Westminster, California: Thermal Remediation at a Former Dry Cleaner

GEO used Gas Thermal Remediation (GTR) to address chlorinated volatile organic compounds at a former indoor dry cleaner in Westminster, California. The case study identifies PCE, TCE, cis-1,2-DCE, trans-1,2-DCE, 1,1-DCE, and vinyl chloride.

Thermal remediation equipment inside the former dry cleaner in Westminster, California.

The approximately 1,800-square-foot target zone extended to 15 feet below ground surface. Groundwater was encountered at 5 to 8 feet. The system included 17 heater wells, 10 dual-phase extraction wells, and 12 soil vapor extraction wells. The source lists a 100°C target temperature, 108 days of heating, and a heated depth of up to 18 feet.

The extraction system collected vapors, steam, and groundwater while maintaining hydraulic and pneumatic control. Extracted vapor passed through cooling and granular activated carbon treatment; recovered water was also treated with activated carbon.

Aboveground treatment equipment at the Westminster project.

The case study reports reductions greater than 99% for each contaminant of concern in soil and groundwater, exceeding the project's greater-than-90% reduction goal. Surrounding shops continued operating during the remediation.