High Resolution Site Characterization Tools

Advanced, innovative technologies are changing the way professionals tackle contaminated sites. These techniques cost-effectively provide high resolution information on contaminant distributions and subsurface dynamics in real-time. This information provides a critical reduction in cost and uncertainty enabling accurate conceptualization of site dynamics and the development of effective strategies for site management.

“High-resolution site characterization (HRSC) strategies and techniques use scale-appropriate measurement and sample density to define contaminant distributions, and the physical context in which they reside, with greater certainty, supporting faster and more effective site cleanup.” – U.S. EPA

UVOST

UVOST® & UVOST-HP
The UVOST® technology efficiently delineates petroleum, oil, and lubricant (POL) contaminants in the subsurface. All the usual forms of POLs, including; gasoline, diesel fuel, jet fuel, and hydraulic fluids, can be detected via the fluorescence response of their polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon (PAH) constituents. This response provides both qualitative and quantitative information on the petroleum products identified in the subsurface, enabling the identification of product type and relative concentration data. The TarGOST® performs the same function for heavier NAPLs with high PAH content – Coal Tar, Creosote, etc.

UVOST’s LIF technique, in conjunction with direct push deployment, yields a detailed three-dimensional map of the NAPL distribution in real-time – offering rapid, adaptive site characterization capability as promoted by U.S. EPA’s TRIAD approach. Click here for more information or follow the link below:

https://clu-in.org/characterization/technologies/lif.cfm

The Minnesota Pollution Control Agency (MPCA) Petroleum Remediation Program (PRP) routinely uses laser-induced fluorescence (LIF) data to target petroleum light non-aqueous phase liquids (LNAPLs) when remediation is necessary. Paul Stock, Hydrogeologist with the MPCA PRP, authored an excellent article describing the LIF technology, uses and limitations in the June 2011 LUSTLine, Bulletin 68, beginning on page 13.

MIP & MiHPT

The membrane interface probe (MIP) is a screening tool used to log the relative concentration of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) with depth in soil. The probe is robust and percussion driveable with direct push machines. The MIP membrane is comprised of a semi-permeable, thin film polymer impregnated into a stainless steel screen for support. The membrane is placed in a heated block that is advanced into the soil. With heat, volatiles diffuse across the membrane and partition into a stream of carrier gas where they are swept to the detectors. For VOC detection, a photoionization detector (PID), a flame ionization detector (FID), and a halogen specific detector (XSD) are utilized. This combination enables qualitative and semi-quantitative assessment of the contaminants encountered. The MIP acquisition software logs detector signal with depth.

Real-time, in-situ detection of volatile organic compounds (halogenated and non-halogenated).
Production data provides VOCs discreet spatial delineation, relative concentrations and general speciation.
Able to log in saturated and unsaturated materials.
Coupled with the Electric Conductivity probe and Hydraulic Profiling Tool (optional) to provide hydrogeological context to contaminant distributions.
A leading edge technology utilized worldwide for the characterization and management of petroleum and halogenated hydrocarbons.

HPT

The Hydraulic Profiling Tool (HPT) is a logging tool that measures the pressure required to inject a flow of water into the soil as the probe is advanced into the subsurface. This injection pressure log is an excellent indicator of formation permeability. In addition to measurement of injection pressure, the HPT can also be used to measure hydrostatic pressure under the zero flow condition. This allows the development of a hydrostatic pressure graph for the log and prediction of the position of the water table.

TarGOST

Dakota has developed the Tar-specific Green Optical Screening Tool or TarGOST®. TarGOST was developed exclusively for detection of coal tars, creosotes, heavy crudes, and tank bottoms. Following a comprehensive spectroscopic study of coal tar behavior, Dakota created this method which results in a monotonic response for coal tars on a variety of soils. Lab tests of TarGOST indicate the system is ideally suited for delineating the NAPL contaminated zones or source material at former manufactured gas plants (MGPs) and wood treating facilities. Click here for more information.

DyeLIF

The Dye-enhanced laser induced fluorescence system (DyeLIF) tool is a new site characterization technology that facilitates rapid, cost-effective 3-dimensional (3-D) delineation of residual chlorinated solvent DNAPL in the subsurface. DyeLIF is based on combining time-resolved LIF technology with the injection of a fluorescent dye ahead of the window to render non-fluorescent NAPLs fluorescent in-situ. This new technology has potential to rapidly delineate DNAPL source zones at sites where direct push is feasible, significantly improving prospects for targeted remediation. See links in Resources panel on this page for details regarding an ESTCP-funded technology demonstration conducted at a Formerly Used Defense (FUD) facility in Massachusetts in Fall 2013 (Geoprobe® delivery) and again in March 2014 (CPT delivery).

Click here for more information or follow the link below:

https://serdp-estcp.org/Program-Areas/Environmental-Restoration/Contaminated-Groundwater/Monitoring/ER-201121/ER-201121#top

Knowing the contaminants, the distribution, and the concentration - makes all the difference.

HRSC techniques employed by SCG are your best line of defense in order to get the clearest picture of how to tackle site-pollution in a remediation project. Not only do they give us a live assessment of contamination, they also help us develop the right approach for removal.