Data-Driven Treatment Design
Effective heavy metals remediation begins with accurate site characterization. Using our Remedial Design Characterization process, we define contaminant type, concentration, and distribution through high-resolution sampling and analysis. This data is incorporated into a Quantitative High-Resolution Conceptual Site Model, ensuring treatment is precisely targeted to impacted zones.
Innovative In-Situ Treatment Methods
AST’s in-situ slurry injection methodology provides a cost-efficient alternative to pump-and-treat systems, long-term pH or ORP adjustment (one-time or ongoing), and large-scale excavation or mixing. Depending on site conditions, our approach can be applied to:
- Source zone treatment to immobilize or transform metals at their origin
- Permeable Reactive Barriers (PRBs) to intercept and treat migrating plumes
- Property boundary and receptor protection zones
- Unsaturated soils for treatment and disposal (T&D)
Our custom-designed tooling and injection procedures ensure uniform reagent distribution across varied lithologies and depths. Field quality control measures and real-time parameter recording verify that amendments reach targeted treatment zones for rapid contaminant reduction.
Field-Proven Reagents
We primarily use:
- FerroBlack® – An immediately reactive reagent for immobilizing heavy metals in groundwater or soil with no curing time needed. It can be used for injection or soil mixing.
- TerraBond® – A specialized reagent for treating metals in soil and waste, using conventional soil mixing equipment. Typically used in T&D applications or PRBs.
For complex contaminant mixtures, we can develop custom reagent blends or combine metals treatment with organic contaminant remediation in a single product design or application.
Bench-Scale and Pilot Testing
To confirm product selection, dosage rates, and delivery methods, AST uses a variety of services to select the best remedy. Using an in-house laboratory, manufacturer laboratories, and independent third-party testing laboratories, we know how to effectively sequence bench-scale evaluations with these resources to reduce up-front testing costs while still determining the most effective treatment product. During testing and selection, we consider product performance, minimum dosage and contact rate(s), product cost, product availability (large volumes), and implementation method – all of these factors affect proper product selection for a site. When needed, pilot testing programs are designed to replicate real-world conditions and eliminate variables that impart bias on the evaluation process. This ensures that full-scale treatment designs are easily implemented, backed by real-world performance data, and are successful the first time.
Proven Results and Regulatory Acceptance
AST has implemented heavy metals projects under CERCLA, state superfund programs, Brownfield Remediation programs, landfill compliance efforts, and private sector cleanups. Our designs are engineered for regulatory acceptance, long-term stability, and cost efficiency—delivering results that protect human health, environmental resources, and client budgets and schedules.
