Dry Cleaner

Scope

GeoTech developed a two-zone plume interception treatment technology designed for enhanced, in-situ biodegradation of chlorinated and non-chlorinated organic solvents in unsaturated soil and groundwater.

Site

A prominent international bank acquired a commercial property as a result of a foreclosure sale. The Site is a portion of a 2-acre parcel of commercial retail shopping center located in a busy high retail district of Broward County, Florida.

Challenge

The site operated a dry-cleaning facility that had contaminated the soil and groundwater exceeding 100-feet below land surface and encompassed the 2-acre parcel. Prior to the foreclosure, the regulators had imposed significant fines to the previous owner and the Client. The new owner was required to initiate assessment and remediation.

GeoTech’s technical approach was to enhance the anaerobic biodegradation of chlorinated solvents such as perchloroethylene (PCE) and trichloroethene (TCE) by applying bioremediation products that would stimulate anaerobic bacteria to dechlorinate the solvents to non-toxic compounds (e.g., ethylene).

Design, Construction & Operation

The PCE concentrations in soils were reported at 94000 µg/l. GeoTech conducted soil remediation via soil excavation of approximately 5000 cubic feet of contaminated soil. Bioremediation products were applied at the soil water interface and at discrete depth intervals to 100 feet below land surface. The work also included decommissioning of the dry-cleaning equipment, soil and groundwater, assessment, remedial design and implementation of the remedial action plan.

Contaminants Treated

Dry Cleaning solvents (PCE, TCE, DCE)

Media

Contaminated water from 5 feet to 100 feet bls 250 tons of unsaturated contaminated soil for treatment.

Result

All contaminated soils removed. Anaerobic conditions have significantly reduced the concentrations of all CVOCs from 140,000 ug/L to less than 3 ug/L. Upon completion of one year of groundwater monitoring, the site successfully received a Site Rehabilitation Completion Order (SRCO) and a No Further Action ruling from the FDEP.

Duration

16 months, SRCO/NFA achieved in 2 years