Groundwater Remediation
TerrAtlantic has been involved in a wide range of groundwater remediation projects in this region including those resulting from small fuel oil releases from domestic furnace oil tanks to major transportation losses.
Remediation techniques have included excavation of impacted soil for on-site and off-site treatment, and groundwater control and treatment by Granular Activated Carbon (GAC) and air stripping.
Typical Projects:
- Remediation and evaluation of an MTBE release in PEI
- Assessment and remediation of a 50,000 L transportation loss in northwestern NB.
- Remediation of numerous of domestic fuel oil releases in NB, NS, PEI and NL.
When the groundwater system is impacted as a result of the release of hazardous chemicals, an environmental study is required. This generally involves: (a) the recovery and chemical analysis of soil, rock and groundwater samples; (b) an inventory of possible receptors; and (c) an examination of the pathways whereby the contaminants might travel from source to one or more of the receptors. The associated risks to human health and the environment are then assessed. Where contaminant concentrations exceed risk-based screening levels or site-specific criteria, groundwater remediation may be required in order to reduce the risks involved to acceptable levels. TerrAtlantic's hydrogeologists and engineers have considerable experience with all phases of the characterization, risk assessment, and remediation of these sites.
Site assessments leading to groundwater remediation generally begin with the discovery of a contaminant release. This may follow an incident such as a fuel spill, or follow an intrusive site investigation made for property acquisition purposes. In the first case, once emergency response has taken place and accessible free product and affected soil have been removed, boreholes may be drilled and monitoring wells installed to fully delineate the limits of affected ground. In the second case, a routine "Phase II" investigation might be expanded so as to thoroughly identify the extent of the problem.
When the limits of affected soil, rock and groundwater have been determined and the clean-up criteria established, a remedial action plan is then developed. The plan may call for comprehensive action such as hydraulic containment by pump and treat, or more passive approaches involving oxygen or nutrient addition. Groundwater treatment may involve carbon adsorption or air stripping or other technologies. At least, some groundwater monitoring will likely be required.
Once the remedial action plan is implemented, the progress of remediation is then measured relative to prior expectations. When the clean-up criteria have been achieved, the site is registered for decommissioning. A Record of Site Condition is then prepared for the signature of the Minister of the Environment.
TerrAtlantic's staff have experience with all phases of the groundwater remediation process. TerrAtlantic personnel are well placed to assist "Responsible Parties," regulators and others in remediating the groundwater resource in a cost-effective manner.
Water treatment system
