Abstract: A composition is provided to control soil erosion and for conditioning soil to prevent fugitive dust and stabilizing roadway surfaces. the composition contains monomeric resins, enzymes, surfactants and water. The composition can be sprayed onto the soil or admixed and distributed with the soil and followed by compacting with a roller or pneumatic compactor.

Abstract: A method for the surface stabilization of sand and/or soil is provided. The method is comprised of applying an aqueous polymer dispersion to the surface layer of soil. The aqueous polymer dispersion is comprised of triesters of glycerol with lower aliphatic monocarboxylic acids, citric acid triesters with lower aliphatic monohydric alcohols and/or epoxidized triglycerides of at least partly olefinically unsaturated fatty acids as biodegradable plasticizers in aqueous polyvinyl acetate dispersions.

Abstract: A process is provided for reducing fluid leakage from or into a subterranean storage cavern through the earthen wall of the storage cavern by sealing a relatively high permeability region of the earthen wall, through which the leakage occurs, with a sealing composition in the form of a gel. The process is initiated by preparing a gelation solution from a crosslinkable polymer, a crosslinking agent, and an aqueous solvent. The gelation solution is dispensed into the storage cavern and substantially gelled at the relatively high permeability region, forming a gel that reduces the permeability of the relatively high permeability region and effectively seals the region to fluid flow therethrough. Alternatively, the gelation solution is placed at the relatively high permeability region of the subterranean storage cavern by injecting the gelation solution into an injection well in fluid communication with the relatively high permeability region.

Abstract: A water soluble chemical composition for use as a soil stabilizer, conditer and structuring agent includes a dispersing agent such as a polyanionic sulfonated urea-melamine formaldehyde condensate, an aggregating agent such as a non-ionic water soluble urea-formaldehyde condensate having relative weight average molecular weights between 400 to 10,000 and polydispersity between 2.5 to 10, and a basic salt like di-sodium tetra borate and/or a neutral salt like sodium chloride and a nitrogen potassium or phosphorous containing compound such as potassium nitrate, phosphoric acid, potassium dihydrogen orthophosphate and the like, wherein the ratio of urea-formaldehyde to sulfonated urea-melamine-formaldehyde is between 0.2:1 to 2.0:1 and the final solid contents of this composition is between 1-15%. These compositions are then sprayed on top of sand or soil with conventional equipment and will impart significant improvements in their mechanical properties and their erosion resistance to water and wind.

Abstract: A crosslinked water-based gel, for example a gel plug in an underground rock formation or a pipeline, is broken by an enzyme and a substrate which is capable of being converted by the enzyme into an organic acid which breaks down the gel. The enzyme is allowed to catalyze the conversion of the substrate into the acid to cause the breakdown of the gel.

Abstract: A method of strengthening and improving the load-bearing capacity of soft clay-containing subterranean soil comprising advancing a soil processing tool into said subterranean soil to break said soil into discrete particles; while advancing said soil processing tool into said soil, introducing an aqueous composition consisting essentially of water and a clay dispersant in an amount sufficient to disperse said discrete particles and make water from said clay available for hydration of subsequently added cement; when the soil processing tool has reached its desired depth, withdrawing same and simultaneously adding during said withdrawal a cementitious composition comprising water and a cement in a water-to-cement weight ratio of 0.4 to 1:1 and in an amount which provides a weight ratio of the total water of said aqueous dispersant containing composition, said clay soil and said cementitious composition to said cement of about 4 to 6:1; and allowing said mixture to harden.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for the remediation of contaminated soil and ground water wherein a reactive pack material is added to the annular fill material utilized in standard well construction techniques.

Abstract: Compositions of precipitated anionic polymers containing mixtures of cationic organic salts and kosmotropic salts as well as processes for making and using the same to condition soil are disclosed.

Abstract: This invention relates to the use of activated charcoal granule compositions which, when dry spread and "watered-in" to a site, reduces undesirable biological activity of deleterious organic compounds. When wet, these granules disperse very rapidly with a large dispersion area to original granule diameter ratio. The granules have high loadings of charcoal, i.e., from about 60 to about 95 weight percent and contain from about 5 to about 40 weight percent of a surfactant system which exhibits excellent dispersing; rewetting; and binding properties.

Abstract: A process for microbial remediation of soil polluted with a pollutant by introducing into the polluted soil a decomposing microorganism, a nutrient and/or an inducer necessary for the expression of a decomposing activity in the microorganism, wherein a coefficient of permeability of the polluted soil is controlled to be small and uniform so that the introduced substance may be uniformly distributed over a soil area to be remedied. Also a process for treating soil which comprises a step of controlling the coefficient of permeability of the soil so that a peak at the substantially smallest coefficient of permeability may comprise the largest percentage in the distribution of coefficient of permeability.

Abstract: Contaminated material such as soil or sludge is remediated by injecting a suitable remediation fluid into the material during excavation of the contaminated material with a trenching tool. The remediation fluid is injected into the contaminated material through an injection means, preferably a plurality of injection nozzles positioned along the length of the trenching tool. The thusly treated material is backfilled or deposited directly into the trench excavated by trenching tool thereby obviating the need for off-site disposal. The constituent remediation agents in the remediation fluid may be adjusted to adapt to varying site conditions and contaminants. The remediation fluid may also be heated to accomplish volatile stripping of the contaminated material or to activate microbial agents in a low temperature environment.

Abstract: This invention relates to a process for treating cementitious containing materials including asphalt with a binding composition containing a protein-polysaccharide complex to improve resistance to erosion caused by environmental forces and physical wear and to enhance internal adhesion of the compositions. The use of the binding compositions in asphalt paving compositions reduces the amount of bitumen or asphalt emulsion necessary to produce asphalt paving compositions while increasing the wear resistance of the asphalt paving composition.

Abstract: The present invention relates to various methods, such as an above-ground method and an in-ground method, of using a palladized iron bimetallic system for the dechlorination of chlorinated organic compounds from various effluents or contaminated soil containing the same. The use of palladized iron bimetallic system results in the dechlorination of the chlorinated organic compound into environmentally safe reaction products.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to the use of water-soluble compositions containing a compound having a Lewis base group attached to a hydrophobic group where the Lewis base group is capable of donating at least one lone pair of electrons to a metal. These compositions are effective in treating acid mine drainage by treating the source of the acid mine drainage as well as the acid mine drainage waters. These compositions are also effective in removing metal and non-metal ions from aqueous sources and the process can be modified to allow the selective removal of metal and non-metal ions from aqueous sources.

Abstract: A dispersant solution includes a hydrocarbon dispersing solution derived from a bacterium from ATCC 75527, ATCC 75529, or ATCC 55638.

Abstract: The remediation of heterogeneous subsurfaces is extremely time consuming and expensive with current and developing technologies. Although such technologies can adequately remove contaminants in the high hydraulic conductivity, coarse-grained sediments, they cannot access the contaminated low hydraulic conductivity fine-grained sediments. The slow bleed of contaminants from the fine-grained sediments is the primary reason why subsurface remediation is so time-consuming and expensive. This invention addresses the problem of remediating contaminated fine-grained sediments. It is intended that, in the future, a heterogeneous site be treated by a hybrid process that first remediates the high hydraulic conductivity, coarse-grained sediments, to be followed by the process, described in this invention, to treat the contaminated low hydraulic conductivity fine-grained sediments.

Abstract: A method of dispersing a hydrocarbon includes the steps: providing a bacterium selected from the following group: ATCC 85527, ATCC 75529, and ATCC 55638, a mutant of any one of these bacteria possessing all the identifying characteristics of any one of these bacteria, and mixtures thereof; autoclaving the bacterium to derive a dispersant solution therefrom; and contacting the dispersant solution with a hydrocarbon to disperse the hydrocarbon.Moreover, a method for preparing a dispersant solution includes the following steps: providing a bacterium selected from the following group: ATCC 75527, ATCC 75529, and ATCC 55638, a mutant of any one of these bacteria possessing all the identifying characteristics of any one of these bacteria, and mixtures thereof; and autoclaving the bacterium to derive a dispersant solution therefrom.

Abstract: A method is described, using a polyurethane resin mixture, for sealing off points through which water enters geological rock formations. The method utilizes an isocyanate component (a) and a polyol component (b), to be intimately mixed in a static mixer. The mixture is introduced under pressure into the rock formation through boreholes or injection lances. Primary or secondary di or polyamines are substituted for a portion of the polyol component (b) in quantities such that the polyol remains in excess. These amines greatly accelerate the gelation time for the resin, resulting in an instantaneous increase in viscosity of the gel.

Abstract: A synthetic cover for bulk material piles and loads in transit may be formed from a mixture of liquid, binder, and fibers. These constituents may be mixed and applied to cover a waste pile. The cover will harden to minimize water infiltration, wind blown dust, odor and affinity to birds, flies and other insects. The liquid may include water; the binder may include portland cement, portland cement with flyash, cement kiln dust with or without bentonite, or stone dust. The fibers may comprise shredded paper or wood or plastic fibers.

Abstract: A soil barrier to prevent the spread of harmful substances in the soil or ground water based on humic substances precipitated in the soil and a process for its creation.

Abstract: A method for remediating a hydrocarbon-contaminated region of a subterranean body of groundwater to destroy or reduce the initial concentration levels of hydrocarbon contaminants. A plurality of mutually spaced wells are provided which intersect the groundwater region. A treating flow of acetic acid is provided from one or more of the wells into the groundwater region, to establish acidic conditions. A turbulent flow of an aqueous solution of ferrous ion into the groundwater region is generated for mixing with the acidified groundwater, thereby providing a catalyst for disassociation of hydrogen peroxide. A treating flow of hydrogen peroxide solution from one or more of the wells into the groundwater region is then provided, so that the hydrogen peroxide may undergo a Fenton-like reaction in the presence of the acidic conditions and ferrous ion to generate hydroxyl free radicals for oxidizing the contaminants. An apparatus system for practicing the method is also disclosed.

Abstract: A water-repellent earth material having grains formed with silicone coating is made by mixing the earth material with an emulsion of silicone oil in water and drying. The earth material may be selected from the group consisting of soil, sand, gravel, pebbles, silicon-containing combustion ash of household refuses and silicon-containing combustion ash of industrial refuses. The earth material may be used to form a water-repellent ground surface layer, a water-repellant underground layer or a water-repellent enclosure for various purposes.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a system and a method which employs gas to position a resin sausage into a bolt hole drilled by a rock bolter. The system provides a controlled quantity of liquid into a resin sausage insertion chamber prior to supplying the gas to eject the sausage from the resin sausage insertion chamber. The liquid enhances the reliability and accuracy of the placement of the sausages in the bolt hole. Preferably, the system includes an expansion chamber through which the gas passes. The expansion chamber is provided so that the gas can be partially displaced by liquid and thereafter, liquid will be advanced into the resin sausage insertion chamber prior to the gas. The system can either have its own fluid supply or alternatively use a fluid supply of the rock bolter if one is provided for flushing the bolt holes.

Abstract: An improved process for anerobic microbial dechlorination of polychlorinated biphenyl compounds in sediment containing microorganisms capable of dechlorinating polychlorinated biphenyls which includes adding and admixing the sediment with a halogen substituted benzoic acid, salicylic acid or a lower alkyl ester of the acids.

Abstract: A method of eluting trinitrotoluene (TNT) from soil using a dispersant from bacterial intra-amoebic isolate 1s, ATCC 75229.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for the treatment of sediment. The apparatus provides a plurality of injection sites for injecting a biochemical oxidant into the sediment. The oxidant is useful for oxidizing a bacterial growth inhibitor to a non-inhibiting form thus permitting bacterial growth and thus greater numbers for sediment detoxification.

Abstract: A solid-phase bioremediation method utilizing naturally occurring lignin-degrading fungi. The method includes inoculating a field-contaminated, nonsterile soil or wood having a halogenated hydrocarbon contaminant with an inoculum containing one or more lignin-degrading fungi and a lignocellulosic substrate, and degrading the contaminant to less toxic degradation products.

Abstract: A flexible grout composition and method of disposing the composition in position, in contact with an earthen formation, such as a coating on a trench wall, or within a bore hole, for example to cement a conduit within the bore hole to prevent fluid loss, for sealing and grouting well casings, plugging abandoned wells, and waterproofing earthen structures, particularly in environments where the grout composition is in contact with contaminated water. The flexible grout composition includes a water-swellable clay, such as sodium bentonite; an optional solid particulate filler, such as an essentially nonswellable bentonite clay, such as calcium bentonite, herein defined as a bentonite clay having calcium as the predominant exchangeable cation; a water-soluble polymer; and an optional dispersing agent, such as sodium acid pyrophosphate (SAPP).

Abstract: A soil treatment process is provided utilizing a foamed gel to block the flow of a migratory fluid in a soil. Placement of the foamed gel in a desired treatment region of the soil produces a seal that substantially eliminates the permeability of the treatment region to the migratory fluid and prevents migration of fluid across the region. In each of its numerous embodiments, the process can be employed as either a remedial or a preventative treatment.

Abstract: The invention relates to the use of a composition which, in a liquid carrier, contains a polymeric hydrogen siloxane (or (H) siloxane) corresponding to the following general formula ##STR1## in which n is a number of from 1 to 70 andR is an alkyl, hydroxyalkyl, aminoalkyl, haloalkyl or aryl radical.The liquid carrier is, for example, water or dichloromethane.

Abstract: A method for the extraction of organic pollutants from contaminated soils without further contaminating the soil with organic solvents comprises the step of mixing aqueous solutions of cyclodextrins or their derivatives with the contaminated soil.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a process of forming a ditch liner by dispensing a solidifiable liquid mixture onto a continuously moving porous blanket, applying pressure against the mixture and the coated blanket to form a continuous matrix within the blanket, laying the resulting coated blanket into a ditch before the liquid mixture has fully cured, conforming the coated blanket to the shape of the ditch, and allowing the mixture to fully cure. The improvement resides in using a reaction mixture of a polyisocyanate, up to 60% by weight of a filler, a specified polyol mixture and, optionally, a catalyst. The polyol mixture requires three different propylene oxide adducts: i) a propylene oxide adduct of an alkanolamine, ii) a propylene oxide adduct of a low molecular weight organic compound having from 3 to 8 OH groups, and iii) a propylene oxide adduct of a low molecular weight diol.

Abstract: Method of conditioning soils, in which copolymers which are composed of acrylamide and/or methacrylamide, a sulphonyl-containing, substituted acrylamide or methacrylamide, a multi-functional, water-soluble vinyl compound and, if appropriate, carboxyl-containing comonomers are added to the soils as soil conditioners.

Abstract: A method of removing hydrocarbon contaminants from air and a method of removing nonionic organic contaminants, particularly petroleum-derived aromatic contaminants that have a limited capacity to ionize in aqueous solution at substantially neutral pH, from water, by contacting the contaminants in the air or water with an organophilic clay that has been prepared by ion-exchange of an ion-exchangeable clay with a tetra short chain alkyl (C.sub.1 -C.sub.4) quaternary ammonium ion for use in removing air-laden contaminants; or a di- or tri- short chain alkyl (C.sub.1 -C.sub.4), with one or two mono- substituted or unsubstituted cycloalkyl moieties, or one or two mono-substituted or unsubstituted aryl or one or two alkaryl moiety quaternary ammonium ion for removing air and water-laden contaminants.

Abstract: A method and formulation are shown for capping the exposed surface of an aggregate of materials, such as exposed land areas with fine particulate mining wastes. A mineral formulation is prepared by mixing together lime, a pozzolanic component, a sulfate component, a cellulosic component and water. The mineral formulation is applied to the exposed aggregate and is allowed to harden to form a surface coating thereon. A seed component or a coloring additive can be incorporated within the slurry for revegetating land areas and to enhance the esthetic appearance of the hardened cap.

Abstract: There is disclosed a method of cutting off water flow by grouting characterized by injecting a water flow cutoff agent (grout) comprising colloidal silica as the main component, a water flow cutoff agent comprising a water-soluble urethane diluted with water, or a water flow cutoff agent comprising a mixture of the above two kinds of water flow cutoff agents into a water-leaking part or a cavity. Also disclosed is a method of cutting off water flow by grouting characterized by injecting a water flow cutoff agent comprising colloidal silica as the main component into a water-leaking part or a cavity and then injecting thereinto a water flow cutoff agent comprising a water-soluble urethane diluted with water or a water flow cutoff agent comprising a mixture of a water flow cutoff agent comprising colloidal silica as the main component with a water flow cutoff agent comprising a water-soluble urethane diluted with water.

Abstract: There are provided compositions and processes for enhancing the initial and long term shear strength and initial tip stability of process wastes. The process wastes are aqueous dispersions such as the slurry tailings from mining operations. The compositions are comprised of the process waste, cement and a water absorbent polymer which is a mixture of Mannich acrylamide polymers and dimethyldiallyammonium halide polymers.

Abstract: A synthetic cover for waste piles may be formed from a mixture of liquid, binder, and fibers. These constituents may be mixed and applied to cover a waste pile. The cover will harden to minimize odor and affinity to birds, flies and other insects. The liquid may include water; the binder may include cement kiln dust with or without bentonite, or portland cement with flyash or stone dust. The fibers may comprise shredded paper or wood.

Abstract: A soil treatment process is provided utilizing a polymer enhanced foam to block the flow of a migratory fluid in a soil. Placement of the polymer enhanced foam in a desired treatment region of the soil produces a seal that substantially eliminates the permeability of the treatment region to the migratory fluid and prevents migration of fluid across the region. In each of its numerous embodiments, the process can be employed as either a remedial or a preventative treatment.

Abstract: A method utilizing non-reactive fillers in the sealing of unstable rock strata under wet or humid conditions, the method comprising providing (a) from about 10 to about 85% by weight of a water soluble alkali metal silicate, (b) about 0.7% to about 10.0% by weight of a water soluble or water miscible reactant for said alkali metal silicate and (c) about 2 to about 50% by weight of non-reactive filler, bringing components (a), (b) and (c) together with sufficient mixing to form a sealing composition, applying the composition in a coating to the rock strata and permitting the composition to set while being exposed to wet or humid conditions to form an impervious sealant coating thereby imparting structural strength and reinforcement and preventing penetration of air and dust through the rock strata. Preferably the non-reactive filler comprises a minor proportion, for example from about 0.2% to about 10% by weight based on the weight of the sealant composition of reinforcing fibers.

Abstract: A process is described for rock consolidation, e.g. in tunnel construction and mining, by injection of aqueous preparations of melamine resin condensates and/or urea formaldehyde condensates together with an acid curing agent. The process is characterized by the use of aqueous solutions of hydrogen sulfate salts, especially solutions of alkali and/or ammonium bisulfates, as curing agents. The curing agent solutions can contain additional auxiliary agents and active substances such as corrosion inhibitors, structurizers and adhesion agents. Preferred resin solutions for consolidation with these aqueous curing agents contain added zeolite NaA and/or hydrosodalite for increasing their serviceability, and especially for prolonging their storage life.

Abstract: Method for selectively treating wells using a low viscosity epoxy resin-forming composition containing a single curing agent. The composition comprises a liquid bisphenol A-based epoxy material and a polyamide hardener for ambient temperature curing of the liquid epoxy material. The epoxy material has a very low viscosity at well surface temperatures and is immiscible with well fluids. The polyamide curing agent used is an amber-colored mobile liquid having a low viscosity at ambient temperature and is further characterized as having long pot life and low exotherm. The method is applicable to plugging permeable zones in a gravel-packed well and may be used to repair leaks in well casing or production tubing and in cementing to prevent communication between subterranean regions.

Abstract: A process of soil remediation in which an encapsulation solution is introduced into contact with a soil matrix containing chemical contaminants such as polynucleated aromatics in an amount sufficient to form a saturated admixture of the soil matrix and the encapsulation solution, the encapsulation solution being capable of preferentially attracting the chemical contaminants contained in the soil matrix, and containing an effective amount of non-ionic surfactant material and water; and the admixture is admixed for an interval sufficient to permit the chemical contaminants to preferentially dissociate from contact with the soil matrix in favor of association with the encapsulation solution. Once this occurs, the encapsulation solution with associated chemical contaminants can be removed from contact with the soil matrix.

Abstract: Various silicone materials, which have a low order of toxicity to fish, birds, and wildlife; and which slowly degrade to carbon dioxide and silicon dioxide in the environment, may be used to treat local soils to make them permanently oleophillic. These soils can then be used to minimize, consolidate, and clean up oily spills. Because local soils are used and only minor amounts of chemicals are required, the cost of cleanup is drastically lowered while response time is much quicker.

Abstract: A method for installing piles in offshore waters using a drill and grout technique. The method utilizes a drilling fluid for drilling the borehole for the pile that forms a cementitious filter cake on the borehole wall and a cement for grouting the pile that is compatible with both the filter cake and salt water.

Abstract: A synthetic cover for waste piles may be formed from a mixture of liquid, binder, cellulose fibers and plastic fibers. These constituents may be mixed and applied to cover a waste pile. The cover will harden to minimize odor and affinity to birds, flies and other insects. The liquid may include water; the binder may include cement kiln dust with or without bentonite, or portland cement with flyash or stone dust. The cellulose fibers may comprise shredded paper or wood.

Abstract: The soil aggregate stability of a soil, particularly a crusting or compacting soil, is improved by the addition of a coal-derived product which is a humic acid gel, a humic acid salt gel, a humic acid salt which is capable of forming a gel in water or mixtures thereof.

Abstract: A method for treating the soil in a performance arena. An effective amount of a treatment composition is applied to the soil in a performance area in the performance arena. The treatment composition is a water absorbing substance having a slow water releasing capability whereby the treatment composition absorbs water and slowly releases the absorb water for substantially reducing dust resulting in performance activities. The treatment composition in a preferred form is a gel-forming, water absorbing polymer or, more particularly, a crosslinked polyacrylamide polymer. The method particularly is directed to treating the performance area in an animal arena such as an indoor or outdoor facility where horse shows or rodeos or the like occur.

Abstract: Polymers (and especially hydroxyethylcellulose) are crosslinked using a lanthanide as a crosslinking agent. The crosslinked polymers have utility in well completion, well stimulation, enhanced oil recovery, and subterranean fluid containment operations.

Abstract: The invention relates to a process making it possible to consolidate a geological formation without significantly reducing its permeabiity. A liquid mixture (5) is injected into the formation (1) traversed by a well (2) and then at least one gas is injected through the formation under appropriate conditions. More specifically, the liquid mixture contains a polymerizable substance, preferably a melamine-formaldehyde resin, and at least one catalyst having a Lewis acid character and it substantially polymerizes at the temperature and pressure of the formation, while bonding the unconsolidated elements. Application to the consolidation of a geological formation containing sand.