Souder, Miller & Associates (SMA) offers extensive experience in petroleum storage tank release investigation and cleanup. We have guided many clients through complete investigation, pilot testing, risk analysis, design of both passive and active remediation systems, development of long-term monitoring programs, and site closure following successful remediation. SMA is certified to conduct PST investigation (contaminant investigation and site characterization, hydrologic data analysis, reclamation system design, and monitoring) in New Mexico, Arizona, and Colorado. All PST corrective action performed by SMA is eligible for reimbursement under the respective state programs.

 

PST Management—Investigation

Before beginning work, Souder, Miller & Associates (SMA) develops a site-specific investigation program to determine the appropriate field, laboratory, and drilling methods. The investigation program is designed to first determine the leak or contaminant source and define the extent of the contamination located on the client’s property. This minimum site assessment or on-site investigation determines if soil or groundwater contamination extends off-site.

 

A hydrogeologic investigation is conducted if contamination has spread beyond the client’s property. This phase of investigation defines the full extent of the soil and groundwater contamination. SMA employs a variety of investigative methods to provide cost-effective, high-quality data. The collected data is then used to characterize the subsurface soils and aquifer. Accurate characterization of the site allows SMA to determine the most effective method of remediation and monitoring.

 

PST Management—Remediation

The Souder, Miller & Associates (SMA) approach to site remediation focuses on source area cleanup. More than 15 years of petroleum release remediation experience has demonstrated that a risk-based approach to source area remediation will result in rapid natural attenuation of down-gradient contaminants. SMA uses a wide range of source area remediation techniques, including:

• passive and active non-aqueous phase liquid (NAPL) skimming

• air sparging*

• dual-phase extraction

• vacuum-enhanced NAPL and groundwater recovery

• source area excavation (dig and haul)

• soil vapor extraction

On sites with sensitive down-gradient receptors such as drinking-water wells, SMA has successfully employed water-table depression (pump and treat), contaminant plume cutoff trenches, and air sparging curtains to protect these receptors.

*Under license from Environmental Improvement Technologies, Inc. for one or more of the following patents: U.S. Pat. No. 5,472,294; 5,653,288; 5,221,159 and 5,277,518 all in accordance with the laws of the US and pertinent foreign countries.

PST Management—Monitoring

Souder, Miller & Associates (SMA) develops programs to monitor soil, groundwater, and air contamination. In order to develop site-specific monitoring programs, SMA considers the volume and type of contamination as well as the risk of impact to public health. If a site poses a low risk to public health, SMA implements a reduced monitoring program that focuses on trend analysis of contaminate reduction and nutrient level monitoring. Sampling is completed for any combination of dissolved oxygen, nitrate, phosphate, sulfur, and iron for indications of in-situ biological treatment. If the contamination threatens public health, SMA implements a monitoring program based on contaminant fate and risk-assessment analysis.