A COFFEE-COLORED LAKE IN MASSACHUSETTS:SEDIMENT CHARACTERIZATION

摘要

A 1920 Massachusetts newspaper article stated the "water of the lake is coffee colored" fromrnthe "tar" that flowed from the MGP near the 250-acre lake. The MGP, which operated fromrn1859-1927, utilized up to 850 gallons of gas oil per day for enrichment of coal gas. To assessrnimpacts to the lake from the plant, a sediment characterization study was conducted whichrnincluded: sampling grid setup, winter/fall core collection, visual assessment, vertical/horizontalrnprofiling, analytical testing, and risk assessment. Oil sheens were frequently observed during therncharacterization which categorized the sediment as: black, organic sandy si medium-densernrooty peat; and dense, silt/fine sand with gravel. Sediment cores up to 14 feet thick werernobserved containing black, viscous, tar-like material with a strong petroleum odor. An impactedrnarea of approximately 16,000 square feet was identified which requires remediation. Signs havernbeen posted in this area warning of the contaminated sediment.