Enhanced Natural Remediation of White- Phosphorus-Contaminated Wetlands through Controlled Pond Draining
Abstract
Detonation of projectiles containing white phosphorus, a smoke-producing munition, contaminated Eagle River Flats (ERF), a salt marsh located on Fort Richardson, Alaska. Ingestion of the highly toxic white phosphorus residues by dabbling ducks and swans resulted in significant waterfowl mortality, leading to the suspension of Army training with white phosphorus in wetlands and designation of Eagle River Flats as a Superfund site. The permanent ponds at ERF are ideal for long-term storage of the millimeter-size particles of white phosphorus ejected from detonated mortar and howitzer shells. With the goal of reducing waterfowl mortality, several treatment methods have been tested, the most promising of which is in-situ remediation by temporary removal of water from permanent ponds. A developmental, semiautonomous pumping system was fielded in 1997. Methods for fielding, placement, and operation of several pumping systems were developed and demonstrated in 1998. The controls were refined to optimize operations, and features added to reduce fuel consumption. Performance has continued to be refined, and results from the first two years of remediation indicate that the remediation method is highly effective.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Nov 01, 1999
- Accession Number
- ADA373477
Entities
People
- Charles M. Collins
- Marianne E. Walsh
- Michael R. Walsh
Organizations
- Cold Regions Research and Engineering Laboratory