--> Abstract: Using Trees As A Barrier To Metals-Contaminated, Saline Groundwater, by C. Olson, F. Thomas, D. Tsao, and A. Ferro; #90928 (1999).

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OLSON, CHRISTOPHER, (CPG)1, FRANK THOMAS, (PG)2, DAVID TSAO, (Ph.D.)3, and ARI FERRO, (Ph.D.)4
1Amoco Corporation, Warrenville, IL
2KMA Environmental, Texas City, TX
3Amoco Corporation, Warrenville, IL
4Phytokinetics, North Logan, UT

Abstract: Using Trees as a Barrier to Metals-Contaminated, Saline Groundwater

Groundwater in the shallow transmissive zone at an AMOCO site is highly saline and contaminated with inorganics and radionuclides that exceed the EPA maximum concentration limits. Under a Voluntary Cleanup Program Agreement additional response actions would be required (i.e. additional containment, pump and treat, etc.) if the plume migrates past the compliance monitoring boundary.

A Dilution Study and Greenhouse Feasibility Study are underway to determine the suitibility of installing a tree barrier strip at the site. The installation of dense rows of deep-rooted water-loving trees perpendicular to groundwater flow and along the leading edge of the plume may serve as added insurance against further off-site migration; the trees essentially acting as a flow confinement system.

AAPG Search and Discovery Article #90928©1999 AAPG Annual Convention, San Antonio, Texas