Swansboro Dry Cleaner

Target Contaminants

Site Background

The Swansboro site is a former dry cleaning facility where decades of PCE usage resulted in extensive soil and groundwater contamination. The site presented unique challenges due to complex geology and a large dissolved-phase contaminant plume extending downgradient.

The contamination required a comprehensive, multi-phase approach to address both source areas and the extensive plume.

Remediation Strategy

IET designed a multi-phase remediation approach combining several treatment technologies:

• Source zone treatment with enhanced reductive dechlorination
• Plume treatment using biostimulation and bioaugmentation
• Multiple injection events over several years
• Adaptive management based on monitoring results
• Strategic targeting of high-concentration areas

This phased approach allowed for optimization of treatment effectiveness while managing project costs.

Implementation

The remediation program was implemented in multiple phases over several years. Each phase included:

• Pre-injection characterization and monitoring
• Targeted injection of treatment reagents
• Post-injection monitoring to assess effectiveness
• Adjustment of subsequent phases based on results

IET's field team maintained close coordination with the client throughout the multi-year program.

Results

The multi-phase remediation approach achieved progressive improvements:

• Source area PCE concentrations reduced by over 80%
• Plume-wide contaminant mass reduction documented
• Evidence of complete dechlorination in multiple zones
• Sustained biological activity throughout treatment areas
• Significant plume contraction observed

This case study demonstrates IET's ability to manage complex, long-term remediation programs with sustained results.