Nammo Talley Groundwater and Soil Perchlorate Remediation System
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Project Objective

Nammo Defense Systems, Inc. (Nammo Defense) is an aerospace and defense company that is one of the world’s leading providers of ammunition and rocket motors. Their largest US facility occupies approximately 550 acres in Mesa, AZ for development, testing and manufacturing of these propellant-based products, aircrew escape systems and automobile airbag components. Operating facilities are adjacent to water utility production wells that are identified to be impacted by perchlorate. With the goals of performing hydraulic capture and remedy of perchlorate impacts to groundwater, Geosyntec has supported Nammo Defense for over a decade via groundwater monitoring services, regulatory support, treatment system construction and recent operation and maintenance (O&M) services as described below.

Geosyntec’s Scope of Services

As the prime consultant, Geosyntec led a specialized team to perform groundwater modeling, extraction well installations, and design and construction an 800 gpm fluidized bed reactor (FBR) system to receive, treat and discharge treated water into strategically placed infiltration basins within the facility footprint to perform aquifer recharge. Coordination efforts included management of mechanical component and pipe installation, tank handling and delivery coordination services, FBR system assembly, concrete pad construction, electrical and controls connections, power pole installation, infiltration basin excavation/grading services, roadway grading and operation of a temporary ion exchange treatment system for secondary treatment of discharge water during startup. Gesoyntec’s team is also researching in-situ bio (ISB) alternatives for vadose zone injection of perchlorate degrading bacteria, electron donor, and treated groundwater for flushing perchlorate in vadose zone soils 60 to 90 ft. below ground surface.

Notable Accomplishments

Geosyntec supports Nammo Defense remediation goals via operation of the constructed FBR system. For the sixth consecutive year, Geosyntec’s team currently monitors nutrient and electron donor feed for enhanced biological activity, collects permitted required compliance samples, coordinates well and basin restoration services, and performs weekly system inspections, routine maintenance and monitoring services. Additional activities included as needed coordination of carbon addition, chemical deliveries and basin restoration services. To date, management and performance of O&M activities has resulted in removal of 2,900 lbs. of perchlorate, 6,300 lbs. of nitrate and treatment and recharge of 850 million gallons of water.