Permanent Cleanup of Manufactured Gas Sites (MGP), Eliminates Coal Tar Migration  

TerraTherm (USA) and GTI (USA) announce that they have reached agreement to commercialize GTI’s patented In Situ Thermochemical Solidification (ISTS) technology exclusively through TerraTherm. The combination of TerraTherm’s proprietary remediation technologies and GTI’s ISTS has proven successful and cost-effective in MGP gasholder cleanup, demonstrating permanent prevention of coal tar migration without excavation. This synergy allows the two companies to provide a uniquely effective and attractive remediation package to owners of the estimated 7000 MGP sites, worldwide.

ISTS, specifically designed for MGP sites, leverages TerraTherm’s Thermal Conduction Heating technology to remove organic components of the contaminants, then permanently solidify remaining coal tar in place, forming an immobile, stable substance similar to asphalt pavement. "Use of ISTS stops liquid coal tar from migrating beyond property boundaries or contaminating public water supplies. This is an issue that is critically important to the owners of the sites and a major public health issue confronting communities. In developing ISTS, GTI has engineered a simple and effective way to eliminate the risks of contaminant migration, reduce liability and return many of these potentially valuable urban properties to the positive side of the balance sheet. We are delighted to partner with GTI to bring this technology and service package to market," says Dr. Ralph Baker, CEO of TerraTherm, Inc.

Baker’s observations about the value of this remediation market are reinforced by the significant scope of the MGP pollution problem, and the urban location of the former manufactured gas plants. An estimated 3000 MGP plants dot the U.S. landscape. Built long ago on the outskirts of towns and cities, these locations are now in today’s urban core. In situ remediation is a far more attractive option than excavation because these plants often lie in close proximity to, and sometimes underlie, infrastructure, commercial buildings and residential areas.
"We’re very excited about this agreement because it represents the kind of synergy between two organizations that makes excellent business sense," observes Quinton Ford, Director, Commercialization for the Gas Technology Institute. "GTI’s years of R&D experience and our focus give us a unique understanding of the needs of the utility industry and of MGP remediation. TerraTherm brings extensive field experience and know-how in cleaning up hazardous wastes using in situ techniques. They also have the equipment and proven field teams to deliver the ISTS technology in a cost-effective manner. This combination allows us to deliver the consistent, predictable results that the utility industry demands," adds Ford.