BIOREMEDIATION OF CONTAMINATED SOIL: BIOPILES
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| Overview: | Biopiles
are used to reduce the concentration of petroleum constituents in
excavated soils through the use of biodegradation. This technology can be
performed onsite and involves heaping contaminated soils into piles and
stimulating aerobic microbial activity within the soils through the
addition of oxygen, minerals, nutrients, and moisture. The enhanced
microbial activity results in the breakdown of the petroleum constituents
in the soil. The biopile technology requires the use of pumps to force air
throughout the pile. To prevent the leaching of contaminants into
underlying soil or groundwater, biopiles should be constructed in
impermeable containers.
Many Department of Defense installations contaminate soil through petroleum spills during the maintenance and servicing of vehicles and aircrafts. Typically, the contaminated soil is excavated and disposed as hazardous waste. An alternative to this form of waste management implements a cleanup technology that would reduce or eliminate the amount of petroleum in the excavated soil, thereby making it suitable for reuse. Selection of the proper cleanup technology should be based on the primary objectives of stopping the release of contaminants, recovering any free product, and preventing additional spills. The selection of the appropriate cleanup technology is a site-specific decision that will be fully protective of human health and the environment and meet site remediation objectives. The Environmental Protection Agency suggests that biopiles is a proven technology effective in reducing nearly all of the concentrations of petroleum product constituents typically found in underground storage tank sites. Higher molecular weight petroleum constituents (e.g., heating and lubricating oils) require a longer degradation period. The effectiveness of a biopile system depends on the soil characteristics, petroleum constituent characteristics and climate conditions. A comprehensive site assessment must be performed before implementing any cleanup technology. | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Compliance Benefit: | Treating
contaminated soils, rather than merely disposing of them, helps facilities
to meet the goals of the Pollution Prevention Act (42 USC 13101-13109),
which states that where pollution prevention or recycling opportunities
are not viable, treatment of waste is preferable to disposal or other release
into the environment.
The compliance benefits listed here are only meant to be used as a general guideline and are not meant to be strictly interpreted. Actual compliance benefits will vary depending on the factors involved, e.g., the amount of workload involved.
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| Materials Compatibility: |
No materials compatibility issues were identified. | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Safety and Health: | Care must
be taken when handling contaminated soils. Proper personal protective
equipment is recommended. Consult your local industrial health specialist,
your local health and safety personnel, and the appropriate MSDS prior to
implementing this technology.
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| Benefits: |
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| Disadvantages: |
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| Economic Analysis: | The
following cost elements compare the off-site treatment of contaminated
soil with implementation of the biopile system.
Assumptions:
Cost Comparison for Off-Site Treatment vs. Biopile System
Economic Analysis Summary: Annual Savings for
Biopile System: $1,693 Click Here to view an Active Spreadsheet for this Economic Analysis and Enter Your Own Values. To return from the Active Spreadsheet, click the reverse arrow in the Tool Bar. | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Approving Authority: | Appropriate authority for making process changes should always be sought and obtained prior to procuring or implementing any of the technology identified herein.
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| NSN/MSDS: | None identified.
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| Points of Contact: | For more information |
| Vendors: | This is not meant
to be a complete list, as there are other manufacturers of this type of
equipment. Clayton Group Services 7901 Stoneridge Drive, Suite 123 Pleasanton, CA 94588 Phone: (510) 426-2600 BioActive, Inc. |
| Related Links: |
Multiple Biotechnology Demonstration of Explosives-Contaminated Soils |
| Picture of
Bioremediation of Explosives - Contaminated Soil
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| Sources: | Growing International Markets and Opportunities in
Bioremediation: Part 1, Glass, David J.; Raphael, Thomas; Valor, Risto;
Van Eyk, Jack, Genetic Engineering News, October 15, 1995. United States Environmental Protection Agency, Office of Underground Storage Tanks Homepage.
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