THE ENVIRONMENTAL GROUP

The Environmental Sciences Group of the PIAS has acquired a broad spectrum of technical capabilities in many areas of theretical and applied work relating to the environment.  Topic areas that have been particularly active in recent years include: contaminated site characterization, environmental management services, air pollution control using advanced technology biofiltration, development of innovative soil washing technologies, the design and construction of biopiles and biofilters, site and ground water bioremediation, environmental policy and planning and computer simulations of area migration of contaminants including free phase light hydrocarbons, multicomponent organic liquids, dissolved transport in unconfined aquifers and estimating hydrocarbon recovery by in situ vacuum extraction.  The Institute's linkages with a vast global network of leading edge researchers assures that solutions can be quickly and efficiently found to even the most difficult and/or unusual problems that have resisted solutions by traditional means.

• Site Characterizations 

• Remediation/stabilization of sites contaminated with heavy metals. 

• Modelling of contaminant migration and degradation. 

• Site monitoring and design and construction of instrumentation for contaminant monitoring 

• Technical consultation related to soils, groundwater, air contaminants remediation projects. 

• Site stabilization and immobilization of leachable contaminants. 

• Bioremediation of sites contaminated with gasoline, creosote, solvents, chlorinated hydrocarbons, hydrocarbons, aromatics, PCP, TCP, diesels, pesticides, herbicides and heavy fuel oils. 

• Design and operation of a variety of biofilters for dealing with a wide variety of air contaminates including composting odours, sulfides, VOCs, volatile fatty acids, TCE, H2S, BTEX, hydrocarbons and a wide variety of organics. 

• Removal of Underground Storage Tanks (UST) and supervision of new facility installation. 

• Expert testimony at legal proceedings. 

There are many technologies available for contaminated site remediation, but the majority of these are only effective for specific types of contaminants and site conditions. The PIAS has been instrumental in developing a new approach to contaminated site remediation that uses process integration combined with a multi-technology strategy to improve the range of contaminants and sites that can be treated.

The Integrated Approach is based on the identification of separable base fractions or areas of the site that can be individually treated using the most appropriate remediation technologies. Depending on laboratory assessments of the contaminant distribution in the site, the Integrated Approach is tailored to the individual needs of the site. The advantage is that the remediation procedure can be closely matched to the required environmental safety standards, remediation time-scales and associated costs. The approach of separating the contaminated material into fractions is ideal for treating contaminated sediments and debris. 

Site Assessment And Chemical Analysis are vital steps in determining the type of contamination and its distribution throughout the a site. The information gained is used to define the treatment routes and technologies that will be most effective at remediating a particular site.

Physical Treatment

Physical treatment is used to reduce the volume of contaminated material to be treated by separating-out uncontaminated fractions. Contaminated fractions can also be converted mixtures that are more easily treated by down-stream processes. The PIAS is fully experienced in fractionation, washing and separation processes using a variety of techniques. Pilot plant facilities for treating specific contaminants can be developed to remediate several tonnes per hour. The Institute has developed slurry and air-phase biofilters capable of dealing with water or gaseous emissions. 

 

Biological Treatments

 

Using natural processes such as composing, land farming, biopiles and in-situ biofilters, a broad spectrum of organic contaminants can be reduced to CO2, water, and harmless compounds. Biological processes can also be used on inorganic contaminants to separate and leach-out contaminants for further treatment. Research is continuing at the Institute at continuously expanding the scope and effectiveness of bioremediation as a treatment option.

Chemical Treatment

In addition to the addition of specially developed nutrients, penetrants and surfactants used to enhance biological degradability, bulk materials can be treated by neutralization and precipitation techniques.

Thermal Treatment

Techniques such as low temperature thermal desorption can be effectively used when treating soils heavily contaminated with oils, greases and hydrocarbons. Thermal treatments can be used to destroy concentrated process residues resulting from physical separation.

Solidification

Solidification is used to control particularly difficult contaminants and to stabilize contaminant concentrates produced by other treatment processes. The most common forms of solidification are cementation and polymerization. 

Process Modeling

Computer Bases process modeling forms a vital part of the Integrated Approach, allowing a rapid evaluation of treatment alternatives. Effective modeling and simulation can significantly reduce the need for extensive laboratory tests during the during the design of the integrated treatment process and the optimization of the treatment processes. 

Site Refuse/Debris Treatment

Debris and refuse generated during the remediation requires assessment and treatment before recycling and disposal. The PIAS continues to develop systems and treatment concepts within its Integrated Treatment Approach.

Effluent and Emissions Treatment

The PIAS in cooperation with World Envirotech Services and Technologies of Portland, OR has pioneered the technology of treating liquid and air emissions using slurry phase and air phase bioflters. In order to ensure that no contaminants spread beyond the treatment site, all effluents and emissions are chemically assessed. If required, further treatments can be specified.

Cost effectiveness

High technology on-site bioremediation developed by PIAS is a highly cost effective remedial option. Comparisons between the various remedial options, given as a cost per cubic meter, can be listed as follows:

Incineration - Including removal and haulage costs $1,000/m³ 

Landfill - Including excavation, haulage and tipping fees $ 250/m³ 

Solidification/Stabilization with storage at a separate site $ 160/m³ 

On-Site Soil Washing - with pretreatment $ 50 - 95/m³ 

In-Situ Advanced Technology Bioremediation $ 10 - 50/m³ 

The vast majority of sites can be remediated using in-situ bioremediation, thus significant savings can be achieved over other treatment options. Conventional organizations commonly charge from $80 to $100 per cubic meter for bioremediation.