The significance of cyclic vinyl chloride fluctuations in a ground-water cleanup strategy, Maryland, USA

摘要

Vinyl chloride monomer (VCM) derived from polyvinyl chloride (PVC) sludge wastes (placed during 1960-1981) is still present (max. >100 ppb) in the ground water at the Woodlawn landfill Superfund site in northeastern US (Cecil County, Maryland). Fluctuating VCM concentrations are still significantly above both drinking water standards and risk-based health goals. Eighteen years of data gathering and 12 years of intensive site investigations have resulted in a decision to rely on natural attenuation as the accepted ground-water cleanup strategy. Site monitoring wells exhibiting cyclicity in VCM concentrations indicate that recent declines in VCM concentrations may be short-lived if cyclicity persists.