DELINEATION OF PESTICIDE CONTAMINATION AT GRAIN ELEVATORS

Historic seed treatment operations resulted in soil contamination at 4 grain elevator complexes in central Montana. Pesticides including Aldrin, Chlordane, and Heptachlor were present in soils and groundwater in proximity to these locations. JBR personnel provided Geoprobe® and on-site analytical services to identify the vertical and horizontal extent of pesticide contamination in soil and groundwater at these locations. Soil samples at multiple depths and various distances from the suspected spill origins were collected using Geoprobe® direct-push technology. Additionally, groundwater samples were also collected from the borings. The samples were analyzed in the on-board laboratory using a gas chromatograph with an electron capture detector.  After the extent of the pesticide soil contamination was defined, confirmation samples were submitted to a commercial laboratory. After the pesticide-contaminated groundwater plume was identified, permanent small-diameter groundwater monitoring wells were installed.   Data from these efforts and follow-up monitoring was later used by JBR personnel to design and implement a remedial approach for the sites utilizing soil mixing and groundwater injection, to place amendments in the media to promote degradation of the pesticides.

• Ed Handl, PE - Division Manager -
• Jeremy Fleege - Project Engineer -