Utilizing ISS as a Cost-Effective LNAPL Remedial Approach
In Situ Stabilization (ISS) is a remedial technology that has been around for many years and can treat a wide variety of impacts. One implementation method is a cost-effective technology that can treat Light Non-Aqueous Phase Liquid (LNAPL) in a quick and efficient manner. Often, ISS is overlooked within a site’s initial evaluation of remedial technologies. Recently, ISS has been reemerging on the radar of many in the industry, particularly Petroleum and Brownfield clients, due to its many advantages of being a cost-effective and quickly implemented approach to LNAPL.
To treat LNAPL in an expedited manner, many sites are relying on outdated and expensive technologies. Excavation with subsequent off-site disposal has been the go-to remedial technology for decades for treating LNAPL at sites requiring quick results. This tried-and-true method is effective, but requires significant effort with ex situ soil management that is further exacerbated when remediation must occur within the saturated zone. Factors such as dewatering, disposal of LNAPL soils, and waste characterization lead to increased remediation timeframes and increased project costs, potential future liabilities, and increasing a site’s carbon footprint.
ISS is a geotechnical ground improvement technology being utilized for environmental remediation that provides an upgrade to the traditional excavation approach. ISS is a treatment process widely approved by many regulators that locks contaminants within a monolith, which reduces leachability and hydraulic conductivity. ISS can offer many advantages compared to excavations:
- Up to 3X cost reductions when considering excavation, transportation, disposal, dewatering, and clean backfill.
- On-site in situ treatment with typical construction equipment, similar to excavation.
- Minimized ex situ soil management.
- Potentially 90% reduction in trucks utilized to reduce the project’s carbon footprint and minimize impacts to neighborhoods.
- No requirement to dewater.
- No need to perform waste characterization sampling.
- No waste in landfill.
- Implementable with many geotechnical applications with the potential to be combined with geotechnical improvement for maximum site value.
Considering the significant financial and secondary benefits ISS can potentially provide, stakeholders need experienced consultants that can identify and properly implement ISS to ensure the best outcome for a site. Roux provides the technical expertise and regulatory competence needed to identify and subsequently implement ISS at sites from concept to completion. We have extensive experience performing ISS at many Petroleum and Real Estate sites to add value to our client’s bottom line.
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