Large-Scale Kerosene Recovery Program
Attleboro, MA
Challenges:
Site assessment activities completed in 2010 and 2012 identified a release of light, non-aqueous phase liquid petroleum (fingerprinted as kerosene). Through preparation of a thorough and well understood Conceptual Site Model, ES&M was able to understand LNAPL occurrence and how to recover it so that the project’s goal (mixed use commercial/residential redevelopment) could be realized.
Solutions:
For the first stage of the remedy, ES&M installed a soil vapor extraction system to very quickly begin addressing impacted soil above the water table. During operation of this system, substantial increases in LNAPL thicknesses were evident, which prompted review and update of stratigraphic information. This work showed that a confining layer located below the water table was having a profound effect on groundwater movement and LNAPL thicknesses. Using this information, we designed a groundwater depression system to facilitate kerosene recovery, which needed to operate within a strict range of water table elevations.
Eight recovery wells were installed within the kerosene plume, and each well was carefully constructed to not penetrate the confining layer. The system uses pneumatic total fluids extraction pumps that are carefully monitored to maximize recovery. Total fluids are conveyed to a treatment system consisting of filtration, oil/water separation and carbon treatment. By careful and thoughtful operation, the system recovered more than 1,500 gallons of kerosene. The recovery program is complete and a Permanent Solution has been achieved.
Site assessment activities completed in 2010 and 2012 identified a release of light, non-aqueous phase liquid petroleum (fingerprinted as kerosene). Through preparation of a thorough and well understood Conceptual Site Model, ES&M was able to understand LNAPL occurrence and how to recover it so that the project’s goal (mixed use commercial/residential redevelopment) could be realized.
Solutions:
For the first stage of the remedy, ES&M installed a soil vapor extraction system to very quickly begin addressing impacted soil above the water table. During operation of this system, substantial increases in LNAPL thicknesses were evident, which prompted review and update of stratigraphic information. This work showed that a confining layer located below the water table was having a profound effect on groundwater movement and LNAPL thicknesses. Using this information, we designed a groundwater depression system to facilitate kerosene recovery, which needed to operate within a strict range of water table elevations.
Eight recovery wells were installed within the kerosene plume, and each well was carefully constructed to not penetrate the confining layer. The system uses pneumatic total fluids extraction pumps that are carefully monitored to maximize recovery. Total fluids are conveyed to a treatment system consisting of filtration, oil/water separation and carbon treatment. By careful and thoughtful operation, the system recovered more than 1,500 gallons of kerosene. The recovery program is complete and a Permanent Solution has been achieved.
