Enviraj Consulting
Envipedia
| Pump and Treat | |
|---|---|
| Overview | Pump and treat is a common method for cleaning up groundwater contaminated with dissolved chemicals, including industrial solvents, metals, and fuel oil. Groundwater is pumped from wells to an above-ground treatment system that removes the contaminants. Pump and treat systems also are used to “contain” the contaminant plume. Containment of the plume keeps it from spreading by pumping contaminated water toward the wells. This pumping helps keep contaminants from reaching drinking water wells, wetlands, streams, and other natural resources. |
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| How Does it Work | Pump and treat methods may involve installing one or more wells to extract the contaminated groundwater. Groundwater is pumped from these “extraction wells” to the ground surface, either directly into a treatment system or into a holding tank until treatment can begin. The treatment system may consist of a single cleanup method, such as activated carbon or air stripping, to clean the water. However, treatment often requires several cleanup methods if the groundwater contains different types of contaminants or high concentrations of a single contaminant.
Once treated water meets regulatory standards, it may be discharged for disposal or further use. |
| Pollutants Removed | Dissolved Chemicals, Heavy metals, Fuel oil |
| Area of Application | Groundwater Remediation |
| Environmental Footprint | Unknown |
| Area Footprint | Unknown |
| Treatment Time | few years to several decades, Morderate |
| Treatment Capacity | - |
| Treatment Cost | Unknown |
| Data Sources: | https://clu-in.org/download/Citizens/a_citizens_guide_to_pump_and_treat.pdf |
| Technical Design Guidelines | https://clu-in.org/download/Citizens/a_citizens_guide_to_pump_and_treat.pdf |
