TN&A performs remediation system optimization for public and private sector customers to maximize the effective return on the funds invested in remediation. We have applied optimization to system monitoring, technology selection, technology configuration, and system operations.
System monitoring optimization—TN&A has successfully negotiated approved reductions in groundwater monitoring programs to focus monitoring on fewer, but strategically located, wells to be analyzed for fewer, but critical analytes—retaining monitoring goals and quality while reducing monitoring costs.
Technology selection optimization—TN&A has conducted in situ treatability and pilot testing of innovative remediation technologies to select the most cost-effective approach, tailored to site-specific conditions. We have used value engineering to renegotiate regulatory approval of innovative in-situ technologies to reduce overall life-cycle remediation costs.
Technology configuration optimization—TN&A has modified existing remediation systems to increase operations uptime, enhance performance, and reduce the time to achieve closure. For example, we have negotiated incremental closure of systems proven to have achieved remedial goals so operations could focus on remaining hot spots. We have converted groundwater treatment systems to zero-discharge to eliminate NPDES permits and increase operational reliability.
System operations optimization—TN&A has eliminated process bottlenecks, optimized chemical dosing systems, and fine-tuned conditions to enhance performance. At an electronics facility with chlorinated VOCs in groundwater, we used a combination of “fast release” and “slow release” electron donors to create optimum conditions for anaerobic reductive dechlorination—achieving over 80 percent reduction in one year at an annual cost savings of $100,000 compared to the original pump and treat system. For an electrokinetic remediation system, we optimized the operating voltage and thiosulfate addition to minimize chloroform production while maintaining system performance.
