Executive Summary
When a chemical manufacturing facility in the Southeastern US faced a massive underground cleanup of toxic chemicals spreading for years, they needed a vapor recovery system for a tent enclosure housing heavy equipment. The system had to capture hazardous vapors to <1 ppb at the outlet to protect workers and the nearby town, while complying with DTSC Hazardous Waste Control Laws and EPA RCRA Subtitle C standards for volatile hazardous air pollutants (VHAPs).
Envent’s engineering team delivered custom redundant 5,000 CFM systems with over 100,000 lbs of carbon, plus fresh air supply, high-temp exhaust ducting, backup power, and industrial AC units. The result: zero violations, no worker exposure, and seamless operation in 100°F+ humidity — all mobilized in minimal time.
Project At A Glance
- Location: Southeastern US Chemical Facility
- Challenge: Underground Toxic Chemical Cleanup Vapor Control (<1 ppb Outlet)
- Solution: Redundant 5,000 CFM Carbon Systems + Turnkey Site Support
- Outcome: Zero DTSC Violations, No Worker Exposure, Project Completed On-Schedule
The Challenge: Underground Toxic Cleanup with Strict Vapor Limits
The facility was remediating a large underground plume of toxic chemicals (VHAPs like benzene, chlorinated solvents) using heavy equipment inside a sealed tent enclosure. Vapors from excavation posed immediate risks to workers and the adjacent town.
Key Constraints Regulatory Compliance DTSC require vapor control to <1 ppb for on-site treatment of VHAPs, with full monitoring and reporting under EPA RCRA Subtitle C for hazardous waste air emissions. Uncontrolled releases could trigger NOVs, fines up to $75,000/day, and site shutdowns.
Operational Demands High-humidity summer conditions (100°F+) made tent work hazardous; equipment engines needed contaminant-free air to avoid damage; backup power essential for 24/7 operation.
Emission & Safety Risks Vapors >1 ppb risked worker exposure (OSHA PELs: benzene 1 ppm, solvents 50 ppm) and community complaints; no room for delays in a multi-year cleanup.
Official Resources
- DTSC Hazardous Waste Control Laws – Vapor control and monitoring for toxic site remediation.
- EPA RCRA Subtitle C – Air emission standards for hazardous waste treatment.
Envent’s Custom Redundant Vapor Recovery Solution
Envent’s engineers designed and deployed a turnkey system in minimal time, adapting to scope changes:
Treatment Process & Vapor Control Details Vapor Capture & Scrubbing Redundant 5,000 CFM systems with over 100,000 lbs of carbon (vapor-phase activated carbon vessels) captured enclosure vapors, achieving <1 ppb outlet via multi-stage filtration and adsorption.
Equipment Protection & Site Support Fresh air supply units provided clean air for excavator engines, preventing contaminant damage; custom high-temp exhaust ducting routed hot gases safely outside the tent.
Turnkey Infrastructure backup power generators ensured uninterrupted operation; industrial maintained safe temperatures in humid conditions.
The system ran 24/7 with Envent operators. For similar cleanups, explore Envent’s vapor recovery services.
Proven Benefits: Zero Violations, Worker Safety, On-Schedule Completion
Envent’s adaptable engineering kept the project moving despite changes, delivering flawless performance:
| Benefit | Project Impact |
|---|---|
| Emission Control | <1 ppb outlet – zero DTSC violations or fines |
| Worker Safety | No exposure incidents; safe temps/humidity in tent |
| Equipment Protection | Clean air supply prevented excavator damage/repairs |
| Timeline Efficiency | Minimal delays despite scope changes; on-schedule finish |
| Cost & Risk Reduction | Turnkey support avoided downtime; no community complaints |
This project highlights Envent’s Emergency Response for high-stakes soil and vapor control services and cleanups.
Need Vapor Control for Underground Remediation or Tent Enclosures? Get your Free DTSC/RCRA Compliance Review & Quote today. Call Envent’s Southeastern Team at 888-997-9465 or email [email protected] — we make toxic cleanups safe and simple.
