Green Remediation:  Performance, Cost, and Carbon Footprint Analysis of Chemical Injection Strategies and Implementations in South Florida

 

 

by

 

Timothy L. Harman, PE

General Manager

Handex Consulting & Remediation, LLC

 

(Presented at the 16^th Annual Florida Remediation Conference  held October 14-15, 2010 in Orlando, Florida)

 

 

ABSTRACT:  Historically, approaches to contaminated site closure in Florida have not fully considered sustainability concepts when making decisions regarding remediation strategy and technology selection.  Although these concepts are not new, an increasing focus on sustainability for environmental remediation is a result of Federal, State, and local government initiatives and policy directives.  For this presentation, several chemical injection implementations and case studies in South Florida will be profiled for remediation performance, cost effectiveness, and sustainability (green) metrics. 

 

 

Prevailing contemporary guidance for sustainability metrics include, at a minimum, energy use, air emissions, water impacts, materials use (materials management and waste reduction), and land and ecosystem protection.  Remediation strategies included chemical oxidation and biostimulation either in conjunction, or independent reagent application for treatment of petroleum hydrocarbon contaminants.  The chemical injections were performed within the last five years and in some cases were performed subsequent to conventional remediation strategies, such as air sparging and soil vapor extraction, thereby allowing for site specific comparison of metrics in relation to technology application and performance monitoring. 

 

 

With the benefit of hindsight, an increased awareness of sustainability concepts, and the development of green remediation metrics, we can evaluate and quantify the benefits of less intrusive remediation strategies within a current context of overall environmental and economic impacts.  While the prevention and remediation of contamination is inherently “green”, through the evaluation of these case studies we will be able to explore just how green purported “green” remediation strategies really are in comparison with conventionally utilized technologies within the context of quantifiable metrics rather than generic qualitative assumptions.

 

 For more information on this presentation please contact:

 

Timothy L. Harman, PE

General Manager

HCR - SE, LLC

430 S. Congress Ave Suite 1D | Delray Beach, FL  33445

P:  +1.561.243.9551 x1312 | F:  +1.561.243.8707 | C:  +1.561.271.4324

Email: tharman@handexmail.com

www.hcr-llc.com

 

 

 

 

What is Vapor Intrusion?

 

Vapor intrusion is the migration of vapors from below ground petroleum or chemical spills into overlying buildings, creating a health hazard for building occupants.  The problem is not confined to industrial or petroleum facilities – it extends to commercial and residential buildings which may be a significant distance from the source of contamination.

 

Concerned residents, industry leaders, and regulators are quickly becoming aware of the risks associated with vapor intrusion.  In many parts of the country, new regulations have sprung up, directing swift action to identify and address the problem, particularly at “sensitive receptor” sites such as daycare centers and schools.

 

Comprehensive, Cost Effective, and Swift Solutions

 

HCR has the expertise to help you understand if your facility, building or residence is at risk.  We provide reliable solutions that will allow you to fully comply with recent regulatory changes and keep occupants healthy and safe.

 

We test for, evaluate and mitigate vapor intrusion – quickly and cost-effectively.  Our scientists and engineers have years of experience conducting vapor intrusion risk assessments and investigations.  If we find a problem, we can design and install immediate response measures and permanent solutions.

 

HCR’s vapor intrusion services include:

 

• Risk assessment and preliminary investigations
• Indoor air and sub-slab vapor testing
• Design and installation of residential and commercial mitigation systems
• Source investigation
• Design and installation of soil and groundwater remediation solutions

 

Industrial and Petroleum Facilities

 

Where required, HCR has designed and installed large scale sub-slab depressurization systems for industrial, petroleum and large commercial facilities to immediately prevent the migration of vapors from the subsurface.  We can quickly identify the source of the problem and devise permanent solutions at even the largest sites.

 

Commercial, Residential and Brownfield Sites

 

Spills from gasoline stations or industrial facilities can spread via soil and groundwater beneath neighboring buildings and adjacent homes, with substantial risk of impacting indoor air.   HCR can quickly provide field testing services to identify vapor concentrations, and respond immediately to eliminate potential health or explosion hazards.  

 

 

A History of Dependability

 

Due to the attention this issue has generated, and regulatory changes in many communities, there are a wide range of consultants and contractors offering services to address Vapor Intrusion issues.

 

With a 40-year history providing environmental consulting, engineering, and contracting, HCR is one of the oldest and most trusted names in the industry.  We work closely with state and local regulators, and our clients trust us to help them comply with the changing regulatory landscape.  We are certified to offer a full range of services in-house, with our own testing and construction equipment to complete any size project.

 

 

For more information please contact:

 

Steven Marsich, P.E.

Business Development Manager

 

Handex Consulting & Remediation - NE, LLC. 

24 Abeel Road, Monroe, NJ 08831

(609) 409-6999 ext. 1228 (Office)

(609) 409-7453 (Fax)

(609) 235 5769 (Cell)

E-mail: smarsich@handexmail.com