Thermal Remediation of Creosote and Pentachlorophenol in a Heterogeneous Stratigraphy

Speaker:Craig L. Eaker, Ph.D.
Southern California Edison
Rosemead,CA
craig.eaker@sce.comAbstractThe presentation is a case study of the results of the Visalia Steam Remediation Project (VSRP) conducted May 1997 through June 2000. The present laboratory data demonstrates success in achieving the project goal of restoring the groundwater quality to meet the regulatory standards. During 36 months of field operations, approximately 660,000,000 pounds of steam was injected into the formation to thermally treat 375,000 yards of contaminated material. About 1,330,000 pounds of a mixture of Creosote, Diesel, Pentachlorophenol, and Dioxins were extracted as vapors and liquids, or were chemically oxidized in the formation. Currently the groundwater at the "Point of Compliance" meets the Remediation Standards as specified by the California EPA, Department of Toxic Substance Control (DTSC). The groundwater assays in this vicinity have produced results which comply with the Remediation Standards for Pentachlorophenol (1 ug/L), Benzo(a)Pyrene (0.2 ug/L), and TCDDeqv (30 pg/L).The presentation will graphically represent six years of groundwater assays which clearly demonstrate the effectiveness of a thermal remedy to restore groundwater, adversely impacted by wood preservative chemicals, to a drinking water quality. Additionally, "best practices" for steam reservoir management and empirical observations of in-situ oxidation and saponification of wood preservative chemicals will be presented.

Location: Kaprielian Hall (KAP) - 156

Audiences: Everyone Is Invited

Contact: Evangeline Reyes