Groundwater Monitoring Program for Trichloroethylene Impacts
Trihydro developed and continues to implement an interim long-term groundwater monitoring program to identify final remediation measures related to trichloroethylene (TCE) impacts at six former Atlas missile sites in southeastern Wyoming.
In the early 1960s, in response to Cold War threats, F.E. Warren Air Force Base became the first fully operational intercontinental ballistic missile squadron. Although no missiles were ever launched, they were fueled as part of preparatory activities. Trichloroethylene (TCE) was used to clean excess fuel from lines, which was disposed of on site. Subsequently, the groundwater was impacted, and TCE was considered the principal groundwater contaminant of concern.
Trihydro, performing work for the United States Army Corps of Engineers (USACE), historically developed and implemented a long-term groundwater monitoring program to aid in determining the final remediation measures associated with six of the decommissioned missile sites at F.E. Warren. Trihydro is still performing long-term monitoring along with well installation and other remediation efforts at one of the six Atlas sites. Our team conducts semi-annual groundwater sampling events to identify levels of concentration and trends in migration. We also use Monitoring and Remediation Optimization Software (MAROS) to statistically analyze and evaluate trends and optimize the monitoring program.
Our team was proactive in bringing project issues to the USACE project manager’s attention and exercising initiative to facilitate their resolution and execution. Trihydro exercised flexibility and positive responsiveness in accommodating USACE needs and changes in project requirements. As a result of these efforts, we enabled USACE to reduce the long-term monitoring frequency for the sites, ultimately lowering overall long-term monitoring costs.
