Delineation Of A Chlorinated-Solvents Plume In Complex Stratigraphy Using The Waterloo (Ingleton) Prof’Iler

During site-characterization activities at a former waste-disposal structure in Illinois, chlorinated solvents<br>including trichloroethene (PCE) and related degradation products were found in shallow soils and ground water.<br>The nature of the contaminants that were released, combined with the complicated alluvial stratigraphy presented<br>a relatively common but problematic setting with regard to characterization and remediation of the site. The<br>preliminary investigation involved conventional field methods including geophysical surveys, GeoProbe@<br>borings, and conventional drilling and monitoring using an auger rig and monitoring wells. This preliminary<br>assessmenpt rovided a coarse outline of the plume emanating from the source area, but more detailed delineation<br>of the comam.ination and site lithology was required to confidently define the plume comiguration.<br>A review of alternative technologies identified a newly developed direct-push profiling device designed by Bob<br>Ingleton at the University of Waterloo to facilitate detailed, depth-discrete ground water sampling. This device<br>has the following advantages: eliminates generation of contaminated drill spoil, greatly reduces volume of<br>dewntamination water required, provides qualitative determinations of hydraulic conductivity and lithology,<br>enables multiple sample wllection at various depths without need for retracting device between samples and no<br>permanent wells are left behind At the Illinois site, application of the Profiler provided an inexpensive and rapid<br>method of developing vertical profiles of ground water quality, resulting in a more comprehensive delineation<br>of wmammation as well as evidence supporting the intrinsic remedial capabilities of the subsurface. The results<br>of the investigation show that the Waterloo Profiler produces superior results in settings requiring detailed<br>analysis, minimal waste generation, and temporary sampling locations.