Feb. 1, 2008 -- Cleaning up a groundwater remediation site in a coastal region presents challenges not found on your typical site. Tidal water level fluctuations, an aging hydrocarbon, and a high water table all pose significant site management problems.

Originally other pumps were tried, but failed. Water being pumped with the weathered diesel fuel and entrained solids caused clogging in the pumps. The consultants looked for other options at this site which began operation in the 1930s as a transfer point for offshore oil tankers. Over the years leaking pipes and spills contaminated the soil. Modified Genie automatic air-powered pumps were tried and proved to be the right choice.

Forty Genie pumps customized for the site were ordered and installed in 1999. Each pump skimmer had to be capable of traveling 50 inches to accommodate the daily tidal fluctuations, and had to be positioned within 3 feet of ground level. To accommodate this shallow depth, the pump bodies were shortened and positioned to extend through the top of the well cap to reach the top range of the floating layer. Additionally, the wellhead and pump had to be contained within a well vault below the ground surface.

The Genie pumps have performed well over the years since installation. The Genies have not pumped water and have only required routine maintenance. Some pumps have been flooded many times, but with simple field maintenance they are quickly returned to service.

In 2007, it was decided to expand the recovery effort by adding new wells. Once again Genie pumps were selected for the job. This time, thirty-six new surface controlled Genie pumps have been ordered; and will be operated with seven C100M controllers. The controllers will be located at the remediation compound above the flood levels, along with the compressor while the pump air supply will be plumbed underground along with the discharge lines.

Reference Material
Learn more about AutoGenie skimmers at: www.qedenv.com/Products/Recovery/LNAPL_Skimmers_Overview/

Contact Information
Sharon Gauss
Sales Administrator
800-807-3928, ext. 251
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About the company:
QED has been a leading manufacturer of environmental monitoring and remediation equipment since 1982. The company's product offerings include treatment equipment; air-powered environmental pumps for groundwater remediation, groundwater sampling, landfill leachate & methane condensate pumping; and wireless remote data collection systems.

SOURCE QED Environmental Systems, Inc.