PCB-contaminated wetland restored

Partner Engineering and Science, Inc. (ESI) deployed Aeroqual’s air monitoring system during the restoration of a contaminated wetland located downstream from the former Unimatic Manufacturing Site in Fairfield, NJ.

In 2014, the EPA included the site in the Superfund National Priorities List, and the site is undergoing wetland restoration to support long-term ecological recovery.

From 1955 to 2001, Unimatic operated a die casting facility that melted aluminum alloy in natural gas kilns and injected it into molds under high pressure. The molds were coated with PCB-containing lubricating oil to prevent sticking. PCB-contaminated process and cooling water leaked from wastewater pipes, discharging at the property’s northeast corner. This discharge contaminated soil and groundwater within an off-site wooded wetland downstream of the facility. The contaminated site is an area of ecological interest, containing endangered species, and is located close to residential areas.

PCBs can harm the immune, reproductive and nervous systems and are potentially carcinogenic, so monitoring and controlling fugitive dust and vapor emissions played a vital role in the cleanup process. Partner ESI installed six Aeroqual AQS 1 stations at four perimeter locations to monitor upwind and downwind particulate and VOC levels in real time. Aeroqual OneView, Aeroqual's remediation air monitoring software, generated automatic daily reports to aid regulatory compliance. Real-time alerts helped to initiate mitigation responses in case of fugitive emissions above safe levels.

Using Aeroqual’s solution, Partner ESI cost-effectively complied with the applicable regulations and met the project’s environmental objectives. Sensitive receptors were protected from exposure to harmful PCBs and pesticides, and the wetland ecosystem will soon be fully restored.