Did You Know?
Did you know that for over 48+ years, LATA has been a leader in groundwater delineation, sampling, and modeling and the subsequent construction of water treatment systems. LATA's integration of technology and practical solutions ensures their groundwater treatment systems are efficient, cost-effective, and at the forefront of environmental protection. Here's a glimpse into our capabilities:
Comprehensive Water Treatment Services
LATA offers a full range of services, including design, fabrication, installation, commissioning, operation, optimization, maintenance, and decommissioning of water treatment systems. They tackle various contaminants of concern, including radiological pollutants to chemical contaminants such as volatile organics, metals, and emerging contaminants (e.g., PFAS).
Impressive Track Record
Every day, LATA treats over 2 million gallons of contaminated groundwater across the United States through remotely operated groundwater systems. Since 1995, we have handled over 17 billion gallons of groundwater, ensuring safe drinking water and environmental protection.
Advanced Modeling and Remediation
LATA creates detailed 3D models to simulate groundwater conditions and to optimize treatment systems. For example, at the Motor Wheel Disposal Superfund Site in Lansing, Michigan, LATA managed a sophisticated system treating vinyl chloride, cis-1,2-dichloroethene, and ammonia across two aquifers, one of which is the sole source aquifer for the city. The remotely monitored system includes 13 extraction wells, over 100 monitoring wells, air strippers, over five miles of pipeline, and a 1.5-mile outfall line. The groundwater model included 7 layers based on over 600 borings and calibrated transport with over 20 years of operation.
Cutting-Edge Technologies
LATA has performed nearly 100 groundwater remediation projects and employs various innovative technologies for groundwater remediation, such as:
Bioremediation: Using natural processes to break down contaminants.
Reductive Dechlorination: Using substrate and bacteria amendments.
In-situ Chemical Oxidation: Injecting chemicals to destroy pollutants.
Thermal Treatment: Using heat to extract contaminants.
Neutralization and Stabilization: Applying chemicals to neutralize or stabilize pollutants.
Phytoremediation: Using hybrid poplar trees for groundwater hydraulic control in lower permeability soils.
Foam Fractionation and Soil Sorting: LATA is working jointly with an international firm for PFAS removal from soils.
PFAS Attenuation In-situ with Slurry Application
Remote Monitoring and Optimization
LATA’s systems often incorporate supervisory control and data acquisition (SCADA) systems for remote monitoring and operation, allowing for efficient, real-time management of multiple treatment units. LATA evaluates system performance regularly, identifying areas for optimization. Upgrades like real-time feedback control loops have increased production by 40% and operational up-time from 60% to 96%. Remote monitoring reduces the need for full-time on-site operators, cutting labor costs while maintaining high performance. Quick issue resolution and optimized operations enhance cost-effectiveness.
Notable Projects
LATA has been involved in numerous high-profile projects, including:
Paducah Gaseous Diffusion Plant, we designed and operated mobile treatment systems for uranium and technetium-99 removal with operation and maintenance of the system for over five years.
Former RMI Uranium Extrusion Plant in Ashtabula, Ohio, LATA served as DOE’s Prime Contractor for the final closure of the site, performing demolition, precision excavation of contaminated soils, extensive stormwater management, and operation of a modular wastewater plant, while complying with multiple regulatory requirements and managing a significant rain event, resulting in the successful treatment and discharge of over 1.7 million gallons of water.
Chanute AFB - LATA manages and conducts remedial activities at 4 landfills with a leachate treatment system for PFAS removal to protect the Village of Rantoul’s drinking water. LATA has implemented several optimizations over the last few years. Prior to LATA managing this site, hydraulic control was achieved 11 out of the last 50 months. With the implementation of these optimizations, LATA maintained control for 65% of the time in 2023. Phytoremediation is also a part of the remedy for 3 of the 4 landfills utilizing willow and poplar trees planted on the perimeter of the landfills ranging in size from 15 to 25 acres. LATA conducted an in-Situ reductive dechlorination using emulsified vegetable oil (EVO) with Dehalococcoides ethenogenes (DHC) for treatment of VOCs. Of the five monitoring wells that remained contaminated prior to the injection, only one monitoring well remains above the cleanup criteria. In 2024, LATA removed two wells from the monitoring network as the site approaches the site closure objective.
Wurtsmith AFB – At this site, the LATA Team performs O&M and optimization on five groundwater extraction treatment systems including four PFAS Treatment systems (three (3) GAC and one ion exchange resin); and one metals treatment system utilizing an Engineered Wetland Treatment System. LATA is also operating an existing air sparging system and has ongoing biosparging and bioremediation injections; base wide groundwater monitoring and annual modelling update; additional optimization services and RAB meeting facilitation on behalf of the Air Force. The environmental restoration program is being conducted pursuant to the CERCLA with the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy (EGLE) functioning as the lead regulatory agency.
Data Analysis
LATA uses Monitoring and Remediation Optimization System (MAROS) to statistically analyze trends in groundwater data and evaluation of the minimum number of wells for plume definition. Displays include 2D model results to determine plume stability. This resulted in reduction in well network at multiple superfund sites.
LATA uses comprehensive evaluation of contaminated groundwater plumes with different analytes from a single source. The correlation of 8 RCRA metals in the waste at a project site showed that a single analyte drove the results. The field delineation was performed using x-ray fluorescence (XRF) and was accepted by the regulatory agency. This combination saved over $25K in sampling cost and accelerated the delineation.
LATA regularly evaluates the data following in situ injections/treatments to predict the time to a cleanup endpoint or the need for additional focused treatment.
LATA performs data validation for all the chemical analyses results at Level I, II, III, or IV depending on project needs. Understanding the validation provides feedback to the sampling team on the importance of high-quality data for making project decisions
Groundwater sampling
LATA has expertise in multiple sampling techniques including low flow sampling, passive diffusion bags, Flexible Liner Underground Technology (FLUTe) sampling, hydraSleeve™ sampling, dedicated bladder pumps, peristaltic pumps, and suction lysimeters. This broad expertise results in the selection of the best method for a project.
LATA’s commitment to environmental protection and innovative solutions makes us a pivotal player in the field of groundwater treatment. Our expertise ensures that even the most challenging contaminated sites are managed effectively, safeguarding our water resources for future generations.
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