API PUBL 1629

Abstract

1.1 Purpose and Scope <br> This publication provides general information regarding the site and release characteristics relevant to and methods for assessing and remediating soils contaminated with petroleum hydrocarbons released from underground storage tank (UST) or aboveground storage tank (AST) systems and operations. It is designed to provide the reader with a basic understanding of the interaction between motor fuel and soils, the techniques for determining if petroleum hydrocarbons are present in the soil at a site, and the methods for quantifying the extent of hydrocarbons in the soil. Several conventional and proven technologies for treating soils containing hydrocarbons are discussed, and information for selecting one or more alternatives is provided. <br> In this publication, petroleum hydrocarbons and motor fuel include all grades of leaded and unleaded gasoline, kerosene, and diesel fuel that are commonly found at vehicle refueling facilities across the country. This publication primarily addresses the assessment and remediation of soils containing petroleum hydrocarbons in the unsaturated zone. The influence that groundwater fluctuation has on the lower portion of the unsaturated zone in specific situations is discussed briefly (see Section 2 for definitions and examples). <br> Whenever possible, the use of technical terms has been avoided; however, when such usage is necessary, the term is italicized and immediately defined in the text that follows.