BTEX remediation

[zweifel@nexus.chapman.edu]

Posting from Don Zweifel <zweifel@nexus.chapman.edu>

Jeffrey,

In ground or in-situ bioremediation is a valid gambit in the battle to 
remove VOCs or volatile organic compounds. At MCAS, El Toro, Ca. we are 
about to implement a pilot project that may be exceedingly effective in 
remediating the TCE and benzene contamination plumes. Essentially it 
involves injecting air via wells, into the AOC or area of concern, to assist 
the indigenous aerobic micro-organisms to attack and reduce these 
molecules into chemically inert constituents. 

The tried and true pump-and-treat methodology is usually a more 
expeditious way of remediation, however it is usually far less 
cost-effective than in-situ bioremediation. 

We believe that the USEPA regards bioremediation as an `innovative 
technology' and will provide a special grant if the site is 
considered `DOIT' worthy. 

If Westover AFB is on the NPL (National Priority List) as a CERCLA 
Superfund site then you'll have a USEPA program manager. A query to 
him/her re the feasibilty of `DOIT' implementation might be worth 
consideration.

On an added note, may we iterate that the level of contamination is of 
critical importance as to whether bioremediation can be effective or not.
If the concentration is too high then this process probably cannot be 
instituted.

What levels of contamination have been determined?

 Don Zweifel