Description
Confidential Client Northeast, USA
Project: In Situ Treatment of Bis (2-ethylhexyl)
phthalate (BEHP) Impacted Soil
Click here for PDF of the Project
Summary
DARAMEND® technology was selected as the remedial option of choice for
the in situ treatment of 14,000 tons of BEHP impacted soil at a former
plastics manufacturing facility in New Jersey. Surface soil (0-2 ft) was
cleared of oversized debris and boulders (>6") using a bulldozer
equipped with sub-soilers (equipment attached to a tractor to unearth
large debris within the soil) and loaders equipped with a specially
designed stone fork implement.
The Challenge
The remedial goal of 210 mg/kg for BEHP had to be achieved in the upper
two feet of all impacted areas of the site. Some regions of the site also
required treatment of PAHs to NJ Department of Environmental Protection
(DEP) industrial direct contact criteria. Over 4 acres of the 12-acre site
required treatment. In some of the treatment areas activities had to be
coordinated with tidal fluctuations, since the water table (which was very
close to the surface in these locations) was substantially influenced by
the tide.
The Solution
Following preparation of the treatment area, DARAMEND was applied in
situ using a site-specific aerobic protocol. In Situ application
of the technology eliminated the costs for soil excavation and
construction of a treatment cell. The process required the addition of
nutrients and proprietary organic amendments to optimize the rate of
microbial activity in the soil. The process also required control of the
soil moisture content through irrigation and tillage. Tilling was
accomplished using a specialized rotary tiller with the capacity to till
to a depth of 2 ft.
The Result
The mean concentration of BEHP was reduced from 1,250 mg/kg to less
than 150 mg/kg after approximately 10 months of active treatment. The
remedial goal of 210 mg/kg was achieved in all regions of the site.
Elevated PAH concentrations were also reduced to below the NJ DEP criteria
within the same timeframe.
The Cost
Cost to treat approximately 14,000 tons of soil at this site averaged
approximately $35/ton. Treatment costs were particularly low at this site
because soil was treated in situ.
The Timeline
Treatment goals were attained after approximately 14 months, between
May 1999 and June 2000, including 10 months of active treatment and 4
inactive months during the winter.
Figure 1. Influence of DARAMEND bioremediation on phthalate impacted
soil.
Companies On This Project
ADVENTUS GROUP
