Dan Caputo, MIP Operations Manager for Vironex, works inside the MIP support vehicle which is equipped with the MIP system, FC5000 Field Instrument, detectors, and large output display.

MIP Project Summary: Vironex

Vironex was retained to define the extent of vertical TCE contamination in a downgradient plume. The objective was to determine if TCE (expected at 100 ug/L) was located above weathered bedrock or if it had migrated into it.

As a result of the MIP detections, the injection strategy for the site included packer isolation of the weathered bedrock and highpressure injection of potassium permanganate into the fractures to chemically oxidize the TCE. Using the Geoprobe® 6600 equipped with an augerhead, Vironex advanced 4.25-in. ID augers to 27 feet.

This MIP log demonstrates that TCE was detected by the ECD detector both at the bedrock interface (2.1 x 105 at 27 feet bgs) and 10 feet into the weathered bedrock (2.6 x 105 at 37 feet bgs).

The augers were left in place as a conductor to prevent cave-in of the alluvium. The Macro-Core® soil sampler was then used to further advance the boring below the auger bit. Once the boring was cored to 40 feet, the inflatable packer was then lowered into the open boring and inflated at 27 feet.

Vironex uses the MIP to support consultants in remediation of their client’s sites. Typically, traditional site characterization does not provide enough vertical detail of contaminant mass distribution which results in the consultant treating the site uniformly. The MIP allows for continuous recording of VOC mass distribution in relation to lithology. This provides additional vertical information that allows for a more targeted approach to
delivery of in-situ reagents for chemical oxidation or bioremediation.

The MIP was used at this site since the existing monitoring wells did not provide enough information as to whether the TCE contamination existed above or in the weathered bedrock. As can be seen from the MIP log, the TCE had migrated into the weathered bedrock which required a more complex delivery approach than just targeting the TCE above the bedrock.

Frank Stolfi, National Director of MIP Services for Vironex, and Dan Caputo, Manager of MIP Operations for Vironex, both located in Santa Ana, CA, mobilized the custom-built Vironex MIP Sprinter van and Geoprobe® 6600 machine for the project.

The Vironex, custom-built MIP Sprinter Van and a Geoprobe® 6600 complete MIP work in Colorado. Working at the foot of the probe machine is T.J. Haley, Vironex MIP Field Operator.	(l to r) Richard Freeman, Vironex Injection Operator, and Mike Martin, Vironex Rocky Mountain Regional Manager, use a Geoprobe® 6600 to install an inflatable packer to isolate a section of bedrock at a project site.

Vironex is recognized as an MIP Service Specialist, and has completed MIP training at the Geoprobe® corporate facilities and adheres to MIP Standard Operating Procedures. www.geoprobe-di.com