Oil Spills: Subsurface Remedial Solutions

Oil Spill Response – Residual Risks

While surface oil spill response methods reduce the immediate impact of a spill, residual risks remain e.g. groundwater impact, vapour generation, offsite liability.

Eventual remediation of these residual risks can be costly. Movement of residual contamination over boundaries can result in extra complexity and cost.

Subsurface Spill Response Options

PetroFix^® Remediation Fluid can be used in combination with other spill response methods such as excavation, pump and treat and skimming.

Application uses include:

1. Barrier installation

   • Application
     • Placed between the spill and a receptor e.g. stream or property
     • Ahead of the LNAPL extent
   • Effect
     • Minimises spread and impact
     • Avoids/reduces offsite liability ​
     • Allows time to complete oil spill response works in the source area​
     • Prevents residual mass leaving site following oil spill response

2. Secondary source treatment

   • Application
     • Sprayed into excavation base
     • Grid injection into source area
     • Barrier injection next to source area

• • Effect
    • Sorbs and degrades residual contamination​
    • Prevents groundwater plume generation
    • Reduces creation of vapours onsite​
    • Avoids/minimises potential future remediation costs

Benefits

1. Simple, safe, quick, and flexible to use​
2. Combines with other spill response approaches​
3. Coats the subsurface creating a purifying filter​
4. Only one application ​needed
5. Works immediately​
6. Lasts for decades​
7. Targets residual mass​
8. Prevents spread and risk​
9. Reduces vapour/odour production​