New Techniques Reduce Costs, Time for Site Management and Remediation

CHATHAM, NEW JERSEY, August 15, 2001 – Five innovative technologies that have proven successful in the study and remediation of contaminated sites were introduced at the second annual BEM Environmental Technical Seminar. The seminar, hosted by BEM Systems, Inc., at the Headquarters Plaza Hotel in Morristown, drew representatives from companies in the energy, pharmaceuticals, chemicals, transportation and other industries, as well as representatives from the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection (NJDEP).

“The BEM Technical Seminars provide industry guests and interested professionals with an opportunity to see some powerful and cost-effective new technologies that already have a proven track record, with case histories showing how they can best be used,” said BEM Systems President and CEO Mark Nardolillo. “There are a lot of technically challenging sites out there, and a real need for better technologies to deal with the kinds of situations, such as brownfield and DNAPL sites, that pose a major challenge for many public- and private-sector owners.”

Robert Mueller of NJDEP joined the panel to share some insights on the regulatory aspects of implementing innovative technologies. Regulators today are more open to new innovative approaches than in the past, said Mr. Mueller, a Research Scientist in NJDEP’s Office of Innovative Technology and Market Development. He also discussed the role of ITRC, a state-led, national coalition of regulators, consultants, and industry working together to improve state permitting processes and speed the adoption of new solutions.

The technologies presented were:

• Passive diffusion bag sampling for groundwater organics (Columbia Analytical Services);
• Enhanced natural attenuation through accelerated bioremediation (Regenesis Bioremediation Products, Cinniminson, NJ);
• Recent advances in DNAPL site screening and remedial techniques (BEM Systems, Inc.);
• Chemical oxidation using potassium permanganate (Carus Chemical Company); and
• Phytoextraction for remediation of metal-contaminated soils (Edenspace Systems).

Groundwater sampling with passive diffusion bag samplers is a relatively simple and inexpensive technology to collect groundwater.

Application of Oxygen Release Compound (ORC®) and Hydrogen Release Compound (HRC®) greatly accelerates bioremediation of petroleum hydrocarbons, chlorinated ethenes, metals, and other recalcitrant contaminants. The process has been used successfully at hundreds of sites worldwide.

Recent advances in innovative DNAPL site screening and remedial techniques allow investigators to implement an investigative strategy that supports an attainable remediation goal. A hydrogeological model it possible to predict the effects of alternative remedial scenarios prior to implementation to obtain regulatory approval.

Forum Highlights: Site Remediation Technologies

Chemical oxidation using potassium permanganate is a “green” oxidation technology used extensively to oxidize contamination in-situ. Carus Chemical Co. has developed a range of new compounds, including the LIQUOX® and CARUSOL® series, to enhance the technology’s safety and effectiveness in environmental applications.

Phytoextraction applications for remediation of metal contaminated soils. Phytoremediation is the use of live plants to transfer contaminants from the soil into the plant structure. Dr. Michael J. Blaylock, Director of Technology at Edenspace, is a leader in research, analysis, and development of phytoremediation strategies to address heavy metal and radionuclide contamination of soils.

Interested readers are invited to request a free CD-ROM with full information about these technologies. Contact seminar organizer Douglas Beal at BEM Systems by phone (908-598-2600, x181), fax (908-598-2622) or email dbeal@bemsys.com.

BEM Systems, Inc., is an independent, employee-owned, multidisciplinary environmental consulting firm. Headquartered in Chatham, NJ, with offices in New York City, Washington, DC, Virginia, Florida, Missouri, Arizona, and New Mexico, BEM’s environmental engineers and scientists provide a full range of environmental compliance, cleanup, prevention, and risk management services for public- and private-sector clients nationwide. For further information on BEM or any of its technical services, visit us online at www.bemsys.com or call 908-598-2600.