Delineation of a Fuel Oil Spill From a Tank Overfill

An operational malfunction at a fuel oil storage system resulted in a release of number two heating oil at a lodging facility in Yellowstone National Park. An estimated 800 gallons of fuel oil were released onto porous surface soils and absorbed into the subsurface. JBR personnel provided Geoprobe® and on-site analytical services to identify the vertical and horizontal extent of contamination from the release. Soil samples at multiple depths and various distances from the spill origin were collected using Geoprobe® direct-push technology. The samples were analyzed in the on–board laboratory, using a gas chromatograph with a flame ionization detector. After the three-dimensional shape of the contaminant plume was defined, confirmation samples were submitted to a commercial laboratory. The combined data were later used by JBR personnel to design, install, and operate a remedial system and provide in situ remediation of the spill, as existing infrastructure had prevented excavation of the area.

• David Lambrecht - Project Scientist -
• Ed Handl, PE - Division Manager -