Aiken Achieves Groundwater Remediation Milestone
Aiken, SC – Savannah River Nuclear Solutions (SRNS) has marked a significant achievement in addressing groundwater contamination at the Savannah River Site’s D Area. The team has successfully injected over 100 million gallons of clean artesian well water into the groundwater system beneath 33 acres previously used as a coal storage yard. This large volume of water is noted to be nine times the amount contained in the Georgia Aquarium in Atlanta, highlighting the scale of this environmental cleanup effort.
Since its operation began in 1952, the coal-powered plant at SRS produced electricity for various areas until it was retired in 2012. Over these sixty years, the plant’s activities resulted in the release of acidic materials and metals into the surrounding groundwater. Although the coal was removed from the site between 2012 and 2013, the legacy of acidic conditions remained due to decades of rainwater filtering through the coal remnants, leaving the soil in poor condition.
Innovative Remediation Approach
To tackle this issue, SRNS developed a unique method tailored to the existing conditions. Instead of using traditional electrical pumps, the team decided to use the natural flow of two nearby artesian wells to inject clean groundwater into the affected area, creating a passive remediation system. This approach not only avoids the higher costs associated with more labor-intensive methods but also promotes sustainability.
Ashley Shull, a Senior Scientist involved with the project, stated, “This system passively ensures a neutral buffering to groundwater to help correct the currently overly acidic conditions.” The system has proven to be a cost-effective solution, significantly saving millions compared to other technologies that might have been used. This innovative remediation effort proves to be beneficial for both the environment and financial planning.
Collaboration with Regulatory Agencies
The project commenced in March 2022 in collaboration with regulators including the South Carolina Department of Environmental Services and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. Regular monitoring is conducted to assess the groundwater quality surrounding the treatment system. Michael D. Budney, a manager at the U.S. Department of Energy-Savannah River, emphasized, “Tapping into the natural benefits… equipped our team with a sustainable alternative to improve groundwater quality.” The ongoing adjustments to the groundwater ecosystem will take time, but the ultimate goal is to restore it to a pristine condition.
In discussing the achievement, Rasheed Muwwakkil, a Senior Project Engineer, expressed gratitude toward the entire team for their persistent effort and effective communication with regulators. “This is truly a great and historic accomplishment to be proud of,” he noted.
Looking Ahead
As SRNS continues this vital work, they remain focused on refining their methods to restore groundwater quality in areas once impacted by coal storage. The ongoing project represents a commitment to environmental remediation and sustainability, setting a precedent for future initiatives.
In summary, Aiken’s innovative work in groundwater remediation not only addresses a significant environmental issue but also showcases a approach that combines efficiency with sustainability, paving the way for future improvements and restorations across sites dealing with similar contamination problems.
