Brief

Along the shore of Lake Ontario, in Toronto’s Portlands, an area over 2 km2 and the former site of a petroleum hydrocarbon storage facility required remediation to mitigate contamination caused by historical spills and leaks. The expansive area required a robust, permanent system able to operate continuously year-round in all weather conditions.

The municipal government had originally hired another remediation contractor, who installed and operated the system. An analysis of the effectiveness of the system, including treatment train, capture zone analysis, and financial effectiveness, indicated that the system was not being utilized to its fullest potential.

Process

When the initial contract for ongoing remediation efforts expired, the municipal government offered the project by competitive bid to three firms. IRSL earned the project renewal based on their ability to effectively analyse and optimize the existing system.

To most efficiently capture and treat the Fuel Oil, LNAPL, and groundwater impacted with Petroleum Hydrocarbons, PAHs (Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons) and Chlorinated Ethenes, IRSL analysed, refurbished, optimized, and continues to adjust and maintain the Pump & Treat Groundwater System.

To confirm hydraulic containment, the IRSL team completed pumping tests, supplemented by numerical modeling. Based on the picture they attained from this modeling, they were able to optimize the approach.

Results

Hydrogeological and geochemical testing has confirmed plume capture.

Successful reductions in the quantity of fluids being pumped have lowered operating costs by approximately 60%.

Over the course of the project, operating and maintenance costs have decreased relative to inflation.

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