East Orange Former Manufacturing Facility
Soil and groundwater at a former manufacturing facility in East Orange, NJ were impacted by trichloroethylene (TCE), cis-1,2-dichloroethene (cis-1,2-DCE) and vinyl chloride (VC) due to historical releases. The geology of the impacted matrix was primarily red-brown clayey silts with some occasional layers of fine sands.
TCE concentrations in groundwater were as high as 99.1 mg/L. In November 2015, IET implemented an in situ chemical reduction (ISCR) remediation program to enhance both abiotic and biological reductive processes (U.S. Patent #7,531,709).
The primary goal of the remediation program was to limit plume migration to downgradient areas.
Initial TCE concentrations: up to 99.1 mg/L
The injection program included the application of emulsified zero valent iron (EZVI) to destroy source mass and minimize contaminant flux, ZVI, Provect-IR, and additional site-specific reagents including kelp and Vitamin B12, to enhance abiotic and biotic reductive dechlorination processes.
During November 2015, a total of 43 direct push injection points were utilized to distribute approximately 6,435 gallons of remedial solutions within the targeted treatment areas.
Treatment Technologies:
- EZVI (Emulsified Zero Valent Iron) for source area destruction
- Provect-IR for enhanced reductive dechlorination
- Kelp and Vitamin B12 for biological enhancement
Overall, all monitoring wells recorded considerable decreases in TCE concentrations. Several post-treatment samples were collected and analyzed over approximately 20 months to evaluate treatment program progress.
TCE Reduction Summary:
- MW-1, MW-12, MW-13, MW-14, MW-21, MW-16: Non-detect (100% reduction)
- MW-2: 96% reduction
- MW-22: 93% reduction
- MW-23: 99% reduction
- MW-15: 58% reduction
MW-12 Detailed Results:
- TCE: Below detection limits (<5.3 μg/L) from 36,900 μg/L
- cis-1,2-DCE: 92% reduction (65,200 to 5,420 μg/L)
- Vinyl Chloride: 86% reduction from peak levels
MW-21 Detailed Results:
- TCE: Below detection limits from 99,100 μg/L (99.1 mg/L)
- cis-1,2-DCE: 28% reduction post-peak formation
- Vinyl Chloride: 58% reduction from peak levels
Post-treatment groundwater pH remained near neutral (6.3-6.5 pH units), ideal for dehalogenic bacteria. Strong reducing conditions were maintained (ORP: -78 to -106 mV). Elevated concentrations of dissolved gases (methane, ethane, ethene) confirmed ongoing fermentation and controlled methanogenesis.