Aug 10 2010
Sustainability (Green) Metrics for Remediation Performance
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 16th 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
