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Bioremediation
In 1992, in response
to increasing demand for a solution for the treatment
and disposal of hydrocarbon impacted soil, Envirosoil
received approval to develop a bioremediation
facility. The facility, which was designed by
Jacques Whitford Environmental Limited (JWEL),
was constructed and started receiving impacted
soil in the fall of 1992. JWEL also provided the
environmental monitoring for the facility.
Completed Facility c/w
Storm Water Collection Pond
and Soil Preparation Area - Click
to Enlarge
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The intent of the bioremediation
process was to promote the degradation of the
petroleum hydrocarbon contaminate in soils, by
way of consumption by microbial life, which used
petroleum hydrocarbons a food energy. The effectiveness
of the treatment process has several key governing
factors:
1) type of microbial life
2) temperature of the soil
3) moisture content of the soil
4) gradation and soil classification
5) aeration of the soil mass
6) concentration and faction of petroleum hydrocarbon.
Provided these above conditions are favorable bioremediation
had merit for the reduction of hydrocarbons in the
soil. The experience of Envirosoil, which is consistent
with technical literature available, is that bioremediation
is most effective on lighter end hydrocarbons, in
granular soils, in warmer climates, which is partially
related to the volatilization of the hydrocarbon.
If timing permits, land space is available and the
other factors are favorable, treatment goals of
90% may be achieved on light hydrocarbons. However,
if any of the key factors are less than optimal
treatment effectiveness is greatly reduced, especially
on heavier hydrocarbon impacted soils (fuel or lube),
the treatment could be closer to 50% or less. The
bioremediation process has little or no effect on
more complex hydrocarbons such as Polycyclic Aromatic
Hydrocarbons (PAH) impacted soils.
Envirosoil acquired a Low Temperature Thermal
Desorption (LTTD) unit in 1995 in order to ensure
the effective treatment of the entire range of
hydrocarbons and various soil types, including
clay. Currently all soils are treated via LTTD
to ensure timely and complete treatment of impacted
soils.
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