EPA 540/R-98/502
Sprinkler Irrigation as a VOC Separation and
Disposal Method
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Sprinkler Irrigation as a VOC Separation and Disposal
Method Stabilization of Metals in Soils (5.3M)
ABSTRACT
Innovative Technology Evaluation Report
Sprinkler Irrigation as a VOC Separation and Disposal Method
EPA 540/R-98/502
September 1998
Sprinkler irrigation is a common farming practice in those states where the
semi-arid climate and lack of sufficient rainfall during critical growing periods
necessitate the use of supplemental water. The source of most irrigation water
is groundwater which can be contaminated with volatile organic compounds (VOCs).
Since the groundwater may be the primary or only source of drinking water for
a community, there is a need for reasonable cost-effective treatment and disposal
methods. Typically, groundwater contaminated with VOCs is remediated with conventional
pump and treat technologies. The costs associated with conventional pump and
treat options can be significant. Since irrigation is a fairly widespread practice,
there is an opportunity to employ it as a dual purpose technology: crop irrigation
and separation and disposal of contaminated groundwater in order to augment
conventional treatment and effect cost savings. Additional benefits of implementation
include containment of the groundwater plume, elimination of discharge or reinjection
of the treated groundwater, and reduced irrigation expense for site vegetative
covers.
This premise provided an impetus to evaluate the performance of sprinkler
irrigation for these purposes through the conduct of a SITE program
demonstration. This demonstration was conducted by the National Risk
Management Research Laboratory (NRMRL) in July 1996 and the final report
was completed in August 1997. Results and activities of the demonstration
of sprinkler irrigation technology for the separation and disposal of
groundwater contaminated with VOCs are detailed in this report.
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Posted April 2, 1999
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