ESTCP Cost and Performance Report. In-Situ Bioremediation of MTBE in Ground Water
Abstract
This innovative ground water treatment demonstration involved the design, installation, and optimization of a large-scale, bio-barrier for the in situ treatment of ground water impacted by MTBE (methyl-tert-butyl-ether) and other dissolved gasoline components. It was implemented at the Naval Base Ventura County, Port Hueneme, CA to prevent further contamination of ground water by MTBE leaching from gasoline contaminated soils. The results of this demonstration are of significant benefit to the environmental profession because this project is the first to document a full-scale cost- effective remedy for the in situ treatment of an MTBE-impacted aquifer. Remediation via engineered in situ biodegradation was thought to be an unlikely candidate just a few years ago. This project demonstrates that MTBE-impacted ground water can be remediated in situ via engineered aerobic biodegradation under natural-flow conditions. With respect to economics, the installation and operation costs associated with this innovative bio-barrier system are 66% lower than those of the existing large-scale pump and treat system that was also implemented for containment of the dissolved MTBE plume at Port Hueneme. This project demonstrates that MTBE-impacted ground water can be remediated along with BTEX components via aerobic biodegradation in a mixed MTBE-BTEX dissolved plume. This system has achieved an in situ treatment efficiency of>99.9% for dissolved MTBE and BTEX. Of greater importance is the fact that extensive performance data has been collected and is being used to generate best-practice design auidance and cost information for this technoloav.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jan 01, 2003
- Accession Number
- ADA421267
Entities
People
- Cristin L. Bruce
- Karen D. Miller
- Paul C. Johnson
Organizations
- Naval Facilities Engineering Service Center