Multimedia Risk‐Based Soil Cleanup at a Gasoline‐Contaminated Site Using Vapor Extraction

Abstract

AbstractAt a utility service center, gasoline from an underground storage tank had leaked into subsurface vadose zone soils for several years. To remediate the site, a soil vapor extraction (SVE) system was installed and operated. At the completion of the SVE operation, gasoline‐containing residues in several confirmation soil borings exceeded agency‐mandated cleanup levels. Rather than continue with SVE, a risk‐based approach was developed to evaluate what levels of gasoline‐containing residues could be left in the soil and still protect human health. The risk‐based approach consisted of simulating the fate of chemical residues through the vadose zone and then into both the ground water and atmosphere. Receptor point concentrations were predicted, and health risks were assessed. The risk assessment concluded that ingestion of contaminated ground water and inhalation of air while showering were the largest potential contributors to risk, and that risks associated with inhalation of vapor‐containing ambient air are small. However, all predicted risks are below the acceptable risk levels of 10−6 individual cancer risk probability and 1.0 hazard index. Therefore, the lead agency accepted the recommendation that the site requires no further remediation. The service center continues normal operations today.