Effective Cleanup of Groundwater Contaminated with Radionuclides Using Permeable Reactive Barriers - Permeable Reactive Barrier: Sustainable Groundwater Remediation - page 167

• Depth (the most important factor): increasing depth requires more
specialized equipment, longer construction times, and is accompa-
nied by higher costs
• Geotechnical considerations: soil/rock strength and presence of
obstacles
• Soil excavation: handling and disposal of (contaminated) soil
• Health and safety during construction (entry of personnel into
excavations)
The design of PRBs, as with any other technology, should meet the require-
ments of the best available technique (BAT). In most cases, it may be advanta-
geous to develop a reliable conceptual site model and to perform pumping
and treatability tests. The conceptual design report should include the fol-
lowing information (Beitinger 2002):
• The amount and type of any emissions from the remediation scheme
and details of any emission control measures
• The volume and quality of any discharge or re-infiltration of treated
groundwater
• The power consumption (electricity, fuels, etc.)
• A description of any waste streams generated, and details of their
disposal
• Quantification of any material inputs, such as GAC, lime, and so on
• The remediation target levels
• The anticipated overall efficiency
• The anticipated maintenance requirements (manpower, parts)
• The monitoring requirements
• A detailed cost estimate (including the capital costs, construction
costs, operating costs, and decommissioning costs)
• A detailed health and safety evaluation of the project
9.4 Electrochemical Remediation
Technologies used to remediate contaminated soils, sediments, and ground-
water based on physicochemical, thermal, and biological principles are
often costly, energy-intensive, ineffective, and create adverse environmental
impacts (Sharma and Reddy 2004). Low permeability and heterogeneities in
the layers and contaminant mixtures very often result in poor remediation
results. Electrochemical remediation is a promising approach in difficult site
conditions and has been extensively researched worldwide.