Port Jervis brownfields cleaned up with Geo

Real Estate Weekly, March 19, 2003

A brownfield property in Port Jervis, NY, slated for redevelopment as an affordable senior housing facility, has been successfully cleaned-up by Geo Oxidation Services Inc. (GEO) using an innovative state-of-the-art subsurface chemical oxidation technology.

Known as the Waters Edge Brownfields, the site was contaminated with chlorinated solvents as a result of manufacturing activity between 1978 and 1993. Studies showed that spilled solvents went into the groundwater beneath the site. The contaminated groundwater, which contained up to 8,287 micrograms per liter (Ig/l) chlorinated solvents, was spread over an area of about 4.43 acres and the plume appeared to be flowing toward the nearby Neversink River.

The advantages of this technology over conventional soil vapor extraction, pump and treat, or soil removal are significant in results, surface disruption, time, and money. Unlike conventional efforts to remediate contamination caused by dry cleaners, gasoline stations, pesticides, etc., in-situ chemical oxidation is quick. Generally, results are realized within 2 to 3 months. Conventional approaches take years, tens of years. Surface disruption is minimal, there are no pumping buildings or permanent equipment; the entire process takes place underground. And, considering that the process takes weeks and not tens of years, the cost savings are substantial along with the peace-of-mind of obtaining state granted closure.

GEO injected treatment benign chemicals into the groundwater at various points selected to achieve good distribution and to ensure the most ffective and efficient contaminant destruction. The GEO in-situ approach achieved an average 92% reduction of chlorinated volatile organic compound (CVOCs) levels in the groundwater. As a result of this significant solvent pollutant destruction, GEO received site closure from the NYDEC. The GEO treatment ensures the groundwater contamination will not migrate into the nearby Neversink River. It also allows completion of the senior housing facility.