Natural Pressure-Driven Passive Bioventing Addendum
Abstract
This addendum to the final report Natural Pressure-Driven Passive Bioventing (ESTCP, 2000) describes the additional site characterization field activities conducted at Fort Stewart, GA, and Robins Air Force Base (AFB), GA. Based on data collected during the site-screening process at ten (10) eastern U.S. sites, as well as lithologic features described in existing reports for the sites (NFESC, 2001a), these two sites were selected to undergo further characterization in order to determine the most suitable site for a long-term passive bioventing demonstration. Based on the results from the additional site characterization work at Fort Stewart and Robins AFB, which are described in detail in this final report addendum, it was determined that passive bioventing would not be a suitable remedial alternative for either site. Consequently, it was concluded that passive bioventing has limited application at eastern U.S. sites, and it was decided, in consultation with ESTCP, not to proceed with the long-term demonstration portion of this project. Passive bioventing is a technology that provides an option for remediating hydrocarbon-contaminated vadose-zone soils. This technology is applicable to organic contaminants (such as petroleum hydrocarbon compounds) that are biodegradable under aerobic conditions. Natural pressure-driven bioventing is a variation of conventional (i.e., active) bioventing. Active bioventing is a proven, cost-effective technology that has been applied at numerous Department of Defense (DoD) installations (Leeson and Hinchee, 1997). Whereas active bioventing requires a blower to inject ambient air into the contaminated soil, passive bioventing transfers ambient air into and out of the vadose zone through barometric pressure fluctuations and the resulting pressure differential between the atmosphere and subsurface soil gas. In both cases, oxygen is provided to the indigenous microorganisms, which promotes mineralization of the hydrocarbon contaminants.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Nov 22, 2002
- Accession Number
- ADA604105
Entities
People
- Sherrie Larson
Organizations
- Naval Facilities Engineering Service Center