fuel oil clean up of a basement
fuel oil clean up of a basement
(OP)
Any suggestions on how to 'clean' a fuel oil leak within a basement of a large (and expensive) office building. There is a smell of oil within the offices at basement level & above; oil has soaked into the fixtures and fittings of the building. The fuel oil has migrated along a subfloor drainage system throughout the property, and to make it interesting, the office cannot stop working and there are space, noise and access restrictions.
Any suggestions on how to control/ mask the odour would also be appreciated.
Any suggestions on how to control/ mask the odour would also be appreciated.





RE: fuel oil clean up of a basement
With all the underground structures in the area it seems that excavation doesn't look like an option, but there may be a source area that can be easily removed, and if so, it should be the first thing you do at the site. The assessment should identify where the source area is, and in what direction the oil is migrating. I'm not sure what state your from, but groundwater impact may also be a concern.
Next, you may have to look at some innovative methods clean up such as an air-sparge system, bio-remediation, chemical oxidation, or nutrient injection to accelerate the natural attenuation process.
Either way you go, it's not going to be a quick fix. So if you haven't already done so, you should hire a remedial engineer to plan out the activities, but definitely start with a site assessment
RE: fuel oil clean up of a basement
I would be happy to make some suggestions, give me some more details.
RE: fuel oil clean up of a basement
Have you spoken to the suppliers/producers of the fuel oil to ask THEIR advice on how to clean it up within and outside the building?
RE: fuel oil clean up of a basement
It is doubtful that soils can be excavated hence bio-remediation is an unlikely option. Air-sparging/soil vapour extraction are most likely. If groundwater is close you may have LNAPL/DNAPL to contend with which may require some form of pump and treat system. Get a chemical analysis of the fuel oil showing full carbon banding. An indication of the spillage volume will also be of benefit and enable one to size up the true nature of the problem.
Due to the odour problems I anticipate that that the building does not have a ventilation system? This would help odour removal. There is also the possibility of a health risk to the workers from hydrocarbon vapours and skin contact with fixtures etc. - these are carcinogens and the employer seriously needs to have this risk assessed. You may want to think about liquid extraction from the underground drainage system and more info on its arrangement would help. Come to think of it, if you have a granular soil you could install fin drains/well points to attempt liquid extraction.
You have a serious problem on your hands.
Regards,
Brendan.
RE: fuel oil clean up of a basement
RE: fuel oil clean up of a basement
The action of the enzyme breaks the hydrogen-carbon bonds, which sis the cause of the aromatics (odor) - and can be applied to any surface, such as concrete, stone, metal, etc. without damage or discoloration. We even use the same formulation to remove hog manure odors from hands, clothes, etc. and that is one of the worst in the world!
For more info on the enzymes and how to apply - contact Dick Kersey at Orenda Technologies (800-322-1648) - they ahve used them to remove spent fuel on runways, airports, etc.
Dave Orlebeke/Aquatic Technologies
RE: fuel oil clean up of a basement