Site Investigation & Corrective Action Projects
Gasoline Release
A pipeline company discovered a gasoline release at its Glenpool,OK storage terminal near Tulsa. The initial site investigation confirmed that subsurface soil and groundwater near the point of release were affected by petroleum products. A series of geoprobe borings located and delineated the gasoline plume. Free product ranging in thickness
from a sheen on the water to over two inches was recorded in twenty-one
of the borings. Based on physical site factors, our experts recommended
Mobile Dual Phase Extraction (MDPE) technology in order to remove the
free product and achieve the required cleanup levels at the site. The
MDPE process was successful in extracting, under high vacuum pressures,
hydrocarbons at the water interface as well as the unsaturated zone.
Hydrocarbon contaminants in ground water were reduced to risk-based
levels that allowed the Oklahoma Corporation Commission to close this
case.
Mercury Cleanup
Cleanup of Illegally Dumped Glass Furnaces
Blackshare Environmental completed investigation of three separate sites where waste from the routine demolition of glass furnaces was illegally dumped. The material consisted mainly of fire brick, glass cullet and silica sand. Upon discovery of the sites, the ODEQ issued Notice of Violation (NOV) to both the waste generator and the disposal contractor who actually
dumped the waste. The ODEQ required full characterization of each of
the sites. The characterization process involved drilling to determine
the horizontal and vertical extent of buried waste and potential
associated groundwater impact. Significant chemical and geotechnical
analyses were involved with the characterization. We prepared and
implemented a plan, certified by a PE, to safely and successfully
remove and properly dispose of all buried waste.
Investigating Subsurface Leak
Blackshare Environmental conducted an investigation of the subsurface beneath two
concrete transformer pads where PCB laden dieletric fluid had leaked
over a substantial period of time. Using direct push technology to
delineate the PCB contamination, our team discovered elevated levels of
PCBs at depths up to five feet. The concrete pads were removed and
disposed of as PCB contaminated waste. An excavation plan was developed
based on the subsurface investigation and a grid pattern was
established for the initial excavation and removal of contaminated
soil. Field analysis kits were also utilized to guide the excavation
activities and confirmation samples were shipped to a certified
laboratory in order to verify field results. The PCB contaminated soil
was shipped to a permitted hazardous waste landfill and the excavated
area was backfilled with clean soil.
Investigations of Subsurface Hydrocarbon Contamination
Blackshare Environmental routinely conducts investigations of subsurface hydrocarbon
contamination, usually resulting from USTs, for the Oklahoma
Corporation Commission and/or municipalities. These investigations are
often done as part of larger road construction widening projects. These
involve the installation of soil borings on monitoring wells,
collection of soil and groundwater samples, analysis and completion of
an Oklahoma Risk-Based Corrective Action (ORBCA), site remediation and
closure activities including but not limited to disposal of auger
cuttings and purged well water and plugging of all wells. Utility
trenches are located and evaluated as well, as they are often pathways
for contaminants to travel and impact other properties.
Vents Natural Gas From Foundation
Complaining of natural gas accumulating around the foundation of his house, a Tulsa
homeowner engaged Blackshare Environmental to disperse the gas and locate its source. Blackshare designed and installed a collection system which consisted of
a series of buried collection pipes and a blower which safely vented
the gas above the roof line. We then assisted in locating the
natural gas source, which turned out to be an unplugged gas well. The
well was plugged and the source was eliminated.
Groundwater Recovery and Treatment System
Blackshare Environmental was contracted by a large manufacturing company to operate and maintain
the operation and maintenance of a groundwater recovery and treatment
system. The treatment system was installed to remediate a plume of
dissolved-phase aromatic and chlorinated hydrocarbons which resulted
from two leaking underground storage tanks. Over twenty
monitor/recovery wells have been installed and the treatment uses soil
vapor extraction and aquifer air sparging technology. In addition to
bi-weekly maintenance and quarterly monitor well sampling, modifications were made to improve the performance of the treatment system.