Project Type: Environmental

Sustainable Solution for Arsenic Remediation

Environmental Project

Sustainable Solution for Arsenic Remediation

Red Barn Cattle Dip Vat Site • Brighton, FL

Solution Overview

Client:

The Seminole Tribe of Florida, a federally recognized sovereign nation which employs 2,000+ personnel with $24M in purchasing power.

Business Challenge:

Remediate groundwater contaminated with arsenic from historic cattle dip vat operations.

Solution:

Apex Companies professionals with comprehensive understanding of aquifer biogeochemistry used in‑situ chemical oxidation (ISCO) to stimulate naturally occurring bacteria as part of the remedial process. We used non‑toxic, sustainable materials to accelerate in-situ remediation.

Results:

  • The 5-month pilot test resulted in a 95 percent reduction of arsenic in groundwater.
  • Savings up to $1M over expensive pump and treat (P&T) system.
  • Green, sustainable technology.
  • Use of common, local materials.

Challenge

The Seminole Tribe of Florida (STOF) discovered remnants of a historic cattle dip vat operations on its Brighton, Florida Reservation. The initial site assessment by other consultants revealed the presence of elevated arsenic concentrations in soil and groundwater associated with the former cattle dip vat operation. The STOF contracted other consultants to remove impacted soil and to conduct groundwater arsenic remediation using P&T methods combined with surface flocculation of arsenic using hazardous chemicals. Years of P&T operation failed to measurably reduce the groundwater arsenic concentration. Apex was retained to conduct a pilot study for an in‑situ chemical oxidation (ISCO) of arsenic in groundwater associated with a former cattle dip vat in Brighton, Florida.

Solution

Apex designed and implemented the scope of work for full-scale remediation using the previously excavated source area backfilled with lime rock and gravel as an infiltration gallery. Outside of the source area, Apex installed 630 linear feet of trenches, excavated to six feet deep, installed on 15 feet centers and equipped with 4-inch diameter septic field drainpipe. The remedial design stimulated naturally occurring and ubiquitous sulfate reducing bacteria (SRB) to generate hydrogen sulfide through natural respiration processes. This technique reduces iron and forms a stable precipitate with dissolved arsenic. The primary mechanism for arsenic removal from groundwater entailed physical precipitation of the arsenic with iron and other inorganic compounds, especially those associated with the reduction of sulfate to form arsenopyrite. Sodium lactate was injected into four injection wells followed by 1,000 gallons (per well) of magnesium sulfate solution. We conducted post‑remediation groundwater monitoring using select pilot test area wells.

This process used non-hazardous amendments such as locally grown sugar cane and/or orange processing byproducts.

Results

SRB testing and DNA analysis reported sulfate reduction was estimated to be approximately 20-fold higher in one of the injection wells. This evidence confirmed that the introduction of sulfate and lactate to the aquifer successfully stimulated the SRB population to grow and thrive. Further post injection evidence of SRB activity was observed in black staining in soil cores near injection wells and the black discoloration of sampled groundwater from the injection wells, indicated the generation of iron sulfide from SRB respiration processes and binding to dissolve elemental iron.

Apex conducted one year of quarterly groundwater monitoring to track the progress of remediation. After one year of full-scale remediation, arsenic concentrations were reduced by more than 50% throughout the full‑scale treatment area.

The Red Barn is a historic landmark and consequently has cultural significance to the STOF. Apex coordinates field activities with the STOF Historic Preservation Office and has given presentations to Tribal committees to inform them of Apex’s work at the site and positive impact to the land.

How Can We Help You Succeed?

Surface Water Remediation for Pipeline Spill

Environmental Project

Surface Water Remediation for Pipeline Spill

Hazardous Materials Transportation Company • Alabama

Solution Overview

Client:

Hazardous materials transportation company

Business Challenge:

An industrial mining company needed emergency response services during a pipeline spill.

Solution:

The Apex Companies team provided rapid support to remediate the pond surface water by designing, constructing, and maintaining a custom treatment system.

Results:

The project resulted in a 99 percent decrease of contaminants within three weeks.

Challenge

When a release from a 32-inch diameter gasoline pipeline was discovered within a rural mining operations area within two large 5M-gallon ponds, Apex provided emergency response and remediation to limit volatile emissions and protect the fish and wildlife.

Solution

As on-site engineer, Apex performed fast-track design, procurement, and installation of explosion-proof aeration systems to remediate dissolved phase impacts in both ponds. Specifically, we designed, specified, constructed, operated, and maintained an innovative, flexible treatment system for the rapid remediation of surface water ponds including floating surface aerators typically used for fishponds/wastewater treatment lagoons and temporary power systems. We used small aerators to maximize oxygen transfer while reducing the pond‑mixing velocity to keep the pond sediments stable. Surfactants added to the ponds during the emergency response action created foam which highlights the extent of aeration as shown in the above photo.

Our approach was perfect for this remote location due to a quick and easy installation, quiet backup power generators, and its efficacy in transferring oxygen to the water. The oxygen transfer volatilized the dissolved petroleum constituents, provided dissolved oxygen to support a healthy ecosystem, and promoted the biological degradation of long chain petroleum hydrocarbons.

Results

Our expeditious cleanup resulted in a 99 percent decrease of petroleum contaminants within three weeks, avoided a fish kill, and met the National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) permit limits prior to discharging any water from the interconnected ponds. The system, which operated for six months as a good faith effort to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), demonstrated through Alabama Department of Environmental Management-approved volatization calculations, that aerator emissions were below the remediation threshold and did not require a new air permit.

Apex can easily install this technology or similar technologies to provide the rapid design, construction, and remediation of surface water at sites with varying needs.

How Can We Help You Succeed?

Natural Resources Program Development and Outsourcing

Environmental Project

Natural Resources Program Development and Outsourcing

A Large Energy Client Specializing in Oil & Gas Mid-Stream Operations

Solution Overview

Client:

A large energy client specializing in oil & gas midstream operations

Business Challenge:

An oil and gas firm engaged with Apex to implement a natural and cultural resource assessments for their facilities.

Solution:

Apex outsourced a dedicated expert support team to design and implement a natural resources compliance program.

Results:

The program increased communication between the client’s operation team and reduced the project turnaround time.

Challenge

Apex Companies was recently challenged to develop a turnkey system for managing a significant portion of the overall natural and cultural resources program for a large midstream firm.

Solution

Apex’s natural resources experts were prepared to take on the challenge. The team quickly developed an innovative and comprehensive program to provide natural and cultural resources functions in support of the client’s impending construction schedule and proposed maintenance programs. A key milestone in the successful initiation of the program was a training session conducted for the client’s various functional group staff to review compliance obligations under the Endangered Species Act, Migratory Bird Treaty Act, Clean Water Act, and National Historic Preservation Act. Apex offered immediate solutions regarding integrating Apex’s proposed program into their internal procedures while minimizing the impact to their operations.

As part of the program, the client requested that Apex provide a natural resources expert to be embedded in the client’s offices 2-3 days per week to facilitate the management of natural and cultural resources compliance for their projects and to facilitate communication between the various functional groups. Apex’s services include:

  • Natural and cultural resources compliance reviews for all proposed projects;
  • Coordination of necessary field surveys for various federally-listed species and for archeological resources;
  • Incidental Take Permit implementation plans;
  • Mitigation credit calculations and supporting documentation; and
  • Serve as a subject matter expert to the client’s staff.

Results

The results of this program were recognized and acknowledged immediately throughout the client’s organization. The increased communication between the operations group and Apex’s liaison dramatically reduced the project turnaround time, as expected. Specifically, this allowed for shorter delays in the project planning process for the client and enabled them to maintain a high level of service to their downstream customers—a win-win, for all involved parties.

How Can We Help You Succeed?

Industrial Hygiene and Remediation Services for Historical Redevelopment Site

Environmental Project

Industrial Hygiene and Remediation Services for Historical Redevelopment Site

Metropolitan Pier and Exposition Authority (MPEA)/City of Chicago • Chicago, IL

Solution Overview

Client:

Metropolitan Pier and Exposition Authority (MPEA)/City of Chicago

Business Challenge:

The client was seeking to redevelop two tracts of land in downtown Chicago which had been contaminated by a gasoline station, manufacturing and plating operations, and a printing facility.

Solution:

Apex remediated the soil and groundwater contamination, conducted asbestos inspection and abatement oversight, reduced the vapor intrusion risk, protected construction worker health and safety, and obtained regulatory closure.

Results:

The high-profile project achieved the client’s goals and enabled construction to begin on time.

Challenge

Metropolitan Pier and Exposition Authority (MPEA) and the City of Chicago were seeking to redevelop two tracts (approximately 2-3 acres) of land in downtown Chicago with a 50+ story hotel tower and 10,000 seat multi-purpose arena. Prior industrial uses of a gasoline station, manufacturing and plating operations, and a printing facility had contaminated the land with petroleum products and hazardous substances including two, co-mingled solvent plumes. The client also needed to renovate a portion of the printing facility that had a historic preservation designation. Further, the MPEA and City acquired the properties and were working with a third-party developer for the hotel portion.

Solution

Apex Companies addressed the environmental impacts. We remediated the soil and groundwater contamination which included significant polynuclear aromatic (PNA) impact in the soil and two co-mingled chlorinated VOC groundwater plumes, conducted asbestos inspection and abatement oversight, reduced the vapor intrusion risk, protected construction worker health and safety, and obtained regulatory closure via the Illinois Environmental Protection Agency’s Site Remediation Program. Closure was achieved via successful application of an in-situ chemical oxidation program. Further, Apex consulted with the stakeholders during the design process to maximize the use of the proposed improvements to reduce/remove potential exposure pathways.

Regarding the historic portion of the printing facility, Apex performed asbestos and lead paint surveys that were used to abate/mitigate those materials prior to renovation work. Apex also assisted in evaluating potential worker safety issues during construction and assisted in discussions with the client and end user to utilize design elements to reduce the potential exposure for the end user’s employees and guests.

Results

The high-profile project—complicated by severe winter weather and a tight schedule—achieved the client’s goals and enabled construction to begin on time. This project turned two underutilized, blighted properties into additional anchors for the neighborhood surrounding Chicago’s McCormick Place Convention Center.

How Can We Help You Succeed?

Capabilities Inquiry