Project3

IN-SITU AND EX-SITU BIOREMEDIATION PROJECTS:
3. Gasoline pipeline break - Sun Pipeline Company

LOCATION: Southeastern, Pennsylvania
PROJECT DATE: November, 1984 to October, 1991
CLIENT: Sun Pipe Line Company

BACKGROUND: A pipeline break resulted in the spill of 100,000 gallons of gasoline to a highly fractured shale aquifer. A number of private drinking water wells were affected. In excess of 10 homeowners were forced to vacate due to gasoline vapors in their homes. Producing wells were installed and a physical recovery operation initiated. Physical recovery of free gasoline decreased after ten months of operation. The pipeline operator estimated that in excess of 50,000 gallons of gasoline still remained in the contaminated aquifer.

ACTION TAKEN: We acted as the principal bioremediation contractor for this cleanup project. During a two year period of the bioreclamation phase, approximately 30,000 gallons of gasoline were biologically degraded at the site. To the best of our knowledge, this was the first in-situ bioreclamation project in the United States to use a large quantity of hydrogen peroxide to supply 0xygen for the cleanup. Producing wells were used to control ground water flow and infiltration galleries utilized for nutrient introduction.

EFFECTIVENESS: Due to the bioreclamation program, approximately 30.000 gallons of gasoline were biologically removed. Homeowners have been able to return to their homes. Free product has not been reported in any of the cleanup area monitoring wells. Total gasoline in the ground water in the treated area has been non-detectable. A limited monitoring program is ongoing.