Regulatory Agency Finds >72% False Positives in Sites Treated with Powdered Activated Carbon

The Colorado Division of Oil and Public Safety (OPS) has released a scientific study regarding the use of high-pressure applied powdered activated carbon (PAC) products. According to the study, the technique of fracturing PAC-based products into the subsurface appears to preferentially fill monitoring wells with activated carbon. As a result, groundwater samples collected from original monitoring wells appear clean, while the subsurface may in fact be only partially treated. Read the letter from Scott Wilson to learn more.

The letter reviews:

  • Regulatory study in which >72% of monitoring wells at PAC sites were not reading the true conditions of the treated subsurface

  • Recommendations for caution to environmental firms employing high-pressure PAC injection techniques and/or signing reports containing representations and conclusions based on this technique

  • Possibilty of opening environmental professionals to potential liability related to remaining site contamination at sites that had been previously "closed" by regulators

Click here to read the letter from REGENESIS President and CEO.

 
 
 

 

Study from Colorado Regulatory Agency indicating incomplete aquifer treatment from high pressure activated carbon

Regulatory Agency Presentation:
Petroleum Remediation Using In Situ Activated Carbon

  • Reviews powdered activated carbon injections in Colorado
  • Shows typical well responses after PAC injection
  • Details OPS verification study
  • Analyzes data confirming the “aquifer treatment incomplete”

Click here to download the Colorado OPS study originally presented at the 25th National Tanks Conference.

The Difference Between Liquid Activated Carbon (LAC) and PAC