Sustainable Groundwater Cleanup Reaches Milestone at Savannah River Site

Working with regulators from the South Carolina Department of Environmental Services, formerly the South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control, and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, SRNS began injecting the artesian well water to neutralize the groundwater in March 2022.

While this passive technology project is adjusting the balance of the groundwater below the coal storage and runoff basin areas, it will take time to see the groundwater restored to pristine conditions. SRS tracks the cleanup regularly by monitoring the groundwater surrounding the treatment system.

"Tapping into the natural benefits, artesian well water equipped our team with a sustainable alternative to address groundwater quality to levels that will enhance the environment," said Mike Budney, manager of the DOE-Savannah River Operations Office. "DOE and SRS have a longstanding approach to remediation that identifies opportunities to craft solutions to lower costs through less labor- and equipment-centered methods, opting for passive technology when practicable."

Rasheed Muwwakkil, SRNS senior project engineer, added, "I would like to thank the team for all their hard work and constant communication with the DOE and regulators to gain the support needed to help SRNS reach this major milestone in groundwater remediation. This is truly a great and historic accomplishment to be proud of."

-Contributor: Fallan Flatow