Surmounting design problems in a complex piping system for groundwater remediation

Abstract

AbstractThis paper describes the design of a fiberglass reinforced plastic (FRP) piping system which transports groundwater extracted from 43 wells at the site of a former chemical manufacturing plant in Toms River, New Jersey. This system conveys an average flow of 2.7 million gallons per day of groundwater contaminated with aromatics, chlorinated hydrocarbons and metals through seven miles of pipeline to a biological and physical treatment plant. The piping system, shown in Figure 1 exceeds the scale typically seen in most groundwater remediation projects, with respect to length, number of wells and volume of water treated.The groundwater extraction system is a manifold piping network that consists of the 43 wells and associated pumps, piping and controls and is capable of conveying 150% of the average flow. All piping within plant boundaries is above ground. Offsite piping is installed below ground and is double walled. Leak detection devices are installed below ground in manways along the buried pipe route. Discharge piping from well pumps is tied into manifolds which go to the groundwater treatment plant.This paper describes design choices significantly affecting the system construction, piping system components, design procedures and significant lessons learned in the construction of the system. System design commenced in 1993, was completed in 1995 and system construction was finished in 1996.