Tuesday, June 24, 2008 : 10:00 a.m.
Remediation of a Dry Cleaning Facility, from Subsurface Evaluation through Sub-Slab Depressurization
An investigation was performed that included the collection of soil samples, soil gas samples and multi-depth groundwater monitoring wells. An Air Sparge/Soil Vapor Extraction (AS/SVE) system was installed to remediate the source area of contamination – identified below the basement of the cleaners – and to treat the underlying groundwater. In-situ chemical oxidation was utilized to address a portion of the groundwater PCE plume.
The remediation system operated until the termination criteria outlined in the Remedial Action Plan were achieved. However, the NYSDEC and NYSDOH were reluctant to allow the SVE system to be turned off as low levels of PCE vapors still remained below the basement of this active shopping center. To address their concerns, four SVE wells located in the basement of the dry cleaner were converted to sub-slab depressurization (SSD) wells by installing high-flow, low-vacuum vapor abatement fans. A pilot test was performed to confirm that negative pressure was achieved below the shopping center’s basement floor. These energy-efficient fans resulted in significant power consumption savings. Since the flow rate was drastically reduced, carbon treatment of the exhaust was no longer required.
As part of the Final Remedy for this project, a Site Management Plan (SMP) was prepared. The SMP described the operation and maintenance of the SSD fans. Monitoring, which includes annual indoor air testing during the winter heating season and an annual certification of the system, was also included. Criteria were developed that will allow the SSD fans to be turned off once the PCE vapor levels below the slab meet NYSDOH guidance concentrations.
Eric A. Weinstock, CPG, CGWP, C.A. Rich Consultants Inc. Eric A. Weinstock is Vice President of CA RICH Consultants, Inc., 17 Dupont Street, Plainview, New York 11803. He has a B.S. in Geology from SUNY at Oneonta and an M.S. in Engineering Geology from Georgia Tech. Mr. Weinstock has more than 25 years of experience in the characterization and remediation of petroleum and solvent releases and has worked at dozens of dry cleaning facilities. He is also active in the investigation, clean up and redevelopment of Brownfield sites in urban areas.
Stephen J. Osmundsen, PE, C A Rich Consultants Inc. Stephen J. Osmundsen is a Senior Engineer at CA RICH Consultants, Inc. and is a Professional Engineer in five states including New York. He has a B.S. in Civil Engineering from Clarkson College and a M.E. in Environmental Engineering from Cornell University. With more that 30 years of professional experience, Mr. Osmundsen has designed and operated a variety of remediation systems under different geologic settings. Currently, he is also active in the clean up and redevelopment of Brownfield sites in urban areas.
Deborah Shapiro, C A Rich Consultants Inc. Deborah Shapiro is an Environmental Scientist and Project Manager at CA RICH Consultants, Inc. She has a B.A in Environmental Studies and a M.S. in Environmental Science, both from American University. With more than 10 years of experience, she is active at numerous petroleum, hazardous waste and Brownfield sites in the New York City tri-state area.
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Manuscript 2008 NGWA Conference on Eastern Regional Ground Water Issues