About

Loureiro evaluated the potential for anaerobic in situ bioremediation to treat a recalcitrant tetrachloroethene (PCE) hotspot in fractured bedrock at the Eastern Surplus Superfund Site in Meddybemps ME. The goal was to implement a remedy that was more cost-effective than the existing pump and treat system at the site. Treatability testing was performed by Loureiro to determine:

• Reagent requirements
• The potential for creating metals mobility
• Remedial design parameters

The treatability test results demonstrated:

• Site groundwater required biostimulation (nutrients, trace minerals, electron donor) and bioaugmentation to effectively treat the PCE to ethene in a timely and cost-effective manner.
• There was minimal potential for metals mobility

The treatability testing results were used in the design of the pilot / full-scale application at the site by Loureiro. The field implementation was successful and lead to the Maine Department of Environmental Protection to decommission the pump and treat containment system.