Contaminated Land and Hydrogeology

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Contaminated Land and Hydrogeology

Hydrogeology

At Futuris Consulting we carry out hydrogeology studies that allow our clients to understand the configuration, extension and behaviour of aquifers. Such an understanding is key in decision-making and land planning processes that are able to achieve wholesome management of water resources.

Hydrogeology studies that we carry out in Costa Rica include:

  • Hydrogeological vulnerability and groundwater contamination risk analysis
  • Pollutant transit time estimation
  • Water balance calculation
  • Spring characterization
  • Estimation of catchment and protection areas for wells and springs
  • Aquifer recharge analysis
  • Saline intrusion risk assessments in coastal areas

Our hydrogeology studies produce the following benefits:

  • Local scale hydrogeology studies that facilitate operational and environmental permits
  • Regional scale hydrogeology studies that allow for identification and quantification of groundwater resources
  • Hydrogeology studies that enable protection of groundwater sources
  • Aquifer modelling that can be implemented in municipal land planning

Futuris Consulting performs hydrogeology studies using current and internationally validated methodologies, such as:

  • Geological and hyrogeological data gathering at the site of interest
  • Geological mapping and field data gathering
  • Prospection using geophysical methods
  • Installation of piezometers according to ASTM standards
  • Conceptual and numerical hydrogeological modelling
  • Clear and simple reporting using geographical information systems

    Contaminated Land Remediation

    We diagnose and characterize fuel PCB and heavy metal spills. We then design contaminated land remediation strategies in Costa Rica and the Central American region.

    Contaminated land remediation studies include:

    • Advising on how to report an oil spill (or any other hazardous substance) to environmental authorities in Costa Rica.
    • Drafting and implementing a remediation plan.
    • Drafting and implementing monitoring plans.
    • Soil and groundwater sampling.

    Hiring Futuris Consulting’s contaminated land remediation services brings along benefits such as:

    • Risk assessments that help determine the need for contaminated land remediation, thus reducing costs and resources.
    • In situ land remediation that allows contaminated site operations to continue during the process.
    • Remediation process represented by Futuris in order to obtain case closure before environmental authorities.

    Futuris Consulting carries out contaminated land remediation using current and internationally validated methodologies, such as:

    • Phase II assessments (ASTM E1903, CONCAWE 2003)
    • Human health and groundwater contamination risk modelling (e.g. HESP, CLEA, AERIS)
    • Staged procedures for contaminated land characterization (RBCA ASTM E2081, ASTM E1739)
    • In situ bio remediation of contaminated land
    • Monitored natural attenuation of land and groundwater pollutants (MNA)
    • Soil and water sampling and analysis at certified laboratories.

      Key Projects Related to Contaminated Land and Hydrogeology

      Phase II Evaluation

      Category: Industrial Manufacturing

      Phase II assessment of a metallurgic plant due to historic sources of metals and hydrocarbon. The project included an initial research stage with the use of passive gas monitoring, which allowed focusing on high interest areas for a latter stage that consisted on perforating monitoring wells and land drains in order to obtain soil and groundwater samples. The risk assessment proved that no contaminated land remediation was needed. A monitoring plan was submitted to and approved by the Costa Rica Ministry of Health.

      Soil Sampling Program for PCB’s

      Category: Government & Public Services

      Soil sampling for PCB analysis in eight electric substations, framed in the implementation of the project “Integrated PCB management in Costa Rica”, by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP). Sampling location was based on previous studies and sampling was carried out following internationally recognized methodologies.

      Phase II Evaluation

      Category: Oil & Gas, Chemical

      Phase II assessment of a service station due to historic sources of hydrocarbon. Perforation of soil monitoring wells was performed to determine high interest areas and their extension. The assessment showed that risk for sensitive receptors was low. However, because the station was undergoing a remodeling process, the Remediation Plan included in-situ bioremediation with a reduction of hydrocarbon concentrations in soil from 500 mg/kg to non-detectable in three months.

      Phase II Assessment

      Category: Manufacturing

      Phase II assessment in grain terminal, due to historic potential sources of fuel and metals, which included an exploratory investigation (Passive Gas Monitoring) and a monitoring piezometer perforation campaign and soil perforations, water and soil sampling. Spill containment and quantification of concentrations of substances of interest in benthonic organisms and sediments. Risk assessment found insignificant risk levels in sensitive receptors.

      Bioremediation

      Category: Oil & Gas, Chemical

      Bioremediation of hydrocarbon-contaminated sand and water inside secondary containment of underground fuel storage tanks at a service station. Hydrocarbon concentrations in water decreased successfully from over 50000 ug / l to under 100 ug / l, in accordance with legal requirements.

      Phase II Assessment

      Category: Oil & Gas, Chemical

      Characterization of a fuel spill at a service station in Limón. Soil perforations were carried out and groundwater monitoring piezometers were installed. Soil and groundwater sample collection and analysis. Groundwater contamination risk assessments. Monitoring plan submitted to and approved by the Ministry of Health.

      Bioremediation

      Category: Oil & Gas, Chemical

      Bioremediation due to fuel spill inside secondary containment of underground storage tanks at two service stations, located in Limón and Guanacaste. A remediation plan was drafted and approved by the Ministry of Health, which consisted in the application of bioremediation products and monitoring of concentrations, which decreased to non-detectable levels within four months.

      Phase II Assessment

      Category: Oil & Gas, Chemical

      Groundwater contamination risk characterization and assessment due to an oily water at a service station in Alajuela, Costa Rica. A monitoring plan was submitted to and approved by the Ministries of Environment and Health.

      Bioremediation

      Category: Oil & Gas, Chemical

      Bioremediation due to fuel spill inside secondary containment of underground fuel storage tanks at a service station located in Guanacaste. A remediation plan was submitted to and approved by the Ministry of Environment, which consisted in the application of bioremediation products and monitoring of concentrations, which decreased to non-detectable levels within one month.

      Bioremediation

      Category: Oil & Gas, Chemical

      Bioremediation due to fuel spill inside secondary containment of underground fuel storage tanks at a service station located in Guanacaste. A remediation plan was submitted to and approved by the Ministry of Environment, which consisted in the application of bioremediation products and monitoring of concentrations, which decreased to non-detectable levels within four months.

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