August, 1998

New Technologies Enhance Natural Bioremediation Reducing Costs and Accelerating Closure

Envirologic is constantly searching for ways to apply new technologies in an effort to reduce remediation costs for our clients. In November of 1995, Envirologic Technologies, Inc., implemented the first source area remediation using an Oxygen Release Compound (ORC^®) to enhance natural bioremediation of a hydrocarbon plume. Supported by our client, we installed over 3,000 pounds of ORC^® in the source area. Today the source area petroleum hydrocarbon concentrations have been reduced by over 60 percent. The total cost of the remediation was reduced from the projected cost of $250,000 to slightly more than $75,000.

Envirologic more recently used enhanced natural bioremediation of petroleum hydrocarbons at a site in Plainwell, Michigan. Groundwater remediation at this site would have been difficult by pump and treat methods due to the highly permeable aquifer that would have required pumping rates well in excess of 100 gallons per minute. Remediation efforts were further complicated by the fact that the source area was adjacent to a property line and the plume extended approximately 300 feet beyond the property line. Preliminary estimates suggested that groundwater remediation would cost in excess of $250,000. Using our experience with natural attenuation, we applied ORC^® to a limited portion of the source area, and allowed naturally occurring oxygen to treat the remaining source area. The total cost of the remediation to date has been approximately $20,000. No additional ORC^® treatment is recommended and closure is expected within 21 months of the start of the remediation effort.

Envirologic Technologies, Inc. is constantly searching for new, cost effective remediation alternatives for our clients. Contact us today to see if one of our innovative solutions can help reduce your environmental liabilities.