Port of Los Angeles: Thermal Remediation Pilot in San Pedro

GEO's Port of Los Angeles case study describes a thermal remediation pilot in San Pedro, California, targeting non-aqueous phase liquids (NAPLs) and volatile organic compounds (VOCs). The approximately 1,238-square-foot treatment zone extended to 43 feet below ground surface through silty sand, sand with shells, silt, and clay.

The thermal remediation pilot installation beside the harbor in San Pedro, California.

The system combined Gas Thermal Remediation using thermal conduction heating with multiphase extraction, soil vapor extraction, and C3 vapor treatment. It included 18 heater wells, six co-located multiphase/soil vapor extraction wells, four shallow soil vapor extraction wells, eight temperature monitoring points, and two pressure monitoring points.

The case study lists a target temperature of 120°C and a heating period of 137 days. It describes recovery of a separate liquid contaminant phase, vapor treatment using granular activated carbon, and separation of diesel-containing sludge. It also reports 234,666 gallons of liquid discharged through the site's LASAN sewer connection.

The project illustrates an integrated approach to heating, extraction, phase separation, and aboveground treatment within a defined pilot area.