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Environment
Sorbent Polymer Extraction and Remediation System (SPEARS)
The SPEARS spikes, which are made of inexpensive plastic, are situated on rectangular support frames. Small quantities of ethanol are placed inside of each spike. The presence of the ethanol helps to drive the movement of PCBs from the sediments into the plastic. The frames are designed to be hooked together to form larger blankets that can be used to remediate larger areas. A proof-of-concept field demonstration for SPEARS was completed in 2014 at a sump pond in the Eastern U.S. Analysis at this site showed that sediment PCB-levels were remediated to below the EPA action limit of 50 milligrams per kilogram after 32 weeks using SPEARS. A second field demonstration for SPEARS was completed in September 2016 in Ontario, Canada, and a third demonstration is scheduled for 2017 as part of the Environmental Security Technology Certification Program (ESTCP). Tests are also underway to determine if SPEARS can be used to remove additional sediment contaminants, such as polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) and pesticides.
This technology has been exclusively licensed by ecoSPEARS {https://ecospears.com}. Contact the company for product information.



