Christopher Schmidt
Environmental Engineer Specialist III, Arizona Dept. of Environmental Quality, Phoenix, AZ
schmidt.chris@azdeq.gov

Presentation Date: April 13, 2023

One aspect of a bioremediation remedial approach includes bioaugmentation, which constitutes the addition of microorganisms capable of degrading chemicals of concern (COCs). In many cases, bioaugmentation can be less costly than other physical or chemical means. When it comes to aerobic degradation versus anaerobic, it is well understood that oxygen and nutrient availability are limiting factors to achieving success. Another large barrier to success is achieving contact between the delivered amendments and the COCs. Understanding and consideration of delivery and contact mechanisms can have significant implications on the degree of project success as well as overall life cycle cost. Through his previous 20 years of industry experience, research, and case study observations, Mr. Schmidt will discuss infrastructure design and deployment strategies that enhance amendment subsurface mixing and distribution. These strategies allow for greater delivery and contact with the COCs, thereby increasing the probability of overall program success. Although the discussion will be centered around petroleum underground storage tank sites, any or all of the approaches discussed can be applied to nearly any site where bioaugmentation is considered – whether in whole or part of an overall remedial program. Data needs that support infrastructure design, implementation, and operation will also be covered.

Bio:
Mr. Schmidt has nearly 25 years experience in engineering remediation at petroleum impacted sites in Florida and Arizona. He received his Bachelor of Science degree in Petroleum Engineering from Marietta College in Marietta, Ohio. After graduation, he began his career as a field engineer for an oilfield services firm managing oil and gas well cementing, acidizing, and fracturing across Michigan, Louisiana, and Florida. Mr. Schmidt completed graduate study in Chemical Engineering at the University of South Florida before joining a small environmental consulting firm where he managed engineering efforts to remediate Underground Storage Tank (UST) sites across the state of Florida. Mr. Schmidt went on to join a manufacturers representative organization in sales and applications engineering of remediation equipment and other technologies. Through the efforts of his own organization, Mr. Schmidt gained extensive practical experience in the design, servicing, and troubleshooting process equipment for clients in the water, wastewater, and environmental sectors. In 2021, Mr. Schmidt joined the Arizona Department of Environmental Quality as an Engineering Specialist III in the Corrective Actions Unit where he provides technical and engineering support to a project team currently managing remediation and closure of active UST sites.

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