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FULL-SCALE REMEDIATION OF EXPLOSIVES-CONTAMINATED SOIL USING THE SABRETM PROCESS

Treatability studies were performed in conjunction with the Army Corps of Engineers Waterways Experiment Station. Results indicated the Simplot Anaerobic Biological Remediation (SABRETM) Process could successfully treat the soil to the specified treatment goals.

A full-scale demonstration of the Simplot Anaerobic Biological Remediation (SABRETM) Process was carried out at the Yorktown, Virginia, Naval Weapons Station. Over 650 yd3 of soil was treated to less than 30 mg/kg TNT in approximately 30 days. Initial concentrations were estimated to be 450 mg/kg. The soil was screened and placed into an in-ground, double-lined biocell using a soil fluidizing system.

The same system was used to slurry the soil and water without significantly affecting anaerobic conditions within the biocell. Both treatment goals (TNT 30 mg/kg, RDX 100 mg/kg) were met. Permission is being sought by the local regulators to discharge the treated soil and water back to the site without further treatment.

Key words: bioremediation, explosives, munitions, anaerobic, soil