Former Oil Refinery

Remediation Solution

Remediation Approach

Technology

Media Treated

Water – Groundwater

Industry

Contaminant Type

Contaminant of Concern

Petroleum Hydrocarbons | Benzene, Petroleum Hydrocarbons | Total Petroleum Hydrocarbons (TPH)

Location

Indiana,
USA

Challenge

LNAPL contamination at a former oil refinery in southern Indiana reached depths of 18.5 feet in silty and sandy clay geology (12–32 ft below ground surface). Substantial free product presence in the low-permeability subsurface required pre-injection extraction to reduce LNAPL saturation before full-scale chemical treatment.

Site Conditions

  • LNAPL
  • Hydrogeologic

Approach

Four vacuum extraction events were conducted prior to full-scale injection to reduce LNAPL saturation. Sodium persulfate activated with caustic was injected through 122 screened injection wells (15–35 ft below ground surface) totaling approximately 86,430 gallons. A vacuum truck was operated simultaneously during injection for continued hydraulic management.

Results

Following one treatment round, 83% LNAPL reduction was achieved across injection wells and 67% reduction in monitoring wells within the injection area at the former oil refinery in southern Indiana. Benzene concentrations decreased 18% site-wide, with continued monitoring underway to assess whether additional treatment rounds are needed. The treatment program involved four pre-injection vacuum extraction events to reduce LNAPL saturation, followed by delivery of approximately 86,430 gallons of caustic-activated sodium persulfate through 122 screened injection wells from 15 to 35 feet below ground surface in silty and sandy clay geology. Simultaneous vacuum truck operation during injection provided hydraulic management throughout treatment.

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