Soil and Groundwater Pollution Remediation at an Operating Gas Station

Site Background

This remediation site is near Zhongzheng Road in Luzhu District, Taoyuan City, and located at a high-traffic gas station in a busy commercial area. The soil and groundwater contamination is divided into two distinct zones, neither of which is adjacent to the station’s operational facilities. The pollution zones lie along the upstream and downstream perimeters of the site. Pressure testing for the site’s pipelines and tanks showed normal readings, so the pollution source could not be identified in the early stages of pollution control site designation.

Pollution Status

In 2014, the Taoyuan County Government designated this site as a groundwater pollution control area, with gasoline identified as the primary contaminant. However, further assessments revealed pollution in both soil and groundwater, including TPH* in soil and benzene and MTBE*  in groundwater. The Environmental Protection Bureau requested the inclusion of all contaminants in the remediation plan.

Remediation Approach

• In 2015, ApolloTech was contracted to conduct a pollution assessment and develop a remediation plan. Through thorough investigation, we identified the contaminated zones, pinpointed potential sources, and assessed likely transmission pathways. The main pollution area was found outside the operating oil tanks, suggesting no direct link with current operations. Subsequent findings confirmed that residual soil contamination was likely from the former tank area, which had since been removed. This focused identification allowed for targeted remediation of localized contamination.   
• ApolloTech completed the remediation over a two-year period without interrupting gas station operations or sealing off the work area, using in-situ remediation techniques. The project achieved verification in April 2017, and the site was formally de-listed by the Taoyuan City Government in early 2018.
• ApolloTech’s investigation and remediation approach not only identified potential sources but also established a detailed conceptual model of contaminant transport and hydrogeology. By aligning solutions with confirmed issues, our remediation method effectively addressed localized pollution and enabled the site to be de-listed.

Note: *Total Petroleum Hydrocarbons (TPH)
              Methyl Tert-Butyl Ether (MTBE)