Rapid delineation of subsurface petroleum contamination using the site characterization and analysis penetrometer system

Abstract

 The Site Characterization and Analysis Penetrometer System (SCAPS) was used to investigate subsurface petroleum contamination at Aberdeen Proving Ground, Maryland. The SCAPS is a rapid site-screening tool developed by the Tri-Services (U.S. Army, Navy, and Air Force) to reduce the cost of installation restoration activities. The system, consisting of a geophysical cone penetrometer fitted with a laser-induced fluorescence petroleum sensor, is capable of simultaneous, real-time delineation of subsurface stratigraphy and petroleum contamination. Onsite processing of the SCAPS data allows three-dimensional visualization of both subsurface stratigraphy and petroleum contaminant distribution. The site investigation described herein successfully identified three distinct areas of subsurface petroleum contamination caused by leaking underground storage tanks containing No. 2 healing oil. The SCAPS petroleum sensor response was verified by obtaining 20 soil samples and performing onsite and conventional laboratory analyses for petroleum contaminants. Verification sample results indicate a strong correlation between the SCAPS fluorescence data and conventional measures of petroleum contamination. This investigation illustrates the capabilities of the SCAPS for rapid site characterization.