KEMRON was contracted to perform a remedy screening treatability study on two contaminated materials sampled from a former manufactured gas plant (MGP) site located in Stockton, California. The treatability study was conducted was for an in-situ solidification contractor on behalf of an electric and natural gas distributor, to evaluate the feasibility of in situ solidification / stabilization for treatment of sludges sampled from the site.
Two candidate site materials were subjected to ISTD distillation treatment performed at two target temperatures and two retention times. During treatment, De-Ionized (DI) water was injected into the test material via a low volume peristaltic pump. The quantity of water injected was outlined by TerraTherm and included specified pore volumes, based on the treatment duration.
Throughout treatments, KEMRON performed constant temperature monitoring of the soil and injected water, and organic vapors in the off-gas via a flame ionization detector (FID). All vapors were passed through a distillation treatment and indicated that total volatile organic compound concentrations were reduced by more than 98%, and Diesel Range Organics (DROs) were reduced by more than 87%. Total semi-volatile organic compounds were reduced for many compounds but in general proved more difficult to treat than the volatile compounds.
The mobilization of DNAPL was evaluated by passing a specified pore volume of chilled water through the test soil while at ambient temperature. An additional specified pore volume of water was then passed through the test soil during heating. Throughout testing, KEMRON monitored the soil and water injection temperatures, the pressure within the test system, and visual clarity of the water exiting the system.
Geotechnical testing of certain treated site soil types was performed to ensure that thermal treatment did not adversely affect the physical properties of the site soils.
Project activities performed on behalf of this power company include groundwater sampling, monitoring well installation, enhanced bioremediation utilizing oxygen releasing compounds (ORC) and remediation through excavation of impacted soil.
KEMRON transitioned this project from a previous contractor by retaining key project personnel to provide site knowledge and maintain correspondence with regulatory agencies. KEMRON’s personnel have conducted UST removals, site investigations and groundwater monitoring services with the client at their service center Facilities throughout West Virginia.
Reports generated from these projects include quarterly groundwater sampling reports, corrective measures reports, initial site characterization reports, environmental site assessment reports and UST closure reports.
KEMRON was retained by this natural gas distributor to conduct comprehensive environmental compliance audits at 13 of its operating locations in North Central West Virginia. The locations included natural gas distribution centers, maintenance facilities, compressor stations, oil and gas production wells, and offices.
KEMRON was retained by this natural gas distributor to conduct comprehensive environmental compliance audits at 13 of its operating locations in North Central West Virginia. The locations included natural gas distribution centers, maintenance facilities, compressor stations, oil and gas production wells, and offices.
KEMRON developed and completed an inspection checklist for each site as to aid in the evaluation of potential environmental compliance requirements. Each location was surveyed and a thorough site reconnaissance performed. Management and employees at each location were interviewed and pertinent records reviewed.
The applicability and compliance status of each location relative to local, state and federal environmental
regulations was reviewed. Included in the evaluation were: solid and hazardous waste management; SPCC (Spill Prevention, Control and Countermeasure) requirements; air emissions and permitting; storm water and process water management and permitting; raw materials storage and handling; and general observations on site housekeeping, spill or release potential, and environmental impacts noted.
A summary report of findings at each location with conclusions and recommendations was prepared. The information was used by the client’s legal staff in the development of standard internal procedures to be implemented at all company operating locations.
KEMRON performed services under a Basic Ordering Agreement with this utility client to provide underground storage tank services at sites throughout Georgia. KEMRON is responsible for technical and financial planning, providing recommendations on all aspects of UST corrective action, communication with Georgia Environmental Protection Division, and plotting a course of action to reach a No Further Action Required (NFAR) status for each UST site. KEMRON has provided direct oversight, guidance and management of 11 active sites. We have prepared and reviewed corrective action plans and risk assessments for the sites.
KEMRON was selected by the client to perform Environmental Site Assessments (ESA) under a Basic Ordering Agreement. KEMRON performed the ESAs according to client requirements and ASTM standards for Commercial Real Estate (E 1527). Based on a survey of ascertainable information, a site inspection, and other appropriate inquiry, KEMRON reported on past or present activities on the subject properties. KEMRON performed over 40 ESAs in Georgia.
The ESAs included a review of records maintained by various federal, state, and local government agencies, a site reconnaissance, review of ascertainable site history information (chain-of-title, aerial photographs, USGS topographic maps, etc.), and interviews with people knowledgeable of the site history. These activities are conducted to determine the present and past use of the site. The Georgia Department of Natural Resources Natural Heritage Program was also consulted to determine the location and status of certain rare, threatened, or endangered
species that may exist on and/or in the vicinity of the site.
KEMRON was contracted to provide environmental consulting services at Providence Park following the discovery of more than two hundred 2 gallon to 55 gallon drums and containers on the park premises located in Alpharetta, GA. The park was frequented by local residents who utilized the park’s hiking trails, rock climbing course, high ropes course, fishing lake and amphitheatre. The drums were reportedly dumped and buried at the park prior to 1970 after the property was utilized as a county road aggregate quarry and maintenance facility.
KEMRON was contracted to provide environmental consulting services at Providence Park following the discovery of more than two hundred 2 gallon to 55 gallon drums and containers on the park premises located in Alpharetta, GA. The park was frequented by local residents who utilized the park’s hiking trails, rock climbing course, high ropes course, fishing lake and amphitheatre. The drums were reportedly dumped and buried at the park prior to 1970 after the property was utilized as a county road aggregate quarry and maintenance facility.
KEMRON conducted an interim removal action by removing and disposing of several dozen of the drums and containers visible at the surface. KEMRON subsequently conducted a Site Investigation (SI) which included collecting superficial soil samples, sampling lake sediment, installing six monitoring wells and conducting a receptor survey. Numerous compounds were detected in the soil and groundwater samples including lead, tetrachloroethene, trichloroethene, vinyl chloride, benzene, xylenes, phenols, PCBs, pesticides and herbicides. More than forty private drinking water supplies were identified within a one mile radius of the site during the receptor survey. An electro-magnetic survey was conducted to identify potential buried debris and assess potential groundwater contaminant plumes. KEMRON was also an active participant in a town hall meeting organized to inform the community about site activities.
Following the initial SI, KEMRON was contracted to complete a Compliance Status Report (CSR) for submittal to the Georgia Environmental Protection Division (GAEPD). An expanded investigation was initiated to provide a complete horizontal and vertical delineation of the impact to soil and groundwater. Thirty additional soil borings and ten additional monitoring wells, including two Type III vertical delineation wells were installed. Drilling activities required the use of an ATV rig capable of installing double cased wells into rock. A track mounted remote control GeoProbe unit was utilized to complete the soil assessment.
KEMRON prepared the CSR which outlined the delineation activities, identified potential exposure routes, and determined the Site Specific Risk Reduction Standards (RRSs) for the site using RAGS equations. A statistical analysis to determine background metals concentrations in soil was also conducted as part of the CSR. Following the approval of the CSR, KEMRON conducted soil remediation activities at the site. Approximately 8,331 tons of impacted soil were removed from the site and disposed of under manifest at the Waste Management landfill in Ball Ground, Georgia. Confirmatory soil samples indicated that the impacted soil at the site was successfully remediated to below respective RRSs.
Details pertaining to this removal action were summarized in a Soil Excavation and Groundwater Sampling Summary Report. The removal activities required that KEMRON write an Erosion,
Sedimentation, and Pollution Control Plan that was subsequently approved by the Fulton County Soil Erosion and Sedimentation Control Division. The removal activities also required that KEMRON obtain an encroachment buffer permit from the GAEPD prior to remediating areas within a state water embankment.
KEMRON won a second contract for the treatment of contaminated groundwater which included the installation of recovery wells and a groundwater treatment system. These activities involved clearing of trees, trenching, grading, installation of an infiltration gallery, and vegetative erosion control. KEMRON also conducted additional park restoration activities such as: clearing and disposing of fallen trees and debris, modified bank stabilization, replacing damaged fencing, improving the post excavation soil grade, addressing park security issues, and implementing erosion control actions including GADOT Class C silt fencing, rock check dams, and streambank stabilization using live stake permanent vegetation. Ongoing work at Providence Park includes the operation and maintenance of the treatment system and routine monitoring.
KEMRON holds an ID/IQ contract with the Georgia Environmental Protection Division (GAEPD) for high priority UST sites which required site investigation, corrective action plan (CAP) preparation, emergency response and remedial system design, installation and O & M. KEMRON was assigned sites under the GUST contract at varying phases ranging from the initial release notification stage to the preparation, design, and implementation of a remedial action plan. KEMRON successfully completed work at sites from the initial site assessment to complex active remediation. Under this contract, KEMRON executed several hundred task orders (TO) Many of the task orders were fixed price and/or performance based contracts (PBC).
KEMRON personnel established a reputation for obtaining No Further Action status at petroleum release sites using risk based corrective action in the most timely and cost effective manner. KEMRON obtained well over 350 No Further Action designations from the Georgia EPD USTMP. One of the key components of the GUST contract was performing third party report reviews. KEMRON
was tasked with reviewing any of the following reports: UST closure reports, corrective action plans, remedial action plans, progress reports, No Further Action Requests, and other deliverables to the EPDUSTMP. As a prerequisite to conducting the file reviews, KEMRON personnel have demonstrated extensive knowledge of the Georgia UST Act, the State of Georgia Rules for UST Management, the Guidelines for Corrective Action Plan-Part A and Part B, the UST Closure Guidelines, and 40 CFR Part 280. KEMRON provided EPD USTMP with a technical memorandum detailing the adequacy of the
deliverable that has been reviewed citing specific deficiencies noted during the review.
The following represent project experience under this contract:
Circle M Site. KEMRON, operating under a fixed price, performance based contract of $1 million, completed the investigation, design, remedial system installation and final cleanup of this environmentally and politically complex site on time and with a minor budget variance. This is remarkable in light of the fact that five previously unidentified plumes were identified and remediated during cleanup. In fact, one of the plumes, from an adjacent site, was eligible for an additional $1 million in funding. This site was characterized by a substantial gasoline free product plume and thick smear zone resulting from multiple UST releases. Water supply wells were within the radii of concern, but none were initially considered to be hydraulically connected to the dissolved phase plume. However, an updated receptor survey identified a recently refurbished municipal water supply. The presence of this well along with an extensive free product smear zone raised concerns about vertical migration of dissolved BTEX into the underlying bedrock aquifer. Investigation activities included the installation and sampling of 20 groundwater monitoring wells and soil borings.
KEMRON conducted risk assessment services including fate and transport modeling, aquifer characterization and development of a saprolite / bedrock model allowing calculation of area-weighted
ACL’s protective of the bedrock aquifer KEMRON demonstrated that the plume was effected by the public well pumping cycles. The high risk to the nearby receptor necessitated immediate preparation of the CAP. All remedial cleanup goals were achieved and the site has been issued an NFA.
Roswell Road Site Remediation. KEMRON, operating under a design / build PBC TO, designed a high efficiency dual phased vacuum extraction system for this site. The cleanup is complicated by the size and complexity of the plume, which extends below an adjacent business and two large residential multi-family housing units. The plume of petroleum hydrocarbons was also fully mixed with a plume of chlorinated solvents emanating from an adjacent property. KEMRON’s performance based design incorporates both plumes and required system upgrades and modifications to meet chemical treatment requirements.
KEMRON Environmental Services, Inc. (KEMRON) assisted the City of Nitro, West Virginia with a $200,000 EPA Petroleum Brownfields Assessment Grant and $200,000 EPA Hazardous Brownfields Assessment Grant projects in and around the City of Nitro, West Virginia. These Brownfields Assessment Grant projects involved inventory and prioritization of hazardous and petroleum sites in and around the City of Nitro. The site inventory and prioritization processes have been completed and 54 hazardous sites and 54 petroleum sites were identified in and around the City of Nitro.
We have eliminated all ineligible petroleum and hazardous sites identified through the site inventory process due to various factors including CERCLIS listing, NPL Listing, Outside Survey Area, Can Not Locate/Not Valid Site Location, and Priority 1 WVDEP Petroleum Site (High Priority). Property Approval Questionnaires have been submitted to EPA Region III for one potentially eligible petroleum site and three (potentially eligible hazardous sites.
Following receipt of executed Access Agreements, a Phase I Environmental Site Assessment (ESA) will be conducted on each site. Where warranted, Phase II ESAs will be conducted based upon the Phase I ESA findings and redevelopment potential. Depending upon the remaining project budgets, the Remedial Planning component of process will include preparation of Remedial Action Workplans and VRP Applications, where warranted.
SGA is conducting redevelopment planning activities for the City of Nitro Petroleum and Hazardous Brownfields Assessment Grant projects. The public involvement and redevelopment planning process for this project is well underway. A primary focus of the public involvement activities to-date includes a day long public workshop. The outcome of this highly participatory meeting was the identification of key redevelopment goals and objectives, a schematic redevelopment strategy for the entire Brownfields study area and a list of prioritized sites and infrastructure elements to focus ongoing planning and environmental investigation efforts. Current work is focused upon identifying site-specific design criteria to ensure that as individual site development projects are advanced, they are developed in a functional and cohesive manner consistent with the overall redevelopment master plan.
This project includes evaluating site specific engineering characteristics unique to this major riverfront post-industrial Brownfields site with significant underground contamination. The work also includes preparing tailored site development standards for engineering elements such as stormwater management and post- remediation earthwork treatments. In addition, targeted public infrastructure and community directed land use plans are being studied in greater detail to best position the City for funding to support final design, approval and construction efforts, since these investments are critical to attract and leverage private development investments.
KEMRON was awarded and completed a $17.1 FFP remediation with performance-based remediation for the US Army at Fort Sheridan, an Army installation being closed under BRAC. KEMRON successfully managed 13 task areas which included regulatory agency negotiation, remedy selection, remedy implementation, LTM, O&M, construction, site documentation, community relations, and managing the Administrative Record. Under this contract, KEMRON was responsible for achieving RIP or RC for task areas. RC was achieved for seven task areas including an NFA DD for another task area which encompassed seven separate sites. For the additional task areas, KEMRON was responsible for implementing land use controls (LUC), closing monitoring wells and/or preparing an approved DD. For the RIP sites, KEMRON was responsible for LTM. KEMRON developed and received regulatory approval for site plans including safety plans and other reports and documents. In addition, KEMRON prepared all CERCLA documentation and the first CERCLA five-year review. The following is an overview of a few task areas.
KEMRON finalized the design and constructed a 13-acre RCRA Subtitle C cap over Landfills 6 & 7. The RCRA cap consists of multiple layers of geosynthetics, drainage layers, and low permeability clay. KEMRON also installed a leachate and gas collection system. The finished area is used as an open green field and hiking trail with prairie grasses, plants, shrubs and trees. KEMRON gained approval from IEPA, Army and the Navy to irrigate a 1.8-acre parcel using leachate collected from Landfills 6 & 7 as part of a pilot study for alternative disposal of leachate (compliant with EPA Region 2 Clean Program). The six-month study saved $50,000 in off-site disposal costs for the summer watering season. This pilot study, approved as a long-term disposal option, could ultimately save the Army approximately $2 million in life cycle costs over the next 30 years.
Five additional task areas included the demolition of a lead-based paint contaminated structure and the remediation of four areas with contaminated soils. KEMRON elected to meet residential standards on these five sites, thus eliminating the need for LTM and LUCs. KEMRON’s SOW required preparation of DDs. As a means to accelerate closure and gain immediate regulatory concurrent, KEMRON proposed to the BCT to prepare a non-time critical Action Memorandum instead. As a result, the approval time was cut dramatically and the remediation was completed a year ahead of schedule. The excavated soils were transported to the low areas in Landfill 6 & 7 as part of the required subgrade preparation beneath the liner, thus saving disposal costs.
KEMRON prepared the DD and design documents including LUCs for Landfill 5 and Coal Storage Area No. 3 (CSA3). The key design features of the 2.2-acre modified Subtitle C landfill cap on Landfill 5 included two feet of compacted clay overlying an impervious geosynthetic clay liner which included improvements to the existing storm water control system beneath the landfill, installation of a new perimeter drainage pipe, ravine slope stabilization, and elimination/realignment of the overhead utilities. The CSA3 consisted of excavation of PAH contaminated soils from remnants of the former CSA. The removal action was completed in and around residences which required coordination with homeowners. KEMRON managed a comprehensive community involvement program designed to keep the local residents informed and involved. KEMRON developed a project website to provide construction updates, pictures, and other information, providing immediate status to stakeholders.
One of the challenges at Fort Sheridan was the management of the remedial activities amid the concerns of multiple stakeholders. Although the Army maintains environmental liability on a majority of the site that has not already been transferred to the community, the Navy and Army Reserve now occupy all of the properties that were covered under this contract. As a result, it was necessary for KEMRON to ensure that the remedial approaches being proposed and conducted site-wide met the requirements of all of the multiple stakeholders to include the Navy, Army, AEC, USACHPMM, Reserve, the surrounding towns and the community.
As an EPA Emergency and Rapid Response Services (ERRS) contractor since 2000, KEMRON has completed more than 100 projects ranging from small emergency response actions to the $25 million cleanup of the Former Woolfolk Chemical Works Superfund site. Working in the 20-state area of EPA Regions 3, 4 and 5, has constructed landfill caps, excavated contaminated soil, built and operated water treatments systems, decontaminated structures, responded to natural disasters, demolished equipment and structures, unearthed and removed buried drums, captured spills, responded to sunken vessels, responded to fires, treated hazardous waste sludge and conducted removal actions.
Selected experience includes:
Greenwood Chemicals Remediation, Greenwood, VA. KEMRON conducted a removal action at the former Greenwood Chemical Superfund site. There were two phases to this project. During Phase One of the project, treatment, transportation and disposal measures were employed on drums and cylinders collected from around the site and staged at a central location. The containers were sampled, hazcatted and placed into their appropriate waste groups. One hundred thirty-two containers were collected. Materials found included, acids, bases, flammables, oxidizers, and gas cylinders. All materials were packaged and transported offsite for disposal.
During Phase Two of the project, KEMRON was tasked with the remediation of three waste water lagoons contaminated with arsenic. A field office was established as part of this phase. Remedial actions included the dewatering of the lagoons, in-situ stabilization of sludge, and transportation and disposal of the material to an approved landfill. Over 400,000 gallons of water was pumped and treated through the onsite water treatment plant. After dewatering, the sludge was stabilized with quick lime and transported to a staging area. More than 8,200 tons of arsenic contaminated material were transported and disposed off-site.
Brewer’s Gold, SC. The USEPA Region 4 initially tasked KEMRON to perform wastewater treatment activities and to maintain erosion control measures. Wastewater is generated from two sources at the mine: (1) the former Brewer’s Pit and (2) the sedimentation pond. Wastewater is transferred to a lined 20 million gallon holding pond prior to treatment. Wastewater treatment at the site consisted of utilizing hydrated lime to make a slurry and inject it into the wastewater stream for pH adjustment and also allow for flocculation of heavy metals in the northwest trend (a former mined pit). Field Testing of wastewater was performed to determine slurry injection rates. Wastewater is treated in 5-6 million gallon batches. KEMRON operated and performed maintenance on all site equipment including wastewater treatment system and construction equipment and process piping. After the water settles, the super nantant is transferred to the fresh water holding ponds and then discharged into Little Fork Creek. KEMRON collected influent and effluent wastewater samples on a monthly basis to determine effectiveness of wastewater treatment activities and also to determine creek loading rates for discharge to Little Fork Creek. Approximately 80 million gallons of wastewater was treated during the first year of operation.
The historical utilization of storing sludge in the northwest trend started to pose a threat of breaching free board space. KEMRON performed a treatability study to determine if the sludges could be treated onsite. KEMRON determined that drying the sludge was the most cost-effective treatment. KEMRON engineered a sludge pumping system that allowed sludge removal while not interrupting wastewater treatment operations. KEMRON engineered, designed and constructed six drying beds at the site and engineered a pumping system to transfer the sludges to the drying beds. KEMRON removed and treated approximately 7.1 million gallons of sludge at the site. The removal of the sludges created greater free board space and allowed for larger batch treatment of wastewater. The advantage of on-site treatment has resulted in a cost savings of approximately $250,000 when compared to off-site removal and disposal.
Additionally, KEMRON was tasked with construction of a 12-inch cap over a five-acre area. The deposits of metals that were in the run-off from this hill side were contributing to erratic spikes in the Ph levels andre-treatment prior to discharge was quite costly. KEMRON excavated and placed 67,000 yards of clay material on the cap area. A drainage ditch at the base of the cap was installed and encompasses the pond footage of approximately 2,970 feet.
Lead Remediation, Portsmouth, Virginia. Under its Region 3 ERRS, KEMRON completed remediation of lead contaminated soil from residential and commercial properties located in Portsmouth, VA. Lead limits exceed 5000 ppm in some areas and lead was removed to 270 ppm to meet state requirements. EPA established vertical and horizontal delineation of lead in affected properties prior to KEMRON mobilization. KEMRON was responsible for removal of contaminated soil to the predetermined horizontal extent and depths. Work was completed with mini excavators and skid steer loaders and by hand due to close quarters around houses and in back yards. Soil was loaded into dump trucks and disposed of at a local Subtitle D landfill. Clean backfill was brought to the sites and placed within four inches of original grade. The top four inches was finished with topsoil to restore the site to its pre-remediation condition. Sod was placed and maintained by KEMRON until one mowing occurred. A water trailer was used to irrigate the grass until it was firmly established.
Work was coordinated with USEPA’s START contractor providing confirmation sampling once the excavation was complete followed by the backfill crew once sample confirmation released the property in order to backfill the sites as quickly as possible. Residents were relocated to near temporary housing locations to limit exposure to dust generated during remediation activities. Digital photographic records of all sites, pre and post remediation, were made along with documentation of the access agreement,actual work completed, disposal documentation, and restoration activity records.
Emergency Response (Marine Operations), Showboat Lounge Marina Fire, Deland, FL. KEMRON was tasked with mitigating the impact of a marina fire on the St. John’s River that resulted in the sinking of 27 vessels. KEMRON crews placed hard and soft boom across the entrance to the marina and other slips preventing the fuel from impacting other boats in the harbor. Once the spill was contained, crews used vacuum trucks to remove product caught behind the booms. Realizing the source of much of the fuel and oil was the sunken boats, the EPA decided to recover the fuel tanks from the sunken vessels. An underwater salvage diving company was contracted and a 125-ton crane was brought to the site to remove the boats. Because of heavy damage, the boats were brought to the surface where crews removed the fuel prior to disposal.
Swainsboro Electroplating Facility, GA. KEMRON under contract to the USEPA Region 4 was issued a task order to perform facility decontamination and dismantlement at the Swainsboro Electroplating facility located in Swainsboro. This 60,000 square feet metal electroplating facility contained numerous vats, drums, carboys, totes and miscellaneous small containers of acids, caustics and cyanide contaminated solids and liquids. KEMRON was tasked with sampling, testing, bulking and disposal of the materials. The interior of the building was initially stabilized by checking all containers for leaks and potential weep points, pumping and cleaning of the trenches and sumps and removal of floor debris from walk areas. Approximately 300 containers were sampled and haz-cat tested, including; 91 drums, 53 carboys, 4 liquid totes, 20 totes of solids, 11 pails and 140 vats. KEMRON performed bulking operations of compatible material that included 32,500 gallons of acid waste, 19,500 gallons of caustic waste, and 4,700 gallons of cyanides. All containers that were empty were pressured washed and poly and fiberglass containers were tripled rinsed and cut up for disposal as non-hazardous. Approximately 5,000 liner feet of primary process piping were pumped out and flushed with water, dismantled and shipped to a recycling facility. All small process lines from vat systems were dismantled and the lines cut to less than 3 feet for disposal as hazardous waste. The wash water was collected in a temporary storage tank and approximately 15,000 gallons was shipped for wastewater treatment. The stabilized sludge once it passed paint filter was loaded into 25 cubic yard roll off containers and shipped as hazardous waste. The waste water treatment plant was emptied of all contents and cleaned and destroyed. All sumps were pumped down and 1 foot of sludge was removed. The 10 drums of non cyanide lab pack containers were shipped off site. The majority of all work was performed in Level B personnel protection.
