Remediation of Fractured Bedrock Focussed on Contaminant Mass Sequestered in the Rock Matrix

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The research proposed here will allow Canada to make informed decisions regarding remediation technology selection and expectations at fractured bedrock sites impacted by organic compounds such as chlorinated solvents, polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), fuels (e.g., gasoline and diesel), creosote, and coal tar. These organic compounds constitute the most frequently encountered type of groundwater contaminants at sites throughout Canada, the United States and other industrialized countries around the world. Given the relatively thin cover of unconsolidated deposits (overburden) throughout much of Canada, fractured bedrock is often impacted as a result of contaminant releases at ground surface. Example Canadian sites include the occurrence of organic compounds in bedrock at Ville Mercier south of Montreal, Quebec; the occurrence of PCBs and chlorinated solvents in bedrock at Smithville, Ontario; and the occurrence of chlorinated solvents, fuels, creosote, and coal tar at numerous sites in all provinces and territories throughout Canada. Fractured bedrock is a valued resource in Canada given its ability to provide drinking water and its intimate connection with the hydrologic cycle. At present, very few options exist to remediate fractured bedrock sites, particularly for older sites where significant amounts of contaminant mass have diffused into the rock matrix over time. There is currently a very limited base of experience in Canada regarding the use of thermal and other in-situ remediation technologies in either unconsolidated or consolidated deposits. This research will equip stakeholders (site owners, regulators, politicians, vendors, consultants, community groups) with both realistic expectations and the knowledge required to properly implement in-situ groundwater remediation technologies at fractured bedrock sites throughout Canada. This research is not only aimed at developing and evaluating remediation technologies; it is aimed at training highly qualified personell that will have a beneficial influence on decision making throughout Canada.