:

BTEX, Lead Gasoline USTs and associated piping

• Soil concentrations measured as high as 166 mg/kg for BTEX and 8.7 mg/kg

for lead

• Groundwater concentrations measured as high as 22,400 ug/L for BTEX and

21 ug/L for lead

Contacts: Technology:

Vendor:

John Hicks

Parsons Engineering Science, Inc.

1700 Broadway, Suite 900

Denver, CO 80290

(303) 831-8100

john.hicks@parsons.com

Site Contact:

Lisa Noble

81 CES/CEVR st

508 L Street

Keesler AFB, MS 39534-2115

(601)377-5803

noblel@ces.kee.aetc.af.mil.

Air Force Contact:

Jim Gonzales

AFCEE/ERT

3207 North Rd., Building 532

Brooks AFB, TX 78235-5363

(210) 536-4324

james.gonzales@hqafcee.brooks.af.mil

EPA Contact:

Robert Pope

USEPA Region 4

61 Forsyth St., SW

Atlanta, GA 30303-3104

(404) 562-8506.

State Contact:

Bob Merrill

Mississippi DEQ

P.O. Box 10385

Jackson, MS 39289-0385

(601) 961-5171

Monitored Natural Attenuation

• Bioventing and density-driven convection in-well aeration were used

previously as source control measures

• Monitoring of 9 groundwater wells planned for five years

• Samples will be analyzed for aromatic volatile organics and geochemical

parameters

Type/Quantity of Media Treated:

Soil, groundwater, and soil gas

• Source area plus dissolved plume covers approximately 4.0 acres 

- Fine- to medium-grained sand to 20 ft bgs, underlain by a clay layer of

unknown thickness

- Groundwater present at 5 to 9 ft bgs

- Average hydraulic conductivity of sand zone is 40 ft/day

- Calculated horizontal groundwater flow velocity is 0.8 ft/day
Monitored Natural Attenuation at Keesler Air Force Base, Mississippi

137

Regulatory Requirements/Cleanup Goals:

• Cleanup levels for BTEX was 100 ppm for soil and 18 ppm for groundwater

• Risk-based screening levels for lead was identified as 400 ppm in soil and 15 ug/L in groundwater

• OSHA PELs were used as screening levels for BTEX in soil gas

Results:

• In February 1998, the only contaminant in soil to exceed the cleanup levels was BTEX (1 sample at 166 mg/kg); BTEX

(1 sample at 22.4 mg/L) and lead (3 samples  21, 21 and 16 ug/L) exceeded the cleanup levels in groundwater. Only

lead in groundwater was identified as a chemical of potential concern for this site

• Data from 1988 to 1998 indicated substantial oscillation in dissolved BTEX concentrations at the plume core since May

1993, but that the total BTEX plume appears to have been relatively stable

Costs:

• The estimated O&M cost for long-term monitoring was identified as $15,000 per event

Description:

In 1987, 10 USTs were removed from the Keesler Air Force Base, in Biloxi, Mississippi. During the removals, there was

evidence that one or more of the tanks had leaked, and site investigations found gasoline components in the soil and

groundwater, including BTEX and lead. A bioventing system was installed in 1993 and operated for three years. A

density-driven convection (DDC) in-well aeration system was installed in 1996 and operated at least through February

1998. Based on a RBCA analysis, the recommended final remedial action was monitored natural attenuation. The

recommendation was based on the finding that the site contamination does not currently (and will not in the future) pose a

significant risk to potential receptors, the dissolved plume is stable and degrading, and institutional controls can be

maintained with a high level of confidence. The RBCA analysis showed that concentrations of target analytes in all

sampled media do not exceed applicable MDEQ RBSLs or OSHA PELs, and that detected concentrations of total lead in

groundwater do not pose a risk to potential receptors.

Geochemical data indicated that biodegradation of fuel hydrocarbons is occurring at the site, primarily via the anaerobic

processes of sulfate reduction, nitrogen fixation, and methanogenesis. Previous and current source removal efforts have

reduced hydrocarbon concentrations in vadose zone and saturated zone soils, and the current system does not have an

adverse effect on the natural attenuation processes at the site. A long-term monitoring plan was negotiated with the MDEQ

and USEPA Region 4 that included monitoring of nine wells for five years. Monitoring will occur quarterly for the first

year and annually for the second through fifth years. The purpose of the monitoring is to verify the effectiveness of

naturally-occurring remediation processes at limiting plume migration and reducing dissolved contaminant concentrations.
Monitored Natural Attenuation at Kelly Air Force Base , Former Building 2093

Gas Station, Texas

138

Site Name: Location:

Kelly Air Force Base (AFB), Former Building 2093 Gas Station Kelly AFB, Texas

Period of Operation: Cleanup Authority:

July 1997 to July 1998 Texas Natural Resource Conservation

Commission

Petroleum Storage Tank Division

Purpose/Significance of Application: Cleanup Type:

Monitored natural attenuation for a gasoline-contaminated site UST cleanup

Contaminants: Waste Source:

Gasoline constituents Leaking gasoline USTs and associated

• BTEX concentrations in groundwater measured as high as 2,807 ug/L in piping

November 1997

Contacts: Technology:

Vendor:

John Hicks

Parsons Engineering Science, Inc.

1700 Broadway, Suite 900

Denver, CO 80290

(303) 831-8100

john.hicks@parsons.com

Site Contact:

Jerry Arriaga

SA-ALC/EMRO

301 Tinker Dr., Suite 2

Bldg. 301

Kelly AFB, TX 78241

(210) 925-1819

garriaga@emgate1.kelly.af.mil.

Air Force Contact:

Jim Gonzales

AFCEE/ERT

3207 North Rd., Building 532

Brooks AFB, TX 78235-5363

(210) 536-4324

james.gonzales@hqafcee.brooks.af.mil.

State Contact:

Antonio Pena 

TNRCC

P.O. Box 13087

Austin, TX, 78711-3087

(512) 239-2200

APENA@tnrcc.state.tx.us.

Monitored Natural Attenuation

• Monitoring network not described

Type/Quantity of Media Treated:

Soil, groundwater, and soil gas

• Source area plus dissolved plume covers 1.5 acres 

• The site is underlain by silty clay; with a distinct clay unit from 35

to 40 ft bgs 

• Groundwater occurs primarily in silt and possibly caliche seams that

produce only small amounts of water; static groundwater levels

range from 5 to 25 feet bgs, depending on location and season

• Hydraulic conductivity of the silty clay unit is 0.2 to 0.5 ft/day based

on slug tests, and the estimated horizontal groundwater flow

velocity is 31 ft/year

Regulatory Requirements/Cleanup Goals:

• TNRCC Plan A target concentrations for Category II aquifers, and TNRCC target concentrations for construction

worker exposure are the cleanup goals for affected groundwater
Monitored Natural Attenuation at Kelly Air Force Base , Former Building 2093

Gas Station, Texas

139

Results:

• Based on a Tier 1 screening, only the Plan A concentration for benzene of 0.0294 mg/L was exceeded, and benzene in

groundwater and soil was identified as a contaminant of potential concern

• Fate and transport modeling using the analytical code BIOSCREEN indicated that the maximum migration distance of

dissolved benzene from the source area will be approximately 300 ft, and that dissolved benzene concentrations will be

below groundwater quality standards within 10 years

• Results of groundwater sampling events indicated that the dissolved contaminant plume is not increasing in areal extent,

and that natural attenuation indicator parameters exhibit trends associated with a plume that is being naturally degraded. 

• The site was identified as a candidate for immediate closure according to TNRCC guidance

• The Air Force will restrict use of the shallow groundwater at the site until all dissolved benzene concentrations decrease

below TNRCC Plan A Category II criterion of 0.0294 mg/L

• Maximum-detected concentrations of BTEX in soil gas were compared to the chemical-specific OSHA 8-hour timeweighted average permissible exposure limits (PELs), and there were no exceedences

Costs:

Not provided

Description:

As a result of UST integrity testing in 1989, the former Building 2093 Gas Station at Kelly Air Force Base, in Texas, was

found to be leaking, and the UST and associated piping were removed in 1991. Site investigations found BTEX

contamination in the groundwater. A 1-year-long bioventing pilot test was concluded in January 1995; the test results

indicated that site soils were not sufficiently permeable to enable use of this in situ source reduction technique. Later in

1995, the dispensing islands and remaining below-grade piping were removed, and 2,750 cubic yards of soil in the area of

the former tank pad and dispensing islands were excavated. Based on a RBCA analysis, the TNRCC issued a no-furtheraction memorandum closing the site based on plume stability, the occurrence of natural attenuation of fuel residuals, and

the conclusion that site contamination will not pose a significant risk to potential receptors. 
In Situ Permeable Reactive Barriers for Contaminated Groundwater 

at Fry Canyon

140

Site Name: Location:

Fry Canyon Southeastern Utah

Period of Operation: Cleanup Authority:

September 1997 - ongoing (performance data for first year of demonstration - Not applicable

September 1997 to September 1998)

Purpose/Significance of Application: Cleanup Type:

Field demonstration of three types of PRBs to treat uranium-contaminated Field demonstration

groundwater

Contaminants: Waste Source:

Radionuclides (uranium) and metals Subsurface drainage from abandoned

• Uranium concentrations in groundwater found at levels as high as 16,300 ug/L uranium ore mill ponds

• Iron and manganese concentrations found in groundwater at 90 ug/l and 180

ug/L, respectively

Contacts: Technology:

EPA Contact:

Ed Feltcorn

U.S. EPA/ORIA

Ariel Rios Building

1200 Pennsylvania Avenue, N.W.

Washington, D.C. 20460

Telephone: 202-564-9422

Fax: 202-565-2037

E-mail: feltcorn.ed@epa.gov

USGS Contact: • Each PRB contains a total of 22 monitoring wells, configured in two parallel

David Naftz, Ph.D.

U.S. Geological Survey

2329 West Orton Circle

West Valley City, UT 84119-2047

Telephone: 801-908-5053

Fax: 801-908-5001

E-mail: dlnaftz@usgs.gov

Permeable Reactive Barriers (PRBs)

• Three types of PRBs demonstrated - phosphate (PO ), zero valent iron (ZVI), 4

and amorphous ferric oxyhydroxide (AFO)

• PRBs installed side-by-side and operated concurrently

• Funnel and gate design; each PRB was keyed, along with each of the

impermeable funnels, into the bedrock (Cedar Mesa Sandstone formation)

beneath the colluvial aquifer

• 1.5-foot layer of pea gravel on the upgradient side of the PRBs to facilitate

uniform flow of groundwater into the PRBs

• “As built” volume of reactive material was: PO - 67.2 ft ; ZVI - 77.7 ft , and 4

3 3

AFO - 67.2 ft3

“rows” - Row 1 and Row 2

• Estimated range of groundwater velocity through PRBs - 0.2 - 2.5 ft/day

Type/Quantity of Media Treated:

Groundwater - 33,000 cubic feet (about 200,000 gallons)

• Depth to groundwater - 8 feet bgs

• Colluvial aquifer ranges in depth from 2-5 feet

• Groundwater flow rate - 0.2-2.5 ft/day

• Transmissivity - 10-200 ft/day

• Hydraulic conductivity - 55-85 ft/day

Regulatory Requirements/Cleanup Goals:

The objective of the demonstration project is to evaluate the use of three types of PRBs in controlling the migration of

uranium and metals in groundwater

Results:

• Performance data were available for the first year (September 1997 to September 1998) of this ongoing demonstration

• The ZVI PRB showed the best removal rate of the three PRBs tested, removing more than 99.9% of the uranium from

the groundwater

• The PO PRB initially removed more than 99% of the uranium from the groundwater, with the removal rate decreasing 4

to 60-70% in January 1998, then increasing to 92% as of September 1998. Available results from tracer tests indicated

that there was no leakage from the ZVI PRB to the PO PRB; rather, the increased efficiency in the PO PRB is the 4 4

result of anoxic conditions caused by the release of PO4

• The AFO PRB had the lowest removal rate, consistently removing less than 90% of the uranium from the groundwater;

with removal rates as low as 37% observed
In Situ Permeable Reactive Barriers for Contaminated Groundwater 

at Fry Canyon

141

Costs:

• The cost for the PRB demonstration included $280,000 for site selection, characterization, and PRB material testing;

$148,000 for design of the PRBs; and $246,000 for the installation of the PRBs

• O&M costs were reported as being relatively expensive because of the extensive monitoring performed for the

demonstration compared to full-scale operation. Projected costs for full-scale O&M for a comparable site were

estimated to be $55,000-$60,000 per year

Description:

Fry Canyon, located in southeastern Utah (approximately 60 miles west of Blanding, Utah), is the site of an abandoned

uranium ore milling operation and copper leach operation. From 1957 to 1960, COG Minerals Corporation conducted

uranium upgrading (concentrating) operations at the site, and from 1962 to 1968, the Besinare Company conducted copper

leach operations. Waste from these operation, including tailings, were stored and disposed of at the site. The Utah

Department of Health, Bureaus of Radiation Control and Solid and Hazardous Waste, conducted site visits to Fry Canyon

in 1984 and 1986. Elevated levels of uranium were found in water samples from Fry Creek. The site was selected by the

U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) in cooperation with the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS), the U.S.

Department of Energy (DOE), BLM, and the Utah Department of Environmental Quality, for a field demonstration of

PRBs to assess their performance in removing uranium from groundwater.

Prior to constructing the PRBs, extensive laboratory investigations were conducted to evaluate the various reactive

materials for each type of PRB and to select the specific reactive materials for the Fry Canyon demonstration. Three types

of PRBs were demonstrated - phosphate (PO ), zero valent iron (ZVI), and amorphous ferric oxyhydroxide (AFO). The 4

PRBs were constructed side-by-side to allow all three types of materials to be evaluated during the demonstration period. 

A funnel and gate design was used and each PRB was keyed into bedrock beneath the colluvial aquifer at the site. After

one year of operation, the ZVI PRB showed the best performance, consistently removing more than 99% of the uranium

from the groundwater. The next best performance was observed for the PO PRB. While the removal rate for the PO 4 4

PRB varied throughout the year, decreasing to as low as 62%, as of September 1998, the uranium removal rate for the PO4

PRB at the end of one year of operation was greater than 92%. The AFO PRB initially removed greater than 90% of the

uranium from the groundwater, but dropped to as low as 37% after the first year of operation. 

Several problems were encountered during installation of the PRBs. For example, a large bedrock nose was encountered

that caused the PRBs to be rotated such that groundwater entered into the gate structures at an oblique angle rather than

perpendicular, as designed. To prevent this problem for other applications, a more detailed view of the bedrock

topography would be needed during site characterization. Full-scale cost considerations include potential lower costs for

design and operation compared to the demonstration costs, which included three PRBs and a more extensive monitoring

system than would be needed for a non-research application.
Permeable Reactive Wall Remediation of Chlorinated Hydrocarbons in

Groundwater at Moffett Field Superfund Site

142

Site Name: Location:

Naval Air Station, Moffett Field Superfund Site Mountain View, CA

Period of Operation: Cleanup Authority:

April 1996 - December 1997 Installation Restoration Program

(Monitoring data available June 1996 through December 1997)

Purpose/Significance of Application: Cleanup Type:

Field demonstration of PRB to remediate groundwater contaminated with Field demonstration

chlorinated solvents

Contaminants: Waste Source:

Chlorinated Solvents Wastes from operations and waste

• Groundwater contaminated with chlorinated volatile organic compounds management activities, including leaks

(CVOCs) including TCE, cis-1,2-DCE, PCE, and 1,1-DCE; TCE is the most from underground storage tanks,

prevalent contaminant at the site aboveground tanks, and sumps

• CVOC plume, located in the near surface A aquifer, is more than 10,0000 feet

long and about 5,000 feet wide

• TCE and PCE concentrations in the A aquifer reported above 20 mg/L and

0.5 mg/L, respectively

Contacts: Technology:

Navy Contractor:

Arun Gavaskar

Battelle

505 King Avenue

Columbus, OH 43201

614-424-3403

Navy Contacts: • Groundwater monitoring well network includes wells within the PRB as well

Charles Reeter

Naval Facilities Engineering Service

Center

1100 23 Avernue rd

Port Hueneme, CA 93043

805-982-4991

Stephen Chao

U.S. Navy, EFA West

900 Commodore Drive

San Bruno, CA 94066

Permeable Reactive Barrier (PRB) 

• Funnel-and-gate system; pea gravel added to gate to help distribute

groundwater flow through reactive cell

• PRB is 10 feet long (6 feet of reactive material) by 10 feet wide; installed at

depth from +5 feet bgs to -14 feet bgs; keyed into low-permeability sediments

(sand channel)

• Reactive material - iron (from Peerless Metal Products, Inc.); -8 to +40 mesh

particle size range

as upgradient and downgradient

Type/Quantity of Media Treated:

Groundwater

• The aquifer includes two units - A1 which is up to 20 feet thick and is

overlain by a clayey surface layer of varying thickness; and A2 which is up to

20 feet thick and extends to 40 feet below mean sea level

• Aquifer contains multiple channels of sand and gravel; zone is not laterally

homogenous due to the interbraided channel nature of the sediments

• Both units are contaminated; however, the pilot-scale PRB penetrates the A1

unit only

• A1 unit - hydraulic gradient ranges from 0.005 to 0.009; hydraulic

conductivity ranges from 0.04 foot/day to 633 feet/day (due to lithographic

variation); groundwater velocity ranges from 0.2 to 5.0 feet/day

Regulatory Requirements/Cleanup Goals:

• Groundwater cleanup goals are the MCLs for PCE (5 mg/L), TCE (5 mg/L), cis-1,2-DCE (70 mg/L), and vinyl chloride

(2 mg/L), as measured in the effluent from the PRB
Permeable Reactive Wall Remediation of Chlorinated Hydrocarbons in

Groundwater at Moffett Field Superfund Site

143

Results:

• The PRB monitored on a quarterly basis from June 1996 to October 1997 (five quarters total)

• By October 1997, TCE, PCE, DCE, and VC were reduced to below the MCLs in the effluent from the PRB

• Data from two wells located within the reactive cell (one upgradient; one downgradient) were used to analyze trends in

TCE and DCE degradation:

- TCE concentrations in both wells remained below the MCL every quarter except for June 1996; possible reasons for

the elevated TCE levels in June 1996 included adsorption-desorption on the iron surfaces and residual contamination

from construction activities attributed to the recent installation of the PRB (April 1996)

- DCE concentrations in both wells remained below the MCL for all five quarters

- Over the five quarters, TCE concentrations were relatively constant in both wells

- There was wider variation in DCE concentrations between the two wells; lower DCE concentrations were observed in

the downgradient well, indicating that DCE degraded more slowly than TCE in the reactive medium.

Costs:

• The total cost associated with the treatment of groundwater during the pilot-scale PRB demonstration was $802,375,

including $652,375 in capital costs and $150,000 in O&M costs

• The projected capital cost for a full-scale PRB at Moffett Field was $4,910,942. O&M costs for a full-scale system

were projected to be $72,278 in annual monitoring costs and $267,538 in barrier maintenance costs, incurred once every

ten years, to replace part of the iron medium

• The projected full-scale costs assumed that the PRB would be constructed in two sections - the first section to capture

and treat the groundwater; the second section, constructed downgradient from the leading edge of the plume to control

further migration of the plume; both sections would extend to the base of the A2 aquifer zone, a depth of about 65 feet

Description:

The Naval Air Station, Moffett Field, located in Mountain View California, was selected by the U.S. Navy as part of the

Installation Restoration Program for a field demonstration of a PRB. Groundwater at Moffett Field is contaminated with

chlorinated solvents, and the site was placed on the National Priorities List in 1987. An area known as the West Side

Plume, a chlorinated solvent plume (primarily TCE) located on the west side of Moffett Field, was used for the

demonstration. Based on the results of laboratory testing, iron from Peerless Metal Powders was selected for the PRB. 

The pilot-scale PRB, installed in April 1996, was a funnel-and-gate design, keyed into low-permeability sediments. The

PRB was operated through October 1997, with groundwater monitored quarterly from June 1996 through October 1997

(five quarters total). By October 1997, TCE, PCE, DCE, and VC were reduced to below the cleanup goals in the effluent

from the PRB. Additional data for TCE and DCE collected from wells located within the reactive cell showed that TCE

and DCE concentrations within the PRB were generally below the MCLs, and that DCE degraded more slowly in the

reactive cell than TCE. The projected cost for a full-scale PRB at Moffett Field was $4,910,942 in capital costs and

$72,278 in annual monitoring costs. In addition, the projected O&M costs included $267,538 in barrier maintenance costs

for iron medium replacement, incurred once every ten years.
Groundwater Extraction and a Permeable Reactive Treatment Cell at Tacony

Warehouse, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

144

Site Name: Location:

Tacony Warehouse (TW) Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

Period of Operation: Cleanup Authority:

May 13, 1998 through 2001 (projected) CERCLA and State

Record of Decision (ROD) signed on

July 21, 1995

Purpose/Significance of Application: Cleanup Type:

This project demonstrates that an extraction well that is surrounded by permeable Full scale

reactive media (iron filings) is a viable treatment alternative at sites contaminated

with chlorinated solvents. 

Contaminants: Waste Source:

Organic Compounds The source of chlorinated solvents in

• Volatiles (halogenated) the groundwater is not known.

Maximum concentrations: 4,214 mg/L PCE, 579 mg/L TCE, 

2,800 mg/L cis-1,2-DCE, 64.6 mg/L trans-1,2-DCE, 2,000 mg/L vinyl chloride

Contacts: Technology:

Project Management:

Russ Marsh

USACE, Baltimore District

10 S. Howard Street

Baltimore, MD 21201

(410) 962-2227

russell.e.marsh@nab02.usace.army.mil

Vendor:

Bob Manzitti

Radian International

7101 Wisconsin Ave., Suite 700

Bethesda, MD 20814

(301) 280-2601

bob_manzitti@radian.com

Regulatory Points of Contact:

Mark Stephens

US EPA, Region 3

1650 Arch Street

Philadelphia, PA 19103-2029

(215) 814-3353

stephens.mark@epamail.epa.gov

Christopher Falker

PADEP

Lee Park Suite 6010

555 North Lane

Conshohocken, PA 19428

(610) 832-5930

• Pump and treat using a permeable reactive treatment cell

• Three extraction wells are being used to remove groundwater at the site. The

system extracts an average of 3 gallons per minute

• The Tacony Treatment Cell or TTC is located near the monitoring well with

the highest VOC concentrations (MW-9). The TTC is four feet in diameter

and is filled with 22 tons of zero-valent iron filings around a four-inch

diameter extraction well. The thickness of the iron filings layer was

calculated to provide a 10 hour detention time

• Zero-valent iron reacts with the chlorinated hydrocarbons to form lesschlorinated and non-chlorinated hydrocarbons

• EW-1 and EW-2 are six-inch extraction wells with no reactive media. They

were located to influence the hydraulic capture zone

• Extracted groundwater is discharged to the City of Philadelphia sanitary sewer

system

Type/Quantity of Media Treated:

• Before treatment began, an area in the vicinity of MW-9 was contaminated in

addition to an area approximately 300 feet downgradient of MW-19

• During the first year of operation, approximately 1.8 million gallons were

extracted from the aquifer beneath the site, of which 393,165 gallons were

treated by the TTC

• The contaminated aquifer is between 8 and 35 feet below ground surface

(bgs). The aquifer can be described as heterogeneous and anisotropic, with

hydraulic conductivities ranging from 2.3 to 29.4 gal/day/ft2

Regulatory Requirements/Cleanup Goals:

• PADEP established the groundwater remediation goal of achieving background levels, which are based on the analytical

quantitation limits of EPA SW-846 Test Method 8240. The remediation targets are 5 mg/L for PCE, TCE, and DCE

and 10 mg/L for vinyl chloride

• The City of Philadelphia does not allow water to be discharged to the sewer system at concentrations exceeding 2.13

mg/L of total toxic organics
Groundwater Extraction and a Permeable Reactive Treatment Cell at Tacony

Warehouse, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

145

Results:

• The TTC is demonstrating conversion of PCE and TCE to less-chlorinated hydrocarbons when compared to untreated

groundwater at MW-9, which is located approximately 15 feet away. PCE and TCE were not detected at the TTC,

however, intermediate reaction products (cis-1,2-DCE and vinyl chloride) were observed

• Three of the six target monitoring wells are meeting the remedial standards and a fourth well met the standards in April

1999 but exceeded these levels in June 1999

• The sewer discharge meets the City of Philadelphia limit on total toxic organics

Costs:

The total project cost was $607,336, which includes the capital costs ($416,777), one year of operation and maintenance

($16,880), and other related costs ($132,417)

Description:

The TW site is located on 14.2 acres of land adjacent to the Delaware River in northeast Philadelphia. The site was

constructed and established as an armor plate assembly facility in 1943. The site was used for warehousing operations

from the 1950s through 1992, when the site was vacated. During this time, there were several periods of inactivity and

numerous changes in accountability for the site.

Site investigations at the TW site indicate that the groundwater in several areas is contaminated with chlorinated solvents

and that soil contamination around MW-9 may be a potential ongoing source of contamination. Use of barriers

constructed from zero-valent iron has been demonstrated to be an effective treatment method at other sites contaminated

with chlorinates solvents. At TW, groundwater in the vicinity of MW-9 is drawn through a bed of iron filings surrounding

an extraction well. As the groundwater passes through the bed, it is treated through reductive dehalogenation reactions. 

The treated water is combined with untreated groundwater from two other on-site extraction wells and is discharged to the

city sanitary sewer.

Results from the first year of operation indicate that reductive dehalogenation reactions are occurring, but not to

completion. Permeable reactive extraction wells are applicable for many sites, especially where contamination is migrating

off-site. In these cases, the hydraulic control provided by pumping may be necessary or the installation of an interceptor

wall may not be feasible.
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147

DEBRIS/SOLID MEDIA TREATMENT ABSTRACTS
Direct Chemical Oxidation at Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory

Livermore, California

148

Site Name: Location:

Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory (LLNL) Livermore, California

Period of Operation: Cleanup Authority:

Not identified Not identified

Purpose/Significance of Application: Cleanup Type:

Pilot-scale demonstration of the DCO process to treat a variety of organic Field demonstration

aqueous waste streams

Contaminants: Waste Source:

Chlorinated solvents, PCBs, kerosene, explosives, ion exchange resins LLNL waste streams or surrogates

• Solvents - TCE, PCE, methylene chloride, chloroform containing chlorinated solvents

• 2,4,6-TNT, triethylamine, ethylene gylcol

Contacts: Technology:

Product Line Manager:

Vince Maio, Advisory Engineer

Mixed Waste Focus Area

Lockheed Martin Idaho Technologies

Company

Idaho National Engineering and

Environmental Laboratory

P.O. Box 1625

Idaho Falls, ID 83415

Telephone: 208-526-3696

Fax: 208-526-1061

E-mail: vmaio@inel.gov 

Principal Investigator: solvents (PCE, TCE, methylene chloride, chloroform and a mix of PCE and

Dr. John Cooper

Chemistry and Materials Science

Directorate, L-352

LLNL

P.O. Box 808

Livermore, CA 94550

Telephone: 925-423-6649

Fax: 925-422-0049

E-mail: cooper3@llnl.gov 

Direct Chemical Oxidation (DCO) 

• Nonthermal, low temperature, ambient pressure, aqueous-based technology

used to oxidize organic compounds in hazardous and mixed waste streams to

carbon dioxide and water

• Oxidizing agent - sodium or ammonium peroxydisulfide 

• Five continuously stirred tank reactors (CSTRs) - pretreatment, feed, and

three-stage oxidizer (15L each)

• Hydrolysis used a pretreatment step for highly volatile wastes - for

demonstration, hydrolysis used in tests of PCB waste streams only 

• Operating temperature - hydrolysis - 150(C; oxidation - 90(C

• Oxidation rate - about 200-kg (as carbon) per cubic meter of reactor per day

• Tests conducted on several types of waste streams including concentrated

waste streams (2,4,6-TNT, kerosene, triethlyamine, Dowex - an ion exchange

resin, ethylene glycol), kerosene(predominately dodecane), chlorinated

chloroform), and low concentrations (45 ppm) of PCBs

• The tests included oxidation and destruction rates for concentrated waste

streams; oxidation time profile for kerosene; oxidation of chlorinated solvents

without hydrolysis pretreatment; and treatment of PCB waste both with and

without hydrolysis pretreatment

Type/Quantity of Media Treated:

Waste streams from LLNL operations

Regulatory Requirements/Cleanup Goals:

• The purpose of the demonstration was to evaluate the DCO process on a variety of organic waste streams, including

concentrated waste streams, under varying conditions

• No specific goals were established for the demonstration
Direct Chemical Oxidation at Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory

Livermore, California

149

Results:

• Concentrated waste streams - the oxidation rate (based on Ka of 0.02-0.04 min and input concentration of 5N oxidant) -1

and the destruction rate were calculated for the concentrated waste streams; the oxidation rate was considered to be a

rough estimate for CSTR scaling; oxidation rates ranged from 132 kg/m /day (TNT and Dowex) to 432 kg/m /day 3 3

(ethylene glycol); destruction rates ranged from >98.8 (TNT and triethylamine) to >99.97% (kerosene)

• Kerosene- the oxidation rate profile showed a rapid destruction of kerosene following the addition of the oxidant at

90(C - 99.97% within the first 70 minutes, followed by a slower destruction rate during the reminder of the test, with a

destruction rate of 99.99% after 140 minutes

• Chlorinated solvents - results showed that chlorinated solvents are readily oxidized by the process, without pretreatment. 

Data reported on the extent of oxidation after 1 hr ranged from 0.967 to 0.996; however, the pretreatment step avoids

the need to pressurize the oxidation step to avoid entrainment of the volatile solvents in the CO offgas 2

• PCBs - results showed that very dilute solutions of PCBs can be treated to below detection limits by the process, both

with and without pretreatment; little difference was observed with and without pretreatment; pretreatment was

determined not to be necessary since PCBs are not volatile

Costs:

• Projected costs for a full-scale DCO process were calculated for a 50 kg/day plant operating at an 80% capacity factor;

costs were estimated for two scenarios - recycling the expended oxident and not recycling 

• If recycled, the projected cost is $9.88/kg of carbon in the waste, including the cost of electrical energy ($2.63), labor

($3), and capital cost ($1.92) plus profit and G&A (30%)

• If not recycled, the projected cost is $79/kg of carbon in the waste based on the equivalent weights of sodium

peroxydisulfate (119 g/equivalent) and carbon (3 g/equivalent), a bulk cost for sodium peroxydisulfate ($0.73/lb), and

an assumed 80% stoichiometric efficiency

Description:

In 1992, researchers at LLNL began developing the DCO process, a nonthermal, low temperature, aqueous based

technology, for use in mixed waste treatment, chemical demilitarization and decontamination, and environmental

remediation. A pilot-scale demonstration of the DCO process was conducted on a number of waste streams including

concentrated wastes such as TNT, kerosene, triethlyamine, ion exchange resins, and ethylene glycol; chlorinated solvents

such as TCE, PCE, methylene chloride, and chloroform; and low concentrations of PCBs in solution. The pilot-scale DCO

process included a pretreatment (hydrolysis) step, used for highly chlorinated volatiles and a three-stage oxidation process

performed in 15L reactors. 

The results of the pilot-scale testing showed that the DCO process can treat a variety of organic waste streams. The

destruction rate for the concentrated wastes was >98%, chlorinated solvents were readily oxidized using the three-stage

oxidation only (without hydrolysis), and concentrations of PCBs were reduced to below detection levels both with and

without pretreatment. According to LLNL, further research is not needed before scale-up of the technology, however,

treatability studies are recommended for each candidate waste stream. Considerations in selecting DCO to treat a waste

stream include the matrix and physical properties of the waste, waste composition and characteristics, and the target degree

of oxidation/destruction removal efficiency. 
Acid Digestion of Organic Waste at Savannah River Site, Aiken, South Carolina

150

Site Name: Location:

Savannah River Site Aiken, South Carolina

Period of Operation: Cleanup Authority:

1996 to 1997 Not identified

Purpose/Significance of Application: Cleanup Type:

Demonstrate acid digestion of organic wastes as an alternative to incineration Bench and pilot scale

Contaminants: Waste Source:

Organic wastes and simulated radioactive wastes; no specific contaminants Nuclear processing operations

identified

Contacts: Technology:

Principal Investigator:

Robert A. Pierce

Westinghouse Savannah River Co. 

P.O. Box 616, Bldg. 773A, Rm. C-137

Aiken, SC 29802

Telephone: (803) 725-3099

E-mail: robert.pierce@srs.gov

DOE Contact:

William Owca

U.S. DOE Idaho Operations Office

850 Energy Drive

Idaho Falls, ID 83401-1563

Telephone: (208) 526-1983

Fax: (208) 526-5964

E-mail: owcawa@id.doe.gov

Acid Digestion Process

• Process consists of an oxidation vessel, acid recycle and offgas treatment

system, and acid stabilization and waste immobilization system

• Organic destruction takes place in oxidation vessel; waste is added to a bath

of 14.8M phosphoric acid containing 0.5 to 1.0M nitric acid

• The vessel is heated to 150 to 200 C under pressure of 0 to 20 psig o

• Bench-scale tests were conducted in units with 2-5 L capacity and pilot-scale

tests in a 40 L glass reactor

Type/Quantity of Media Treated:

Organic wastes

• Cellulose (240 gms of KimWipes ), neoprene, polyethylene, and PVC TM

Regulatory Requirements/Cleanup Goals:

• Determine applicable organic wastes for technology, and related operating conditions

• No specific cleanup goals were identified

Results:

• Tests were conducted on cellulose, neoprene, polyethylene, and PVC

• Tests on cellulose showed that 240 gms of KimWipes were oxidized to CO and H O in 70 mL of acid and residual TM

2 2

phosphoric acid was stabilized, providing for a volume reduction of 50 to 100 fold

• Tests showed that dissolution time for organic wastes depends on the type of waste, temperature, pressure, and acid

concentration

• The dissolution rate for mixtures of waste types will be limited by the PVC dissolution rate, even when PVC is present

in small quantities

Costs:

• Projected costs for full-scale acid digestion systems are under preparation, but were estimated to range from $2,000,000

to $8,000,000 for design, construction, and demonstration
Acid Digestion of Organic Waste at Savannah River Site, Aiken, South Carolina

151

Description:

Bench- and pilot-scale tests of an Acid Digestion system were conducted at DOE's Savannah River Site in 1996 and 1997. 

This technology was tested using job control wastes  organic waste forms consisting of materials such as cellulose,

neoprene, polyethylene, and PVC. Acid Digestion is one of several Alternative Oxidation Technologies (AOT) under

consideration by SRS for treatment of their plutonium 238 contaminated job control wastes.

Acid Digestion consists of dissolution of organic materials in a solution of nitric acid in phosphoric acid, and is conducted

at operating conditions of 150 to 200 C and 0 to 20 psig. Tests were conducted on cellulose, neoprene, polyethylene, and o

PVC, and showed that dissolution time for organic wastes depended on the type of waste, temperature, pressure, and acid

concentration. Further, tests showed that the dissolution rate for mixtures of waste types will be limited by the PVC

dissolution rate, even when PVC is present in small quantities. Because the process involves the use of nitric acid,

controlling the reaction is an important safety consideration. Issues associated with monitoring the oxidation rate and

water content need to be resolved for full-scale deployment of the technology.
Remotely Operated Scabbling at Argonne National Laboratory-East

Argonne, Illinois

152

Site Name: Location:

Argonne National Laboratory-East Argonne, Illinois

Period of Operation: Cleanup Authority:

Not identified Not identified

Purpose/Significance of Application: Cleanup Type:

Demonstration of a remotely-operated scabbler to decontaminate radioactive Field demonstration

concrete flooring 

Contaminants: Waste Source:

Radionuclides Nuclear processing operations

• Beta/gamma radiation 

Contacts: Technology:

Technical Contacts:

Linda Lukart-Ewansil

Pentek, Inc

412-262-0725

pentekusa@aol.com

Susan Madaris

Florida International University

305-348-3727

madariss@eng.flu.edu

DOE Contact: • During demonstration - average rate of scabbling - 130ft /hr for a 2-person

Richard Baker

DOE, Chicago Operations Office

630-252-2647

richard.baker@ch.doe.gov

Remotely-Operated Scabbler

• Pentek, Inc. Moose® scabbler

• Consists of three subsystems - scabbling head assembly, on-board, highefficiency particulate (HEPA) vacuum system, and six-wheeler chassis;

remote operation performed using a small control panel attached to the

scabbler by a tether (50-ft used for demonstration)

• Scabbling head - seven 2 1/4-in diameter reciprocating scabbling bits, each

with a 9-point tungsten carbide-tip capable of delivering 1,200 hammer

impacts/min

• HEPA vacuum system - two-stage positive filtration system that deposits

waste into an on-board 23-gal drum

• Chassis - independent skid steering for 360-degree rotation2

crew

Type/Quantity of Media Treated:

Debris (concrete floor)

Regulatory Requirements/Cleanup Goals:

• The objectives of the demonstration were to evaluate the remotely-operated scabbler for concrete flooring contaminated

with beta/gamma radiation

Results:

• During the demonstration, the scabbler removed an average of 1/8-inch concrete from 620ft of the concrete floor 2

• Contamination levels (total beta/gamma radiation) reduced from a maximum of 105,000 dpm/100 cm to 3,500 dpm/100 2

cm 2

• Waste generated - 37ft mix of powder and small chips of paint and concrete 3

Costs:

• Costs for the Pentek Moose® - $165,000 equipment cost; $1,995/day labor rate (two trained operators); and $2,400 for

replacement parts

• For the cost analysis, the Pentek Moose® was compared to a baseline technology of manual scabbling, using the

demonstration area (620ft ) and a hypothetical job size of 2,500 ft (area requiring one week of effort) 2 2

• The Pentek Moose® was more expensive than the baseline technology for the smaller area; but was comparable to the

baseline technology for the larger area

• The report includes a detailed analysis of the effect of labor rates, equipment transportation costs, waste disposal costs,

and other factors on the cost of the technology
Remotely Operated Scabbling at Argonne National Laboratory-East

Argonne, Illinois

153

Description:

The Pentek Moose® is a remotely-operated scabbler used to scarify concrete floors and slabs. A demonstration of the

technology was conducted at the Argonne National Laboratory-East, CP-5 Reactor on a floor area (620ft ) contaminated 2

with beta/gamma radiation. The Moose® includes a head assembly, on-board, high-efficiency particulate (HEPA) vacuum

system, and six-wheeler chassis. The scabbler is operated remotely using a small control panel attached to the scabbler by

a tether, 50 to 300 ft in length. A 50-ft tether was used for the demonstration. 

A two-person crew, one person to operate the scabbler and one to manage hoses and cords, removed an average of 1/8 in

concrete from an area of 620ft or at a rate of 130ft /hr. Total beta/gamma radiation levels were reduced from a maximum 2 2

of 105,000 dpm/100 cm to 3,500 dpm/100 cm following the demonstration. Approximately 37ft of waste was generated 2 2 3

by the scabbling, consisting of a mixture of powder and small pieces of paint chips and concrete. The cost analysis showed

that a number of factors affect the cost of the remotely-operated scabbler compared to the baseline of manual scabbling,

including labor rates, costs to transport equipment, and waste disposal. The system is commercially available; however,

several design improvements were suggested based on the results of the demonstration including eliminating the need for a

second operator, increasing the size of the waste drum from 23-gal to 55-gal, and adding a second vacuum connection to

the rear of the unit to collect small pieces of debris.
Soft Media Blasting at the Fernald Site, Fernald, Ohio 

154

Site Name: Location:

Fernald Site Fernald, OH

Period of Operation: Cleanup Authority:

August 19 - September 5, 1996 Not identified

Purpose/Significance of Application: Cleanup Type:

Demonstration of soft blast media to clean surfaces contaminated with uranium Field demonstration

Contaminants: Waste Source:

Radionuclides Residue from enriched uranium

• Enriched uranium (1.34 wt-% U-235) processing operations

• Contaminant levels of 18,000 dpm/100 cm measured prior to demonstration 2

Contacts: Technology:

Vendor Contact:

Edward Damien

AEA Technologies, Inc.

13245 Reese Blvd, #100

Huntsville, NC 28078

704-875-9573

Technical Contacts: • Blast pressure - 45 psi; media flow - 20-25 lbs

Larry Stebbins

Fluor Daniel Fernald

513-648-4785

larry.stebbins@fernald.gov

Steve Bossart

Federal Energy Technology Center

304-285-4643

sbossa@fetc.doe.gov

Soft Media Blasting

• Compressed air is used to propel soft blast media through a hose onto the

contaminated surface; soft media traps and absorbs contaminants on impact 

• Air compressor - minimum requirements (250 ft /min of air; 120 psi line 3

pressure at the feed unit); for demonstration- 375 ft /min, 150 psi 3

• Feed unit - contains media mixture; connected to a hose (1 1/4-in. diameter;

25-ft long) fitted with a venturi-style tungsten carbide blast nozzle (3/8 in and

1/2 in nozzles tested during demonstration)

• Six grades of media available (color-coded by grade); two grades of media

were tested - green media containing no abrasive; brown media containing

Starblast® abrasive

• Demonstration involved cleaning a settling tank contaminated with enriched

uranium process residue

Type/Quantity of Media Treated:

Debris (concrete)

Regulatory Requirements/Cleanup Goals:

• Performance objectives included cleaning effectiveness (based on amount of residual radioactivity) and production rate

• Evaluate the technology for use in cleaning radioactive-contaminated surfaces

Results:

• Radiation levels were below the minimum detectable count rate (MDCR) following the demonstration

• Production rate was 92 ft /hr; rate was slower than expected - worker time was limited to 1 hr/day because of the noise 2

generated by the system (106 to 113 dB)

• Brown media was effective on thick dirt; brown media generated more dust than the green media

Costs:

• Demonstration cost for soft media blasting - $4.60/ft2

• Projected full-scale costs are comparable to baseline technology (high-pressure water washing) for an area of 900ft or 2

larger
Soft Media Blasting at the Fernald Site, Fernald, Ohio 

155

Description:

A field demonstration of Soft Media Blasting Technology (SMBT) was performed at the Fernald Site to evaluate the

capability of the technology for cleaning radioactively-contaminated surfaces. SMBT uses compressed air to propel soft

blast media onto the contaminated surface, with the soft media trapping and absorbing contaminants on impact. Six grades

of media are available for the SMBT, manufactured by AEA Technologies, Inc. For the demonstration, two grades were

tested - one containing no abrasive and one containing the Starblast® abrasive. A settling tank contaminated with enriched

uranium process residue was used for the demonstration.

The results of the demonstration showed that the SMBT reduced radiation levels from 18,000 dpm/100 cm to MDCR. 2

The production rate of 92 ft /hr was slower than the baseline technology of high-pressure washing. Because the system 2

was noisy, the time an individual could work was limited. The demonstration cost for soft media blasting was $4.60/ft , 2

more expensive than the baseline technology. However, the projected full-scale costs for SMBT are comparable to the

baseline technology for an area of 900ft or larger. Issues associated with full-scale implementation include the noise level 2

produced by the system and improving the ergonomic design of the nozzle/hose assembly to make it less awkward to use. 

While the media was not recycled during the demonstration, a unit (Classifier Unit) can be added to the system for this

purpose. The decision to not recycle the media during the demonstration was based on a concern that the feed and

classifier units would not be successfully decontaminated following repeated recycling of the contaminated media. 
Concrete Grinder at the Hanford Site, Richland, Washington

156

Site Name: Location:

Hanford Site Richland, WA

Period of Operation: Cleanup Authority:

November 1997 Not identified

Purpose/Significance of Application: Cleanup Type:

Demonstration of a light weight hand-held grinder to decontaminate radioactive Field demonstration

concrete surfaces

Contaminants: Waste Source:

Radionuclides Operation of a nuclear research reactor

• Beta/gamma radiation

Contacts: Technology:

Technical Contacts:

Stephen Pulsford, BHI, 509-373-1769

Greg Gervais, USACE, 206-764-6837

DOE Contacts:

John Duda, FETC, 304-285-4217

Jeff Bruggeman, DOE-RL, 509-376-7121

Concrete Grinding

• Flex Model LD 1509 FR hand-held concrete grinder (6 lbs)

• 5-in diamond grinding wheel (10,000 rpm)

• 1.25-in. vacuum port for dust extraction

• Powered by 110 VAC, 11 amps

Type/Quantity of Media Treated:

Debris (concrete) - 54ft2

Regulatory Requirements/Cleanup Goals:

The objectives of the demonstration were to evaluate the capability of a light weight, hand-held grinder in removing

concrete

Results:

• Removed concrete from 54ft of walls and floors in the demonstration area to a depth of 1/16 in. at a rate of 48ft /hr 2 2

• Contamination levels following demonstration were below free-release levels

Costs:

• The costs for the Flex LD 1509 FR concrete grinder are - $649 equipment cost plus $205 for a replacement diamond

grinding wheel; grinder can be rented for $25/day or $75/week

• The cost for the hand-held grinder were 40% less than the baseline technologies (scaller and scabbler)

Description:

The Flex concrete grinder is a lightweight, hand-held unit used to remove concrete and coatings from concrete surfaces. 

The electric powered grinder is equipped with a diamond grinding wheel and a vacuum port for dust extraction. The

grinder was demonstrated on walls and flooring at the C reactor that were contaminated with beta/gamma radiation. 

During the demonstration, the grinder removed concrete to a depth of 1/16 in from a total area of 54ft . At the end of the 2

demonstration, radioactivity levels were below free-release levels. The Flex grinder was compared to two baseline

technologies - scabbler and scaler. The Flex grinder was found to be easier to use, more flexible, and more efficient that

the baseline technologies, and overall to cost about 40% less. However, the life of the grinding wheel (manufacturer

recommended change after 500ft at a depth of 1/16 in and the cost of a replacement wheel ($205) should be factored into 2

the decision to use the technology. No specific changes or modifications to the grinder are needed for full-scale

deployment. 
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Concrete Shaver at the Hanford Site, Richland, Washington

158

Site Name: Location:

Hanford Site Richland, WA

Period of Operation: Cleanup Authority:

November 1997 Not identified

Purpose/Significance of Application: Cleanup Type:

Demonstration of a concrete shaver to decontaminate radioactive concrete Field demonstration

surfaces

Contaminants: Waste Source:

Radionuclides Operation of a nuclear research reactor

• Beta/gamma radiation

Contacts: Technology:

Vendor Contact:

Ian Bannister

Marcrist Industries Limited

+44 (0) 1302 890888

Technical Contacts: • Weighs 330 lbs; requires 380-480 volt, 3-phase power; minimum 16 amps

Stephen Pulsford, BHI, 509-373-1769

Greg Gervais, USACE, 206-764-6837

DOE Contacts:

John Duda, FETC, 304-285-4217

Glenn Richardson, DOE-RL, 509-376-

7121

Concrete Shaver

• Marcrist Industries Limited Model DTF25 concrete shaver

• Electric-powered, self-propelled, walk behind concrete and coating removal

system

• 10-in. wide diamond impregnated shaving drum with 5-in. blades; vacuum

port for dust extraction

• Variable cutting depth up to 0.5 in.; can reach to within 3 in. of wall/floor

interface or obstruction

• Demonstrated on radioactive-contaminated concrete floor

Type/Quantity of Media Treated:

Debris (concrete) 

Regulatory Requirements/Cleanup Goals:

The objectives of the demonstration were to evaluate the capability of the shaver in removing contaminated concrete

surfaces

Results 

• Removed concrete from 816 ft of floor space in the demonstration area to a depth of 1/8 in. at a rate of 128 ft /hr 2 2

• Contamination levels following demonstration were below free-release levels:

Costs:

• The costs for the Marcrist Industries Limited Model DTF25 concrete shaver are - $10,700 equipment cost plus $7,161

for a set of replacement blades (100 blades)

• Unit cost of $1.32/ft , assuming a rate of 128 ft /hr 2 2

• The cost for the shaver is 50% less than the baseline technology (scabbler)

Description:

The Marcrist Industries Limited Model DTF25 concrete shaver is an electric-powered, self-propelled, walk behind system

used to remove concrete and coatings from concrete surfaces. The electric powered shaver is equipped with a diamond

impregnated shaving drum and a vacuum port for dust extraction. The shaver was demonstrated on concrete flooring in

two rooms at the C reactor that were contaminated with beta/gamma radiation. 

During the demonstration, the shaver removed concrete to a depth of 1/8 in from a total area of 816ft . At the end of the 2

demonstration, radioactivity levels were reported to be below free-release levels. The shaver was compared to the baseline

technology - scabbler - and was found to be as much as five times faster, produce less worker fatigue, and save 50%

compared to the baseline technology. The shaver requires the use of a HEPA filtration system and is designed to work on

floors, but not walls. No specific changes or modifications to the shaver are needed for full-scale deployment. 
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Concrete Spaller Demonstration at the Hanford Site, Richland, Washington

160

Site Name: Location:

Hanford Site Richland, WA

Period of Operation: Cleanup Authority:

January 16 - 27, 1998 Not identified

Purpose/Significance of Application: Cleanup Type:

First demonstration of the hand-held concrete spaller on contaminated surfaces Field demonstration

Contaminants: Waste Source:

Radionuclides Nuclear processing operations

• Beta and gamma radioactivty

Contacts: Technology:

Technical Contacts:

Stephen Pulsford, BHU, 509-375-

4640

Mark Mitchell, PNNL, 509-372-4069

Gregory Gervais, USACE, 206-764-

6837

DOE Contacts: • A water spray was used to control dust emissions during the demonstration

Glenn Richardson, 509-372-9629

Shannon Saget, 509-372-4029

Concrete Spaller

• Hand-held unit weighing about 30 lbs

• Components include spalling bit, removable metal shroud, hydraulic cylinder

rated at 9 tons, and hydraulic pump rated at 10,000 psi

• Pre-drill holes in surface (2.5-cm diameter) in a honeycomb pattern

• Spaller bit inserted into hole, the hydraulic valve opened causing bit to

expand and breaking off a chunk of concrete; concrete chunks were collected

in the metal shroud

Type/Quantity of Media Treated:

• Debris - 4.6m 2

• Contaminated concrete walls and floors

Regulatory Requirements/Cleanup Goals:

• The objectives of the demonstration were to evaluate the capabilities and design features of the concrete spaller for

removing contaminated concrete surfaces

• No specific cleanup goals were identified

Results:

• During the demonstration, the concrete spaller removed concrete from an area of 4.6 m to a depth of 3 mm to 50 mm; 2

the removal rate was 1.3m /hr 2

• Pre-drilling was relatively slow; however, faster drills are available for this step

• Little dust was generated by the spaller

Costs:

• Operating costs for the demonstration were about 22% higher than the baseline technology (scabbler and scaler) because

of the problems encountered with the drill (slower than expected and inexperienced crew)

• For the cost analysis, operating costs were estimated for an improved concrete spaller technology (adequate drill and

experienced crew) - $128/m , assuming a depth of 3-mm 2

• Operating costs for the improved spaller are 15% less the costs for the baseline tools (scaler at $155/m and scabbler at 2

$156/m )2
Concrete Spaller Demonstration at the Hanford Site, Richland, Washington

161

Description:

The concrete spaller, developed by the Pacific Northwest National Laboratory, is a hand-held tool used for

decontaminating concrete surfaces. The spaller includes a 9-ton hydraulic cylinder and a patented spalling bit that is run

by a 10,000 psi hydraulic pump. Holes are drilled into the concrete in a honeycomb pattern and the spaller bit inserted into

each hole. The hydraulic valve is opened, expanding the bit, and the concrete is removed in chunks up to 2 inches thick

and collected in a metal shroud attached to the spaller. The unit can be used on flat or slightly curved concrete walls and

floors, and can be equipped with a vacuum filtration unit for particulate control.

The concrete spaller was demonstrated at DOE’s Hanford site in Richland, WA on two wall areas in the fan room of the C

Reactor facility. The walls were contaminated with beta/gamma radioactivity. During the demonstration, the spaller

removed 4.6 m of contaminated surface to a depth of 3 mm to 50 mm, which was deeper than the baseline technologies 2

(scaler and scabbler). The operating cost of the spaller under optimal conditions is $128/m , which is less than the costs 2

for the baseline tools (scaler at $155/m and scabbler at $156/m ). Considerations for future development and use of the 2 2

technology include the need for a simplified design or manufacturing technique for the spalling bit (which was found to be

fairly difficult to manufacture), the addition of a water spray nozzle to the drill to eliminate the need for a second worker to

manually apply water during drilling, and the additional of an automatic hydraulic control valve. 
Stabilization Using Phosphate Bonded Ceramics at Argonne National Laboratory,

Argonne, Illinois

162

Site Name: Location:

Argonne National Laboratory Argonne, IL

Period of Operation: Cleanup Authority:

Not identified RCRA and NRC

Purpose/Significance of Application: Cleanup Type:

Demonstration of phosphate-bonded ceramics to stabilize a variety of high salt- Development tests

containing wastes

Contaminants: Waste Source:

Metals Surrogate waste streams containing

• Oxide forms of cadmium, chromium, lead, mercury, and nickel were added to high levels of nitrate salts and chloride

the waste stream at concentrations of 1,000 mg/kg each and sulfates similar to those found at

DOE facilities 

Contacts: Technology:

Principal Investigator:

Arun S. Wagh, Ph.D.

Argonne National Laboratory

9700 South Case Ave

Argonne, IL 60439

Telephone: 630-252-4295

Fax: 630-252-3604

E-mail: arun wagh@gmgate.anl.gov

MWFA Product Line Manager: - Salt waste streams with activated carbon and ion exchange resins - mix

Vince Maio, Advisory Engineer

Mixed Waste Focus Area

Lockheed Martin Idaho Technologies

Company

Idaho National Engineering and

Environmental Laboratory

P.O. Box 1625

Idaho Falls, ID 83415

Telephone: 208-526-3696

Fax: 208-526-1061

E-mail: vmaio@inel.gov

Stabilization using phosphate bonded ceramics

• 50/50 blend of magnesium oxide and monopotassium phosphate powder

mixed with water, additives, and waste

• Mixed for 20-30 minutes; waste form set for 2 hours, then cured for 14 days

• Initial testing performed to determine effects of different test scenarios on

waste forms conducted on surrogate salt solutions and on surrogate salt waste

streams containing activated carbon and ion exchange resins

 - Salt solutions - saturated solutions of NaNO (50-wt%) and NaCl (10- 3

wt%); RCRA metals (Cd, Cr, Pb, and Hg) added at 5,000 mg/kg each;

additives included 50-wt% Class-F fly ash and 1-wt% K S to tie up Hg 2

included nitrate, sulfate, and chloride salts (30%), Na CO , and CsCl (to 2 3

simulate a radioactive component)

• Based on results, additional tests were performed on two salt surrogates - one

containing a high quantity of nitrate salts (58-wt%); the other high quantities

of chloride and sulfates (70-wt%); RCRA metals (Cd, Cr, Pb, Hg, and Ni)

added at 1,000 mg/kg each; 

• Waste forms tested for density, compressive strength, and flammability

(nitrate wastes)

Type/Quantity of Media Treated:

Salt-containing waste streams

Regulatory Requirements/Cleanup Goals:

RCRA Land Disposal Restriction (LDR) standards and NRC guidelines

• Universal Treatment Standards (UTS) for metals

• NRC leach index of 6; compressive strength of 500 psi
Stabilization Using Phosphate Bonded Ceramics at Argonne National Laboratory,

Argonne, Illinois

163

Results:

Waste forms from salt solutions of NaNO (50-wt%) and NaCL (10-wt%): 3

• Densities of 1.8 g/cm and 1.72 g/cm , respectively and compressive strengths of 1,800 psi and 3,500 psi, respectively 3 3

• Passed the UTS standards for metals, with the exception of Cd; attributed to the less acidic conditions of the test (pH 4)

that slowed reaction of Cd with the phosphate; Cd was fully stabilized in subsequent tests at lower pH levels 

• Marginally passed leach index criteria with leach levels of 6.86 and 6.7, respectively, indicating slow salt leaching;

additional binding or coating techniques may be needed to prevent salt leaching from deteriorating the waste

Waste forms from salt solutions containing activated carbon and ion exchange resins:

• For the 60-wt% and 70-wt% loadings - had densities of 1.24 g/ml and 1.32 g/ml and compressive strengths of 2,224 psi

and 5,809 psi, respectively

• Passed the UTS standards for metals

MWFA salt surrogates:

• Had densities in the range of 1.7-2.0 g/cm and compressive strength in the range of 1,400-1,900 psi 3

• Passed the UTS standards for metals

• Leach index results showed that process was only marginally successful in retaining NO and CL anions; modifications 3

to the basic formulation for the process were made including adding fly ash to the binder and a polymer coating to the

waste form, which increased the leach index to as high as 12.6

Costs:

• Projected cost for full-scale stabilization using phosphate bonded ceramics are capital costs of about $2 million,

including equipment design and development, and operating costs of about $6,510 per cubic meter of waste form,

including labor and materials; disposal costs are estimated to be $2,836 per cubic meter of waste

• Compared to the baseline technology (basic Portland cement), the operating costs are higher ($6,510 versus $4,300 per

cubic meter of waste form), but the disposal costs are lower ($2,836 versus $3,700 per cubic meter of waste)

Description:

A series of development tests were conducted at the Argonne National Laboratory to validate the stabilization of saltcontaining wastes using a patented chemically bonded phosphate ceramics (CBPC) process. The low-temperature process

uses magnesium oxide and monopotassium phosphate to form a low porosity, dense waste form consisting mainly of a

ceramic magnesium potassium phosphate barrier. Various tests were performed using a number of mixed waste surrogates,

including saturated salt solutions, salt surrogate containing activated carbon and ion exchange resin, and two MWFA

recommended dry salt waste surrogates that represented actual wastes found at DOE facilities.

The results of the tests showed that the waste forms produced by the CBPC process met the RCRA UTS standards for

metals and the NRC disposal criteria. Flammability test results showed the waste forms containing oxidizing salts

(nitrates) to be stable and safe. Based on the results of the testing, additional testing of the salt waste form is recommended

before full-scale deployment, such as the effects of salt anion leaching over time. For different waste streams, additional

analytical and development work would be needed to qualify wastes for disposal and to verify the operating parameters for

the specific wastes.
Stabilize Ash Using Clemson’s Sintering Process at Clemson University,

Clemson, South Carolina

164

Site Name: Location:

Clemson University Clemson, SC

Period of Operation: Cleanup Authority:

1995 Not identified

Purpose/Significance of Application: Cleanup Type:

Treatability study of stabilization of mixed waste fly ash using a sintering Bench scale

process 

Contaminants: Waste Source:

Metals Fly ash from the WERF incinerator at

• Fly ash contained heavy metals - cadmium (5,000 mg/kg), chromium (1,000 INEEL

mg/kg), and lead (35,000 mg/kg)

Contacts: Technology:

Principal Investigator:

H. David Leigh, III

Department of Ceramic and Materials

Engineering

Clemson University

P.O. Box 340907

Clemson, SC 29634

Telephone: 864-656-5349

E-mail: david.leigh@eng.clemson.edu

MWFA Product Line Manager: • Experiment II - to optimize factors from experiment I included 15 batches

Vince Maio, Advisory Engineer

Mixed Waste Focus Area

Lockheed Martin Idaho Technologies

Company

Idaho National Engineering and

Environmental Laboratory

P.O. Box 1625

Idaho Falls, ID 83415

Telephone: 208-526-3696

Fax: 208-526-1061

E-mail: vmaio@inel.gov 

Stabilization using Clemson’s Sintering Process

• Used a high iron/high potassium aluminosilicate clay material - Red Roan

Formation (RRF)

• A preliminary study and three statistically designed experiments performed to

evaluate and optimize processing parameters 

• Preliminary study - 67 vol% to 50 wt% equivalent fly ash/RRF mixture and a

high moisture content (18.1 wt%), pressed at 5,000 psi, then fired at 1,000(C

to produce waste form pellets

• Experiment I - to evaluate the effects of different physical properties on the

waste form included 16 batches to test varying formulations; batch size - 270

grams; material pressed at 1,000 psi then fired between 1,025 and 1,075(C

(500 grams each); fired between 1,025 and 1,075(C; TCLP leach testing

performed on waste forms

• Experiment III - to further evaluate effects of four physical properties

(moisture content, waste loading, mixing time, auger speed) involved 27

batches, prepared using varying formulation based on the results of the second

experiment

Type/Quantity of Media Treated:

Incinerator fly ash

Regulatory Requirements/Cleanup Goals:

RCRA Land Disposal Restriction criteria

• TCLP concentrations in mg/L - cadmium (0.19), chromium (0.86), lead (0.37), and zinc (5.3)
Stabilize Ash Using Clemson’s Sintering Process at Clemson University,

Clemson, South Carolina

165

Results:

• Preliminary study - TCLP results were above the limits for cadmium, lead, and zinc

• Experiment I - significant factors affecting the waste form included firing temperature, the RRF particle size

distribution, and waste loading

• Experiment II - TCLP results showed that leach values for metals increased with increased waste loadings and

decreased as the temperature increased; TCLP limits were met when waste loadings were below 20% vol

• Experiment III - TCLP results showed that leach values for metals increased as the waste loading increased, decreased

as moisture content decreased; mixing time and auger speed were not significant factors

Costs:

No methodology has been selected to date to evaluate costs associated with full-scale deployment of the Clemson

stabilization process

Description:

A bench-scale treatability study was conducted at Clemson University in 1995 to determine whether stabilization using a

sintering process could be used to immobilize DOE waste. The study was funded by DOE through a cooperative

agreement with University Programs at the Savannah River Site. The process involves mixing a high iron/high potassium

aluminosilicate clay material with the waste, pressing the material, then firing the material to produce a ceramic waste

form. For this study, Red Roan Formation (RRF) was used as the clay material and fly ash from the WERF incinerator at

INEEL (containing high levels of metals) was used as the waste. A preliminary study and three statistically designed

experiments were performed to evaluate the process and to obtain operating data for use in future pilot-scale testing.

The results of the treatability study showed that the process can produce stable, low porosity waste forms that meet the

RCRA TCLP limits for metals at waste loadings of 20% vol or lower. This waste loading was lower than originally

anticipated. Other significant factors affecting the waste form included firing temperature and the particle size distribution

of the RRF. The process is applicable to most inorganic homogeneous solids and sludges such as ash, soils, and

particulates, but is not well siuted for aqueous and organic liquids or heterogeneous debris. Based on the results of the

treatability study, a pilot-scale demonstration of the process is planned for FY 1999.
Mixed Waste Encapsulation in Polyester Resins at the Hanford Site

166

Site Name: Location:

Hanford Site Richland, WA

Period of Operation: Cleanup Authority:

Not identified RCRA and NRC

Purpose/Significance of Application: Cleanup Type:

Treatability study of various polyester resins to stabilize high salt-containing Treatability study

mixed waste 

Contaminants: Waste Source:

Metals and radionuclides Salt-containing mixed wastes from

• Spiked metals concentrations in treatability study wastes - arsenic (159.3 DOE processes and surrogate wastes

mg/kg), barium (154.1 mg/kg), cadmium (119 mg/kg), chromium (151.3

mg/kg), lead (132.7 mg/kg), and selenium (140.9 mg/kg)

• Spiked radionuclide concentrations in treatability study wastes - cesium

(1.2x10 pCi/L), cobalt (1.1x10 pCi/L), strontium (1.1x10 pCi/L), and 5 5 5

tecnetium (1.3x10 pCi/L) 5

Contacts: Technology:

Principal Investigator:

Rabindra Biyani

COGEMA Engineering Corporation

P.O. Box 840

Richland, WA 99352

Telephone: 509-376-1004

E-mail: biyani@COGEMAEngineering.com

MWFA Product Line Manager: indicating the onset of curing)

Vince Maio, Advisory Engineer

Mixed Waste Focus Area

Lockheed Martin Idaho Technologies

Company

Idaho National Engineering and

Environmental Laboratory

P.O. Box 1625

Idaho Falls, ID 83415

Telephone: 208-526-3696

Fax: 208-526-1061

E-mail: vmaio@inel.gov 

Microencapsulation by Polyester Resin

• Four polyester resins tested - polymer (trade name) - orthophthalic (S2293),

isophthalic (AropolTM 7334), vinyl ester (Hetron® 922-L25), and water

extendable (AropolTM WEP 662 - proprietary)

• WEP resin was tested on aqueous wastes; other three were tested on dry waste 

• Initiator (catalyst) - cobalt naphthenate 

• Mixer equipped with a variable speed paddle and sample molds for curing

• Dry waste added as free-flowing powder; aqueous waste was slurried

• Mixing time - 5 to 10 minutes at a low rate to homogenize waste; additional 2

to 5 minutes at a high rate after initiator added (until the temperature rises

• Curing molds placed in adiabatic chambers

• Three tests using surrogate wastes; one test using a Hanford waste stream 

Type/Quantity of Media Treated:

Process waste streams

Regulatory Requirements/Cleanup Goals:

RCRA Land Disposal Restriction (LDR) and NRC disposal criteria 

• Treatability test targeted to TCLP levels for RCRA heavy metals - cadmium (1.0 mg/L), hexavalent chromium (5.0

mg/L), lead (5.0 mg/L) and mercury (0.2 mg/L)

• NRC leachability indices - target of 6 or higher
Mixed Waste Encapsulation in Polyester Resins at the Hanford Site

167

Results:

Orthophthalic, isophthalic, and vinyl ester resins:

• For RCRA metals, TCLP results for resins were below the target levels for all metals except cadmium. Failure was

attributed to the sampling method which required the mold be cut to a smaller size (9mm), possibly destroying the

polyester coating. To counter the effect, fully coated polyester waste form molds of 9mm were specifically prepared for

TCLP testing; this sample passed for all metals including cadmium

• Results were also compared to the UTS criteria - most samples failed for RCRA metals

• Polyester microencapsulation was validated for salt loadings of 30-wt% for all three resins, and for salt loadings of up to

70% for the orthophthalic resin

WEP resin:

• For RCRA metals, TCLP results were below the targeted levels for all metals

• Results were also compared to the UTS criteria - samples passed for all metals expect for cadmium

• For radionucides, the leachability indices ranged from 10.1 to 10.8

Costs:

• Projected full-scale cost for the polyester resin encapsulation process - capital cost of $2 million including equipment

design and development and operating cost of $5,940/cubic meter of waste form

• Disposal cost of $2,100/cubic meter of waste form

Description:

The Mixed Waste Focus Area, a DOE Environmental Management (EM) -50 program, sponsored the development of five

low-temperature stabilization methods as an alternative to cement grouting to stabilize salt-containing mixed waste. One

of the alternative methods is microencapsulation using polyester resins. COGEMA Engineering Corporation performed a

series of treatabilitiy studies and developmental tests of the technology at the Hanford site. The studies included

encapsulation of salt-containing mixed wastes from the Handford site and with surrogate wastes spiked with contaminants. 

Four types of resins were tested: orthophthalic polyester, isophthalic polyester, and vinyl ester for dry waste, and a waterextendible polyester resin for aqueous wastes. The cured waste forms were evaluated against the RCRA LDR and NRC

disposal criteria.

The results of the studies showed that the encapsulation of salt-containing mixed waste using polyester resins is applicable

to inorganic, relatively homogeneous low-level mixed wastes containing high levels of salt. Further development is needed

to identify chemical additives to reduce the solubility and toxicity of the RCRA metals. Other factors to be considered in

future development of the process include safety controls to address potential flammable and unstable conditions when

using polyester encapsulation, and additional research into the long-term effectiveness of the technology. 
Innovative Grouting and Retrieval at the Idaho National Engineering

and Environmental Laboratory, Idaho Falls, Idaho

168

Site Name: Location:

Idaho National Engineering and Environmental Laboratory (INEEL) Idaho Falls, ID

Period of Operation: Cleanup Authority:

Summer of 1994 (innovative grouting and retrieval) Not identified

Summer of 1995 (polymer grouting)

Summer of 1996 (variety of grouting materials)

Purpose/Significance of Application: Cleanup Type:

Field demonstration of innovative jet grouting and retrieval techniques that are Full scale and field demonstrations

applicable to TRU wastes

Contaminants: Waste Source:

• Radioactive and nonradioactive wastes Buried drums and waste from DOE

• Demonstration used nonradioactive tracer to simulate radioactive materials operations

Contacts: Technology:

Technical Contact:

G.G. Loomis

Lockheed Martin Idaho

Technologies Company

INEEL

P.O. Box 1625, MS 3710

Idaho Falls, ID 83415

Telephone: 208-526-9208

E-mail: guy@inel.gov

DOE Contacts: • Retrieval - a backhoe bucket was used to remove the monolith

Skip Chamberlain

Subsurface Contaminants

Focus Area HQ Lead

DOE EM50

Germantown, MD

Telephone: 301-903-7248

James Wright

Subsurface Contaminants

Focus Area Program

Manager

DOE Savannah River

Aiken, SC

Telephone: 803-725-5608

Innovative Grouting and Retrieval (IGR)

• Demonstrated on a waste pit (10 ft ), loaded with 55-gal cardboard and steel drums, and 3

cardboard boxes (4 ft ) filled with waste and rare-earth tracer designed to simulate 3

transuranic (TRU) pits

• Three phases - jet grouting, application of demolition grout, and retrieval of the waste

• Jet grouting - CASA GRANDE drill system and a high pressure displacement pump used

to inject grout at a nominal 6,000 psi; total of 24 yds of Portland cement injected into 36 3

grout holes, creating a monolith

• Demolition grouting - immediately following jet grouting, thin-walled, spiral-wrapped

tubes were inserted into the holes and allowed to cure, after which the demolition grout

(BRISTAR) was added to the tubes; however, the grout did not expand as planned and

the soil/waste matrix was not fractured

Wall Stabilization Technique Using Jet Grouting for Hot Spot Removal

• Created a U-shaped wall by jet grouting Portland cement into an existing cold test pit at

INEEL containing drums and boxes

• Jet grouting phase - 52 holes jet grouted to create the wall (30 ft along back and sides of

U extended 8 feet); used jet grouting apparatus at 6,000 psi; total of 24 yds of Portland 3

cement injected

• Stabilization evaluation phase - wall excavated and visually examined; no collapse or

structural damage to wall during excavation and no visible voids; grout mixed with soil

and formed a soilcrete material that filled some voids; neat Portland cement filled other

voids

Jet Grouted Polymer for Waste Stabilization or as an Interim Technique Before Retrieval

• Demonstrated on two waste pits designed to simulate TRU pits containing drums; used

55-gallon drums containing cloth, paper, metal, wood, and sludge; tracer placed in each

drum to simulate plutonium oxide

• Tested two formulations of an acrylic polymer - one to produce a hard, durable material

for long-term encapsulation; one to form a soft material for retrieval

• Hard polymer pit - 18 holes jet grouted into 4.5 x 9 x 6 ft pit; after curing, hard polymer

was fractured and removed

• Soft polymer pit - 15 holes jet grouted into 4.5 x 9 x 6 ft pit; after curing, removed with a

backhoe

In Situ Stabilization

• Demonstrated variety of grouting materials - TECT grout, WAXFIT, Hermite, waterbased epoxy, and Type H cement; jet grouted to form monoliths of buried waste
Innovative Grouting and Retrieval at the Idaho National Engineering

and Environmental Laboratory, Idaho Falls, Idaho

169

Type/Quantity of Media Treated:

Soil and debris

• Steel drums; cardboard boxes containing metal pipe, wire, and plate steel; paper 

Regulatory Requirements/Cleanup Goals:

• Purpose of the demonstrations was to evaluate different jet grouting techniques for use in stabilization and hot-spot

retrieval of waste; nonradioactive wastes used for demonstrations

• No specific cleanup goals were identified

Results:

• IGR - produced stable monolith; monolith was removed in 5 hrs; general soilcrete mix easily removed; grouted waste

that were more difficult to retrieve included grouted boxes containing metal pipe, wire, and plate steel and grouted

computer paper, which disintegrated during removal 

• Wall - produced a solid wall with no visible voids; wall was stable and excavated intact

• Soft polymer - soft polymer material was removed easily; however, tracer material was detected at two-orders of

magnitude above background; determined that one of the containers was not penetrated during drilling; but was

punctured during removal releasing tracer

• Hard polymer - produced cured, stabilized monolith with no voids; easily fractured with a backhoe and removed

• Various grout materials - TECT, WAXFIT, and Type H materials are easily jet grouted and produced stable monoliths;

Hermite and water-based epoxy cannot be jet grouted 

• In general, grouting techniques did not spread tracer, indicating that release of radioactive particulates would be

minimized during operations

Costs:

• Costs projected for IGR, jet grouting using TECT, and jet grouting using WAXFIT; costs developed for 1-acre; for IGR

costs also developed for 4-acre TRU contaminated site

• IGR - projected cost is $19 million (1-acre) and $64 million (4-acre), including grouting and waste management,

excavation, secondary waste management, and D&D equipment

• TECT - projected cost is $15 million, assuming pit is left in place permanently; includes costs for grouting and waste

management and secondary waste management, but no costs for caps

• WAXFIT - projected costs is $20 million, assuming waste pit is a soft polymer and is retrieved; includes costs for

grouting and waste management and retrieval operations

• Jet grouting technologies were less expensive than the baseline retrieval, packaging, and storage ($200 million for 1-

acre; $305 million for 4-acres)

Description:

Between 1994 and 1996, a number of different innovative jet grouting techniques were demonstrated at INEEL to

determine their potential for use in stabilization and retrieval of buried transuranic (TRU) and other wastes at DOE

facilities. Nonradioactive debris containing a rare-earth tracer were tested on waste pits designed to simulate those found

at TRU sites. Technologies demonstrated included innovative grouting and retrieval, wall stabilization techniques using

jet grouting for hot-spot removal, jet grouted polymer for waste stabilization, and various grouting materials for

stabilization.

The results of the demonstrations indicated that a number of the jet grouting technologies produce stable waste forms that

are generally easy to remove, thus making the technology suitable for stabilization and for hot-spot removal. In addition,

the costs for jet grouting and retrieval is up to 90% less than the costs for the baseline technology of retrieval, packaging,

and storage. Further testing is need of the BRISTAR demolition grout, which did not perform as expected, and long-term

durability studies of the materials are recommended, including development of monitoring systems to ensure complete

encapsulation of the waste. 
Polysiloxane Stabilization at 

Idaho National Engineering and Environmental Laboratory, Idaho Falls, Idaho

170

Site Name: Location:

Idaho National Engineering and Environmental Laboratory (INEEL) Idaho Falls, ID

Period of Operation: Cleanup Authority:

1997 - 1998 RCRA and NRC

Purpose/Significance of Application: Cleanup Type:

Demonstration of polysiloxane to encapsulate high-salt content wastes Field demonstration

Contaminants: Waste Source:

Heavy Metals Salt-containing wastes designed to

• hexavalent chromium - 1.045 ppm in one surrogate waste simulate wastes from DOE operations

• oxides of lead, mercury, cadmium, and chromium at 1,000 ppm each in two

surrogate wastes

Contacts: Technology:

Vendor Contact:

Dr. Steve Prewett

Orbit Technologies

Palomar Triad One

2011 Palomar Airport Road, Suite 100

Carlsbad, CA

330-794-2122

Principal Investigator: • For the demonstration, the process was tested on three different salt surrogates

G.G. Loomis

Lockhead Martin Idaho Technologies

Company

INEEL 

P.O. Box 1625 (MS 3710)

Idaho Falls, ID 84315

208-526-9208

guy@inel.gov

MWFA Product Line Manager:

Vince Maio, Advisory Engineer

Mixed Waste Focus Area

Lockheed Martin Idaho Technologies

Company

Idaho National Engineering and

Environmental Laboratory

P.O. Box 1625

Idaho Falls, ID 83415

Telephone: 208-526-3696

Fax: 208-526-1061

E-mail: vmaio@inel.gov 

Stabilization using polysiloxane

• Polysiloxane is a part inorganic part thermosetting polymer; for the

demonstration, Orbit Technology’s polysiloxane material was used

• The base chemicals (SiH and SiOH) are mixed with the waste and reacted in

the presence of a platinum catalyst to form the desired thermosetting polymer

and hydrogen gas

• A filler such as quartz can be added to strengthen the waste form

• The resultant vinyl-polydimethyl-siloxane product is gelled, and cured to form

a solid waste form

- Pad-A salts from INEEL, one high chloride salt surrogate, and one high

nitrate salt surrogate 

Type/Quantity of Media Treated:

Process waste streams

Regulatory Requirements/Cleanup Goals:

RCRA Land Disposal Restriction (LDR) and DOT

• Target TCLP levels for RCRA heavy metals - cadmium (1.0 mg/L), hexavalent chromium (5.0 mg/L), lead (5.0 mg/L)

and mercury (0.2 mg/L); also compared to RCRA universal treatment standards (UTS)

• DOT oxidizer test for nitrate salt wastes

• NRC recommended compressive strength of at least 60 psi
Polysiloxane Stabilization at 

Idaho National Engineering and Environmental Laboratory, Idaho Falls, Idaho

171

Results:

• INEEL Pad-A salt surrogate waste form - met the target TCLP levels; but did not meet the UTS standard for chromium;

had a compressive strength of 637 psi

• Chloride salt surrogate waste form - met the target TCLP levels; did not meet the UTS standard for cadmium or

chromium

• Nitrate salt surrogate waste form - met the target TCLP levels; did not meet the UTS for chromium or mercury; passed

the DOT oxidizer test 

Costs:

• Cost for full-scale polysiloxzane treatment are about $8/lb or $573 per cubic foot of salt waste

• The cost for polysiloxane encapsulation is competitive with the baseline technology of Portland cement stabilization

Description:

The Mixed Waste Focus Area, a DOE Environmental Management (EM)-50 program, sponsored the development of five

low-temperature stabilization methods as an alternative to cement grouting to stabilize salt-containing mixed waste. One

of the alternative methods is stabilization using polysiloxane. A demonstration of Orbit Technology’s polysiloxane

encapsulation process for high-salt content wastes was performed at INEEL on three salt surrogates, representing wastes

found at DOE facilities.

The results showed that the polysiloxane process produced a durable waste form for all three high-salt content surrogates. 

The waste forms met the target TCLP levels for heavy metals, and the more stringent UTS standards for several of the

metals tested. The process is currently limited to nonaqueous solid materials. Treatability testing is recommended for

specific wastes prior to use of this technology. In addition, long-term durability testing of the polysiloxane waste forms is

needed. 
Amalgamation of Mercury-Contaminated Waste using NFS DeHg Process, SM

Applied Technology Laboratories, Erwin, TX

172

Site Name: Location:

U.S. DOE INEEL, ETTP, and DSSI Facilities (tests conducted at Applied Idaho and Tennessee

Technology Laboratories, Erwin, TN)

Period of Operation: Cleanup Authority:

1998 Not identified

Purpose/Significance of Application: Cleanup Type:

Demonstrate amalgamation of elemental mercury Field demonstration

Contaminants: Waste Source:

Heavy metals Nuclear processing operations

• Mercury

Contacts: Technology:

Technology Vendor:

Nuclear Fuel Services, Inc.

Erwin, Tennessee

Contacts: • A possible second step is a chemical stabilization process using a proprietary

Thomas B. Conley

Oak Ridge National Laboratory

Telephone: (423) 574-6792

Fax: (423) 574-7241

E-mail: tbc@ornl.gov

William Owca

DOE Idaho Operations Office

Telephone: (208) 526-1983

Fax: (208) 526-5964

E-mail: owcawa@inel.gov

Amalgamation using the NFS DeHg Process SM

• Prior to amalgamation, waste is sorted, shredded, and slurried to create a

homogeneous mixture

• The first step in the process is to stabilize elemental mercury using one or

more amalgamation agents (agents not specified)

reagent to break mercury complexes and allow removal of mercury as a

precipitant; this step is required if the waste fails the cleanup criteria after the

first step

• Treated material is produced as a presscake; filtrate is either recycled to the

reactor or discharged

• Processing was conducted at ambient conditions in a ventilated hood

Type/Quantity of Media Treated:

Liquid mercury

• 51 kg from East Tennessee Technology Park, formerly the K-25 Site;

characterized as RCRA Waste Code U151

• 23 kg from INEEL; contained oil at 17% by volume; characterized as RCRA

Waste Code D009

• 1 kg from Diversified Scientific Services (DSSI); this material had been

recovered from a thermal desorption treatability study; also D009

Regulatory Requirements/Cleanup Goals:

• Envirocare of Utah Waste Acceptance Criteria

• For mercury - TCLP leachate concentration of 0.20 mg/L; also considered UTS of 0.025 mg/L

Results:

• Wastes from INEEL (DSSI wastes were combined with those from INEEL) were treated with two step process; for

mercury - TCLP leachate in presscake from second step averaged 0.05 mg/L (range 0.02 to 0.12 mg/L); TCLP leachate

in oil phase was 0.03 mg/L; total of 15 amalgams weighed 114 kg

• Wastes from ETTP were treated with two step process; for mercury - TCLP leachate in presscake from second step

averaged 0.05 mg/L (range 0.01 to 0.17 mg/L); total of 20 amalgams weighed 238 kg

Costs:

• Projected costs for treating more than 1,500 kg were $300/kg, assuming waste is elemental mercury, and does not

include disposal costs of the treated waste
Amalgamation of Mercury-Contaminated Waste using NFS DeHg Process, SM

Applied Technology Laboratories, Erwin, TX

173

Description:

Nuclear Fuel Services (NFS) conducted a demonstration of an amalgamation technology on wastes containing elemental

mercury. The NFS process consists of a two step process, where mercury is first treated using amalgamation agents and

then with proprietary chemical stabilization agents, and is conducted in a hood at ambient conditions. 

Wastes from ETTP, INEEL, and DSSI were tested using this process. Results showed that the process reduced the

concentration of mercury to 0.05 mg/L (on average) for each of 35 batches tested, and that the product met the Envirocare

Waste Acceptance Criteria. Projected costs for use of the technology were $300/kg and costs for treating smaller amounts

of wastes, such as at a specific site, were projected to be prohibitive. The report discusses the possibility of a national

procurement contract to lower the cost of the technology on a unit mass basis.
Amalgamation of Mercury-Contaminated Waste using ADA Process, 

Colorado Minerals Research Institute

174

Site Name: Location:

U.S. DOE Los Alamos National Laboratory and Fernald Facilities (tests New Mexico and Ohio

conducted at Colorado Minerals Research Institute)

Period of Operation: Cleanup Authority:

1998 Not identified

Purpose/Significance of Application: Cleanup Type:

Demonstrate amalgamation of elemental mercury Field demonstration

Contaminants: Waste Source:

Heavy metals Nuclear processing operations at U.S.

• Mercury DOE Los Alamos National Laboratory

and Fernald Facilities

Contacts: Technology:

Technology Vendor:

ADA Technologies

Englewood, CO

Contacts: overlapped; mixing speed was 50 rpm

Thomas B. Conley

Oak Ridge National Laboratory

Telephone: (423) 574-6792

Fax: (423) 574-7241

E-mail: tbc@ornl.gov

William Owca

DOE Idaho Operations Office

Telephone: (208) 526-1983

Fax: (208) 526-5964

E-mail: owcawa@inel.gov

Amalgamation using the ADA Process

• Process consists of combining liquid mercury with a proprietary sulfur

mixture in a pug mill to stabilize the elemental mercury

• The pug mill was a dual shaft mixer 0.9 m long with a 0.1 m cross section, 2

and held 0.06 m of material; the mixing blades were 14 cm long and 3

• Mixing was concluded when the reaction exotherm subsided and free

elemental mercury analysis indicated that more than 99% of the mercury had

reacted

• Air above the pug mill was swept to remove mercury vapors and filtered

through a HEPA filter and a sulfur-impregnated carbon filter to capture

mercury

• Processing was conducted at ambient conditions

Type/Quantity of Media Treated:

Liquid mercury

• 112 kg of mercury from LANL and 20 kg from Fernald

• No radioactivity was detected in either waste stream

• The waste from Fernald contained significant amounts of water

Regulatory Requirements/Cleanup Goals:

• Envirocare of Utah Waste Acceptance Criteria

• RCRA TCLP limit for mercury - 0.20 mg/L

Results:

• Wastes were processed in 5 batches (4 from LANL and 1 from Fernald) of 20 to 33 kg/batch

• The amount of free mercury was reduced from 99.87 to 99.98% per batch

• TCLP mercury was less than 0.1 mg/L in each batch, with a mercury waste loading of 57%

• Product from the amalgamation process was found to meet the Envirocare Waste Acceptance Criteria

• Mercury vapor concentrations above the pug mill were below the TLV of 50 ug/m3

Costs:

• Projected costs for full-scale amalgamation using the ADA Process were $300/kg for more than 1,500 kg, assuming

waste is elemental mercury, and does not include disposal costs of the treated waste
Amalgamation of Mercury-Contaminated Waste using ADA Process, 

Colorado Minerals Research Institute

175

Description:

ADA Technologies conducted a demonstration of a proprietary amalgamation technology on wastes containing elemental

mercury from Los Alamos and Fernald. The ADA process consists of combining liquid mercury with a proprietary sulfur

mixture in a pug mill, and is conducted at ambient conditions. 

Results showed that the process reduced the free mercury by 99.87 to 99.98%, and that the product met the Envirocare

Waste Acceptance Criteria and passed the RCRA TCLP criteria for mercury. Projected costs for use of the technology

were $300/kg and costs for treating smaller amounts of wastes, such as at a specific site, were projected to be prohibitive. 

The report discusses the possibility of a national procurement contract to lower the cost of the technology on a unit mass

basis.
GTS Duratek (GTSD) Process for Stabilizing Mercury (<260 ppm) Contaminated

Mixed Waste from U.S. DOE's Los Alamos National Laboratory

176

Site Name: Location:

U.S. DOE Los Alamos National Laboratory (tests conducted at GTSD Bear New Mexico

Creek Operations Facility)

Period of Operation: Cleanup Authority:

September 1997 to September 1998 Not identified

Purpose/Significance of Application: Cleanup Type:

Demonstrate stabilization of low level mercury in radioactive wastes Treatability studies

Contaminants: Waste Source:

Heavy metals, Volatile Organics, and Radionuclides Nuclear processing operations

• Mercury concentration was 230 mg/kg; TCLP 0.0399 to 0.184 mg/L

• DCE concentration was 11,000 mg/kg, vinyl chloride 220 mg/kg, methylene

chloride 12,000 mg/kg

• Radionuclides included plutonium and strontium

Contacts: Technology:

Technology Vendor:

GTS Duratek

Kingston, Tennessee

Contacts: • Pilot-scale tests were conducted in drums using a vertical in-drum mixer

Thomas B. Conley

Oak Ridge National Laboratory

Telephone: (423) 241-1839

Fax: (423) 241-2973

E-mail: tbc@ornl.gov

William Owca

DOE Idaho Operations Office

Telephone: (208) 526-1983

Fax: (208) 526-5964

E-mail: owcawa@inel.gov

Stabilization

• Stabilization reagents involved addition of water and then cement to form a

grout mixture; the mixture was then blended with sodium metasilicate and

cured for two days

• Bench- and pilot-scale tests were conducted, at high and low waste loadings

Type/Quantity of Media Treated:

Sludge and Laboratory Wastes

• Four 55-gallon drums containing 1,253 lbs of sludge 

• Three containers of lab packs from analysis of the sludge

Regulatory Requirements/Cleanup Goals:

• Land Disposal Restrictions for heavy metals (such as mercury - 0.025 mg/L) and organics 

• Envirocare Waste Acceptance Criteria (WAC) for disposal

Results:

• At low waste loadings, mercury concentrations were reduced to values ranging from 0.00127 to 0.0169 mg/L, below the

LDR standard of 0.025 mg/L; at high waste loadings, mercury was reduced to values ranging from 0.0024 to 0.0314

mg/L  one sample contained mercury above the LDR standard

• Several organic compounds and radionuclides were higher than the LDR standards or Envirocare WAC after treatment,

including 1,1,1-trichloroethane, 1,1-dichloroethane, methylene chloride, lindane, DDE, heptachlor epoxide, and

methoxychlor, strontium, and americium

• The vendor indicated that these results re-emphasized the importance of accurate characterization data; the high levels

of organics were not expected based on the original characterization data provided by LANL

• Bench-scale tests showed mercury met LDR level in all 3 low load and 2 of 3 high load samples

Costs:

• Projected costs for a full-scale stabilization system using this technology were not developed 
GTS Duratek (GTSD) Process for Stabilizing Mercury (<260 ppm) Contaminated

Mixed Waste from U.S. DOE's Los Alamos National Laboratory

177

Description:

Sludge was generated at the Phase Separation Pits of the TA 35 facility of the Los Alamos National Laboratory (LANL) by

addition of a caustic solution to the condensate and particulates removed from laboratory fume hood exhausts by the phase

separators. The sludge and laboratory wastes from analysis of the sludge, were a mixed waste due to the presence of

radionuclides, heavy metals, and RCRA-listed organic compounds.

Bench- and pilot-scale tests of the GTS Duratek process were conducted to stabilize the contaminants in the sludge and

laboratory wastes. The GTS Duratek process includes addition of water, cement, and sodium metasilicate. The stabilized

product met the LDR standard for mercury in all but one high load test sample. However, several VOCs, pesticides,

herbicides, and radionuclides did not meet the LDR standards or Envirocare WAC after treatment. This result was

attributed to inaccurate characterization data of the waste streams, which did not show the relatively high levels of

organics.
Stabilize High Salt Content Waste Using Sol Gel Process at

Pacific Northwest National Laboratory, Richland, WA

178

Site Name: Location:

Pacific Northwest National Laboratory Richland, WA

Period of Operation: Cleanup Authority:

Not identified RCRA and NRC

Purpose/Significance of Application: Cleanup Type:

Laboratory testing of the sol gel process to stabilize high salt content waste Laboratory scale treatability test

Contaminants: Waste Source:

Metals and salts Salt waste surrogates that simulated

• Two salt-containing, nonradioactive surrogates - one with nitrate salts; one nonradioactive wastes from DOE

with chloride and sulfate salts facilities

• Both contained 1,000 mg/kg each of lead, chromium, cadmium, and nickel (in

the form of metal oxides)

Contacts: Technology:

Technical Contacts:

Dr. Gary L. Smith

Pacific Northwest National Laboratory

P.O. Box 999, MSIN K6-24

Richland, WA 99352

Telephone: 509-372-1957

Fax: 509-376-3108

E-mail: Gary.L.Smith@pnl.gov

Dr. Brian Zelinski

Arizona Materials Laboratory

University of Arizona

4715 East Fort Lowell Road

Tuscon, AZ 85712

Telephone: 520-322-2977

Fax: 520-322-2993

E-mail: brianz@engr.arizona,edu

MWFA Product Line Manager:

Vince Maio, Advisory Engineer

Mixed Waste Focus Area

Lockheed Martin Idaho Technologies

Company

Idaho National Engineering and

Environmental Laboratory

P.O. Box 1625

Idaho Falls, ID 83415

Telephone: 208-526-3696

Fax: 208-526-1061

E-mail: vmaio@inel.gov 

Stabilization using the Sol Gel Process

• The Sol Gel processing is a general synthesis technique that uses hydrolysis

and condensation to produce solid matrices from liquids

• Ceramic portion formed after tetraethlyorthosilicate (TEOS) was

prehydrolized with acidified water (0.15M HCL) in tertrahydrofuran (THF)

• The polymer polybutadiene was added and the solution was refluxed for 30

minutes

• Salt waste surrogate was mixed into the solution and stirred until the solution

thickened

• Solution was then transferred to a plastic container, allowed to gel, then

capped (the cap was punctured with small holes to allow gas to escape) and

dried in an oven at 66(C for a minimum of 24 hours, then placed in a vacuum

oven at 70(C for three hours 

• The resulting material was a polyceram waste form 

• Process modified after initial test results showed open porosity in sample

waste forms; to minimize open porosity, dried samples were submerged in a

polycream or resin solution and placed under vacuum to allow infiltration,

then dried overnight 

Type/Quantity of Media Treated:

Salt waste surrogates - two surrogates tested at waste salt loadings of 50 to 70%

Regulatory Requirements/Cleanup Goals:

• RCRA TCLP criteria for metals

• Leachability index (LI) of at least 6.0 for the salt components

• Compressive strength of salt waste forms of at least 60 psi

• Final waste form must incorporate at least 10-wt% of the salt component
Stabilize High Salt Content Waste Using Sol Gel Process at

Pacific Northwest National Laboratory, Richland, WA

179

Results:

• Initial samples met requirements for compressive strength and LI; however, forms contained open porosity which

exacerbated leaching, resulting in the samples not meeting the TCLP limits for metals

• After process was modified to minimize open porosity, samples were below the TCLP limits for all metals and very near

or below the UTS limits for metals (results for cadmium and chromium were reported slightly above the UTS limits, but

results were below the practical quantification limits of the instrument) 

• The second waste form samples contained 50% of the chloride/sulfate salt surrogate; data on compressive strength and

LI were not available; however, report indicated that these samples were expected to be stronger and have a higher LI

than the first samples

Costs:

• To date, no detailed cost analyses have been performed on this process

• The report included an order of magnitude estimate for the Sol-Gel process in the range of $600,000 to $1 million for

design, capital equipment, installation, and startup costs, as well as obtaining the required environmental and operating

permits

Description:

At the Pacific Northwest National Laboratory, DOE conducted laboratory scale testing of the Sol Gel process to stabilize

high salt content waste. Two salt-containing, nonradioactive surrogates - one with high levels of nitrate salts and one with

high levels of chloride and sulfate salts - were used for the tests to simulate wastes at DOE facilities. The Sol Gel process

involved combining a polymer (polybutadiene) and an oxide-based ceramic (formed using TEOS, acidified water, and

THF) to produce a solid material referred to as a polyceram. The resulting polyceram waste forms were tested to

determine leachability and compressive strength at salt waste loadings of at least 10-wt%. 

While initial samples met the requirements for compressive strength and leachability index, they did not meet the TCLP

criteria because the form contained open porosity. To minimize open porosity, the process was then modified to include

infiltration of dried samples with a resin. Test results for the infiltrated samples were below the TCLP levels and near or

below the UTS levels. While a detailed cost analysis had not been performed on the process, an order of magnitude

estimate indicates that the process would cost in the range of $600,000 to $1 million. 
ATG Process for Stabilizing Mercury (<260 ppm) Contaminated Mixed Waste from

U.S. DOE's Portsmouth, Ohio Facility

180

Site Name: Location:

U.S. DOE Portsmouth, Ohio (tests conducted at Mountain States Analytical Portsmouth, Ohio

Laboratory)

Period of Operation: Cleanup Authority:

1998 Not identified

Purpose/Significance of Application: Cleanup Type:

Demonstrate stabilization of low level mercury in radioactive wastes Field demonstration

Contaminants: Waste Source:

Heavy metals and Radionuclides Nuclear processing operations

• Mercury concentration was 1.06 mg/mL

• Technetium-99 present at 680 pCi/g

• Other heavy metals included barium, cadmium, and chromium

Contacts: Technology:

Technology Vendor:

Allied Technology Group

Fremont, CA

Contacts: • Bench-scale tests showed that DTC without other reagents provided the best

Thomas B. Conley

Oak Ridge National Laboratory

Telephone: (423) 241-1839

Fax: (423) 241-2973

E-mail: tbc@ornl.gov

William Owca

DOE Idaho Operations Office

Telephone: (208) 526-1983

Fax: (208) 526-5964

E-mail: owcawa@inel.gov

Stabilization

• Stabilization reagents included proprietary dithiocarbamate (DTC),

phosphate, polymeric reagents, and generic reagents such as magnesium oxide

and activate carbon

• Bench-scale and field demonstration tests were conducted

results

• Field demonstration tests were conducted on three-33 kg batches of waste,

using a 7 ft mortar mixer 3

Type/Quantity of Media Treated:

Ion exchange resin

• 160 kg of resin (liquid waste) containing <5% solids

Regulatory Requirements/Cleanup Goals:

• Universal treatment standard (UTS) for mercury of 0.025 mg/L 

Results:

• Mercury concentrations were reduced on average from 1.06 to 0.0092 mg/L, below the UTS of 0.025 mg/L; 99% of the

mercury was stabilized

• Cadmium, the other heavy metal present at concentrations higher than the UTS, was reduced on average from 0.371 to

0.053 mg/L, below the UTS of 0.11 mg/L; 86% of the cadmium was stabilized

• The average density of the treated waste was 1.17 kg/L, which was a 17% weight increase and a 16% volume increase

from the untreated waste

• No mercury vapors or radioactivity was detected during the demonstration

Costs:

• Projected costs for a 1,200 lb/hr stabilization system included capital costs of $30,000 and operating costs of $95/hr of

operation

• These correspond to a life cycle cost of $1.73/kg, without decontamination and decommissioning
ATG Process for Stabilizing Mercury (<260 ppm) Contaminated Mixed Waste from

U.S. DOE's Portsmouth, Ohio Facility

181

Description:

Allied Technology Group (ATG) conducted a demonstration of stabilization of mixed wastes containing less than 260 ppm

of mercury. The ATG technology used dithiocarbamate (DTC) to stabilize 160 kg of ion exchange resin containing <5%

solids. The resin was contaminated with heavy metals including mercury and cadmium. 

The DTC formulation stabilized mercury and cadmium to concentrations lower than the UTS, with a relatively small

increase in weight and volume. A life cycle cost of $1.73/kg of waste was projected for use of this technology at a full

scale.
Graphite Electrode DC Arc Furnace at the Idaho National Engineering and

Environmental Laboratory, Idaho Falls, Idaho

182

Site Name: Location:

Idaho National Engineering and Environmental Laboratory (INEEL) Idaho Falls, ID

Period of Operation: Cleanup Authority:

1997-1998 RCRA and NRC

Purpose/Significance of Application: Cleanup Type:

Determine potential applicability of DC arc plasma furnace to treat a variety of Bench-scale studies and engineeringwastes from DOE facilities scale furnace (ESF) tests

Contaminants: Waste Source:

Metals, Radionulcides Waste streams and surrogates from

• Plutonium-238 and heavy metals including lead various DOE facilities

Contacts: Technology:

Principal Investigator:

Ronald Goles

Battelle, Pacific Northwest National

Laboratory

P.O. Box 999, MS K6-24

Richland, WA 99352

Telephone: 509-376-2030

Fax: 509-376-3108

E-mail: rwgoles@pnl.gov

MWFA Product Line Manager: • Outer walls of furnace equipped with air cooling jacket and two cooling coils

Whitney St. Michael

Mixed Waste Focus Area

Lockheed Martin Idaho Technologies

Company

Idaho National Engineering and

Environmental Laboratory

2525 N. Freemont

Idaho Falls, ID 83415

Telephone: 208-526-3206

Fax: 208-526-1061

E-mail: whitney@inel.gov 

Graphite Electrode DC Arc Furnace

• ESF system included the furnace, power control systems, feed systems, offgas system, and control system

• ESF - 3.5 ft diameter by 4 ft high stainless steel vessel enclosing the furnace

hearth; graphite crucible was lined with Monofrax K-3 refractory; four

graphite rods threaded into the crucible; layers of porous graphite, firebrick,

and refractory material surround crucible; nitrogen used to prevent oxygen

from attacking the graphite crucible 

• ESF included penetrations for glass overflow discharge, furnace offgas, and

pyrometer access; overflow section heated to temperatures as high as 1,500(C

to keep glass molten for pouring

- to prevent glass migration throughout refractories and insulation

• Bottom drain - inductively heated/freeze-valve bottom drain for removing

metals and/or slag from the bottom of the furnace

• Bench-scale testing included 43 nonradioactive waste tests and 5 radioactive

waste tests

• Two ESF tests conducted in FY 1997 - one using feed spiked with heavy

metals and with plutonium surrogates; one using nonradioactive debris

• First test feed rate was about 5 kg/hr and about 320 kg of feed material was

processed over an 86-hour period; operational problems caused furnace to be

shut down during second test

• One ESF test conducted in FY 1998 on Pantex neutron generators - process

150 neutron generators over a 21-hour period at a rate of 27 lbs/hr

Type/Quantity of Media Treated:

• INEEL wastes including soils, high metal wastes, organics/oils/solvents, and

debris

• Slag from Rocky Flats

• Plutonium-238 waste from SRS

• Neutron generators (tritium and lead) - about 150

Regulatory Requirements/Cleanup Goals:

RCRA Land Disposal Restriction criteria for metals and NRC disposal criteria
Graphite Electrode DC Arc Furnace at the Idaho National Engineering and

Environmental Laboratory, Idaho Falls, Idaho

183

Results:

• The first 1997 test performed as planned with minor problems such as failure of the overflow heater, which was

corrected; produced a uniform, homogeneous vitrified product with a low leach rate for TCLP metals; the behavior of

Plutonium-238 was identical to that of Plutonium-239, with the majority of the plutonium partitioning in the glass phase

• During the second 1997 test, the furnace failed as a result of current firing through a fracture in the sidewall; the system

was shut down and repaired

• 1998 test results showed that the ESF was capable of processing neutron generators, with the resulting glass form

passing the TCLP test for metals; however, approximately 75% of the available lead partitioned to the offgas system

(attributed to the glass collection problem) and 85% of the available tritium was released through the process stack

• Operational problems with the 1998 test included the inability to operate the bottom drain of the melter and the need to

operate in a continuous overflow mode, causing problems with glass collection

• In general, high water content in sludges (30wt%) increased electrode corrosion, caused problems with feeding via the

solids auger and caused water to collect in the off-gas system 

Costs:

• Projected cost for full-scale - $50 to $80 million capital cost; operating costs of $12 to $18 million through the startup

period and $48 to $62 million for a five year operating period

• Projected treatment and disposal costs - $7,400 to $10,800 per cubic meter, based on 17,000 cubic meters of waste

• Total life cycle costs estimated to be $124 to $184 million

Description:

A series of bench-scale tests using radioactive and nonradioactive wastes were conducted at INEEL to determine the

potential for using a DC Arc Furnace for waste treatment. Several types of wastes were tested including Rocky Flats

Pondcrete (slag); INEEL soils, high metals wastes, organics/oils/solvents; and debris; and an SRS 238Pu contaminated

debris waste. A DC Arc ESF system, including the furnace, power control systems, feed systems, off-gas system, and

control system, was used for two sets of tests of radioactive and nonradioactive wastes in 1997, and to test the ability to

process neutron generators in 1998.

The results of the first 1997 test showed that the DC Arc Furnace could produce a solid, homogenous glass form that met

the TCLP criteria for metals. The system was then shutdown during the second test when the furnace failed. Following

repairs, the system was shown to be capable of processing neutron generators, with the glass form meeting the TCLP limits

for metals. However, several operational difficulties led to the partitioning of a majority of the primary contaminants

(tritium and lead) to the off-gas. Since these demonstrations, several design improvements have been made to the

prototype system, including a second generation melter and improvements in the feed system and off-gas treatment

systems.
Plasma Hearth Process at the Science and Technology Applications Research

(STAR) Center,Idaho Falls, Idaho

184

Site Name: Location:

STAR Center Idaho Falls, ID

Period of Operation: Cleanup Authority:

1993 through 1997 RCRA and NRC

Purpose/Significance of Application: Cleanup Type:

Demonstration of a plasma hearth furnace to treat metals and radionuclides in a Bench scale and pilot scale

variety of waste types

Contaminants: Waste Source:

Metals and radionuclides • Wastes from DOE facility

• Nonradioactive cerium used in tests to simulate plutonium operations and air pollution control

• Metals include arsenic, barium, cadmium, chromium, lead, mercury systems

Contacts: Technology:

Principal Investigators:

Ray Geimer

SAIC

545 Shoup Ave.

Idaho Falls, ID 83402

Telephone: 208-528-2144

Fax: 208-528-2194

E-mail: Ray Geimer@cpqm.saic.com

Carla Dwight

Argonne National Laboratory - West

P.O. Box 2528

Idaho Falls, ID

Telephone: 208-533-7651

E-mail: carla.dwight@anl.gov

MWFA Product Line Manager:

Whitney St. Michael

Mixed Waste Focus Area

Lockheed Martin Idaho Technologies

Company

Idaho National Engineering and

Environmental Laboratory

2525 N. Freemont

Idaho Falls, ID 83415

Telephone: 208-526-3206

Fax: 208-526-1061

E-mail: whitney@inel.gov

Plasma Hearth Process (PHP)

• PHP is a high temperature thermal process that heats waste to a molten form,

which is then cooled into a glass/crystalline waste form; equipped with an air

pollution control system to remove particulates and volatiles in the offgas

• PHP melt temperature - 1,650-2,200(C; 

• Three systems tested - nonradioactive bench-scale system (NBS), radioactive

bench-scale system (RBS), and nonradioactive pilot-scale system (NPS)

• NBS- batch system with a refractory lined fixed hearth vessel equipped with a

150 KW Retech RP75T transferred arc plasma torch; feed rate of 15 lbs/hr

• RBS - batch system with a plasma chamber equipped with a 150 KW Retech

RP75T transferred arc plasma torch; feed rate of 30 lbs/hr; holds eight, 1-

gallon waste containers and includes offgas treatment system

• NPS - 6.5 ft by 6.5 ft cylindrical hearth equipped with a 1.2 megawatt Retech

RP600T plasma torch; feed rate of 1,000 - 1,500 lbs/hr; holds three, 55-gallon

waste drums and includes offgas treatment

Type/Quantity of Media Treated:

• NBS - Fly ash, soil, sludges, debris (concrete, asphalt, sheet rock, steel),

sodium nitrate

• RBS - inorganic and organic sludges, debris (wood, graphite, and fire brick)

• NPS - debris

Regulatory Requirements/Cleanup Goals:

• RCRA Land Disposal Restriction (LDR) standards

• Federal and state air emissions standards
Plasma Hearth Process at the Science and Technology Applications Research

(STAR) Center,Idaho Falls, Idaho

185

Results:

• Slag samples passed the RCRA limits for metals

• Cerium oxide (plutonium oxide surrogate) was found to primarily partition to the vitreous slag; slightly higher retention

rates were noted for sludges as compared to combustible debris

• All high vapor pressure metals (mercury, cadmium, lead), except barium, partitioned to the offgas system, where they

were removed prior to release from the stack

• Stack emissions were generally below the air emission limits, including total particulates and metals, except for mercury

• The process was shown to treat a wide variety of waste types

Costs:

Projected costs for full-scale system include: 

• Capitals - $50 to $86.2 million for facility construction and outfitting

• Startup operating cost - $12 to $18 million

• O&M for a 5-yr period - $48 to $62 million

• Assuming 17,000 cubic meters of waste are treated, the projected unit cost for PHP is $7,400 to $10,800 per cubic

meter.

Description:

DOE sponsored a series of bench- and pilot-scale tests of the Plasma Hearth Process (PHP) at the STAR Center in 

Idaho Falls, Idaho, conducted between 1993 and 1997. PHP is a high temperature thermal process that heats waste to a

molten form, which is then cooled into a glass/crystalline waste form. Three PHP systems were tested on a wide range of

wastes to evaluate the process for treating different wastes and to determine operating conditions. The three systems were

a nonradioactive bench-scale system (NBS), radioactive bench-scale system (RBS), and nonradioactive pilot-scale system

(NPS). The types of wastes tested included fly ash, organic and inorganic sludges, and a variety of debris; for the RBS

system, nonradioactive cerium was used as a surrogate for plutonium wastes.

The results showed that PHP was capable of treating a wide variety of radioactive and nonradioactive wastes, meeting the

RCRA LDR standards for metals and , with the exception of mercury, operating within the air emission requirements for

the systems. Differences were noted between the behavior of sludges and debris in the system, such as higher retention

rates for cerium oxide for sludges as compared to debris. Additional data are needed to better quantify the treatment of

debris using PHP. Other issues to be considered for full-scale deployment include additional data on the behavior of

radionuclides compared to the cerium surrogate, and a more detailed evaluation of PHP for high organic waste feeds.