Processes that Control the Natural Attenuation of Chlorinated Solvents--Picatinny Arsenal, New Jersey

CLICK PHOTOS FOR AN ENLARGED VERSION

USGS scientists collecting a sediment core from in front of Building 24 (circa 1992). Metal degreasing operations in Building 24 were the origin of the trichloroethylene (TCE) contaminant plume in the shallow aquifer beneath the Arsenal

USGS scientists about to sample a fresh sediment core for analysis of trichloroethylene (TCE) content to help estimate the mass of TCE sorbed to sediment in a s ubsurface TCE plume (circa 1992)

To avoid cross contamination during sampling, the augers used in coring at the site were steam cleaned (circa 1989). Contaminated water and sediment from the augers were collected from the bermed area and either treated or poured into drums for disposal

USGS scientist collecting a sample for analysis of volatile organic compounds (VOC). Water flowed through the multiparameter sonde (left) for measurement of field parameters (circa 1992)

U.S. Environmental Protection Agency scientists drilling at the "hot spot" in the trichloroethylene (TCE) plume using Level B protection including compressed air for breathing (circa 1989)

U.S. Environmental Protection Agency scientists collecting aseptic core samples using a specialized auger rig and a nitrogen-filled field glove box (circa 1989)

A core is being extruded from a core barrel into a glove box. The outside layer of the core was pared, and the core was collected in a sterile jar. The sediment samples were used for soil microcosms studies of the biodegradation of contaminants (circa 1989)

U.S. Environmental Protection Agency scientist constructing soil microcosms for a study of contaminant biodegradation rates at the site (circa 1989)

USGS scientists conducted a column study to determined desorption rates of trichloroethylene (TCE) from contaminated aquifer sediments. Desorption was an important continuing source of TCE to the plume (circa 1993)

University of Virginia and Princeton University scientists collecting water from lysimeters at the site (circa 1992). The sprinkler was used to simulate rainfall so an estimate of the amount of trichloroethylene (TCE) being redissolved by percolating rainfall could be made

This vapor-flux measuring device was developed by Jim Smith of the University of Virginia (formally of the USGS). Trichloroethylene (TCE) volatilizing upward through the unsaturated zone under the dome was captured on two adsorbent traps. The device was used to estimate the importance of TCE volatilization as a loss mechanism from the plume (circa 1993)

A view along the central axis of the trichloroethylene (TCE) plume toward Green Pond Brook across the Picatinny Arsenal golf course (circa 1992). The lower half of the TCE plume flowed under the golf course and discharged to Green Pond Brook

A view of Green Pond Brook, which was the ultimate recipient of the Building 24 trichloroethylene (TCE) plume (circa 1986)