PCE in Dewatering Flows?A Case Study Risk-Based Clean-Up Action Levels

by Shala L. Craig,
Sri Krishnamachari, (A.M.ASCE),



Document Type: Proceeding Paper

Part of: North American Water and Environment Congress & Destructive Water

Abstract:

Up to 70 micrograms per liter (?g/L) of tetrachloroethylene (PCE) was detected in dewatering flows associated with a construction project (Project) in the City of Los Angeles. Because PCE was not identified as a groundwater contaminant during the Project background studies, the National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) permit for the Project did not address PCE treatment; nor did it specify PCE discharge requirements. However, PCE was monitored on a quarterly basis as part of the volatile organic compounds (VOC) of the EPA Priority Pollutant list. During construction dewatering, PCE contamination was found at six outfall locations. Hydrogeological investigation identified a possible regional source for PCE, thus rendering remediation options via point source elimination highly unlikely. Costs for design, procurement, and construction of a treatment facility to handle projected dewatering flows of up to 500 gallons per minutes (gpm), and its operation for the duration of dewatering, were estimated at several million dollars.

Subject Headings: PCE | Dewatering | Project management | Groundwater pollution | Construction management | Case studies | Water discharge | Los Angeles | California | United States

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