Bhate, in support of the design phase and development of the Alternatives Evaluation and Corrective Action Plan (CAP) at a landfill contaminated with benzene and TPH, completed a field investigation using Membrane Interface Probe (MIP) technology. The objectives of the MIP work were 1) to confirm and/or delineate potential soil contamination at LF-01 that may be contributing to the benzene groundwater plume, and 2) to facilitate the evaluation of the remediation technology chosen for LF-01 as part of the Alternatives Evaluation and subsequent Corrective Action.

Using MIP technology to delineate a potential source within LF-01, Bhate was able to rapidly delineate the entire landfill in less than four days. Following completion of each MIP boring, the field data was reviewed by the field geologist and step-in or step-out criteria were applied to determine the next MIP location. From the MIP field data, we were able to accurately select discrete confirmation sample intervals. The samples were collected where the MIP screening data indicated contamination. This technique reduced the number of analytical samples collected and quickly identified the source of groundwater contamination at the soil/groundwater interface.

Based on these results, a CAP was completed and PHOSter® technology was recommended as the remedial alternative at the site. PHOSter® is a patented system that effectively delivers oxygen, nitrogen, and phosphorous to stimulate microorganisms in bioremediation systems. The nutrients encourage the growth of naturally occurring microbes that destroy contamination in situ. Bhate designed and installed a full-scale system including 25 injection wells to remediate the benzene groundwater plume. Bhate is currently operating and maintaining the system and performing long-term monitoring of site groundwater. Clean-up of the groundwater contamination is anticipated to take less than 2 years.