A strategy for improving pump and treat ground water remediation
Established pump and treat ground water remediation has a reputation for being too expensive and time consuming, especially when cleanup standards are set at very low levels, e.g., <10 parts per billion (ppb) for volatile organic compounds (VOCs). Although other ground water remediation technologies are currently being examined and show intriguing promise, pump and treat remains the only dependable technology for cleanup of deep (i.e., >50 ft below ground surface) widespread ground water contamination. The perceived shortcomings of pump and treat result from the (1) tendency of most contaminants to sorb to formation materials, thus retarding contaminant removal; (2) geologic complexity, which requires detailed characterization for the design of optimal extraction systems within available resources; and (3) failure to apply dynamic well field management techniques. An alternative strategy for improving pump and treat ground water remediation consists of (1) detailed characterization of the geology, hydrology, and chemistry; (2) use of computer-aided data interpretation, data display, and decision support systems; (3) removal of sources, if possible; (4) initial design for plume containment and source remediation; (5) phased installation of the well field; (6) detailed monitoring of the remediation; (7) active ongoing re-evaluation of the operating well field, including redesign as appropriate (dynamic management); (8) re-injection of treated ground water to speed the flushing of contaminants; and (9) setting of appropriate cleanup levels or goals. Use of some or all of these techniques can dramatically reduce the time required to achieve cleanup goals and thus the cost of ground water remediation.
- Research Organization:
- Lawrence Livermore National Lab., CA (United States)
- Sponsoring Organization:
- USDOE, Washington, DC (United States)
- DOE Contract Number:
- W-7405-ENG-48
- OSTI ID:
- 10140689
- Report Number(s):
- UCRL-JC--110530; CONF-9209159--6; ON: DE93009239
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
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Related Subjects
540250
ADSORPTION
ADVECTION
AQUIFERS
BIODEGRADATION
CONTAMINATION
DIFFUSION
DRINKING WATER
ENVIRONMENTAL TRANSPORT
GEOLOGY
GROUND WATER
HEALTH HAZARDS
HYDROLOGY
ORGANIC COMPOUNDS
PLUMES
PUBLIC HEALTH
PUMPS
REMEDIAL ACTION
SITE RESOURCE AND USE STUDIES
STANDARDS
STRIPPING
SURFACTANTS
WASTE PROCESSING