Our Greenpoint Commitment

ExxonMobil tests technologies to enhance recovery

 

ExxonMobil continually evaluates new technologies in an effort to enhance our remediation efforts and to ensure we are using advanced system components to accelerate recovery and remediation at Greenpoint. In 2010, ExxonMobil evaluated several new technologies for potential use at the Greenpoint site, including the second phase of a pilot study of the Primawave technology.

The studies have been completed and are being evaluated. Once the state Department of Environmental Conservation has been able to review and approve the conclusions, ExxonMobil will publicly share the results.

ExxonMobil identifies potential technologies through several means: As a large company known for our scientific research, we frequently are approached by other companies that have innovative, new technologies. Similarly, our engineers are engaged in the remediation community; have access to vast amounts of technical literature as well as best practices derived from pilot testing and remedial activities at other sites around the U.S. and the world, and attend cutting-edge conferences focused on remediation strategies and technology.

All new and innovative technologies need to be carefully evaluated before they are incorporated into a remediation plan. Several factors are considered when determining whether a new technology or approach is appropriate for use at Greenpoint including: potential effectiveness; technical feasibility of implementation; long-term reliability; environmental impacts, such as energy usage and waste generation; and administrative feasibility (i.e., regulatory and/or access issues). We also take into account the effectiveness of the current remediation strategy, and whether the new or alternative technology is compatible with the current approach, or if it will result in a significant improvement from the current approach.

In 2010, ExxonMobil conducted the second phase of a pilot study of the Primawave technology. The first phase was initiated in 2009. This new technology is designed to increase the volume of groundwater that can flow towards the recovery wells, thereby increasing the migration and recovery of petroleum product.

Additional evaluations in 2010 included:

• Vibration Pilot Study - Vibrations have been shown to increase the output of production wells, therefore it was theorized that vibration mechanisms within our recovery wells would increase recovery of the well. Vibration units were installed within two recovery wells and initial results indicate that there is an increased recovery rate of the well. We are continuing to test the vibration units in 2011.
• Shallow Aquifer Pilot Study - Spill Buster recovery units and high-vacuum extraction methodologies were pilot studied within the shallow aquifer to reduce the isolated free-product accumulations within areas of the formation. ExxonMobil also plans to evaluate other alternative technologies in the shallow aquifer in 2011.

The testing in 2010 demonstrates the complexity of identifying new technologies to optimize remediation and recovery processes. In 2011, ExxonMobil will conduct additional testing of the vibration units and also is exploring a new air sweep technology, which would be an enhancement of soil vapor extraction to enhance product recovery.

2010 Accomplishments

• Launched full-scale soil vapor extraction system
• Recovered nearly 716,000 gallons of product from the subsurface
• Treated and discharged more than 321 million gallons of groundwater
• Met all milestones required by NY Department of Environmental Conservation for the Greenpoint Remediation Project
• Recycled 612 pounds of aluminum and plastic, 2,544 pounds of cardboard and 296 pounds of office paper since launch of recycling program in June 2009
• Conducted pilot studies