Freeman's Bridge Road Site Remediation Using Thermal Desorption

The Freeman's Bridge Road remediation project, Glenville, New York, USA, is an example of an integrated approach to environmental remediation. Onsite direct low temperature thermal desorption (LTTD) technology was used to treat non-hazardous contaminated soil, and indirect LTTD technology was used to treat hazardous soil. Treated soil was rendered suitable for beneficial reuse as onsite backfill. The use of dual onsite LTTD technologies at this site is a "first" in New York State, demonstrating a viable alternative to landfilling. Over 575 MN (65,000 tons) of hazardous and non-hazardous impacted soil were treated, improving environmental conditions, while also protecting the nearby scenic and historic Mohawk River, an important natural and recreational resource. This project demonstrates that it is feasible, with careful planning, to segregate and treat co-mingled waste streams. The direct thermal treatment technology proved successful in treating non-hazardous soils. Although the indirect thermal treatment system also proved capable of treating the hazardous contaminated soil, the presence of solid phase organic materials, such as roofing and asphalt, presented significant obstacles, which proved impractical to overcome.