The use of oxygen release compound for groundwater bioremediation in Alaska

In June 1993, Hart Crowser performed a remedial site investigation at the site of former fueling facility in Homer, Alaska. The results of this and other investigations showed elevated BTEX concentrations in the groundwater and elevated BTEX, GRO, and DRO concentrations in the soil at the site. The remedial action plan developed for the site specified soil and groundwater bioremediation. Two methods of delivering oxygen to the groundwater were investigated as part of a pilot study conducted at the site. Air sparging and oxygen release compound (ORC) were evaluated in side-by-side pilot demonstration. The results of the demonstration revealed similar BTEX reduction for both treatment systems. The sparging system appeared to enhance the precipitation of dissolved metals from the groundwater. This was not detected at the ORC pilot and as a result, an ORC groundwater remediation system was designed and installed at the site. Hart Crowser`s remediation system, the first commercial application of ORC technology, has been in operation since January 1995. The results of the pilot demonstration and remediation monitoring will be presented along with system design and construction details.