Contaminants We Treat
Thermal remediation is the most aggressive in situ remedy available for organic contamination. Here is what ERH and TCH remove — and which technology fits each contaminant class.
Chlorinated Solvents (TCE, PCE, TCA, DCE, Vinyl Chloride)
The classic thermal target. Chlorinated solvents from degreasing, dry cleaning and metal finishing form dense DNAPL that sinks below the water table and resists pumping, injection and excavation. Their low boiling points make them ideal for ERH: at ~100 °C they volatilize and steam-strip out of even tight clays.
Petroleum Hydrocarbons & Fuels (Benzene, BTEX, TPH)
Gasoline, diesel and fuel-oil releases at terminals, gas stations and industrial sites. Volatile fractions such as benzene respond to ERH; heavier TPH fractions with higher boiling points call for TCH. We have treated fuel impacts at sites as sensitive as a municipal school.
SVOCs & Heavy Hydrocarbons
Semi-volatile compounds — heavy fuel oils, creosote, tars and similar high-boiling organics — require temperatures beyond the reach of water-boiling technologies. TCH heater wells drive the target zone well above 100 °C to vaporize or destroy these compounds in place.
DNAPL & LNAPL Source Zones
Free-phase product is where conventional in situ technologies stall and remediation timelines stretch into decades. Heat attacks the source directly: viscosity drops, volatilization accelerates, and mass removal is measured in real time at the vapor treatment system. Removing the source is what finally lets a site close.
Contaminant → Technology Match
| Contaminant class | Examples | Recommended technology |
|---|---|---|
| Chlorinated solvents | TCE, PCE, TCA, DCE, vinyl chloride | ERH |
| Volatile fuels | Benzene, toluene, BTEX, gasoline-range TPH | ERH |
| Semi-volatiles & heavy fuels | Diesel/oil-range TPH, creosote, tars | TCH |
| DNAPL source zones | Free-phase solvent below the water table | ERH or TCH — site-specific |
| Mixed plumes | VOCs + SVOCs | Combined ERH + TCH design |
Don't See Your Contaminant?
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