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Green Chemistry Treats Contamination Before It Reaches Groundwater

AIKEN, S.C. (November 21, 2011) – A technology that uses “green” chemistry to help microbes break down contaminants in soil before they reach the groundwater has earned kudos from the editors of Environmental Protection website as 2011 Soil & Groundwater New Product of the Year.

The technology, which was invented by the U.S. Department of Energy’s Savannah River National Laboratory, and licensed and manufactured by EOS Remediation, LLC, a subsidiary of Solutions-IES, Inc., treats chlorinated solvent contamination in the vadose zone, the area of unsaturated soils between the ground surface and the water table below.  Contamination in this zone can be a continuing source of groundwater contamination. 

The technology, which EOS Remediation markets under the name Vadose Organic Substrate (VOS™), is based on sustainable “green” chemistry.  The thixotropic gel – a liquid consistency when stirred, but gels when left in place – uses biodegradable oil to sequester the contaminants while providing food for the microorganisms in the soil, stimulating the microbes’ innate ability to degrade solvents.  Initial results indicated that the VOSTM Technology can cost-effectively turn land once deemed unusable into productive and safe real estate. 

The technology was originally developed by Brian Riha of SRNL to address solvent contamination at DOE’s Savannah River Site.  EOS Remediation obtained the exclusive license to manufacture and sell the technology, as part of SRNL’s mandate to support the U.S. economy by moving technologies developed at the government laboratory into the marketplace.

The Environmental Protection New Product of the Year Award honors the outstanding achievements of industry manufacturers whose products are considered particularly noteworthy for making environmental professionals’ jobs a little easier.  See the winners at http://eponline.com/pages/2011-npoy-winners.aspx

Solutions-IES is an award-winning, woman-owned environmental consulting, engineering and remediation firm and is a leading developer of innovative technologies for natural and sustainable bioremediation of soil and groundwater.  Its subsidiary, EOS Remediation, commercializes products developed by Solutions-IES to naturally clean-up environmental contamination. EOS® technologies are used at over 1,000 sites annually and substantially reduce the cost to restore contaminated properties throughout the world.  

SRNL is DOE’s applied research and development national laboratory at SRS.  SRNL puts science to work to support DOE and the nation in the areas of environmental stewardship, national security, and clean energy.  The management and operating contractor for SRS and SRNL is Savannah River Nuclear Solutions, LLC.

SRNS-2011-84

Photo courtesy of Savannah River National Laboratory

Raleigh, NC – EOS Remediation rolled out the red carpet to honor their guests at the Battelle International Symposium on Bioremediation and Sustainable Environmental Technologies in Reno, Nevada this year. Offering an evening of fine wines from EOS Estate Winery and exquisite cuisine personally prepared by chef proprietor David Silverman of Silver Peak Restaurant and Brewery in an atmosphere of antique, vintage and classic cars, was the perfect recipe for a flawless evening. Roundtrip courtesy shuttles made sure that attendees only had to be concerned with relaxing and having fun.

“It was a fantastic evening and I was so pleased with the attention to detail given by our service providers – EOS Estate Winery and Chef Silverman.” said Ann Borden President of EOS Remediation. “We wanted to show our guests how much we appreciate their trust in our products and were able to demonstrate quality hospitality to match our products!”

EOS Remediation, a global woman-owned firm, provides innovative technologies for natural and sustainable bioremediation of soil and groundwater, under exclusive licenses by select companies, such as the U.S. Department of Energy, Solutions-IES and The Antea Group. The proven EOS® technologies are used at over 1,000 sites throughout the world annually and substantially reduce the cost to restore contaminated properties. 

In 2009, EOS Remediation, LLC commercialized EAS™, a sulfate-enhanced technology for in situ remediation of petroleum hydrocarbon (PHC) contaminated groundwater. This technology has been applied at hundreds of sites nationwide and we are pleased to announce its recent approval for use in Florida.

Historically, the conventional wisdom has been to add oxygen because aromatic hydrocarbon biodegradation is not as effective under anaerobic conditions. However, several recent studies have concluded that most hydrocarbon plumes are anaerobic and depleted of sulfate. Using this knowledge, the EAS™ process stimulates biodegradation by supplying sulfate, a soluble, readily available electron acceptor, along with nutrients that anaerobic groundwater bacteria can use to facilitate metabolism of the PHCs for carbon and energy while mineralizing the hydrocarbons to carbon dioxide and water. EAS™ takes scientific advantage of natural conditions, thus reducing the technology’s carbon footprint when compared to many other remediation methods – a socially responsible approach to remediation.

You can learn more about EAS™ at www.eosremediation.com and by viewing the comprehensive webinar on this technology prepared by Solutions-IES, Inc. titled: Electron Acceptor Solution (EAS™) – Sulfate Enhanced Anaerobic Bioremediation.

EOS Remediation is pleased to announce the addition of Ed Alperin to the company’s growing team of environmental professionals and industry experts. Mr. Alperin has more than 35 years of experience in the development and commercialization of environmental technologies for the treatment of hazardous, toxic and radioactive waste. Prior to joining EOS Remediation, Ed was responsible for strategic direction and growth in large scale technology and laboratory operations associated with the environmental services industry.  He has also been responsible for taking remediation technologies from conceptual development in the laboratory through commercialization and implementation in the field.  Ed said, “I am truly excited to be working with the talented EOS team, our existing EOS products, and I look forward to continuing to expand our product offering to meet the ever changing demands of the marketplace.”

EOS Remediation benefits from Ed’s many years of experience leading multidisciplinary teams of engineers and scientists to resolve complex environmental issues and will be leveraged to make great EOS products even better.  “Ed will bring depth of experience and fresh ideas to the full range of environmental services we offer,” said Ann Borden, CEO/President of EOS Remediation. “He has demonstrated strong leadership capabilities that will benefit our company and our clients. His reputation and high level of respect in the industry fully complement our commitment to cost-effective and innovative solutions. We are very happy that Ed is joining us.”

EOS Remediation, a global woman-owned firm, provides innovative technologies for natural and sustainable bioremediation of soil and groundwater, under exclusive licenses by select companies, such as the U.S. Department of Energy, Solutions-IES and The Antea Group. The proven EOS® technologies are used at over 200 sites throughout the world annually and substantially reduce the cost to restore contaminated properties.

saltHold the Salt…
EOS Remediation is pleased to introduce the newest member of the EOS family
EOS®550 Low Salt (LS)
EOS® 550LS is a proven injectable technology designed to deliver superior performance without sacrificing aquifer health.

EOS® 550LS Features
• A sustainable product for in situ bioremediation of chlorinated solvents, perchlorate, energetics, acid rock drainage, oxidized metals, and other recalcitrant compounds.
• Contains 99% less salt than other common injectables.
• A solution to secondary water quality concerns and regulatory pressure on salt content of amendments.
• Additional product literature can be
downloaded here.

Raleigh, NC – EOS Remediation announced today healthy growth projections based on strong demand for current bioremediation products and several new products scheduled for release in the days ahead. EOS Remediation has named key team members to address the needs of site remediation managers worldwide. Key members of the team include: Sheri Knox, International Technologies; Timothy Parker, logistics/customer service; Dr. Stephen Richardson, technical assistance/product development; Dr. Robert Borden, technical assistance/product development; Brad Elkins, logistics/product development; Walt Beckwith, implementation assistance and Tony Lieberman, customer outreach. We will miss Gary Birk’s contributions to the team who has left EOS Remediation for his next adventure.

EOS Remediation is the cutting-edge provider of bioremediation products. Our suite of products reengineers the groundwater environment to transform contaminants into non-toxic end products. EOS scientists, who are known worldwide, actively participate in product advancement and are routinely involved with client projects. EOS Remediation not only informs and educates our customers with peer-reviewed technical papers and academic research, but also endeavors to provide outstanding customer service and assistance, helping to ensure superior remediation outcomes.

Ann Borden, President of EOS Remediation stated. “EOS has a strong team of remediation experts and international product representatives ready to meet our customer needs and exceed their expectations.”

Obama Administration hails EOS Remediation for its efforts to expand exports

Suresh Kumar, U.S. Commerce Assistant Secretary for Trade Promotion and Director General of the U.S. & Foreign Commercial Service visited Raleigh, NC on Thursday, January 27, 2011, to keynote the North Carolina World Trade Association’s Global Innovation Kickoff Luncheon.  Mr. Kumar delivered remarks on President Obama’s National Export Initiative and honored two North Carolina companies for their success in the global marketplace. 

Mr. Kumar presented EOS Remediation with U.S. Department of Commerce Export Achievement Certificate to recognize EOS Remediation’s successful efforts in exporting groundwater remediation technologies to new overseas markets.  The certificate is part of the Obama administration’s efforts to highlight its goal of doubling U.S. exports within five years.

Suresh Kumar was nominated by President Obama and unanimously confirmed by the U.S. Senate to lead the U.S. & Foreign Commercial Service’s extensive worldwide network of 109 offices across the U.S. and 127 offices in 77 countries around the world.  USFCS is the trade promotion arm of the U.S. Government that supports U.S. businesses to compete and win in the global marketplace. (SOURCE U.S. & Foreign Commercial Service)

EOS Remediation is a leading provider of innovative patented methods for in situ aerobic and anaerobic bioremediation of natural resources such as soil and groundwater.  The EOS® family of products are formulated with renewable, biodegradable vegetable oil feed stock supporting sustainability both above and below ground.

Ann Borden, President and Sheri Knox, International Technologies Manager were present to receive the certificate.  Additional information is available at this CNBC link.

EOS Remediation’s Sheri Knox and Timothy Parker participated in the 2010 Raleigh Jingle Bell Run/Walk® 5K fundraiser to help support the Arthritis Foundation.

ROBERT BORDEN is an internationally recognized expert in bioremediation technologies. On May 25 Borden received the Lifetime Achievement Award at the International Conference on Remediation of Chlorinated and Recalcitrant Compounds in Monterey, Calif.

Full interview at: http://www.bcwaternews.com/qa/robert_borden.html.

EOS Remediation’s Sulfate-Enhanced Bioremediation Technology, EAS™, wins Pollution Engineering’s Editor’s Choice Award for 2010. As technologies continue to evolve, Pollution Engineering recognizes companies making significant contributions to the industry. More information on page 15 of the July 2010 issue.

Biotreatability testing answers questions which are often too expensive or too complex to test directly in the field. This presentation provides information on performing biotreatability studies using AquaBupH® and EOS®.

Presenter: Sandra Dworatzek, M.Sc., Senior Manager, SiREM

Sandra Dworatzek completed her M.Sc. at the University of Waterloo and is an environmental microbiologist with over 16 years of advanced technical experience in managing laboratory treatability studies and the production of anaerobic microbial cultures for bioaugmentation. Sandra is currently a Senior Manager at SiREM, where she makes use of her specialized technical experience in the design and oversight of laboratory treatability studies of aerobic and anaerobic bioremediation, zero valent iron and chemical oxidation technologies and field implementation of bioaugmentation cultures.

EAS™, A Paradigm Shift in the Remediation of Petroleum Hydrocarbons: The conventional wisdom for remediation of aquifers contaminated with petroleum hydrocarbons (PHCs) is to add oxygen. A recent British Petroleum / EPA study, however, has concluded that most hydrocarbon plumes areanaerobic and depleted of sulfate and therefore, adding oxygen is disadvantageous. Other studies have drawn comparable conclusions. EAS™ is an anaerobic degradation process that facilitates natural attenuation of PHCs in the subsurface. This process occurs when terminal electron acceptor compounds such as nitrate, sulfate, and iron react to reduce PHC concentrations. The EAS™ process stimulates biodegradation by providing a soluble, readily available electron acceptor. In the presence of elevated sulfate, anaerobic groundwater bacteria use the PHCs for carbon and energy while mineralizing the hydrocarbons to carbon dioxide and water. EAS™ enhances natural conditions and reduces the carbon foot print when compared to conventional remediation.

EOS Remediation wishes to congratulate Robert C. Borden, P.E., Ph.D., for receiving the 2010 Lifetime Achievement Award sponsored by Brown and Caldwell.  As a Professor with North Carolina State University for 24 years, Dr. Borden has produced ground-breaking research on bioremediation and has mentored more than 60 master and doctoral students.

Dr. Borden’s academic research has translated into patented, market-valued bioremediation products, technologies and remediation approaches that have advanced both the field and the practical application of bioremediation.

Dr. Borden received the award at the Battelle International Conference on Remediation of Chlorinated and Recalcitrant Compounds on May 25, 2010.  This is the sixth time Brown and Caldwell has granted a Lifetime Achievement Award.  Dr. Borden joins the company of only five other pioneers in the field of aquifer remediation, among them Dr. Perry McCarty of Stanford University, Dr. John Wilson of the United States Environmental Protection Agency and Dr. Herb Ward of Rice University.

Dr. Borden is distinguished among this field because of the real-world, applicability of his science.

Dr. Borden’s publications alone provide ample evidence of his many contributions to the field.  They can be viewed at www.myEOSRemediation.com, home of the EOS Library.

Soil and groundwater clean-up is critical to sustainable business practices across many industries. Since 2002, EOS Remediation has provided site owners and engineers with innovative, environmentally responsible solutions to remediation challenges through its research and development, products, and technologies. 
  
 EOS Remediation continues to advance the state-of-the-science by developing and successfully commercializing AquaBupH®, an emulsion combining soybean oil with a pH buffering particle suspension in one easy-to-use product. AquaBupH® provides food for microorganisms, stimulates biodegradation activity, provides buffering capacity to adjust aquifer pH, and promotes rapid reduction in contamination levels. 
  

Acidic aquifers are inhibitory to many microbes. AquaBupH® adjusts pH without the negative effects of commonly used compounds like baking soda, caustic soda and limestone. These other methods also frequently yield high salt content in treated groundwater, pose handling hazards and/or require multiple applications. With a single treatment, AquaBupH® delivers immediate and sustainable bioremediation while improving one our most valuable natural resources: groundwater.  

EOS Remediation has successfully completed projects in North America, South Africa, and Australia since launching the product. Because AquaBupH® is easy to distribute, easy to handle, provides for long-term remediation (2-3 years from a single application), and is cost effective, AquaBupH® represents a significant and innovative break through in the field of bioremediation technology. For more information on AquaBupH®, please visit: http://www.eosremediation.com.  

Evaluation of trends in contaminant concentrations and geochemical parameters provides valuable, but indirect, evidence of biodegradation at contaminated sites. One direct avenue to assess the feasibility or effectiveness of bioremediation is to quantify microorganisms specifically responsible for biodegradation of the contaminants of concern (COCs). Nucleic acid (DNA) based technologies such as quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) or CENSUS are not dependent on culturing (growing) the microorganisms thus eliminating the biases associated with traditional plate counts and MPNs. CENSUS provides accurate quantification of microorganisms specifically responsible for biodegradation of COCs at costs comparable to traditional approaches.  This presentation includes a brief introduction to qPCR.  Available CENSUS assays for quantification of: Dehalococcoides spp. to assess PCE/TCE-impacted sites; TCE and vinyl chloride reductase genes; aerobic BTEX degrading bacteria; anaerobic BTEX degrading bacteria; and aerobic MTBE degrading bacteria are discussed.  The presntation also includes examples showing how CENSUS results can be used to direct site management decisions at sites where EOS® products have been implemented.

Note: The presentation below does not contain audio.