Remediation

Applied Science & Technology, Inc. (ASTI) offers a full range of remedial services to businesses throughout the United States. These services include interim response actions, site assessments, cost effective remedial strategies and closure of contaminated sites. A few examples of site remediations successfully completed by ASTI are provided below.

STATE SUPERFUND SITE DELISTING

Immediately following the reauthorization of MERA in June of 1990, ASTI developed one of the first successful petitions for removing a contaminated site from the state list. This program included identification and remediation of soils and groundwater contamination.

SOILS REMEDIATION

ASTI has also managed smaller contamination clean-ups such as a soils remediation in Howell, Michigan for a Michigan based bank. This project began as a routine tank removal, but expanded into a major site remediation as contaminated soils were discovered across the site. Most of these soils were intentionally concealed by the previous owner, and therefore escaped detection during an initial site audit. ASTI staff literally "chased" the seams of contamination until the site was finally remediated to approved limits.

UNDERGROUND STORAGE TANK REMEDIATION

ASTI has been project manager and supervisor in numerous tank removals. A typical project was completed at an abandoned gas station in Ann Arbor, Michigan. Services included soils investigations with a portable photo-ionizer to direct excavation activities, and mapping of the contamination in the excavation's floor and walls to assist with final soils removal. Multiple excavations were required to isolate contamination from all sources at the site. Clean-closure samples were collected to verify the actual concentrations of hydrocarbons. By working in conjunction with the excavation and construction contractors, the clean up proceeded steadily with minimum time delays for mall construction.

CLOSURE OF CONTAMINATED IMPOUNDMENTS

The impoundments closure project in Owosso, Michigan, remains ASTI's most ambitious project to date for impoundment remediation. The entire project took over 1 1/2 years to complete, including the time spent on the original closure plan, negotiations with the Michigan Department of Natural Resources (MDNR), revisions and subsequent approval by the MDNR. During this period, ASTI managed the disposal of over 5000 cubic yards of hazardous soils, nearly 3000 cubic yards of non-hazardous soils, and over 250,000 gallons of contaminated water. As part of the project management, ASTI provided expedited analytical services so as to avoid any delays in the excavation schedule. For final closure, ASTI provided clean-closure certification sampling to document successful removal of contaminated material. The impoundments were then backfilled with nearly 25,000 cubic yards of clean fill, graded and seeded following MDNR approval.

BIOREMEDIATION PROGRAM

After analysis of the extent of contamination, ASTI staff designed and managed an in-situ bioremediation system to treat petroleum hydrocarbon-contaminated subsurface soils and groundwater. The system utilized indigenous microorganisms, supplemented by nutrient and oxygen addition. The above-ground portion of the system consisted of extraction wells, treatment facilities, and a re-injection system.

FEASIBILITY STUDY AND CLOSURE: LAGOONS

ASTI designed and implemented the closure of a 350,000 gallon PCB-contaminated lagoon in Michigan. This closure required the preparation of a Feasibility Study for MDNR approval, and negotiations with MDNR for closure standards. Information from a sampling network and a "decision tree" sequential sample analysis program permitted determination of the vertical and horizontal migration of PCB. A final disposal plan for liquids and soils was negotiated by ASTI and approved by the Environmental Enforcement Division of MDNR and Michigan Attorney General.

RI/FS RESULTING IN ADJUSTED GROUNDWATER STANDARDS

Due diligence audit prior to sale in 1991 indicated potential soil and groundwater impact from limestone and silica mining over a 30 year period. A two-phased soil and groundwater investigation was carried out to determine extent of any soil and groundwater contamination. The first phase ending 1992 indicated no groundwater impact from organic compounds, but discontinuous and spotty soil contamination by PNAs. Elevated levels of naturally-occurring

metals posed a problem due to their variability in time and space. It appeared that previous excavation, dewatering, and land reclamation could account for altered groundwater chemistry.

Illinois EPA requested a second phase of investigation in 1993, which confirmed widespread and spotty elevated levels of some metals. Since Illinois EPA could not alter or waive groundwater standards, it did not wish to grant relief for PNA impact to soils in units above the aquifer.

On behalf of the client, ASTI developed the first petition before Illinois Pollution Control Board (PCB) for adjusted standards for groundwater and in 1995 presented evidence in a public hearing demonstrating that it met requirements for granting adjusted standards according to Illinois statutes and regulations.

Upon favorable motion of the Pollution Control Board, the client then will seek release from further remediation of soils from Illinois EPA. Project completion expected 1996.

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