Project:
Dry Cleaning Facilities
Bottom Line: Participated in studies and negotiations to identify critical components of the conceptual site model; analytical results were used to direct further investigation and possible remediation activities.
Summary of Project
The 11.5-acre site comprises two operating retail shopping centers, each containing dry cleaning facilities that have impacted the soil and groundwater with PCE releases. The client worked with a group of stakeholders to identify the source of PCE in nearby drinking water wells and to allocate responsibility and costs.
- Managed and provided data evaluation for negotiations with regulators, water companies, and responsible parties. Included data analysis to support client’s limited liability for future remediation activities or affected third parties.
- Conducted an in situ chemical oxidation pilot test to evaluate remedial options for a large dissolved PCE plume underlying commercial and residential areas.
- Designed a pilot test injection of 2,500 pounds of persulfate at one of the source areas to evaluate the radius of influence of a single injection location and treatability of PCE by oxidants.
- Designed a second pilot test injection of 4,000 pounds of sodium permanganate to increase the oxidation potential for treatment of PCE.
- Researched potential sources of PCE in the site vicinity and identified several other facilities and sewer lines that likely contributed PCE to the regional aquifer.
- Conducted an analysis of current and historical site data to update the conceptual site model and determine how the PCE plume responded to increased groundwater extraction in the area as well as during natural water level variations. Identified several data gaps that required investigation before further remediation activities were completed.