Phytoremediation Using Poplar Trees as a Corrective Action at a UST ReleaseLocated in Maybell, CO – A Project Overview

摘要

A release from an Underground Storage Tank system located in the alluvial plain created by the YamparnRiver in the high desert mesa of Northwest Colorado is being remediated using phytoremediation. Thernproject is the first application of phytoremediation to address BTEX impacted groundwater under thernColorado Division of Oil & Public Safety Petroleum Storage Tank Remediation Program. Siterncharacteristics including a shallow water table, remote location, distribution of hydrocarbons, and thernestimated higher cost of alternatives suggested the potential for the selection of this remedial option. Asrnpart of the regulatory approval process, a pilot study was conducted and incorporated field data withrnlaboratory analyses using a hydroponic growth chamber at the University of Colorado, Denver (UCD,rnRamaswami et al, 2001). The pilot test confirmed that poplar trees can be effective for phtyoremediation ofrnBTEX, that growth of poplar trees are not inhibited by BTEX concentrations found at this site, and thatrnphytoremediation using Poplar trees has a high potential for success. The UCD pilot study findings,rnsupported by a favorable economic and technical analysis, resulted in State of Colorado approval of therncorrective actions proposed for this project. In June 2002, to implement the approved corrective actionrnplan, 300 Lombardy Poplar (Populus x Nigra 'Italica') saplings were planted. Groundwater characteristicsrnand tree monitoring data, collected prior to and during the first growing season, is presented. Thernregulatory perspective, site characterization, hydrocarbon distribution, location of existing trees, strategyrnbehind new plantings, planting methodology, and tree maintenance issues are also discussed.