Anthony J. Shields, P.E.

Colloidal Activated Carbon Permeable Reactive Barrier Pilot Study, New Jersey — Provided the remedial selection and design of a colloidal activated carbon (CAC) permeable reactive barrier to remediate PFAS-impacted groundwater at a major industrial plant. The injection of approximately 6,000 lbs of CAC into shallow groundwater as a pilot test achieved a multiple orders of magnitude reduction in PFAS groundwater concentrations. Additional support activities included injection permitting and coordination with an active facility to avoid operational disruptions. Pilot study monitoring is ongoing, and early data suggest successful source control.

Ongoing PFAS Remediation, Source Area Excavation and Colloidal Activated Carbon PRB Pilot Testing, Alaska — Provided engineering support for the investigation of PFAS and sulfolane in groundwater beneath a petroleum bulk storage facility and an offsite drinking water aquifer. Conducted a remedial alternatives assessment that considered excavation, containment, thermal remediation, a permeable reactive barrier (PRB), soil washing, and foam fractionation. Conducted a source area excavation of a former fire training area to remove 1,900 tons of contaminated soils for offsite thermal treatment and disposal. Excavation activities included subfreezing conditions and the relocation of active utility lines. Ongoing activities include the design and implementation of a CAC PRB pilot study to prevent further migration of PFAS and sulfolane. The study includes the injection of CAC into the subsurface via direct push injections.

PFAS Source Area Remediation for a Large Industrial Plant, New Jersey — Provided engineering support for a major industrial plant and PFAS user to select interim remedial measures for source control purposes for highly impacted soils containing parts-per-million concentrations of legacy and replacement chemistry PFAS. Work involved evaluating remedial alternatives and conducting bench-scale studies of multiple remedial technologies, including the thermal conductive heating of soils; thermal smoldering of sludge materials; in situ soil stabilization and solidification; and injectable colloidal activated carbon for groundwater treatment. Bench studies were conducted to evaluate both site-specific conductions and previously proven technologies to remove novel PFAS compounds unique to the facility.

PFAS Remediation of Public Water Supply Wells Impacted by a Large Industrial Plant, New Jersey — Provided investigation and engineering support for nearly 40 public water supply (PWS) wells spread across 10 different municipalities that were potentially impacted by a 3-mile-long PFAS plume downgradient from a major industrial plant and PFAS user. Conducted engineering analyses for multiple wellhead treatment systems comprising both anion exchange resin and granular activated carbon (GAC) trains installed for PFAS treatment. Provided litigation support to determine the extent of impacted PWS wells, prepare for potential third-party investigations, and create cost evaluations for additional treatment systems. Additional work included the evaluation of replacing impacted wells with deep aquifer wells and permitting for new well installation and water allocation.

Engineering Design of a >2.6-mgd Pump-and-Treat Facility for PFAS-Impacted Groundwater for a Large Industrial Plant, New Jersey — Providing ongoing support and engineering design for a groundwater pump-and-treat system to capture and contain a miles-long groundwater plume impacting a potable aquifer. Preliminary work includes designing a system with an estimated treatment rate of 2.6+ million gallons per day (mgd) that uses multiple water treatment techniques to address PFAS contamination to reinject treated water back into the aquifer for further hydraulic control and natural resource management. The centralized system will include precipitation of dissolved iron, scaling and pH control, and anion exchange resin treatment trains for PFAS removal. Provided support for the procurement of relevant New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection (NJDEP) permits, including water allocation and reinjection permits. Ongoing work involves engineering support for the siting of extraction and injection wells and other treatment apparatus, extensive permitting support with state and local regulators, and regular groundwater investigation activities.

Multimedia PFAS Remedial Investigation for a Large Industrial Plant, New Jersey — Conducted ongoing remedial investigation activities for a major industrial plant and PFAS user to investigate multiple impacted media, including soil, groundwater, air, sediment, porewater, stormwater, and surface water. Activities include the delineation of a PFAS plume across a multi-aquifer groundwater network, a response to immediate environmental concern conditions associated with private and public water wells, and investigations of stormwater and related discharges into surface water and other potential receptors.

Litigation Support for PFAS-Related Potable Water Treatment Claims, South Dakota — Provided an engineering review and cost estimating for proposed alternatives to address PFAS impacts in a public water supply above EPA health advisory levels from source groundwater and associated surface waters. A municipal system providing nearly 22 mgd of water required cost estimation and an alternatives evaluation for wells impacted with PFAS near the city’s fire training facility and airport. Proposed alternatives included the installation of supplementary 3.6-mgd water treatment plant using granular activated carbon/anion exchange to treat only the wells impacted in order to reduce unnecessary costs and maintenance. Project work included design of the proposed treatment systems and probable cost estimating for the proposed alternatives. Work was conducted in support of approaching litigation and expert report.

Litigation Support for PFAS-Related Potable Water Treatment Claims, Middlesex County, New Jersey — Provided an engineering review and cost estimating for a proposed 10-mgd public water treatment plant expansion. Proposed expansion was underway to address PFAS impacts above New Jersey drinking water maximum contaminant levels from source groundwater. Project work required an engineering review of the opposing party’s proposed treatment plant design, the design of a granular activated carbon treatment system, and probable cost estimating for the expansion. Work was conducted in support of approaching litigation and an expert report for a probable cost estimate.

Litigation Support for PFAS-Related Potable Water Treatment Claims, Floyd County, Georgia — Provided an engineering review and cost estimating for proposed alternatives to address PFAS impacts in a public water supply above EPA health advisory levels from source surface waters. Proposed alternatives included 24- and 30-mgd water treatment plant expansions using granular activated carbon and relocating the supply intake to an alternative surface water source located approximately 1.6 miles away. Project work included the design of granular activated carbon treatment systems, the design of alternative water source pumphouse and associated conveyance system, and probable cost estimating for the proposed alternatives. Work was conducted in support of approaching litigation and an expert report for probable cost estimates.

Investigation and Remediation of Former Wood Treating Facility, Darby, Montana — Provided engineering and investigation support for ongoing remediation of site soil and groundwater impacted with dioxins, furans, and PAHs. Conducted fate and transport modeling under a Montana Department of Environmental Quality-required feasibility study to determine site-specific remedial goals for surface and subsurface soils. Also coordinated pilot-scale studies of multiple stabilization mixes (cement, soil, and bentonite) intended for future ISS of impacted site soils.

Remedial Alternatives Analysis of Former Wood Treating Facility and DNAPL Impacts, Kansas City, Missouri — Performed a remedial alternatives analysis for the remediation of soil and groundwater impacts associated with a former wood treating facility. Alternatives were designed to consider limited funding from the site’s fiduciary trust as well as technical considerations, such as the presence of immobile dense, nonaqueous-phase liquid (DNAPL) to depths exceeding 85 ft below grade, heterogeneous clay and soil layers, and surrounding surface water and infrastructure features bordering the property. Additional activities included conducting a remedial process optimization of the existing onsite treatment system, which included an aging pump-and-treat system and associated infrastructure.

Sediment Capping and Remedial Design for a Major River System, Penobscot County, Maine — Provided an engineering design and evaluation for the implementation of a sediment cap to address mercury-impacted sediments within a major river body and intertidal flat. Support included the planning and coordination of predesign investigation activities and the remedial evaluation of capping alternatives, including the use of sediment transport modeling, sediment armoring, and tidal effects.

Chlorinated Volatile Organic Compounds In Situ Biological Remediation and Vapor Intrusion for EPA Superfund Site, Southeastern Pennsylvania — Served as the field and project engineer for the remediation of a former door piston and specialty parts manufacturer. Chlorinated solvents previously used for parts manufacturing and testing had contaminated soils and groundwater in both the overburden and bedrock. In addition, chlorinated volatile organic compounds present at the site are part of a comingled plume of solvents. Assisted in the implementation of bioremediation via in situ bioaugmentation at the source area of the site. Served as project engineer for the post-injection groundwater monitoring events and provided engineering support for the evaluation of the pilot-study. Also provided engineering support for the determination of indoor air intrusion and potential mitigation alternatives.

Dissolved Oxygen Injection System Design and Installation, Edison, New Jersey — Served as field engineer for the installation of a dissolved oxygen in situ treatment system for the remediation of a petroleum/hydrocarbon release associated with a former bus garage and gas station. Leaking underground storage tanks (USTs) and other sources impacted soil and groundwater, with a groundwater plume extending more than 10 acres from the source area. Performed field oversight of the pilot system in the source area, which included the use of pneumatic fracturing and sand proppant to increase the injection point area of influence. Assisted in design and installation for the full-scale system following the pilot study. Installed additional injection points throughout the property using pneumatic fracturing and installed an offsite groundwater capture system for downgradient plume remediation.

ISCO Injection Implementation for Former UST Spill, Bridgeton, New Jersey — Served as project manager and engineer for the implementation of ISCO injections to address hydrocarbon contamination in soil and groundwater from former petroleum USTs. Remedial activities consisted of gravity-fed injections of a percarbonate oxidant (RegenOx®) into the subsurface to mitigate soil and groundwater contaminated with benzene, toluene, ethylbenzene, and xylenes. Additional injection support included the submittal of the NJDEP Permit-by-Rule and implementation of the associated groundwater monitoring plan. Treatment was successful, and the site final remedy included the use of institutional controls (deed restriction) for soils and monitored natural attenuation for remaining groundwater contamination.

SSD System Design, Installation, and Operation and Maintenance, Millville, New Jersey — Served as project engineer for the installation of an SSD system to remediate trichloroethene (TCE) intrusion into an airport hangar and associated pilots’ offices/lounge areas. Assisted in the review of historical investigations and conducted additional sampling and delineation. Provided support for the design and coordination of the installation of the SSD system following increased occupation of the impacted building. Conducted and coordinated confirmatory sampling and system operation and maintenance in accordance with NJDEP vapor intrusion technical guidance. Assisted in the drafting of NJDEP deliverables, including the vapor intrusion response action report.

Excavation and Capping of a Former Specialty Gas Manufacturing Plant, East Rutherford, New Jersey — Provided field engineering support for an Industrial Site Recovery Act trigger of a specialty gas manufacturing facility. Historical fill throughout the site exceeded nonresidential direct-contact soil remediation standards while historical process operations leaked chlorinated solvents (tetrachloroethene [PCE] and TCE) as DNAPL below the water table. Oversaw the excavation of hazardous impacted material in two zones (10 and 20 ft below ground surface), which required extensive dewatering activities and shoring and sheeting. Preparation work included demolition and asbestos abatement of the site structures. Following excavation and disposal, oversaw the installation of a sitewide permeable stone cap.

Industrial Facility Remedial Excavation, Edison, New Jersey — Performed field engineering support for the excavation activities at a former plastic manufacturer to remove soil impacted with multiple chlorinated solvents, including 1,1,1-trichloroethane; 1,1,2-trichloroethane; 1,1 dichloroethane; 1,1-dichloroethene; 1,2-dichloroethane; methylene chloride; PCE; and TCE. Excavation activities included foundation support using helical piles for the warehouse building, which remained active during the remedial activities. The 12-ft-deep excavation yielded 810 tons of impacted soil for offsite disposal. Following the source removal, provided groundwater monitoring and support for the submittal of a classification exception area.

Former Manufactured Gas Plant ISS and Sediment Dredging Design, Coastal New Jersey — Served as field engineer and performed engineering support for the remediation of a former manufactured gas plant in a coastal town in southern New Jersey. Remedial activities included the implementation of a deep soil mix in situ solidification/stabilization remedy to treat coal tar DNAPL adjacent to the bay side of the town. Provided oversight support of Phase I ISS activities, including the restoration of a public roadway, sidewalks, and utilities. Provided engineering support and technical drafting for remediation/dredging of the bay area’s sediment exceedances. Also provided engineering support for the removal of previously undocumented USTs discovered during the implementation of the Phase I ISS work. Conducted compliance permitting for dewatering water treatment plant, including permitting for the New Jersey Pollutant Discharge Elimination System and permitting from local municipal utilities.

Remedial Investigation and Remedial Action Design at a Former Aviation Equipment Facility and Associated Airport, Millville, New Jersey — Provided engineering design of a three-phase remedial action to address impact to groundwater from PCE. Remedial phases included a shallow hot-spot excavation, targeted vadose-zone soil vapor extraction systems, and a sitewide volatile organic compound cap. Supported additional groundwater remedial activities, including improvement and optimization of the existing groundwater ex situ treatment network and targeted ISCO injections within the source area and plume. Also performed initial investigation activities, including groundwater monitoring, soil delineation, sediment sampling, indoor air sampling, and operation/evaluation of an existing ex situ groundwater treatment system.

Brownfield Program Property Development, Brooklyn, New York — Supported the transaction of a property and its application for the New York State Brownfield Cleanup Program (NYSBCP). The property contained chlorinated volatile organic compounds associated with former dry cleaning and painting operations at the site. Helped to provide the buyer’s team with a complete understanding of the site’s environmental history and the process of entering into the NYSBCP. Prepared the site for ongoing remedial investigation and remediation.

Air Permitting and Compliance for Non-Title V Facilities, Various Locations, New Jersey — Provided air permitting, calculations, and support for various Non-Title V facilities throughout New Jersey, including a commercial vehicle distribution center, a vehicle painting and training center, a commercial wood painting facility, and a residential apartment complex. Engineering support included compliance work for NJDEP and various air permitting programs, including preconstruction permitting; general permit application; the creation of emission statements; and construction, repair, and maintenance notifications. Also performed sitewide potential-to-emit calculations and calculated various facility inventory emissions, including those for boilers, aboveground and underground storage tanks, emergency generators, heaters, and painting booths.

Remediation Permitting and Compliance, Various Locations — Provide permitting and compliance support for the implementation of various remedial programs. Work includes permitting at the local, state, and federal level across multiple agencies and jurisdictions. Work also includes injection permitting, water allocation permitting, NPDES permitting for surface water and groundwater, construction permitting, right-of-way permitting and easements, and stormwater permitting.

Stormwater Infiltration Improvements Design and Oversight for EPA Superfund Site, Southern New Jersey — Provided full-time oversight as the resident engineer for stormwater infiltration improvements at a former tannery and drum disposal facility. Remedial work from a previous consultant placed over-compacted backfill, resulting in significant ponding and stormwater retention and flooding on the property, which halted final installation of the remedial protective soil cap. Supported design work to implement stormwater management best management practices via a blended sand/site-soil mixture with a gravel surface layer to increase stormwater storage capacity and facilitate site infiltration. Provided onsite, day-to-day engineering support for the successful implementation of the redesigned cap and provided faster decision-making abilities for the construction management team.

Return Water Management System Design and Implementation at Former Sand Quarry, Sewell, New Jersey — Provided engineering support for the installation of a return water management system to renovate and repurpose the existing dewatering system. The former sand quarry was repurposed for research by a local university because the exposed soils were found to be of significant paleontological importance. Active paleontological research and digging is currently being performed at the site, and a new sustainable dewatering system of the quarry pit was necessary for long-term use. Provided design and engineering support to implement the return water management system, which supported 200,000–300,000 gal per day. The system utilized sustainable design strategies and best management practices to pretreat the water to adjust pH and total suspended solids and discharge to a nearby surface water feature. Provided design drawings and technical specifications for the various engineered systems, including the lift station, force water mains, duplex pump system, valves and piping, electrical systems, and the gravel infiltration gallery.