Abstract: A method and apparatus for achieving in situ bioremediation of volatile contaminants in the vapor phase and dissolved or dispersed contaminants in the groundwater phase at a contaminated site. The apparatus of this invention is configured to be used within a remediation well of the type employed with vapor extraction and dewatering techniques, and serves to biologically treat soil contaminants in situ with microbes and any suitable microbial nutrients. As such, the present invention is adapted to be employed in conjunction with vapor extraction and dewatering remediation techniques to treat vapor and water-borne contaminants more effectively. The apparatus securely retains the microbes in a manner that serves to prevent leaching into the surrounding soil while simultaneously protecting the microbial population from predatory, competitive and inhibitory microorganisms.

Abstract: In a preferred method, a spilled fluid, lighter than and immiscible with water, is removed from the subsurface by first penetrating through the fluid zone and at least partially through the groundwater zone to provide a bore in communication therewith. Then, at suitable intervals, an amount of fluid is extracted from the fluid zone through the bore at a selected rate. In addition, at suitable intervals, an amount of water from the groundwater zone is extracted through the bore at a selected rate. Meanwhile, a vacuum is applied to one or more selected portions of the subsurface to draw air therethrough, to volatilize volatilizable components of the fluid, and to induce movement of the volatile (vapor) and liquid and heavy components of the fluid into the bore for extraction.

Abstract: In a preferred method, a spilled fluid, lighter than and immiscible with water, is removed by, first, penetrating through the fluid zone and at least partially through the groundwater zone to provide a bore in communication therewith. Then, at suitable intervals, an amount of fluid is extracted from the fluid zone through the bore at a rate selected to maintain contact between at least a portion of the fluid being extracted through the bore and at least a portion of the fluid remaining in the fluid zone. In addition, at suitable intervals, an amount of water from the groundwater zone is extracted through the bore to produce a head of fluid above the fluid/water interface adjacent the bore sufficient to cause gravity drainage of the fluid from the fluid zone in a direction generally toward the bore.

Abstract: An in-place soil sampler assembly includes an outer barrel or tube coupled to a corer point at one end thereof. An inner samping tube is contained within the outer tube. A soil sample retainer has a support ring connected to one end of the inner sampling tube. The support ring carries a plurality of flexible arcuate leaves each having a base portion secured to the ring and each having an apex moveable with respect to the support ring between opened and closed position. A collar is mounted at the end of the outer tube to form a cavity for receiving the soil sample retainer when the leaves are opened for passage of a soil sample from the corer point into the inner sampling tube; the leaves are closed when the support ring is removed from the cavity so as to form a convex soil sample support surface facing in the direction of the inner sampling tube for holding a soil sample therein.

Abstract: A method is disclosed for the use of an aqueous surfactant solution to remove water-insoluble, organic contaminant from subsurface soil layers. The process is carried out continuously with the application of the surfactant solution and the removal of the leachate from a recovery well within the treatment area. It is contemplated that the leachate will be treated above ground to remove the dispersed contaminant.

Abstract: A soil sampler assembly for obtaining undistrubed soil samples having an outer corer member for coring the soil during sampling and including first and second ends and also having an inner sampling member having first and second ends with the inner sampling member being removably disposed within the outer corer member for receiving a soil sample and adapted to be removed from the outer corer means without disturbing the soil sample.