Author(s)

R. L. Olsen, J. Brown & P. Anderson

Abstract

Case history of a "Brownfields" site in Wichita, Kansas USA: innovative approaches to groundwater remediation R.L. Olsen1, J. Brown2, & P. Anderson3 1 CDM, Denver, Colorado USA 2 Department of Environmental Health, Wichita, Kansas USA 3CDM, Kansas City, Missouri USA Abstract At the Gilbert-Mosley Site in Wichita, Kansas USA, the groundwater has been contaminated by chlorinated solvents from past industrial activities. Over 3 billion gallons of groundwater have concentrations of tetrachloroethene (PCE) and trichloroethene (TCE) above drinking water standards (maximum contaminant levels [MCLs]). The contamination covers an area of approximately 2,220 acres. To address the Site's environmental conditions, a Corrective Action Decision (CAD) was approved by the Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE) contained several innovative items, including: (1) alternate cleanup levels (ACLs) above MCLs; (2) containment of the contamination migration instead of aquifer restoration; and (3) use of bioremediation to treat the groundwater. Overall the approaches were viewed as potentially more cost effective than conventional remediation methods. Although all anticipated approaches were not implemented, the overall project was very effective in achieving goals and cost significantly less than typical groundwater remediation projects of similar size. The major cost savings resulted from (1) use of ACLs (vs MCLs), which reduced the amount of groundwater requiring cleanup by 40 percent and (2) efficiencies achieved by combining several contaminated plumes from many sources into one treatment system. In addition, the treatment system will include many enhancements resulting in recreational and educational benefits to the citizens of Wichita.

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