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EPA SITE DEMONSTRATION OF THE TERRA VAC IN SITU VACUUM EXTRACTION PROCESS IN GROVELAND, MASSACHUSETTS
Citation:
Stinson*, M K. EPA SITE DEMONSTRATION OF THE TERRA VAC IN SITU VACUUM EXTRACTION PROCESS IN GROVELAND, MASSACHUSETTS. Journal of the Air Pollution Control Association. Air & Waste Management Association, Pittsburgh, PA, 39(8):1054-1062, (1989).
Impact/Purpose:
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Description:
This paper presents an EPA evaluation of the patented Terra Vac, Inc.'s in situ vacuum extraction process that was field-demonstrated on a trichloroethylene (TCE) contaminated soil in Groveland, MA, under the EPA Superfund Innovative Technology Evaluation (SITE) program. he Terra Vac process employs vacuum for removal and venting of volatile organic compounds (VOCs), such as TCE, from the subsurface soil without excavation. esults of the 8-wk continuous operation of the Terra Vac process in the field are as follows: igh VOC extraction rates, achieving in 8 wk a total extraction of 1,300 lb VOCs; an indication that this technology can achieve site remediation to the desired levels of VOC concentration in the soil; an indication that the process is effective in removing VOCs from soils of low permeability, such as clays, if soil has sufficient air-filled porosity; a correlatable decline in the VOC recovery rate with time that can be used to estimate operating time needed for site remediation; very reliable operation of the system in all weather conditions (test was performed in the winter); process is economical with estimated costs/ton of treated soil between $10 to $150. he demonstration site was a property of an operating machine shop in Groveland, MA. The site was contaminated with VOCs, mainly TCE, which had been used as a decreasing solvent. he Terra Vac system was designed, installed, and operated by Terra Vac, Inc. valuation of the process was performed by EPA based on the results from an extensive sampling and analytical program and on daily observation of the operations.