Bioventing Performance and Cost Summary
Abstract
In April 1992, the Air Force Center for Environmental Excellence (AFCEE), in cooperation with the Air Force Armstrong Laboratory and U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), began a major initiative to demonstrate the feasibility of using the bioventing technology at over 135 Air Force sites nationwide. This initiative had four objectives: 1) document remediation ability of bioventing, 2) use resulting data set to complete a bioventing principles and practices manual, 3) promote regulatory and public acceptance of the technology, 4) begin remediation at 135 fuel-contaminated sites at minimum cost to the taxpayer. Bioventing stimulates the natural in situ biodegradation of petroleum hydrocarbons in soil by providing oxygen to existing soil microorganisms. Between 1992 and 1994 initial bioventing tests have been completed at 137 Air Force sites and bioventing technology has been approved for application in 31 states and all 10 EPA regions. Initial test data from 137 sites has revealed that bioventing has almost universal application for remediating hydrocarbon-contaminated soils. Bioventing was found to be infeasible at only 2 of 137 sites (due to a combination of high moisture content and fine-grained soil). More soluble, mobile contaminants such as benzene, toluene, ethylbenzene and xylene are preferentially removed over contaminants such as total petroleum hydrocarbons. Case histories are also given for three sites. Based on Air Force and commercial experience, the estimated cost of bioventing ranges from $10 to $60 per cubic yard with the higher costs associated with smaller sites.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jul 01, 1994
- Accession Number
- ADA523475
Entities
Organizations
- Air Armament Center