Investigation of the Migration of Selected Volatile Organic Compounds in Groundwater under an Unlined Landfill

Abstract

Historical data over an 18-year-period were examined in this study in order to determine the significance and impact of an unlined landfill on groundwater. A series of constituents historically and currently detected at an unlined landfill were selected for this investigation. The data indicate that there have been a substantial decrease in the concentration of VOCs after the implementation and operation of a pump and treat system that was required by governing state agencies in a site remediation effort. The results and findings of this research indicate that the pump and treat method and the landfill gas extraction system at the Chestnut Avenue Landfill properly contained the contamination plume. All constituents detected at the site have not been detected since 2005, except that of Trichloroethene, which has been detected until recently at low concentrations.It is suggested that a different form of remediation be proposed, as the pump and treat system has been as effective as possible and further remediation of the one remaining constituent may be infeasible.