Integration of Various Subsuface Exploration Techniques to Solve Problems at Sites Contaminated with Petroleum Hydrocarbons
James C. Hickey, Mark H. Hathway, and Andrew C. Tingley
As a result of both regulatory and property transfer driven investigations of petroleum distribution and store sites, countless contamination issues have been identified. Thoughtful selection and use of different geochemical, geologic, and geophysical subsurface exploration techniques can significantly increase the cost effectiveness of investigation, remedial design/implementation, and post-closure monitoring programs.
Three case histories highlighting the approach are presented. In each case, careful consideration of data needs, methods capabilities and limitations resulted in the sequenced integration of specific investigatory tools to generate the required information. These are:
1. First discussed will be the use of ground penetrating radar, seismic refraction, active and passive soil vapor surveys, installation of monitoring wells, and use of lineament/fracture trace analysis to guide the remedial investigation and system design meant to evaluate and correct gasoline and diesel releases at a major highway truck stop.
2. The use of a passive soil vapor survey, grab soil and groundwater sampling, and traditional monitoring well program at a former retail gasoline distribution site in Colorado will be presented neat. Data generated by this integrated investigation were used in support of a risk assessment and remediation system design.
3. Lastly, the use of an active soil vapor survey, grab sampling and field analyses and integration with results from previous remedial investigations and emergency response measures at a commercial truck leasing facility will be overviewed. The results identified areas of residual soil contamination not addressed during the emergency response measures.
AAPG Search and Discover Article #91019©1996 AAPG Convention and Exhibition 19-22 May 1996, San Diego, California