The ground water near the Lawrence Aviation site is contaminated with volatile organic compounds, potentially harmful chemicals that were used and disposed of at the site.
The contaminated ground water from nearby wells will be pumped by the new treatment system, and the water is then sent through a device that blows air into the water to remove some of the volatile organic compounds.
The air and water then flow into carbon filters, where contaminants are collected and absorbed, and the clean water is then released into the Old Mill Pond and Creek.
EPA Regional Administrator Judith Enck said the activation of the ground water treatment system is a major step toward cleaning up the legacy of pollution that resulted from the Lawrence Aviation Superfund site.
EPA started construction on the treatment system facility in October 2010 and collaborated with local officials on the facility’s design.
The water treatment system will be operating for about 20 years in order to bring levels of volatile organic compounds to an acceptable level for protecting human health and the environment.
