Twenty people spent part of their morning on February 24, 2022, learning about Thermal Remediation at brownfield redevelopment sites and earning continuing education credits applicable for LSRP, PE and PG licenses.  Presenters John Haas  of Terra Therm and Gary Angyal of Ramboll were totally engaging and provided lots of useful information about the application of the technology at two NJ sites. They also mentioned its application at sites elsewhere in the Northeast.  A big thank you to Ramboll for also being the event sponsor.

Alan Miller of NJDEP and Bill Silverstein of GEI moderated the Roundtable discussion and raised thoughtful questions.  Knowing their audience and hot topics, John and Gary mentioned that thermal remediation is effective on PFAS and 1, 4 dioxane in soil (not groundwater), although the sites described in depth had other contaminants of concern. Other lessons learned that were shared by the speakers:  account for subsurface obstructions, know who to talk to at the utilities and at the permitting agency(ies), and give yourself lots of lead time for required interactions with both groups. Plan for site security (high voltage equipment, chemical storage, and high visibility) and plan for community relations, especially if working in populated areas.

One interesting question raised was whether NJDEP considers thermal remediation as an innovative technology for purposes of RFS posting.  The moderators and BCONE staff didn’t know the answer but obtained one from NJDEP quickly:  it depends on the case specifics! 

Posted March 1, 2022