Pacific Gas and Electric Company, 75 pp, 2018

Shell Pond is a former 72-acre wastewater impoundment that contains a surficial layer of material contaminated with TPHs, PAHs, and metals. The year-long Phase 2 pilot study tested the viability and practicality of using phytoremediation and enhanced biodegradation as components of a combined remedy, including monitored natural attenuation, by assessing the potential for native plants to remediate contamination. The test also evaluated the effectiveness of the vegetative cover to prevent the release of dust and fugitive odors to the atmosphere. The pilot studies involved dewatering a 10-acre portion of the pond and installing an AquaDam^® to keep the remaining water out. Irrigated test plots were used to evaluate the influence of different native plants, compost, fertilizer, and gypsum on contaminant degradation and uptake. Other plots underwent mechanical soil aeration and amendment addition. The effectiveness of phytoremediation and enhanced biodegradation was assessed by statistically comparing analytical test results to determine if implementation of the pilot study impacted contaminant levels. Environmental challenges during the pilot study limited the availability of useful data. This report presents a summary of the activities conducted as part of the pilot study, the results of laboratory analyses, and the conclusions supported by those results. https://www.envirostor.dtsc.ca.gov/public/deliverable_documents/3205157220/SP_P2%20Completion%20Rpt_Text-Figs-Tables_FINAL_%2020190221.pdf
See poster from 2019 Battelle Sediments Conference for more information https://www.battelle.org/docs/default-source/conference-proceedings/2019-sediments-conference-proceedings/b3.-mnr-and-enhanced-mnr/b3_-98_poster_dyer.pdf?sfvrsn=eed0d7ae_2
To see all reports on the Shell Pond site, see https://www.envirostor.dtsc.ca.gov/public/profile_report?global_id=80001834