Memphis Dry Cleaner

Target Contaminants

Site Background

This former dry cleaning facility in the Memphis metropolitan area (Bartlett, Tennessee) operated for many years, resulting in PCE and TCE contamination of subsurface soil and groundwater. The urban location added complexity to remediation planning and implementation.

The site required a low-impact remediation approach suitable for the developed area while still achieving effective treatment.

Remediation Strategy

IET implemented an enhanced bioremediation program using substrate injection to stimulate reductive dechlorination. The approach included:

• Controlled-release carbon substrate (EHC®) for sustained electron donor supply
• Strategic injection point placement to maximize treatment zone coverage
• Creation of strongly reducing conditions favorable for dechlorination
• Minimal surface disturbance suitable for urban environment

The biological approach provides ongoing treatment for years after injection, making it cost-effective for long-term remediation.

Implementation

The substrate injection program was conducted using direct-push technology, which allowed for rapid deployment with minimal site disruption. IET's field crew worked efficiently to complete all injections while maintaining low visibility in the urban setting.

Multiple injection locations were established to ensure adequate substrate distribution throughout the contaminated zone, targeting both source areas and dissolved plume.

Results

The enhanced bioremediation program delivered strong performance:

• PCE and TCE concentrations substantially reduced
• Complete dechlorination pathway established
• Daughter product degradation to ethene observed
• Sustained biological activity over multi-year monitoring period
• Successful treatment in challenging urban environment

The project demonstrated that effective bioremediation can be achieved even in complex urban settings with proper planning and execution.