Investigation and remediation of chromium and nitrate groundwater contamination: Case study for an industrial facility

During a preliminary site investigation at an industrial facility (Facility) in the California desert, chromium and nitrate groundwater degradation were identified in the area of a formerly operated landfill. No currently used water supplies were identified as being affected. A groundwater extraction system was installed and operated to contain the plumes and remove contaminant mass. Based on data collected during 5 years of groundwater extraction, it was determined that contaminant reduction was not occurring. A review of disposal records for the Facility revealed that potential sources of chromium and nitrate had not been removed. A detailed field investigation of these areas was subsequently completed. The investigation included trenches, several hundred soil borings, and analysis of soil and groundwater samples. The data collected identified the location and extent of the sources of both the nitrate and chromium groundwater degradation. These sources were previously disposed chromium‐bearing kiln bric...