Project:
R&D Testing Facility for Laser and Satellite Communications Systems
Bottom Line: Engineered a modified in-well air stripping system to treat NDMA and 1,4-dioxane; eliminated time-consuming WDR permit process.
Summary of Project
The facility conducted classified research and development testing on prototype spacecraft propulsion engines, laser systems, and satellite communications systems. Since 1964, support processes for the 25 operational elements on the site have included a machine shop, chemical laboratory, materials storage areas, two shooting ranges, spray booth/paint storage area, toluene and isopropanol ASTs, and fuel USTs. Chemicals of concern found in groundwater include, but are not limited to, PCE, TCE, Freon-113, perchlorate, 1,4-dioxane, NDMA, and hexavalent chromium.
- Located, installed, and performed monitoring of over 180 groundwater monitoring wells to collect chemical and hydrologic data for evaluation of multiple groundwater units.
- Established a lack of continuity between the first water-bearing formation encountered within the former operational areas found across the 2,800-acre site.
- Coordinating all groundwater investigations, treatment technology pilot tests, and remedial action efforts with the San Diego RWQCB.
- Established a groundwater treatment chain of technologies specifically designed to enhance contaminant removal, minimize potential by-product contamination, and expedite operational area closure sequencing.
- Implemented the installation of two-phased extraction systems as an interim remedial measure to address high levels of VOCs in groundwater and soil vapors at select operational areas.
- Successfully performed an in situ chemical oxidation pilot test as an interim remedial measure to reduce elevated VOC concentrations in a limited groundwater plume within a single former operational area to regulatory standards.
- Performed shallow environmental fracturing to evaluate potential enhanced SVE benefits associated with select vadose zone modifications.
- Researched and designed a modified in-well air stripping system for the treatment of highly mobile, hydrophilic, low-volatility groundwater contaminants such as 1,4-dioxane and NDMA. The unique design exempts the system from waste discharge requirement permitting.
- Effectively reduced the VOC concentrations by two orders of magnitude since implementation of interim remedial measures.