Company News Archives - SynTerra Corp

A Cost-Effective, Low-Impact Remedial Approach for Metals: Utilizing Phyto-Enhancement to Accelerate pH Adjustment of Shallow Groundwater

Lyndsay Vander Toorn — Tue, 16 Jun 2026 14:55:34 +0000

A Cost-Effective, Low-Impact Remedial Approach for Metals: Utilizing Phyto-Enhancement to Accelerate pH Adjustment of Shallow Groundwater

ABSTRACT
This paper presents a unique, low-cost, low-impact approach to metals remediation in shallow groundwater at a former industrial site located in the Atlantic Coastal Plain. The approach employs pH adjustment of groundwater using agricultural lime coupled with the use of daikon radish to augment lime contact time and to increase depth of soil augmentation. This method is designed to be a more sustainable, less resource-intensive, and less technically challenging remedial alternative with lower estimated overall costs.

The primary corrective action (source removal) has been completed. However, the oxidation of residual sulfide-bearing minerals has resulted in persistent low-pH groundwater, which increases the solubility and mobility of metal constituents of interests (COIs). While long-term natural attenuation is expected, low-pH conditions could persist for decades; therefore, an evaluation of remedial options was completed to accelerate COI attenuation mechanisms.

The selected remedy is the application of agricultural lime (CaCO3) to the shallow subsurface to increase pH and buffering capacity in groundwater and unsaturated soil, thereby decreasing COI mobility and concentrations. Application dosage rates and details were developed after the baseline evaluation and analysis of subsurface soil conditions.
Although infiltrating rainwater will naturally carry the greater-pH water deeper into the water-bearing unit, SynTerra developed a simple, low-cost enhancement using daikon radish root channels (phyto-enhancement) to accelerate lime movement into the groundwater. This enhancement is expected to expedite the buffering capacity of the water-bearing unit and the time needed to decrease COI mobility. A robust monitoring well program is already established to track performance. The final assessment design, site characterization results, and lime application calculations are presented in this paper, along with initial observations from the novel pilot study.

INTRODUCTION AND PROJECT SITE CONTEXT
Remediation of metals in shallow groundwater remains a significant challenge for industrial sites, particularly those involving historical coal storage. This technical proceeding outlines a unique, low-cost, and sustainable remedial approach implemented at an industrial Site located in the Atlantic Coastal Plain.

The Site geology is characterized by unconsolidated sands, silts, and clays, with surficial groundwater encountered at a shallow depth of approximately 3 meters (m) [9.8 feet (ft)]. Groundwater flow is multi-directional with low hydraulic gradients, resulting in a flow velocity of approximately 8 m (26.2 ft) per year.

The study area (Site) was used for coal storage that supported industrial activities for more than 70 years. While the primary source removal was completed approximately 10 years ago, residual effects to the shallow subsurface persist. Specifically, metals concentrations in the groundwater are greater than state criteria, necessitating a corrective action plan to achieve compliance. The primary challenge identified pertains to the high solubility and mobility of metals driven by local geochemical conditions.

GEOCHEMICAL FRAMEWORK AND PROBLEM STATEMENT
The fundamental driver of metal concentrations in groundwater at the Site is the oxidation of residual sulfide minerals or sulfide-bearing materials. During the 70-year period when the source material was stored at the Site, sulfide mineral phases accumulated in the underlying soils. Oxidization of those sulfide mineral phases, or sulfide-bearing materials, occurred during source material storage. This condition persists post source removal, and the continued infiltration of precipitation has facilitated the oxidation of those minerals, resulting in persistent low-pH conditions within the soil and groundwater. In these acidic conditions, the solubility of the metal constituents of interest (COIs) increases significantly, facilitating and accelerating transport in shallow groundwater.

While long-term natural attenuation is anticipated via the eventual flushing of sulfide-bearing materials by circumneutral upgradient groundwater and rainwater, geochemical modeling indicates that without intervention, these low-pH conditions and elevated metals concentrations in groundwater could persist for centuries. The remedial objective is to accelerate natural attenuation mechanisms by increasing the subsurface soil pH and buffering capacity, thereby neutralizing the groundwater and decreasing COI mobility. To support existing natural attenuation processes, as well as the completed source removal, the selected remedy involves applying agricultural lime (CaCO3) to the shallow subsurface as a “polishing” measure.

REMEDIAL DESIGN AND SOIL CHARACTERIZATION
High-density soil sampling was conducted to develop an effective dosing strategy. Sixteen direct-push soil borings were advanced to a depth of 3 m (9.8 ft) below ground surface (bgs), with a particular focus on the 2.4-m (8-ft) unsaturated zone above the groundwater table. Soil samples were collected at 0.61-m (2-ft) intervals to characterize vertical variations in soil chemistry.
The Clemson University Agricultural Services Laboratory analyzed the samples for parameters including soil pH, buffer pH, cation exchange capacity, and percent base saturation; those results revealed significant spatial and vertical heterogeneity:

Western Area: characterized by highly acidic conditions, with soil pH ranging from 2.9 to 4.1 standard units (S.U.)
Eastern Area: exhibited less acidic conditions, with soil pH ranging from 4.0 to 6.9 S.U.

LIME DOSAGE METHODOLOGY AND APPLICATION PRECISION
Standard agricultural lime dosing calculations are typically designed to adjust the top 20 centimeters (cm) (8 inches) of soil (typical food crop root zone) to a pH of approximately 6.0 S.U. for crop health. This remedial approach required a specialized adaptation of those calculations in collaboration with Clemson University agronomists to address industrial remediation requirements.

CALCULATION ADJUSTMENTS
The dosing strategy incorporated three primary technical adjustments:

Target pH elevation: The target pH was set to 7.0 S.U. to provide sufficient buffering against ongoing sulfide oxidation and to maximize COI immobilization.
Regression analysis: Because the Site pH was frequently less than the standard agricultural calculator’s lower limit of 4.4 S.U., natural log regressions were used to extrapolate lime requirements based on known buffer pH relationships.
Volume scaling: The dosage was scaled from the standard 20-cm (8-inch) agricultural depth to treat the full 2.44-m (8-ft) unsaturated column.

PRECISION APPLICATION
The resulting calculation indicated a total lime requirement of approximately 81.65 metric tons (90 tons) across an 8,900-square-meter (2.2-acre) treatment area. A phased application approach was designed to prevent surface “crusting” (i.e., pozzolanic reactions similar to lime-soil stabilization processes where lime acts as a cementing agent to transform soft soils into a dense cement-like surface layer that could impede rainwater infiltration). Approximately 81.65 metric tons (90 tons) of lime are being applied in four small doses, with incubation between lime applications to allow a more complete reaction of the lime with the soils.
Precision agriculture tools are used for lime applications. Variable-rate spreaders, guided by the Global Positioning System (GPS) and geofencing, are used to match the specific lime dosage to the identified pH requirements of each grid cell. Doses are applied at their calculated dosing rates with a 10-week incubation period between applications. After application, the lime was tilled into the soil to a depth of approximately 46 cm (18 inches) to facilitate contact.

PHYTO-ENHANCEMENT: THE BIOLOGICAL DRILL CONCEPT
While mechanical tillage accesses the top layer of soil, the effectiveness of lime at depth (1.22 m [4 ft] bgs to 2.44 m [8 ft] bgs) is dependent on slower infiltration through soil matrix. To accelerate this vertical transport, the project team implemented a novel phyto-enhancement strategy using Raphanus sativus, specifically the “Driller Daikon” from Grassland Oregon Seed.

MECHANISM
Unlike traditional phytoremediation, which often relies on plants to extract or degrade constituents, this approach uses the plant’s physical growth to modify soil hydraulic properties. The daikon produces a large taproot capable of exerting up to 2,000 kilopascals (290 pounds per square inch) of pressure to penetrate compacted or heavy clay soils. Those roots reach depths of 0.91 m (3 ft) to 1.52 m (5 ft) and can grow to diameters of up to 10 cm (4 inches).

As the roots develop and eventually decompose, macropores (i.e., large, stable root channels that serve as preferential flow pathways) are created. Those pathways allow lime-enhanced rainwater to bypass the slow, matrix-dominated flow of the upper soil layers and move rapidly into the deeper subsurface. This is illustrated in Figure 1 below. Research indicates that daikon radishes can reduce stormwater runoff by up to 45 percent, significantly increasing the volume of clean, buffered water recharging the shallow aquifer.

ADVANTAGES OVER TRADITIONAL PHYTO-EXTRACTION
The phyto-enhancement approach offers these advantages:

Non-extractive: There is no requirement to harvest, transport, or dispose of metal-concentrated biomass because the plants are used for structural advantages rather than chemical removal.
Rapid development: Unlike tree-based phytoremediation systems that may require years to establish, daikon radishes grow rapidly and begin creating macropores within a single growing season.
Sustainability: The seeds are cost-competitive with standard erosion control mixes, providing additional remedial benefits with negligible incremental costs.

INITIAL PILOT STUDY OBSERVATIONS
The implementation of the phyto-enhancement pilot study began after the second lime application. Initial performance monitoring has provided preliminary data; however, Site conditions have been affected by a regional severe drought.

SOIL PROFILE RESPONSE
Monitoring of soil pH at various depth intervals after the first dosing phase showed promising results:

Zero to 0.61 m (0 to 2 ft) bgs interval: significant improvement, attributed to direct mechanical tillage and high soil-lime contact
0.61 to 1.22 m (2 to 4 ft) bgs interval: moderate improvement, though results were more variable
1.22 to 1.83 m (4 to 6 ft) bgs interval: least improvement, confirming that vertical transport is the primary limiting factor in the remedial timeline

The drought conditions have limited the precipitation-driven movement of lime through the newly created daikon macropores. However, the establishment of the initial radish crop, as well as follow-up radish plantings, maintains the operation of a preferential flow system once normal precipitation patterns return.

FUTURE OPTIMIZATION: THE BIOLOGICAL CAP
After the completion of the planned lime applications and several seasons of daikon growth, the Site will transition to a long-term maintenance phase. The proposed strategy involves the use of annual ryegrass (Lolium multiflorum) as a biological cap. Some varieties of annual ryegrass have the capacity to increase soil pH and provide ongoing buffering through root exudates. While traditionally used to optimize soil for corn production, this method is being repurposed in this remedial strategy to maintain a circumneutral pH in industrial subsoils. The biological cap will provide a self-sustaining mechanism to prevent the re-acidification of soils and provide continuous erosion control with minimal maintenance requirements.

PERFORMANCE MONITORING AND REGULATORY INTEGRATION
A robust groundwater monitoring network is used to track the pH and COI responses. Data are collected under an effectiveness monitoring plan and submitted in annual reports. The remedy is subject to 6-year reviews, which will include updated Mann-Kendall trend analyses to assess whether the accelerated attenuation is meeting model predictions.
If the 6-year review indicates that the strategy is insufficient, a contingency plan is in place to evaluate more aggressive remedial technologies, such as deep soil mixing or expanded application areas. However, the current approach is designed to be adaptable, with annual evaluations used to determine the necessity and dosage of subsequent lime applications.

CONCLUSION
The remedial strategy implemented at the Site aligns precision agricultural techniques with the biological capabilities of Raphanus sativus to circumvent energy-intensive, highly engineered remedial systems. The strategy enhances existing natural attenuation mechanisms to provide a low-cost polishing remedy that accelerates the remedial timeline of natural attenuation alone. The remedy addresses the fundamental geochemical factors of metal mobility (i.e., low soil pH and sulfide oxidation) at a fraction of the cost of conventional remedial techniques by approaching the concern in a manner that is consistent with the natural attenuation mechanisms already at work in the system.

The preliminary results show that while mechanical application and tillage provide immediate results in the upper soil horizons, the long-term success of the remedy at depth relies on the development of a network of deep preferential flow pathways provided by daikon. The daikon radishes serve as a low-impact biological tool to bypass soil matrix limitations, facilitating the vertical transport of buffered recharge to the shallow aquifer.

Despite the challenges posed by severe drought, the establishment of the phyto-enhancement system will maximize the remedial benefits of future precipitation events. The future transition to a biological cap using annual ryegrass will provide a self-sustaining, low-maintenance buffering mechanism for long-term compliance. This approach demonstrates that leveraging existing agricultural technologies, agronomic science, and biological “bio-drilling” offers a scalable, sustainable, and technically sound path toward regulatory closure for large-scale industrial sites with adversely affected shallow groundwater.

REFERENCES
[1] G. Chen and R. R. Weil, “Penetration of cover crop roots through compacted soils,” Plant Soil, vol. 331, no. 1–2, pp. 31–43, Jun. 2010, doi: 10.1007/s11104-009-0223-7.

[2] M. Baerg, “Tillage radishes – a new option for improved soil health,” Top Crop Manager, Agronomy Tillage, Dec. 10, 2013. [Online]. Available: https://www.topcropmanager.com/tillage-radishes-a-new-option-for-improved-soil-health-14543/

[3] S. M. Williams and R. R. Weil, “Crop cover root channels may alleviate soil compaction effects on soybean crop,” Soil Sci. Soc. Amer. J., vol. 68, no. 4, pp. 1403–1409, Jul. 2004, doi: 10.2136/sssaj2004.1403.

[4] K. Elmy, “Three uses for forage radish,” Grainews, [Online]. Available: https://www.grainews.ca/features/three-uses-for-forage-radish/

[5] “Daikon radish as a cover crop: Dakota erosion control & soil health for 2026 and beyond,” Farmonaut, 2026. [Online]. Available: https://farmonaut.com/usa/daikon-radish-as-cover-crop-dakota-erosion-control

[6] S. Cappellazzi, “Root characteristics of cover crops under restrictive soil conditions,” presented at the Tri-Societies Meeting, Baltimore, MD, USA, Nov. 8, 2022.

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Using Microscopes for Macro Savings

Lyndsay Vander Toorn — Tue, 02 Jun 2026 20:10:27 +0000

Using Microscopes for Macro Savings

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Closing Data Gaps: Utilizing Field Microscopy for Real-Time CCR Identification

The accurate identification and delineation of coal combustion residuals (CCR) in complex subsurface environments present significant logistical and financial challenges, particularly when distinguishing ash from native soils and sediment or historical fill. Traditional characterization methods rely on visual field observations followed by a 7- to 10-day turnaround for polarized light microscopy analysis. Those methods often result in inaccurate horizontal and vertical delineations, which can lead to costly remobilization activities. These challenges are amplified in high-cost environments, such as drilling where barges, cranes, and other high-cost standby equipment is required.

SynTerra conducted a successful pilot test at an industrial cooling pond adjacent to a CCR ash basin, where historical records indicated potential ash migration of unknown extent. To overcome the limitations of the “Sample → Ship → Wait” workflow, SynTerra implemented a novel portable field microscopy protocol to identify the signatures of CCR. By leveraging the unique morphology of cenospheres (hollow, glassy spheres formed under high-temperature combustion that serve as a “smoking gun” for CCR), field geologists were able to make definitive “yes or no” determinations within 15 minutes of sample recovery.

The real-time data collected and evaluated by this methodology allowed for immediate adjustments to the sampling plan including the repositioning of the drilling barge to new coordinates, drastically reducing mobilization costs and standby time for specialized, expensive equipment. This approach is also being used to directly address data gaps essential for CCR Legacy Rule Facility Evaluation Reports by quickly providing defensible spatial data on ash presence. The integration of field microscopy with traditional soil classification-based logging aids data-driven decisions that align with evolving regulatory requirements.

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Effective remedial strategies based on fractured bedrock characterization

Lyndsay Vander Toorn — Fri, 10 Apr 2026 16:54:45 +0000

Effective remedial strategies based on fractured bedrock characterization

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Hydrogeologic Evaluations of Fractured Bedrock Systems

Fractured bedrock is a common component of hydrogeologic systems and can pose unique environmental and engineering challenges that are less common in more homogeneous porous media systems. Fractures and other forms of secondary porosity (e.g., dissolution cavities) typically control the hydraulic properties of the rock and are the primary means of fluid flow and mass transport in bedrock. Understanding the interconnectivity of the fractures and the connection between the fractures and overlying geologic units is essential for development of robust conceptual models of these groundwater systems. Those conceptual models help stakeholders select effective remediation strategies for adversely affected sites with fractured bedrock.

Numerous methods and techniques are available to improve the characterization of fractured bedrock. These methods can be used to estimate hydraulic parameters, map the connectivity of fracture systems, and obtain information about the overall conditions of a groundwater system. Techniques range from low-effort, low-cost methods, such as hydrograph analyses, to more involved options, such as large-scale pumping tests. These techniques can often be conducted in tandem to provide more robust evaluations of fractured bedrock systems. Applying these methods and techniques while also understanding their limitations and potential difficulties can improve the evaluation of fractured bedrock systems and save stakeholders time and money when developing effective remedial strategies.

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Integrating groundwater modeling into water management for CCR basin closure

Lyndsay Vander Toorn — Tue, 31 Mar 2026 15:45:24 +0000

Integrating groundwater modeling into water management for CCR basin closure

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Lessons Learned from Groundwater Modeling to Support Engineered Solutions for Post-Excavation CCR Basin Water Management

For CCR basins constructed in steam valleys in the southeastern United States and planned for closure by excavation, post-closure groundwater control is often required. Numerical simulations suggest that groundwater elevations may intersect planned final grades, creating uncertainties in future groundwater-surface water interactions and requiring proactive engineered solutions supported by a solid understanding of complex geology and hydrology.

This presentation reviews lessons learned from recent projects in the Carolina Piedmont, emphasizing targeted field data collection, conceptual site model (CSM) development, and iterative numerical modeling to guide closure design. High-quality water level and flow data are critical for defensible hydrologic analysis. Case studies show how heterogeneous and transient site conditions, such as shallow bedrock, uncertain historical channel geometry, evolving basin conditions, and water management, affect groundwater responses, reinforcing the need for a well-defined CSM to support reliable model predictions.

Water budget analysis links field data, modeling, and design by quantifying surface and groundwater contributions, evaluating storm and recharge variability, and identifying controlling factors in model calibration. Catchment basin delineation is critical, as the magnitude of inflow directly affects drainage sizing and long-term performance. Integrating those insights into groundwater models improves accuracy when evaluating closure elements such as groundwater collection systems, stormwater channels, sumps, soil backfill quantities, and performance goals.

By comparing results across multiple projects, this presentation highlights recurring challenges, strategies to reduce uncertainties, and practical considerations in developing effective, regulator-ready engineered designs. These lessons can help streamline future monitoring, design, permitting, and performance evaluation for CCR basin closure across the region.

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A novel, cost-effective approach to metals remediation

Lyndsay Vander Toorn — Fri, 27 Mar 2026 18:18:15 +0000

A novel, cost-effective approach to metals remediation

Blog

A Cost-Effective, Low-Impact Remedial Approach for Metals: Utilizing Phyto-Enhancement to Accelerate pH Adjustment of Shallow Groundwater

Thomas Colton, P.E., and Jerry Wylie, P.G., will present a unique remediation strategy that accelerates natural attenuation processes. The approach employs pH adjustment of groundwater using agricultural lime coupled with the use of daikon radish to augment lime contact time and to increase depth of soil augmentation. This method is designed to be a more sustainable, less resource-intensive, and less technically challenging remedial alternative with lower estimated overall costs.

The primary corrective action—source removal—has been completed. However, the oxidation of residual sulfide-bearing minerals has resulted in persistent low-pH groundwater, which increases the solubility and mobility of metal constituents of interests (COIs). While long-term natural attenuation is expected, low-pH conditions could persist for decades; therefore, an evaluation of remedial options was completed to accelerate COI attenuation mechanisms.

The selected remedy is the application of agricultural lime (CaCO₃) to the shallow subsurface to increase pH and buffering capacity in groundwater and unsaturated soil, thereby decreasing COI mobility and concentrations. Application dosage rates and details were developed following a baseline evaluation and analysis of subsurface soil conditions.

Although infiltrating rainwater will naturally carry the higher-pH water deeper into the water-bearing unit, SynTerra developed a simple, low-cost enhancement using daikon radish root channels (phyto-enhancement) to accelerate lime movement into the groundwater. This enhancement is expected to expedite the buffering capacity of the water-bearing unit and the time needed to decrease COI mobility. A robust monitoring well program is already established to track performance. The final assessment design, site characterization results, and lime application calculations will be presented, along with initial observations from the novel pilot study.

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Platform supports efficient, informed decision making

Ben Cox — Thu, 09 May 2024 18:46:02 +0000

Platform supports efficient, informed decision making

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Fully custom GIS tool helps land management firms navigate complex challenges

SynTerra’s latest project for a conservation land management firm involves digitizing and georeferencing physical maps into an interactive ArcGIS Online tool and augmenting those maps with layers of essential data such as property boundaries, infrastructure details, and environmental features. SynTerra will also integrate freshly captured aerial imagery and LIDAR data obtained through advanced drone technology.

This comprehensive GIS platform is designed to facilitate efficient and informed decision making for future master planning and land management of our clients’ holdings. By integrating historical data, applicable GIS layers, and cutting-edge technology, our fully custom tool empowers our conservation land management clients to navigate complex challenges and embark on new development projects with precision and confidence.

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SynTerra Corp. welcomes a new president

IT Admin — Sun, 14 Apr 2024 20:16:09 +0000

SynTerra Corp. welcomes a new president

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Business executive Travis Waters is SynTerra’s new president.

Posted July 14, 2022

GREENVILLE, SC — SynTerra Corp., a science and engineering consulting firm, announced today that Travis Waters is the company’s new president.

SynTerra has made significant efforts to streamline business operations over the past couple of years. Today, the firm has approximately 100 employees and five offices in three states with the ability to serve clients nationwide.

The SynTerra Board of Directors searched nationwide for top-tier candidates who shared the same vision and values as the company. “I am both humbled and excited about the opportunity to help this great organization further expand and grow to become the premier environmental and engineering consulting firm in the Southeast,” said Waters.

Waters, who has led companies in sales, marketing, and business operations for the past 20 years, is experienced in attracting new business segments and negotiating strategic contracts. Waters has managed multimillion-dollar global accounts and has developed key business verticals with revenue exceeding $900 million. Waters also brings an entrepreneurial spirit; he has succeeded in several business ventures of his own.

Waters has given back to his community over the years through volunteer work. He served as the Chairman of the Board of Directors at the Big Brothers Big Sisters Foundation and volunteered as a driver for Meals on Wheels America.

Founded in 1992, SynTerra is employee‐owned. SynTerra engineers, geologists, scientists, and data professionals help clients meet business objectives and address technical challenges. Clients include manufacturers, mining operations, utilities, pulp and paper companies, developers, and government agencies. Capabilities include environmental consulting, water and wastewater design, civil engineering design, air and wetlands permitting, surveying and drone applications, and more. Headquartered in Greenville, SC, SynTerra also has offices in Cary, NC, Charlotte, NC, Lexington, KY, and Pikeville, KY. Learn more about SynTerra at www.synterracorp.com.

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Explaining the CCR Rule and related projects

Michael Jackson — Wed, 10 Apr 2024 18:11:41 +0000

Explaining the CCR Rule and related projects

Blog

Get the report — Coal Combustion Residuals: Environmental Risk and Remedy

ABSTRACT: Coal combustion residuals (CCR), commonly known as coal ash, are created when coal is burned by power plants to produce electricity. Coal ash is one of the largest types of industrial waste generated in the United States, with several sites in the Carolinas having coal ash impoundments and landfills. Coal ash can contain constituents like mercury, selenium, and arsenic. Without proper management, these constituents can contaminate waterways, groundwater, drinking water, and air.

The EPA finalized national regulations to provide a comprehensive set of requirements for the safe disposal of CCR from coal-fired power plants. The federal CCR Rule establishes technical requirements for CCR landfills and surface impoundments, and it addresses risks from coal ash disposal, e.g., leaking of contaminants into groundwater, blowing of contaminants into air as dust, and the possible failure of coal ash surface impoundments. This rule also supports the responsible recycling of CCRs by distinguishing safe, beneficial use from disposal.

This presentation will provide an overview of the federal CCR rule and associated state regulations, and it outlines many of the CCR compliance activities we are conducting at current and former coal-fired power plants. Activities include comprehensive site assessments focused on groundwater flow characterization and the nature and extent of coal ash constituents occurring in groundwater, soil, surface water, and sediments. Based on the comprehensive site assessments, corrective action plans have been developed in coordination with the state regulatory agencies. Corrective action plans were based in part on human health and ecological risk assessments that determined whether the occurrence of specific coal ash constituents necessitates remedy.

Get the full report

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Stay safe in this season of challenges

IT Admin — Sat, 30 Dec 2023 02:09:37 +0000

Stay safe in this season of challenges

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Health and safety practices for the cold holiday season

Posted December 29, 2020

Cold fronts have recently swept across the United States, reminding us that it is winter. While the colder months can bring a lot of wonderful moments, such as cozy fires, or maybe some snow days, it does bring some dangers.

There are a few areas where we can practice caution while at work or while we work at home:

Driving in inclement weather
Traveling during the holidays
Testing for carbon monoxide

Driving

Before driving, clear all of the ice or snow off of your windshield.

During this time of year, temperature drops and earlier sunsets can lead to hazardous driving conditions in some cases. Cold weather precipitation such as snow, ice, and sleet can compile on roadways.

Prepare your car for winter weather by testing your battery. Most auto store chains can help check this for you and prevent a dead battery. It is also a great time to check your tire pressure, wiper blades, and cooling system. Keep your gas tank full if you are expecting a storm in the area.

Once you are ready to hit the road, make sure you can see from your mirrors or cameras and remove and debris like dirt and ice. If the conditions are poor on the road, give yourself extra room between cars, avoid cruise control, and avoid quick acceleration or deceleration.

If you do not need to travel, staying home is always a good option. If you have to leave your home, sharing travel plans can be an extra layer of safety.

Traveling

If you are traveling for the holidays, being prepared for what to expect on the road can make the experience much more enjoyable. According to the National Safety Council, traveling by car during the holidays has the highest fatality rate of any major form of transportation based on fatalities per passenger mile.

A focused and well-rested driver is a safe driver. Stay off cellular devices so you can focus on the road and other drivers. Give yourself plenty of time to get to your destination so you are not rushing or making quick driving decisions.

Make sure everyone in the vehicle is wearing a seat belt. If you are attending a celebration, always designate a sober driver.

Carbon monoxide poisoning

Carbon monoxide is an odorless, colorless gas that can lead to an unexpected illness. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, more than 400 people in the United States die from unintentional carbon monoxide poisoning every year. Symptoms can mimic the flu and can include headaches, dizziness, weakness, or confusion.

Warming your car in your garage might be convenient, but is incredibly dangerous as it creates a build-up of carbon monoxide. Do not run a car in a garage that is connected to your home, even if the garage door is open.

Heating your home with a gas oven, flameless chemical heater, or a generator can also produce fatal levels of carbon monoxide. A space heater, wood fireplace, or even a community assistance program can help if you need additional heat.

Carbon monoxide detectors are also available and can be quickly installed in your home or workplace. These detectors, which work similarly to fire detectors, are relatively inexpensive and can quickly detect and alert you so everyone in the building can step outside for fresh air. If the alarm does go off and someone is experiencing symptoms, call 911 and do not reenter the home. If no symptoms are experienced, call a professional to check the space.

SynTerra professionals hope you have a happy and healthy holiday and that these tips can be useful throughout winter. Please contact Paul Tarquinio for further assistance regarding health and safety topics. Our experts can assist individuals or teams with safety programs, hazard assessments, PPE selection, or general training.

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Successful strategy provides taste and odor control

IT Admin — Wed, 01 Nov 2023 14:45:39 +0000

Successful strategy provides taste and odor control

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Get the report — Taste and Odor Control in Source Water for the Anderson Regional Joint Water System

ABSTRACT: The Anderson Regional Joint Water System (ARJWS) has experienced intermittent taste and odor problems in raw and finished water from the treatment plant on the Six and Twenty Creek arm of Hartwell Lake, Anderson, South Carolina, making it difficult or impossible to provide the quality drinking water (odor-free) that customers expect. An adaptive management strategy was implemented that began with identifying the source of taste and odor problems as terpene alcohols [2-methylisoboneol (MIB) and geosmin] produced by benthic algae (e.g. blue-green algae and diatoms).

With MIB concentrations reaching more than 2,000 parts per trillion in Hartwell Lake in the summer of 2014, an immediate algaecide application plan was developed based on results from a laboratory study of responses of taste- and odor-producing algae to candidate algaecides. A peroxide formulation algaecide and a chelated copper formulation algaecide (both registered for application to drinking water by the U.S. EPA) were applied to the bottom 2 feet of the water column.

Approximately 160 acres of the Hartwell Lake littoral zone (from the water line to the 25-ft. depth contour) and 4 acres around the ARJWS water intake structure were treated. Pre- and post-treatment concentrations of copper were measured in water near the intake and in the areas of algaecide application. By seven days after treatment, total copper concentrations returned to background concentrations (20.6 µg Cu/L) at the water intake. The peroxide-based algaecide was applied to 4 acres around the water intake structure. The degradation products of this algaecide when applied to water are oxygen and water. Prior to treatment, hydrogen peroxide was not detected in the treatment area. Fourteen hours after application, hydrogen peroxide concentrations ranged from 2.7 to 3.7 mg/L and by three days after treatment, hydrogen peroxide was not detected. MIB and geosmin concentrations declined significantly in the raw water after the algaecide applications. Pre-treatment MIB concentrations ranged from 102 to 106 ng/L, and declined to 14 ng/L twelve days after treatment. Geosmin decreased from 14 ng/L prior to treatment to 5 ng/L twelve days after treatment.

To refine plans for future algaecide applications (e.g., 2015), results were supplemented with a regimen of toxicity tests of water and sediments using sensitive, sentinel fish and invertebrate species to establish margins of safety for non-target species potentially exposed to algaecides. In addition, a hydrological study of the watershed above the ARJWS intake structure was conducted to help identify specific taste and odor source areas and hydraulic time of travel. A refined management strategy was implemented beginning in May 2015, targeting specific areas of the lake with prescribed algaecide applications. Since initiating 2015 algaecide applications, taste and odor has been controlled in ARJWS source water while protecting valued Hartwell Lake aquatic resources.

Get the full report

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