Universal

Aluminum

Universal Aluminum Extrusion Corporation

Andrew Lindsay and Matthew Staunton
ENVL 4446 Pollution Remediation and Biotechnology
Richard Stockton College of New Jersey
Dr. Tait Chirenje
28 April 2014

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Table of Contents

Summary

Site Location

Site Description

Evaporation Tank

Underground Vault

Contaminants: Threats and Nature

Chromium Compounds

Chromium (VI)

Chromium (III)

VOCs

6
Xylenes

Ethylbenzene

Remedial Progress

Further Actions

Remedial Goal

Recommendations

Alternatives

References

11

Appendix A

12

Appendix B

13

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Summary
Two areas are of concern at the Universal Aluminum Extrusion Corporation RCRA site:
the chromium (hexavalent and total) contaminated evaporation tank area and underground vault
area contaminated with VOCs. The contaminated surface soil has been removed for both areas
and has been replaced with clean backfill. Currently, the subsurface soil and groundwater of both
areas remain contaminated. For the evaporation tank area, In-situ chemical reduction using
calcium polysulfide will be a good and reliable technique that will reduce toxic chromium to the
stable and much less toxic chromium (III). For the underground vault area, soil vapor extraction
(SVE) along with air sparging has been used in the past for the soil and groundwater, but postsampling results showed that VOCs have remained above NJDEP quality standards in the
groundwater. While a redesign of the SVE and air sparging system is a good alternative; a more
reliable solution for remediating VOCs is in-situ chemical oxidation with Fentons reagent,
which will work quickly and be effective in remediating VOCs in the ground.

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Site Location
Universal Aluminum Extrusion Corporation
5 Canale Drive
Egg Harbor Township, New Jersey

Universal Aluminum Extrusion Corporation

US 40
US 40 SE CONDARY
AT LA NT IC COU NTY 646

ROUT E 575

#
#

AT LA NT IC

UNIVERSAL ALUMINUM EX TRUSIO N CORPORATION

EG G HA RB OR TW P
#

GAR DEN STAT E PARKW AY

Universal Aluminum
Roads
Egg Harbor Twp
N
W

14 Miles

E
S

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Site Description
The Universal Aluminum Extrusion Corporation is a known contaminated site under the
Resource Conservation Recovery Act (RCRA) and is located in Egg Harbor Township, New
Jersey. The contaminants of concern at this site are chromium and VOCs, which have been
found in parts of the subsurface and groundwater. There is a local body of water (Ingersollis
Branch) thats located .4 miles northeast of the facility; fortunately, it is not expected to be
impacted because the groundwater on site flows southeasterly. The soil on site is also highly
permeable due to its highly sandy composition. (Environmental Indicator Status).
Universal Aluminum was owned by the Hewit-McKelvey Partnership in 1978 where they
operated an aluminum extrusion facility. The area consists of 10 acres but the facilities are only
located on approximately 5 of the acres; the 5 acres forest. This aluminum extrusion facility was
producing aluminum billets, which were sold to companies to manufacture various residential
products. To create the billets, the aluminum would be heated under pressure and treated with
various dyes. The final products were then coated with chromium. Other chemicals that were
used in the dying and coating process include xylene, paints, oils, caustic solutions, and
methylene chloride. Subsequently, operations at the facility ended in 1988 (Universal
Aluminum). Currently, the Universal Aluminum site is not occupied, but for the land to be
reused or redeveloped, remediation of contaminants is necessary.
Specifically, there are two areas of concern: the former evaporation tank area and the
former concrete vault. Both areas have contaminated soils and groundwater that are above New
Jerseys Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) standards (Universal Aluminum).
Evaporation Tank
The first area of concern is known as the evaporation tank. The tank, which has already
been removed from the site, was used as a rinse water system for the chromium coating
procedure. Reportedly, the evaporation tank had chromium liquid waste which was leaking and
contaminating the surrounding area. There was also a spill area, located right next to the tank,
from the evaporation tank where additional chromium waste was being dumped (from the tank).
The contaminant of concern for this area is chromium and it is found in both the sub-surface soil
and the groundwater. Originally, the surface soil was contaminated, but progress in removing
contaminated surface soil has been made (Environmental Indicator Status).
For an image of the evaporation tank area, see figure 1 in appendix.
Underground Vault
The second area of concern is an underground concrete vault. The vault was shaped as a
cone-like cylinder with a depth of approximately six feet and a diameter of eight feet at the
bottom with an opening diameter of two feet. The concrete vault was being used to store liquid
and sludge waste. The waste contained a number of pollutants such as petroleum hydrocarbons,
VOCs, and polychlorobiphenyls (PCBs). Soils near the vault were found to be contaminated
with VOCs, primarily xylenes and ethylbenzene. Further sampling showed that the
contamination exists in a 20-40ft radius around the concrete vault. There has been progress
cleaning the area; however, the subsurface and groundwater remain contaminated
(Environmental Indicator Status).

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For an image of the underground vault area, see figure 2 in appendix.

Contaminants: Threats and Nature

Chromium Compounds
The soil around the evaporation tank area along with groundwater is contaminated with
chromium (total and hexavalent). Chromium occurs primarily in two states in the environment:
trivalent chromium (Cr III), which is the most stable state, and hexavalent chromium (Cr VI), the
second most stable state (Chromium Compounds). With current conditions, there is low risk of
exposure due to the fact that the surface soil is not contaminated, and that no human receptors
such as workers, residents, trespassers, etc. have been on site (Environmental Indicator Status).
Hexavalent Chromium (Cr VI)
EPA has classified chromium (VI) as a Group A, known human carcinogen via
exposure through inhalation, resulting in an increased risk of lung cancer. Acute
inhalation of high levels of chromium VI mainly leads to respiratory problems such as
shortness of breath, coughing, and wheezing. Acute inhalation can cause gastrointestinal
and neurological effects. The gastrointestinal effects, which include abdominal pain,
vomiting, and hemorrhage, can also be brought on through ingestion too. Skin burns are
also caused by acute dermal exposure of chromium VI (Chromium Compounds).
Chronic inhalation of chromium (VI) results in negative effects on the respiratory
tract such as ulcerations of the septum, bronchitis, decrease pulmonary function,
pneumonia, and asthma. Inhalation may also produce effects on the liver, kidney,
gastrointestinal and immune systems. Dermal exposure may cause contact dermatitis,
sensitivity and ulceration of the skin (Chromium Compounds).
Trivalent Chromium (Cr III)
Chromium (III) is much less toxic then chromium (VI). Chromium (III) is listed
as a group D, not classifiable as to its carcinogenicity. This form is essential for humans,
and a daily intake of 50 to 200 g/d is recommended (Chromium Compounds).
VOCs (Volatile Organic Compounds)
The soil and groundwater around the underground vault area is contaminated with
volatile organic compounds or VOCs. Two of the main VOCs of concern are xylenes and
ethylbenzene. There is low risk for exposure to VOCs due the fact that the surface soil is not
currently contaminated, and that no human receptors such as workers, residents, trespassers, etc.
have been on site (Environmental Indicator Status).
Xylenes
EPA classifies xylenes as a Group D carcinogen, not classifiable to humans.
However, xylene does have other negative health affects to humans. Acute effects from
xylene can come from inhalation and dermal exposure. If humans are exposed through

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inhalation they are subject to irritation of the nose and throat, nausea, vomiting, stomach
discomfort, and neurological effects such as impaired reaction times and body balance.
Dermal exposure with xylenes can affect humans by subjecting them to brief skin
irritation and dryness (Xylenes).
Chronic effects from xylene come from inhalation exposure. Xylene mainly
affects the nervous system, which causes headaches, dizziness, fatigue, tremors,
incoordination, anxiety, impaired short-term memory, and concentration problems. Other
chronic affects include breathing difficulties, lung problems, heart problems, and chest
pain (Xylenes).
Ethylbenzene
EPA has classified ethylbenzene as a Group D carcinogen to humans. It can still
be dangerous to humans if inhaled. Acute effects are usually related to the respiratory
system and nervous system. Effects on the respiratory system include throat irritation,
chest tightness, and eye irritation. The main effect on the nervous system is dizziness.
Chronic effects due to ethylbenzene inhalation are not well known (Ethylbenzene).
Remedial Progress
For the evaporation tank area, the tank itself along with surrounding contaminated
surface (top 2 feet) soil was removed and sent offsite in 1985. The area was then backfilled with
clean soil (Environmental Indicator Status).
For the concrete vault area, the contaminated water contained inside the vault was first
sent offsite in 1995. The contaminated surface soil along with the vault itself was then excavated
and sent off-site. In 1996, a soil vapor exaction system along with air sparging wells was used
for approximately 8 months in this area. The SVE system was effective in removing VOCs in
soils but high levels of VOCs remained in the groundwater (Environmental Indicator Status).
Further Actions
Remedial Goal
For evaporation tank area contaminated with chromium (total and hexavalent), the
remedial goal is to either reduce chromium to the much less toxic chromium (III) or remove the
chromium entirely. With removal, total levels of Chromium should meet the NJDEP Class II A
ground water quality standards of 70 g/l.
For concrete vault area contaminated with total volatile organic compounds (TVOCs), the
goal is to either remove or destroy entirely. Levels of the VOCs should meet the NJDEP Class II
A ground water quality standards of 500 ppb.
Recommendation
Evaporation Tank: Chromium (VI) is a strong oxidant, so it can react with many
reductants to produce the much less toxic and stable chromium (III). Therefore, in-situ chemical

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reduction is a good approach to clean the evaporation tank area. A reducing agent such as zerovalent iron or calcium polysulfide is injected into the chromium contaminated subsurface to
reduce total chromium to chromium (III). In the vadose (unsaturated) zone, it can be difficult to
maintain contact between the reductant and targeted chromium, so faster reactions generally
work better for chromium reduction. Calcium polysulfide is considered the cheapest and fastest
reductant for treatment of chromium in the vadose zone, so calcium polysulfide would be the
primary oxidant used (Chang).
There are alternative treatment methods that could be used for the evaporation tank area,
which include bioremediation of chromate and also pump and treat. These methods are listed
below in the alternatives section (See page 8).
When compared to biological reduction of chromium, chemical reduction is simpler,
faster, and more reliable (Chang). In-situ chemical reduction is applicable over a wide pH
range, which makes it applicable for many sites. The reactions for chemical reduction are also
quite fast; reactions could occur within 5 minutes or longer 5 days depending on the reducing
agent is used. Overall, in-situ chemical reduction will reduce the total and hexavalent chromium
to the stable and much less toxic state chromium (III).
Concrete Vault: In-situ chemical oxidation (ISCO) using Fentons reagent will be quick
and effective in remediating the subsurface soil and groundwater. As an oxidant, Fentons
reagent works very quickly, and the volatile organic compounds in this section can be chemically
oxidized when they react with Fentons reagent. Fentons reagent is hydrogen peroxide, along
with iron (II) acting as a catalyst, which allows this fast oxidizing reaction to occur. The iron
catalyst is important because it enhances another reaction called the hydroxyl radical. The
reaction is shown below:
Equation: Fe2+ + H2O2 OH+ + OH- + Fe3+
When the VOCs are oxidized they are destroyed resulting in water and carbon dioxide as by
products. If some of the hydrogen peroxide is not used in the oxidation process it can lead to a
long term bioremediation process. Hydrogen peroxide also serves as an oxygen source, which
can ultimately promote biodegradation of any remaining contaminants (Jacobs). Fentons
reagent also works best with acidic conditions and Egg Harbor Township is located in an area
where soil pH is known to be acidic. Therefore, in-situ chemical oxidation using Fentons
reagent a good approach to clean the concrete vault area.

Alternatives
Evaporation Tank:
1. No Action Natural Attenuation
No action could be taken to remediate the chromium contaminated subsurface and
groundwater. Natural processes could take care of the contamination over time. Soil
and groundwater would be monitored to check progress. However, since the
excavation and cap of the surface soils in 1985 no actions have been taken, and levels

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of total and hexavalent chromium have hardly diminished. Therefore, natural

attenuation is not a viable solution to cleaning the chromium-contaminated area.
2. Chromium reduction through bioremediation
Some sulfate reducing bacteria can utilize chromate (CrO4) as an electron
acceptor and ultimately reduce chromium (VI) to chromium (III). The reaction is as
follows:
2CrO4-2 + CH2-2 + 10H+ 2Cr+3 + 6H2O + CO2
Sulfate and iron reducing bacteria can also coincidentally reduce dichromate
(Cr2O7-2) from the reduced product of the original reaction. So, the reduced sulfur or
reduced Iron (II) would react with dichromate, which will in turn reduce the
chromium (VI):
3S-2 + Cr2O7-2 + 14H+ 3S0 + 2Cr+3 + 7H2O
6Fe+2 + Cr2O7= + 14H+ 6Fe+3 + 2Cr+3 + 7H2O
Both, direct and coincidental reduction of chromium requires the addition of
carbon to allow the reaction to carry out. Bioremediation of chromium requires a pH
to be between 5.5 and 8, which the pH of the soil at the evaporation tank is likely to
be too acidic. The required bacteria also have to be present for bioremediation of
chromium, such as a chromate utilizing sulfate-reducing bacteria if chromate is used
as an electron acceptor. If chromate is not used as the electron acceptor, then the
required electron acceptor, such as ferric iron or sulfate, needs to be present.
Chromium levels are also considered toxic for bacteria, so high levels of total
chromium inhibit bioremediation.
3. Pump and treat
The chromium-contaminated groundwater can be pumped out of the ground. The
dissolved chromium (VI) can then be recovered and removed from the pumped out
water. It is then recovered through reduction and precipitation. The clean water can
then be pumped back into the ground. With this method, the chromium in the vadose
zone would also need to be mobilized and flushed with a surfactant into the zone of
saturation. The pump and treat method would be costly, and more time consuming
when compared to in-situ chemical reduction.
Concrete Vault:
1. No Action- Natural Attenuation
No action could be taken to remediate the chromium contaminated subsurface and
groundwater. Natural processes could take care of the contamination over time. Soil
and groundwater would be monitored to check progress. However, since the
excavation and cap of the surface soils in 1995 no actions have been taken, and levels
of total and hexavalent chromium have hardly diminished. Therefore, natural
attenuation is not a viable solution to cleaning the chromium-contaminated area.

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10

2. Soil Vapor Extraction along with air sparging

Soil vapor extraction (SVE) along with air sparging was implemented for
approximately 8 months in 1996 in the soil and also groundwater of the concrete vault
area. Post SVE sampling shows that this treatment was very effective in remediating
the contaminated soil, however, the levels of VOCs in the groundwater were and
currently are still above standards.
To combat the exceeding levels in groundwater, more air sparging wells could be
installed to strip the pollutants in the groundwater. The cost to implement SVE and
air sparging would be very inexpensive since everything necessary to perform SVE is
currently on site because of the previous use of SVE and sparging. However, because
of the original results of the groundwater contamination, this technology can still fail
to remediate VOCs of the groundwater.

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11

References
Chang, Paula. (2007). Remediation of Mixed Chromium and TCE Releases (PowerPoint Slides).
Retrieved from: http://www.epa.gov/presentations/Chang_Paula.ppt
Chromium Compounds. (2013, October 18). EPA. Retrieved April 18, 2014, from
http://www.epa.gov/ttn/atw/hlthef/chromium.html
Ethylbenzene. EPA. Retrieved April 24, 2014, from
http://www.epa.gov/ttn/atw/hlthef/ethylben.html
Jacobs, J. (n.d.). Concepts of Chemical Oxidation In Soil & Water Using Fentons Reagant.
Fast-tek. Retrieved April 23, 2014, from http://www.fast-tek.com/TM104.pdf
Universal Aluminum Extrusion Corporation. (2014, March 12). EPA. Retrieved April 20, 2014,
from http://www.epa.gov/region2/waste/fsuniver.htm
Universal Aluminum Extrusion Corporation Environmental Indicator Status. (n.d.). EPA.
Retrieved April 20, 2014, from www.epa.gov/region2/waster/univer725.pdf
Xylenes(A) (Mixed Isomers). EPA. Retrieved April 24, 2014, from
http://www.epa.gov/ttn/atw/hlthef/xylenes.html#ref1

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Appendix A

Figure 1 Former Evaporation Tank Area (Environmental Indicator Status)

Figure 2 - Former Underground Vault Area (Environmental Indicator Status)

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13

Appendix B
Contaminant
Evaporation
Tank Area

Chromium
(total and VI)

Underground VOCs
Vault Area

Location/
Distribution
Subsurface
Soil and
Groundwater

Remedial Progress

Excavation of tank and

surrounding
contaminated surface
soil. Backfilled with
clean material
Subsurface
Excavation of vault and
Soil and
contaminated surface
Groundwater soil (replaced with
clean backfill). SVE
along with Air sparging

Recommendation
In-Situ Chemical
Reduction

In-Situ Chemical
Oxidation