The Mountain Lakes Air Stripper


Background

Well No. 5 has experienced measurable levels of tetrachloroethene (PCE) since 1991.  The level of PCE generally ranged between 0.4 and 0.9 parts per billion (ppb) during the years 1991 to 1997.  In this same period there were five (5) readings greater than 1.0 ppb.  Starting in early 1997, the level of PCE has been in excess of the State limit for this contaminant, ranging between 1.2 and 1.5 ppb.

In recognition of the need to maintain water quality and deliver safe water to its residents, Borough officials undertook the planning, funding and design of an air stripping facility at Well No. 5 to eliminate the PCE contaminant from the Borough's water supply.

Chronology

1997 Planning and selection of air stripping as the cost-effective solution.
June 1998 Enter into agreement with NJDEP for funding of project.
Summer/Fall 1998 Engineering design and State approvals
January 1999 Receive bids
February 1999 Award of contract to Navka Construction ($481,000)
April 1999 Start of construction
December 1999 Complete construction
January 2000 Start-up and testing of the new equipment
February 16, 2000 Air stripper placed into service

System Capacity

Well No. 5 has a capacity of approximately 1,000,000 gallons per day.  The air stripper has been designed to provide removal of volatile organic compounds from a flow rate of 800 gallons per minute, with an efficiency of 99 percent.  The total output from Well No. 5 can be treated with the air stripper.

System Performance

The latest water sample taken on March 14, 2000 shows no detectable levels (N/D) for any of the 26 regulated compounds, or any of the 36 non-regulated compounds. The effectiveness of the process is illustrated in the below table which tracks the levels of tetrachloroethene (PCE) for the period February 2, 1999 through March 14, 2000.  The maximum allowable level for PCE is 1.0 part per billion.

Date of TestPCE Level (ppb)
02-02-99
1.1
03-05-99
1.4
04-01-99
1.3
05-04-99
1.3
06-01-99
1.4
07-01-99
1.5
08-03-99
0.9
11-03-99
1.3
12-07-99
1.5
02-01-00
1.6
02-16-00
Air Stripper Activated
02-23-00
N/D
03-01-00
N/D
03-07-00
N/D
03-14-00
N/D


Return to the Environment Home Page