Owens-Brockway Soil Removal & Biobarrier Groundwater Treatment

Soil and Groundwater Remediation

Reviewed existing site data and prepared the Revised Corrective Action Plan, based on new site information. Designed and managed a bench scale treatability test with PRIMA Laboratories to evaluate an ozone injection biobarrier for large industrial fuel oils in soils and groundwater. Testing apparatus included an aquarium with sand, internal barriers, and injection tubing to simulate groundwater conditions. Results indicated that ozone worked well, but air alone was satisfactory. The results were also used as the design basis for the biobarrier groundwater treatment system.

Prepared design plans and specifications to remove one underground storage tank and a former buried brick bunker. Design plans were used for bidding and construction contracting as well as permitting with the City of Oakland Fire Department. Sierra West provided bid assistance and consulting, and onsite construction management services. Excavations to 16 feet deep encountered groundwater and free product impacts. ORC was added to the bottom of the excavations, contaminated soils were disposed of at a Class II landfill, and import fill materials were placed and compacted prior to concrete paving at the industrial loading dock area.

Sierra West designed the air injection well biobarrier system that includes 23 air injection wells, buried PE piping, air compressor, and automated controls. The wells will be operated in groups and injection is cycled between groups of wells every 20 to 30 minutes to facilitate subsurface mixing. Design plans and technical specifications were used to obtain drilling and construction bids. Sierra West obtained encroachment, excavation, drilling, and building permits from the City of Oakland.

Project Relevance

Thorough review and bench testing lead to innovative solutions that will save $2M to $4M compared to previously preferred alternatives. Complete construction plans, bidding, and contracting for the excavation project saved $100,000 or more compared to change orders typical of similar projects.