ENV-07-134 Maximizing LNAPL Recovery Using Automation and Information Technology

Description:

Environmental Data Solutions Group, LLC (EDSG) has applied its Integrated Remediation Optimization Strategy (iROS) to accelerate remediation of contaminated sites. EDSG applied iROS to a site in Southern California with a floating non-aqueous phase liquid (NAPL) plume covering more than 20 acres where the client faced a schedule constraint that required accelerated site closure with the selected remediation technology, Vacuum Enhanced Free Product Recovery (VEFPR). EDSG applied its four-step iROS approach to accelerate cleanup: 1) document and evaluate current activities at the Site; 2) identify remediation issues; 3) identify remediation automation opportunities; and 4) specify remediation technologies to fill the gaps. As a result of conducting an iROS process, the following three technologies were recommended to accelerate NAPL recovery: develop a Continuous Fluid Level Monitoring System (CFLMS) to optimize NAPL recovery; utilize Electronic Field Tools (EFTs) that input field-collected data directly into an electronic database and increase the efficiency of field personnel; and integrate a Remediation Management Information System (RMIS) to increase the efficiency of the project team to evaluate all project data in real time to further optimize system performance. Through application of the iROS process and its integrated technologies to the study site, EDSG is able to demonstrate iROS’s advantages: it maximizes remediation performance; enables the automation of data collection; maximizes labor efficiency and significantly reduces labor costs; eliminates groundwater recovery and treatment in a product recovery system; allows optimization of product recovery and minimizes adverse effects in all wells; quickly turns large volumes of real-time data into user-friendly information; facilitates permit compliance; provides the client with real-time access to project data; automates generation of presentation graphics and reports; and is ideally compatible with the regulatory agency-mandated Triad Approach. EDSG estimates that iROS will reduce the site cleanup schedule by 4 to 6 years, while reducing operation and maintenance (O&M) labor costs by at least half.