Envirogen Propane Biostimulation Technology for In-Situ Treatment for Mtbe-Contaminated Ground Water

The U.S. Environmental Agency (EPA) is charged by Congress with protecting the nation's land, air, and water resources. Under a mandate of national environmental laws, the Agency strives to formulate and implement actions leading to a compatible balance between human activities and the ability of natural systems to nurture life. To meet this mandate, EPA's research program is providing data and technical support for solving environmental problems today and building a science knowledge base necessary to manage our ecological resources wisely, understand how pollutants affect our health, and prevent or reduce environmental risks in the future. The National Risk Management Research Laboratory is the Agency's center for investigation of technological and management approaches for reducing risks from threats to human health and the environment. The focus of the Laboratory's research program is on methods for the prevention and control of pollution to air, land, water and subsurface resources; protection of water quality in public water systems; remediation of contaminated sites and ground water; and prevention and control of indoor air pollution. The goal of this research effort is to catalyze development and implementation of innovative, cost-effective environmental technologies; develop scientific and engineering information needed by EPA to support regulatory and policy decisions; and provide technical support and information transfer to ensure effective implementation of environmental regulations and strategies. The purpose of this publication is to present information that will assist decision-makers in evaluating an innovative remedial technology for application to cleanup of sites with contaminated ground water. This ITER, which has been produced as part of the Laboratory's strategic long-term research plan, describes the effectiveness and applicability of the propane biostimulation technology developed by Envirogen as a potential in-situ remedial alternative for the mineralization of MTBE from contaminated ground water.