Client: International Sheet Metal Printer
Project: Remedial System Redesign (Bioremediation)
Location: New Jersey
Description: EWMA was called in by the client to review the effectiveness of a multi-point well-based ground water recovery, treatment and re-injection system that was designed and installed by one of the nation’s larger environmental consulting firms. Prior to EWMA’s involvement with the project, the former consultant conducted a remedial investigation, the results of which delineated inorganic (lead, cadmium, zinc, chromium) and organic (petroleum hydrocarbons, isophorone) contaminants in the soil, and shallow dissolved-phase organics in the ground water (both on and off-site). The detected ink, paint and fuel-related contaminants were the result of historic drum spillage, leaking underground storage tanks (USTs) and a subsurface drainage system.
The first consultant removed the USTs and product-laden contaminated soil, after which, they conducted extensive aquifer pumping tests to evaluate hydrogeologic properties. In response to the findings, a multi-point, well-based ground water recovery treatment and re-injection system was designed, and a Remedial Action Workplan (RAW) was submitted to the NJDEP for approval. After RAW approval was granted, the system was installed. The original system consisted of a recovery/re-injection well network, along with a treatment system comprised of an equalization/settling basin, solid filtration and Granular Activated Carbon (GAC) adsorption.
EWMA became involved with the project at the time of system installation. EWMA first requested that the NJDEP issue a 90-day pilot study approval, prior to issuance of a discharge to ground water (DGW) permit, so that alternative conditions could be evaluated and demonstrated. The successful pilot study resulted in alternative DGW permit discharge limitations and reduced analytical requirements, resulting in significant short and long-term cost savings.
After three years of system operation, EWMA conducted a regression analysis of recovery rates and determined that an additional 3 years of system operation would be necessary to achieve compliance with regulatory ground water standards. After careful review of pertinent site data, EWMA conducted a pilot study and determined that in-situ bioremediation would substantially reduce the projected three additional years of operation timeframe. EWMA then designed and gained regulatory approval for a bioremedial enhancement to the existing pump and treat system.
After the enhancement was installed, the system operated for six months. At that time, EWMA found that isophorone concentrations were reduced to levels ranging from non-detectable (ND) to 17 parts per billion (ppb), which was in compliance with the regulatory standard of 100 ppb.