Geosyntec was retained to review treatment alternatives for brominated pesticide compounds found to exist in soil and groundwater beneath a former manufacturing facility in France.

Geosyntec conducted a literature review of public and internal data, then evaluated the expected fate of the brominated compounds from soil to groundwater and also to vapor pathways.

After evaluating the potential for fate and transport, Geosyntec developed a technology treatment screening matrix. The matrix included sustainability in the evaluation criteria.

Several technologies were ruled out before the matrix was populated due to inapplicability to the contaminant or because the technology did not align with overall remedial goals. Four overall “scores” were possible for the metrics in the matrix: Above Average, Average, Below Average, and N/A or No Data. The screening matrix was not a quantitative assessment.

One often-used approach is to select metrics that are termed “critical,” whereby a score of Below Average would eliminate the technology from further consideration. For this project, the Site Applicability, Availability, Time, System Reliability, and Development Status were chosen as critical. This approach was based on Geosyntec’s understanding of the drivers for remediation and the available site-specific information. The first technology screening stage was the identification of technologies, which received a score of Below Average in one of the critical metrics in the assessment matrix. The second stage of elimination was to examine the costs of required additional studies or trials before a remedial technology could be implemented.

The remedial technologies assessment process undertaken for the site resulted in bioventing, biopiles/composting, thermal desorption, and partial excavation with air separation as suitable technologies for consideration against excavation and off-site disposal.

Geosyntec completed this project on an expedited time frame of three weeks. The results were used to present options to a regulatory agency to meet key deadlines.