The following two methods were used in downtown Indianapolis to destroy a plume of TCE (trichloroethylene) migrating towards a nearby river. These methods were used concurrently, with ISCO (In Situ Chemical Oxidation) being injected at the source area to break down the TCE (DNAPL & dissolved) by removing the chlorine and the second method namely PRB (Permeable Reactive Barriers) using iron filings and more to break down the fully dissolved TCE in the groundwater. Much greater detail is in the video linkage that I provided here last Saturday.
Neither of these remediation methods are brand new although certain "amendments" and fine tuning may have been used to enhance their efficacy. Lest we forget here in Elmira, Ontario, Chemtura and Conestoga Rovers went through the motions around 2009-2010 in producing an intentionally feeble Pilot Test of ISCO. They injected it near current pumping well W3R, perhaps slightly east near CH75. According to Dr. Jackson the first and only excellent TAG Chair, their attempts were pathetic bordering on the amateurish. In my opinion almost as if they wanted the pilot test to fail so that they could claim that they at least attempted something other than Pump & Treat.
I'm not certain but I seem to recall that PRBs may have first been developed at the University of Waterloo. It is beyond shameful that our authorities were allowed to proceed with second and third rate cleanup methods versus the best available which basically meant some form of source removal whether excavation, ISCO, ex-situ Chemical oxidation, PRBs or many other options. Pump & Treat has failed and now they really aren't even trying hard as their pumping rates both on and off site are generally pathetic.
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