Project Experience

Challenge

A RCRA Solid Waste Management Area (SWMA) experienced a release of 1,600 gallons of kerosene from a leaking pipe housed in the SWMA. Emergency response remedied the bulk of the kerosene release; however, residual kerosene remained within the SWMA soil and groundwater. AcuityES was retained to investigate the kerosene release and other potential releases within the SWMA.

Action

AcuityES conducted a soil and groundwater investigation in the SWMA. Investigation results identified the presence of a light non-aqueous phase liquid (LNAPL) in one of the groundwater monitoring wells. However, laboratory analytical results and field observations of the LNAPL were not consistent with that expected for kerosene. AcuityES conducted petroleum fingerprint analysis of the LNAPL to determine the LNAPL source. Petroleum fingerprint results were compared inter-well and to kerosene parent material.

Results

Results of the investigation identified that the LNAPL discovered in the monitoring well was not kerosene, but rather a lubricating oil comprised of a proprietary blended vegetable oil. As kerosene petroleum constituents were at concentrations below State regulatory limits and the LNAPL vegetable oil posed no health hazard, the SWMA investigation was able to be closed.