BCI Engineers and Scientists

BCI responded to complete initial abatement activities for to a diesel fuel spill into Lake Erie. The release was the result of a leaking product distribution line associated with a diesel fuel underground storage tank system located at a gas station in Luna Pier, Michigan. The product entered the stormwater catch basins on the property and entered the municipal stormwater main and ultimately the wastewater treatment plant. Lake Erie is a navigable waterway of the United States and, as such, is under the jurisdiction of the United States Coast Guard (USCG).

The initial abatement activities included excavating an interceptor trench and installing recovery wells to collect released diesel fuel from the subject property. The recovery wells in the interceptor trench were manifolded to a mobile remediation system that included an oil/water separator and air stripper before the water was discharged to the sanitary sewer. Excavation and dewatering activities were completed in the source area to remove impacted soils and groundwater. Recovery wells were installed in the backfill of this source area. All utility lines on the subject property and in the road were videotaped to determine the integrity of the storm and sanitary sewer lines. Five avenues for the diesel fuel to enter the storm and sanitary sewers were discovered and all breaks were repaired. Several soil borings were completed on the subject property to define extent of contamination.

BCI personnel directed activities on the subject property and worked in tandem with the USCG; the United States Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA); numerous divisions and personnel representing the Michigan Department of Natural Resources and Environment (MDNRE); and local city officials including the city administrator, wastewater treatment plant personnel, city sanitarian and the fire chief to complete the necessary requirements of each agency. Impacted soils and groundwater were removed. A permanent dual phase remediation system was designed for all recovery wells located on the subject property.