SOIL AND GROUNDWATER REMEDIATION FOR A BAKERY FACILITY, GLENDALE, CALIFORNIA

In 2002 IBC requested that JBR evaluate the on-going investigation and cleanup of diesel releases at a large bakery facility in Glendale, California. Previous actions by several environmental consultants had resulted in the installation of a free-phase petroleum and groundwater recovery system at the site boundaries and on an adjacent site.  Following a steady reduction in free-phase petroleum through the late 1990s, free-phase petroleum had suddenly increased to significant levels in 2000.

JBR’S initial actions were to evaluate the performance of the current treatment system, prepare geologic cross-sections to evaluate fate and transport of the releases, and review previous soil and groundwater assessment reports. Based on the evaluation, JBR proposed several changes to the groundwater treatment system to improve operation reliability and performance. Those actions included: addition of several new free-phase product recovery wells, replacement of the groundwater treatment system’s granular activated carbon vessels, installation of six additional pneumatic free-phase petroleum recovery pumps, addition of 23 passive free-phase petroleum recovery devices, and implementation of a systematic operation and maintenance program for the system. JBR also directed the installation of five borings and three monitoring wells to complete delineation of the dissolved contaminant plume north of the site.

JBR's initial actions at the site resulted in a significant increase in free-phase petroleum recovery, a reduction in system down-time, a reduction in groundwater monitoring costs, and a dramatically improved relationship with the site regulatory agency.

Additional services at the site included implementation of an in-situ enhanced bioremediation pilot test to treat diesel contaminated soils, assistance in closure of a previously unidentified underground storage tank, and preparation of Geographic Information System (GIS) map for subsurface geology to assist in investigation and remedial actions.

Currently, JBR is directing operation and maintenance of the site treatment system, providing quarterly monitoring and reporting, pursuing completion of the remedial investigation and risk assessment, and negotiating with the regulatory agency on remedial goals for the site.

• Dave Seaver - Senior Geologist -