Aiken Reaches Key Milestone in Groundwater Cleanup Efforts at Savannah River Site

Aiken Achieves Important Groundwater Cleanup Milestone

Aiken, SC — Savannah River Nuclear Solutions (SRNS) has announced a significant milestone in its groundwater cleanup efforts in the D Area of the Savannah River Site (SRS). The project team successfully injected over 100 million gallons of artesian well water into the ground to help remediate shallow groundwater beneath a former coal storage yard and its runoff basin.

According to Ashley Shull, a senior scientist on the project, “100 million gallons is nine times more water than contained in the Georgia Aquarium in Atlanta.” The extensive efforts aim to mitigate contamination caused by decades of power plant operations, which lasted for more than 60 years and generated acidic materials linked to coal use.

Background on the Contamination

The coal-powered plant began its operations in 1952 and served areas of the SRS until its closure in 2012. While the coal was removed from the site between 2012 and 2013, the effects of long-term rainwater interaction with the coal left the soil below acidic. Over time, metals from the coal and natural soil minerals leached into the shallow groundwater, leading to widespread contamination. This issue is common in the United States at former coal power sites.

Innovative Remediation Method

SRNS devised a unique solution to the groundwater issue by leveraging the existing conditions and the natural flow of two nearby artesian wells. This approach allows for groundwater treatment without the need for electricity or pump systems. The project is led by SRNS’s Environmental Compliance and Area Completion Projects (EC&ACP) group, providing a more sustainable and cost-effective method than traditional remediation technologies.

“This system passively ensures a neutral buffering to groundwater to help correct the currently overly acidic conditions in groundwater caused by the decades of coal storage in the area,” said Shull. This approach saves millions in costs while offering an environmentally friendly remedy.

Collaboration and Long-Term Goals

Since March 2022, SRNS has been collaborating with the South Carolina Department of Environmental Services and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency to implement this passive technology. Although the cleanup process is underway, it will take time to restore the groundwater to its original, pristine state.

Michael D. Budney, a manager with the U.S. Department of Energy-Savannah River, remarked, “Tapping into the natural benefits, artesian well water provided our team with a sustainable alternative to address groundwater quality to levels that will enhance the environment.” He noted that the organization’s long-term remediation strategy focuses on finding ways to reduce costs through less labor-intensive methods.

Team Efforts and Future Monitoring

Senior Project Engineer Rasheed Muwwakkil emphasized the collective effort that has gone into reaching this important milestone. “I would like to thank the team for all their hard work, constant communication with the DOE and regulators to gain the support needed to help SRNS reach this major milestone in groundwater remediation. This is truly a great and historic accomplishment to be proud of,” he stated.

The project is monitored regularly to evaluate the effectiveness of the groundwater treatment system. As the process continues, SRNS remains committed to restoring the groundwater in the D Area, providing hope for cleaner and healthier ground resources in the future.