Former Bulk Fuel Terminals, Oakland, California, Major Oil Company

We were retained to perform pilot testing, prepare the RAP, and then proceed with the design and installation of a soil vapor and ground water remediation system at a 23-acre site of two former petroleum products bulk terminals. The former petroleum bulk terminals were redeveloped as intermodal cargo container shipping terminals, and the remedial construction was performed in approximate 4- to 7-acre phases within the operating shipping terminals.

The remedial construction included installation of 92 vapor extraction and 269 air sparging wells, with approximately 39,000 feet of underground piping installed within approximately 18,000 feet of trenching to connect the remedial wells to aboveground vapor extraction and air sparging equipment. The aboveground equipment, installed in two enclosures at different locations, includes three 500-scfm thermal/catalytic oxidizers and 17 air sparging blowers. With initial soil vapor concentrations exceeding 50 percent combined methane and gasoline hydrocarbons in some areas, temporary aboveground piping and oxidizers were used to extract more than 200,000 pounds of combined methane and gasoline hydrocarbons to reduce soil vapor concentrations to less than 10 percent of the lower explosive limit prior to beginning the excavation of the underground piping trenches. Following construction of all underground components of the treatment system commercial containerized cargo shipping operations resumed in all areas with the exception of two small equipment compounds. To date over 500,000 pounds of combined methane and gasoline hydrocarbons have been removed.

Ground water concentrations of total petroleum hydrocarbons as gasoline and benzene have been reduced three orders of magnitude since full operation of the system was initiated in late 2004.

We are conducting quarterly ground water monitoring in support of preferential pathway/tidal influence studies at the site. Presently, 49 monitoring wells are gauged and sampled by our firm in accordance with a monitoring plan approved by the RWQCB. Low-flow purging for monitoring well stabilization was implemented at this site as a means of minimizing the generation of purge water that, owing to the presence of petroleum hydrocarbons, requires off site disposal. Commercial containerized cargo shipping operations are ongoing at the site, and our staff professionals coordinate monitoring activities with site tenants and implements safety measures to reduce risks to monitoring personnel in this high-traffic area. All employees and subcontractors who work at this site undergo MARSEC training.

At this time we are implementing monitoring optimization to quantitatively evaluate the technical value of each well in the network in order to optimize the monitoring well network for practical effectiveness. We anticipate significant and substantial benefits following adoption of the monitoring well optimization, including cost savings, increased safety, and reduced site disruption. The program optimizes both the number of monitoring wells and the frequency of sampling, so results are both immediate and long term. Inefficiencies in the monitoring well network and the frequency of sampling result in increased costs and increased worker safety risks. We have applied statistical analyses to quantitatively evaluate the effectiveness and efficiency of the monitoring well network. We used the Delaunay triangulation and Modified CES methods to quantitatively define the effectiveness of every monitoring well within a total network (these analyses have been supported by the U.S. EPA and other nationwide regulatory agencies). The optimized network is technically equivalent to the existing network but smaller and more efficient both spatially and temporally.

Refinery Marketing Terminal, Bay Area, California, Major Oil Company

We prepared the RAP for a vapor recovery unit (VRU) at the Marketing Terminal adjacent to a refinery in the San Francisco Bay Area. The VRU recovers volatile hydrocarbons from the vent streams generated during truck loading operations. A release occurred due to a component failure, and soil was impacted by hydrocarbons. The RAP was required to formulate a viable alternative to excavation and removal of impacted soil, which posed a safety risk to the integrity of the VRU foundation. The alternative of passive remediation was also considered. This was not recommended, because it was determined that ground water quality had not been impacted, and could be in the future if this method was chosen.

The plan summarizes soil conditions based on a soil assessment of the site previously prepared by our firm, which included obtaining and analyzing soil samples. The RAP presents results of vapor extraction testing and outlines a proposed course of remedial action by SVE.

The RAP specifies proposed vacuum application points and zones of influence, and recommends a positive displacement type blower with specifications based on calculations of flow rates and zone of influence for the proposed SVE installation. We also performed an economic analysis of the hydrocarbon treatment system proposed, and recommended vapor-phase granular activated carbon as being more cost-effective than catalytic oxidation for the particular conditions expected. The RAP outlines the regulatory approvals and permits needed and the schedule for operation of the system leading to cleanup and closure.

Subsequent to implementation of SVE, MTBE was detected in perched water underlying the VRU. To minimize the potential for migration of MTBE from the perched water zone to the underlying ground water, we proposed to the RWQCB and installed a perched zone ground water extraction system. The perched zone extraction system includes 15 extraction wells, and is unique in that submersible pumps in two high-flow wells are used to drive eductors that extract from the 13 low-flow wells. The eductor system resulted in substantial capital cost savings. The extracted perched ground water is treated by air stripping, with the air emissions from the air stripper treated by catalytic oxidizer. The air stripper and catalytic oxidizer combination was determined to be the least costly long-term treatment method for the MTBE, with alternatives considered including liquid-phase carbon adsorption and ultraviolet/peroxide/ozone equipment.

We also prepared a RAP for another area at this same facility where petroleum hydrocarbons were detected beneath a loading rack and a former additive tanks area. This RAP involved installing a ground water extraction system, as well as enhancing naturally occurring biodegradation by installing an aeration system.

The refinery and marketing terminal were sold to another party who perform routine operation of the systems in accordance with the sales agreement. We review and comment on reports and submittals prepared by new owner's consultants.

Terminal, Portland, Oregon, Major Oil Company

The site is an active petroleum terminal in operation since approximately 1928, which occupies approximately 29 acres on the bank of a river.

A Voluntary Cleanup Agreement was entered into in 2002, which required additional feasibility analysis and a supplemental remedial action work plan to address potential migration of petroleum constituents and metals in ground water toward the river. The additional feasibility analysis and supplemental remedial action plan resulted in remediation system expansion. We designed and constructed the remedial system expansion at the site.

The remediation system expansion included installation of 13 AS wells, 3 VE wells, 3 vapor monitoring wells, and the construction of approximately 400 feet of underground piping and 400 feet of aboveground piping to connect the new AS and VE wells to the existing remediation equipment. As part of the remediation system expansion, nine ground water monitoring wells were installed for assessment of the remediation effectiveness. We continue to perform operation and maintenance of the expanded system and routine ground water monitoring.

Former Bulk Plant, Seattle Washington, Major Oil Company

This site is a former Bulk Plant currently operated as a rock and stone landscape business. Our activities at this site were initiated recently when we took over the site from the client's former consultant. Our initial activities included file transfer and review, site inspection and assessment and preparation of a site improvement plan to remedy defects in the monitoring well security. We also conduct semi-annual ground water sampling at the site and prepare the appropriate reports. There are currently seven ground water monitoring wells monitored (4 on site, 3 adjacent). All wells required upgrade and some re-completion at the time we became the consultant for the site.

Terminal, Renton, Washington, Major Oil Company

This site is currently operated as a bulk fuel terminal. Our activities at this site were initiated recently when we took over the site from a former client consultant. The site has 29 ground water wells and two recovery wells discharging to a remediation system including oil water separation and air stripping. Our initial activities included project file transfer and review as well as a site visit and system inspection. Several wells offsite require maintenance and rehabilitation. The system was found to be in need of repair and operating equipment including pumps and tower packing required replacement. These repairs and additional operational control modifications were presented to the client and approved for completion during 2006.

Former Aviation Fuel Terminal, Watsonville, California, Major Oil Company

At this former aviation fueling site in Central California, we prepared a RAP to utilize SVE and in-situ biodegradation/air sparging to remediate spilled aviation gasoline from underlying soil and ground water. We operated a ground water pumping system installed by others until approval of the RAP, after which ground water pumping was replaced by SVE and air sparging.

The approved RAP is cost-sensitive, converting existing wells and reusing a catalytic oxidizer from the discontinued ground water treatment system for treatment of SVE off-gas.

To determine the best remediation approach, we prepared cost comparisons of the alternatives, taking into account estimated times to achieve cleanup goals. The recommended approach was SVE for source area soil remediation, SVE/air sparging for removal of liquid-phase hydrocarbons (LPH) from the water table, followed by and SVE/air sparging for remediation of downgradient areas and monitoring ground water. Although initial cost is higher for the recommended system, it would result in a savings of more than $300,000 over the life of the project.

Terminal, East Helena, Montana, Major Oil Company

This site is an operating terminal with 6 ASTs. Environmental issues at the site include co-mingled plumes from other party's pipeline pump stations, terminals, and fueling facilities.

We conduct semi-annual ground water quality sampling and water level monitoring on 18 monitoring wells and complete semi-annual Monitoring Reports with appropriate graphics, tables and text discussion. We also review and provide comment on the results of investigations of adjacent property and we routinely attend meetings with consultants for the other parties and the Montana Department of Environmental Quality. Previous investigation suggests that another party's offsite pump stations is the primary source for LPH on the southeastern terminal boundary. The source of LPH and dissolved hydrocarbon on the western portion of the facility is still uncertain and work is ongoing to determine the source.

Marketing Terminal, Missoula, Montana, Major Oil Company

The site is an operating terminal with 5 ASTs. The site is adjacent to an another party's operating terminal, but site related releases do not appear to be commingled. We conduct semi-annual ground water monitoring of 10 monitoring wells at the site and prepare required reports. Recent detections of MTBE are being confirmed and investigated. The closure strategy will be determined based on MTBE analytical results.

 

Terminal, Bozeman Montana, Major Oil Company

The site is currently a bulk fuel terminal operated with six ASTs. The adjacent terminal has had releases but the impacts appear to remain on the that property. We currently perform semi-annual ground water monitoring of 12 on-site and two off-site monitoring wells and prepare and submit semi-annual reports to the Montana Department of Environmental Quality.

 

Former Terminal, Baker City, Oregon, Major Oil Company

The subject property is a small parcel of land having an area of approximately 0.33 acres. The current owners of the property use it to store electrical equipment and supplies. Historically, the property reportedly was used as a bulk petroleum storage and distribution center. Review of records indicates that fuel was stored at the site in ASTs which were reportedly removed sometime after 1994.The scope of work we performed at this site is to drill and continuously sample three soil borings, complete them as monitoring wells and collect ground water samples from them. This site has not been previously investigated invasively and subsequent actions will be dependant on the results of this initial phase of onsite investigation.

Petroleum Company Bulk Plant, Marysville, California, Major Oil Company

We investigated and/or installed ground water monitoring wells, ground water monitoring, and a sensitive receptor survey, and designed, permitted, installed, and operated an SVE/ozone injection system with a 250-scfm electric catalytic oxidizer and 7 SVE and 13 ozone injection wells.

Petroleum Company Bulk Plant, Placerville, California, Major Oil Company

We performed source area remedial excavation, followed by design, permitting, installation, and operation of AS with four sparging trenches (included risk assessment to obtain approval for AS without SVE), ground water monitoring, and a sensitive receptor survey

Petroleum Company Bulk Plant, Woodland, California, Major Oil Company

We investigated the site and performed ground water monitoring, a sensitive receptor survey, an RAP, and a remedial excavation

Petroleum Company Bulk Plant, Grass Valley, California, Major Oil Company

We investigated the site, installed ground water monitoring wells, and performed ground water monitoring.

Arsenic Education, Texas Regulatory Commission

A technical presentation was conducted on arsenic (arsenate/arsenite) interaction with hydrocarbons for the Texas Regulatory Commission. The presentation was well received and supported findings that dissolved arsenic transport was limited and excess characterization was unwarranted.

TRRP Analysis, Texas

This work entailed conducting LNAPL recovery analyses to support the development of a regulatory guidance document in Texas (TRRP #32). The analyses were incorporated into the guidance and presented to API.

Terminal, Tuckerton, Pennsylvania, Major Oil Company

Dissolved MTBE transport and fate were evaluated to develop risk-based arguments for the regulatory agency. Visual imagery analyses were applied in the evaluation. The results were utilized in 3 rd party negotiations.

Terminal, South Wilmington, North Carolina, Major Oil Company

Technical support was provided in NAPL recovery and dissolved phase transport analyses. Visual imagery was utilized to refute 3 rd party claims that contamination was derived from a client release.

Terminal, Norfolk, Virginia, Major Oil Company

LNAPL analyses were conducted to guide field investigations and development of site conceptual model.

Terminal, Hearne, Texas, Major Oil Company

LNAPL mobility analyses were conducted to evaluate remedial options. NAPL dissolution modeling was performed to determine source locations. Results of the analyses indicated a potential off-site source.

Terminal, Houston, Texas, Major Oil Comapny

Technical analyses were conducted to evaluate NAPL dissolution and COC transport and fate with respect to defining remedial strategies.

Terminal, Waskom, Texas, Major Oil Company

LNAPL volume estimates were performed and dissolved transport and fate analyses were conducted to support potential litigation. The analyses evaluated potential off-site migration of BTEX and MTBE. Preliminary transport modeling and visual imagery analyses were conducted.

Terminal, Peine, Germany, Major Oil Company

One of our professional staff conducted technical analyses and modeling to assess NAPL mobility and recoverability. The results of the analyses were used to develop the site conceptual model.

Terminal, Antwerp, Netherlands, Major Oil Company

One of our professional staff reviewed site data and conducted analyses to evaluate the potential migration of NAPL. The results aided in performing refined field analyses.