Methods for preventing or reducing sources of halogenated volatile organic compound impact to groundwater

Abstract

Methods for preventing or reducing halogenated volatile organic compounds in soil are disclosed. The methods include analyzing soil near areas that have been exposed to deicing activity, such as the application of sodium chloride salt to melt ice and snow. The soil is analyzed to determine one or more threshold condition for halide-salt enhanced halogenation of organic matter in the soil. Remedies include reducing the severity of the threshold condition or conditions that lead to halogenation of organic compounds in the soil. These remedies include reducing or eliminating halide-salt influxes through use of an alternate, non-halide deicer and modifying soil characteristics conducive to HVOC formation by the addition of lime and/or fertilizer.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.