Remediation of PCE Contamination in Multi-Tenant Commercial Plaza

This multi-tenant commercial plaza required remediation of tetrachloroethylene (PCE) contamination in groundwater associated with a historical operator. Contamination had been identified during due diligence.

Wilcox & Barton, Inc. chose a combined remedial approach to treat the PCE contamination. This included liquid activated carbon (PlumeStop®), an enriched, microbial consortium (BDI Plus®), and an engineered, hydrogen release compound (HRC®) combining the fast-acting capabilities of PlumeStop with the reductive dechlorination process enhanced by HRC and BDI.

The tenants’ operational hours required overnight injections to maximize safety and minimize disruption, and the quick timeline called for the remediation team to complete injections during the winter. The injection project was completed over 10 days from 10pm to 7am in freezing conditions. Winter weather challenged the team to prevent the remediation fluid, water supply, and equipment from freezing. Although work was done at night, snow plows and other vehicles used the large parking lot, so visibility and traffic control were also vitally important. Heaters were incorporated to keep the injection fluids in liquid form, and warming and rest facilities were provided for the injection team. The driller provided lighting and traffic control. The application event was successfully completed. 

Post-injection monitoring documented immediate reductions of PCE to below drinking water standards in all but one monitoring well. A limited additional injection was completed and, after four quarters of post-injection monitoring, the site was closed with a Permanent Solution. The combined remedy was considered extremely effective to reduce PCE contamination in groundwater at a rapid rate, allowing owners to move forward with their plans for the property.