Total Environmental Remediation Optimization: A Hazardous Materials Management Approach

When budgets are tight and fewer resources are available, how can we achieve better soil & groundwater remediation results? This can be achieved by the “optimization” of complimentary of soil & groundwater remediation technologies. Unfortunately, there is no single “silver technology bullet” when it comes to developing total remediation optimization strategies.  

Rapid remediation of both unsaturated & saturated zone source areas can be the key to long term effectiveness of remediation projects. Innovative engineered excavation techniques can be applied to rapidly remove high concentrations of contaminated soils from beneath occupied buildings & active facilities. Enhanced soil vapor extraction (ESVE) effectively addresses unsaturated zone source areas. Exothermic in-situ chemical oxidation (ISCO) technologies rapidly treats saturated zone source areas. Engineering controlled ISCO-induced temperature rise in the saturated zone increases effectiveness of the ESVE in the unsaturated zone. Thus, combining ISCO with ESVE can be extremely effective in overall destruction & removal of hazardous materials in the source areas. 

Reduced toxicity and total contaminant mass reduction is beneficial & cost-effective for subsequent aerobic & anaerobic bioremediation polishing in both the source & plume areas. Targeted delivery of chemical & biological reagents is essential to total environmental remediation optimization success. Customized application of surfactants & solvents within a sequential recirculation treatment system enhances the ability to bring injected reagents in direct contact with the hazardous material contaminants of concern. 

The authors will present a conceptual case history to illustrate the total environmental remediation optimization concept from a hazardous materials management approach.