2013 SMART Remediation Calgary – April 4, 2013

Perry D. Gerwing, B.S.A., M.Sc., Earthmaster Environmental Strategies Inc.
Phytoremediation of Salt and Petroleum Hydrocarbon Impacted Soil
Bio | Abstract | Presentation

Phytoremediation of Salt and Petroleum Hydrocarbon Impacted Soil

Based on extensive chemical and biological research, we have successfully developed and implemented plant growth promoting rhizobacteria (PGPR) enhanced phytoremediation systems (PEPS). The scientifically advanced phytoremediation systems we deploy remove petroleum hydrocarbons (PHCs) and salt from soils. PEPS provide large amounts of root biomass in impacted soils, which promotes growth of rhizosphere microorganisms. The root and rhizosphere biomass allow rapid partitioning of contaminants out of the soil, and their subsequent uptake and/or metabolism by microbes and plants. This results in degradation of PHCs in soil and large amounts of biomass for sequestration of salt into plant foliage. We have deployed PEPS at over 35 full‐scale sites in Canada. PEPS, when deployed by our trained scientists, will result in PHC and salt remediation to Tier 1 standards. Not only is this a green solution for remediation of impacted sites, but the costs for PEPS are less than half the costs associated with landfill disposal. Between 2007 and 2012 we have deployed PEPS at more than 25 PHC impacted sites in Alberta, British Columbia, Ontario, Manitoba, the Northwest Territories and Quebec. At all sites we achieved ~ 35 % remediation per year of PHC from soil (mostly F2, F3 and F4). The first 7 sites treated have met Tier 1 standards while 18 other sites are being treated and are on target to reach remedial endpoints within an overall 2 to 3 year treatment period. Beginning in 2009, we initiated full scale deployments of PEPS at 13 salt impacted sites in Saskatchewan, Alberta, Manitoba and the Northwest Territories. PGPR greatly enhanced plant growth on the salt impacted soils, allowing excellent plant growth with soil ECe’s up to 25 dS/cm. Furthermore, the plants (both grasses and cereals) take up sufficient amounts of salt to result in 10 to 20 % remediation per year. Importantly, we have already achieved salt remediation to regulatory targets at 2 of the sites. We have an on‐going research program to improve PEPS. One aspect of this work is to properly maintain the PGPR currently utilized and to isolate new, more active PGPR. We are refining the CCME PHC analytical method to make phytoremediation and other green in situ remediation technologies more efficient. We are also using Tier 2 toxicity end points at a research level to assess when soil becomes non‐toxic during PEPS treatment – results indicate this will occur prior to meeting Tier 1 criteria. Our work with PEPS has shown that it is very effective for treatment of a wide variety of PHC and salt impacted sites (including sites with co‐contaminants).

Jean Paré, Chemco inc.
Chemical Reduction for In Situ Soluble Metals Remediation
Bio | Abstract

Gordon H. Bures, Frac Rite Environmental Ltd.
Using Environmental Fracturing To Achieve Sustainable Remediation In Difficult Lithologies
Bio | Abstract | Presentation

Using Environmental Fracturing To Achieve Sustainable Remediation In Difficult Lithologies

The effectiveness of commonly used in situ approaches to site remediation in North America, and indeed much of the world, can be seriously undermined by a site’s inherent lithology. As a result, site remediation practitioners around the world are increasingly turning to environmental fracturing as a means of increasing contaminant recovery rates or emplacing significant masses of treatment amendments into affected soils and bedrock. This presentation provides an overview of how environmental fracturing technologies overcomes the limitations of in situ remediation in low permeability lithologies, and provides practitioners with a guide to the application of environmental fracturing, based on 17 years of project experience in jurisdictions ranging from across North America to Europe, Africa, and Asia. Two innovative case studies are presented to showcase the integrated and synergistic use of innovative fracture-enhancement techniques for attaining sustainable and cost-effective remediation for petroleum hydrocarbons and chlorinated solvents. Physical, biological and chemical (reductive and oxidative) treatment technologies are showcased in the context of both subsurface extraction and delivery techniques to optimize contact with contaminants for their conversion to innocuous and natural end products. Examples of remediation technologies in challenging geologic settings and operationally constrained sites are provided to showcase their versatility and small site profile. Complimentary remedial verification tools are introduced to validate and confirm the effective treatment of subsurface soil and groundwater contaminants to achieve remedial goals. The implications of the application of environmental fracturing within the remediation industry are assessed in the context of cost benefits for site owners, efficacy gains for owners’ engineers, and enhancing environmental sustainability for communities.

Joe Ricker, EarthCon Consultants, Inc.
Innovative Plume Stability Analysis And Remediation System Benefit Analysis (RSBA)
Bio | Abstract

Innovative Plume Stability Analysis And Remediation System Benefit Analysis (RSBA)

Evaluating the relative stability of a groundwater contaminant plume is generating increasing attention as many state regulatory agencies, EPA and private stakeholders are realizing the applicability of plume stability as part of the environmental evaluation and/or remedial planning process of a site. Specifically, a plume stability evaluation will allow the stakeholder to assess whether a contaminant plume is stable, decreasing or increasing in size. Assessing the stability of a plume will allow the stakeholder to evaluate whether additional remedial action is necessary or whether risk-based closure of a site may be applicable or whether MNA is occurring at a site. There are many other ancillary applications of plume stability evaluations as related to groundwater contamination. This session presents the Ricker Method for plume stability analysis, which entails the use of innovative techniques to calculate and assess historical trends in contaminant plume area, average concentration, contaminant mass, and center of mass. This session will also present certain aspects of a proprietary analysis tool called Remediation System Benefit Analysis (RSBA). RSBA is an interpretation of the relative benefit of a remediation system based on graphical data outputs created from the Ricker Method of evaluating plume stability and additional data inputs. In effect, what RSBA does is evaluate the efficiency of an active groundwater remediation system that removes contaminant mass from groundwater (e.g., pump and treat). The tool evaluates whether an active system may be considered efficient or inefficient based on an evaluation of contaminant mass removed via the system and the relative stability of a groundwater plume. The Ricker Method for plume stability analysis was published in Groundwater Monitoring & Remediation (28, no. 4/ Fall 2008/pages 85–94) and has been used at numerous contaminated sites to effectively demonstrate the stability of contaminant plumes comprised of chlorinated solvents, carbon tetrachloride, pentachlorophenol (PCP), creosote, naphthalene, benzene, nickel and sodium, among others.

John Davis, Gibson Energy Inc.
Remediation Selection Process – An Industry Perspective
Bio | Abstract

Bruce Tunnicliffe, Vertex Environmental Inc.
Using High Resolution Characterization for Detailed Real-Time Assessment of LNAPL and Dissolved Phase Petroleum Hydrocarbons
Bio | Abstract | Presentation

Using High Resolution Characterization for Detailed Real-Time Assessment of LNAPL and Dissolved Phase Petroleum Hydrocarbons

A common problem with remediation of petroleum hydrocarbons (PHCs) is a lack of understanding of subsurface distribution. Basic information is obtained using traditional boreholes and monitoring wells, but significant data gaps typically remain prior to commencement of remediation. Two new high resolution characterization techniques have been successfully used to define the location of PHCs in-situ, these are the Membrane Interface Probe (MIP) for dissolved phase contamination, and Laser-induced fluorescence (LIF) for free phase contamination (LNAPL – light non aqueous phase liquid). The MIP and LIF are powerful down-hole assessment tools that are used to provide semi-quantitative data on subsurface contamination. Advanced to depth by direct push methods, the surface of the MIP probe is then heated and the volatile contaminants volatilize and diffuse through a semi-permeable membrane and are subsequently transported to the surface for analysis. The LIF consists of a probe with a fibre optic cable that emits light through a window in the probe during direct push advancement. The PHCs in LNAPL fluoresce and the response is measured by the probe in real time. These real time, high resolution technologies provides very detailed information about the presence and extent of PHC impacts. During this talk, each technology will be briefly discussed, and a case study will be presented where both the MIP and the LIF were used prior to and during in-situ remediation of PHCs. This talk will present the pre-injection MIP and LIF results and showcase how the initial chemical oxidation design was altered based upon the MIP and LIF results. The MIP and LIF were remobilized to the Site during the in-situ program, these results will also be presented to show how the results were used to alter the design which resulted in efficient distribution of the oxidant and good destruction of the PHCs.

2013 SMART Remediation Calgary – April 4, 2013

Speakers

Perry D. Gerwing, B.S.A., M.Sc.

Phytoremediation of Salt and Petroleum Hydrocarbon Impacted Soil

Jean Paré

Chemical Reduction for In Situ Soluble Metals Remediation

Gordon H. Bures

Using Environmental Fracturing To Achieve Sustainable Remediation In Difficult Lithologies

Joe Ricker

Innovative Plume Stability Analysis And Remediation System Benefit Analysis (RSBA)

John Davis

Remediation Selection Process – An Industry Perspective

Bruce Tunnicliffe

Using High Resolution Characterization for Detailed Real-Time Assessment of LNAPL and Dissolved Phase Petroleum Hydrocarbons

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