Fort Sheridan Project Description

The Applied Technologies Group is currently performing a detailed column study on soils sampled from a site in Iceland . The site is slated for development as a smelter, and detailed characterization of the surrounding native soils is being performed. KEMRON has been contracted to evaluate the ability of native soils to pull heavy metals out of runoff water at the site.

The testing program being implemented by the ATG began with detailed characterization of the site soils. This characterization focused on the metals concentrations and the physical characteristics of the native soils. Based on this, several composite materials were developed and amended in an effort to increase their hydraulic conductivity. Eventually, three different blends of native soils and soil amendments were developed for detailed characterization testing.

Project Facts

Client	Confidential
Value	$60,000
Location	Iceland

Relevant KEMRON Service Areas:

Bench Scale Testing

Column Study

Geotechnical Testing

Once candidate material blends were identified, the ATG developed several columns for detailed evaluations. These columns were created by compacting the soil mixtures into clear acrylic columns measuring 3 inches in diameter by 5 feet in height. The soil mixtures were compacted to a predetermined density based on previous geotechnical analyses.

Once the columns were created, testing was initiated by passing a synthetic rainwater solutions through the compacted soils. This synthetic rainwater was developed by KEMRON based on anticipated rainwater and runoff water characteristics. This synthetic rainwater was then pumped through the column using a compressed-air system developed in house.

Currently, testing is ongoing, with analyses to evaluate the transfer of heavy metals from the synthetic rainwater to the soils. It is hoped that this testing will result in an equilibrium state which can be used to evaluate potential full-scale options for runoff management.