Multipurpose Horizontal Remediation Wells Treat TCE Impacts

Multipurpose Horizontal Remediation Wells Treat Impacts from Former DOD Manufacturing Operations
by Seth Croy

A hybrid horizontal remediation system was engineered to support the application of multiple remedial technologies. The site of this flexible solution is a former DOD plant that was previously used for the manufacture of aircraft and missile systems. Although these defense activities ceased two decades ago, lingering TCE impacts still posed a threat to the current occupants of what is now a sprawling industrial redevelopment.

The past operations of this former DOD facility included machining, metal finishing, electroplating, forming, painting, coating, and assembly. Sold off to a group of investors, the site has been recently redeveloped into an industrial complex for several companies. For the new occupants, a disruptive indoor construction to install a vertical remediation system was out of the question. In addition to the current business activities inside the building, there are also busy loading docks bordering the plume that could not be blocked for remedial construction.

Figure 1 – Layout of  Two (2) Multipurpose Horizontal Remediation Wells

Directional Technologies, Inc. designed a solution that was minimally invasive to the occupants and required the least amount of restoration. Two (2) multipurpose Horizontal Remediation Wells (HRWs) were installed from a grassy area at the edge of the property. The horizontal wells were constructed using 3-inch schedule 80 PVC, with horizontal screens at a depth of approximately 12 feet below ground surface. Directional Technologies, Inc. utilized blind installation methods, where the distal end of the well terminated underground.

The horizontal wells were installed under the building without any disruptions to the current occupants of the site. To insure the traffic at the loading dock was uninterrupted, the directional drilling rig and auxiliary equipment were set up at the edge of the property. The entry pit was placed in a grassy area, eliminating the costs associated with cutting and restoring the asphalt/concrete lot.

The multipurpose Horizontal Remediation Wells were designed with flexibility in mind, allowing for the same horizontal wells to be used with several different remedial technologies. The plan for this system is to first use the horizontal wells for vadose zone injections, then operate the HRWs as Soil Vapor Extraction (SVE) wells for mass recovery and to mitigate vapor intrusion.

Call us at 877-788-4HRW or email us at drilling@directionaltech.com to bring this level of experience and knowledge to your next project.