Developing an Objective Function and Cost Equations for EX Situ Treatment Technologies.
Abstract
Remediation of contaminated groundwater has historically been a costly venture that takes several years or decades to achieve cleanup goals. The enormous costs associated with groundwater cleanup have initiated much research into methods of minimizing cost. To reduce the overall cost of remediation, managers must consider the entire treatment train in terms of capital and operations and maintenance (O & M) costs (Culver and Shoemaker, 1997). Pump-and-treat systems are one of the most widely used technologies at contaminated groundwater sites (U.S. EPA, 1996). Conventional pump-and-treat systems serve two main purposes: to contain the contaminant plume by changing the natural hydraulic gradient and to remove contaminants from the groundwater aquifer. Despite being heavily criticized for being costly, lengthy, and only somewhat effective as a stand-alone technology, pump-and-treat is the most effective method to contain a contaminated groundwater plume (U.S. EPA, 1997). Thus, it continues to be an integral part of the overall clean-up strategy. When combined in a treatment train with ex situ groundwater treatment and in situ bioremediation, the system can be effective in reducing groundwater contaminants and restoring aquifer quality. The intent of this project is to develop an objective function to minimize the cost of ex situ groundwater treatment. Five contaminant classes are considered: Volatile Organic Compounds (VOC), Semi-Volatile Organic Compounds (SVOC), fuels, ordnance, and metals. Appendix A provides a list of typical contaminants for each class. For each contaminant class, equations representing the capital and O & M costs for ex situ technologies are presented. The cost of discharging treated water to a publicly owned treatment works (POTW) is also included. Costs associated with monitoring wells, injection/extraction wells, and subsurface treatment/enhancement are not a part of the project scope.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jul 21, 1999
- Accession Number
- ADA372206
Entities
People
- Machelle A. Vieux
Organizations
- University of Illinois Urbana–Champaign