Mercury Assessment, Technical Oversight and Abatement
Bonneville Power Administration, Celilo Converter Station
The Dalles, Oregon

Project Overview

Location: Celilo Converter Station, The Dalles, Oregon
Client: Bonneville Power Administration (BPA)
Project Duration: August 2011 - November 2014

The Celilo Converter Station, crucial for power transmission from Oregon to Los Angeles, relied on mercury arc valves for converting AC to DC until 2004. Given the historical use of mercury and its associated hazards, 3D Enviro was tasked with assessing and remediating extensive mercury contamination within the facility.

Challenge: Historical Mercury Contamination

Routine maintenance and anode cleaning of mercury rectifiers had led to significant elemental mercury spills, posing health risks and operational challenges at the station. The project aimed to address these issues comprehensively to ensure the safety and efficiency of the power conversion processes.

Phase 1: Comprehensive Mercury and Hazardous Material Assessment

3D Enviro conducted a detailed assessment to:

  • Identify Contamination: Locate areas within the facility affected by mercury spills, and assess other hazardous materials such as lead-based paints and asbestos-containing materials.
  • Develop Remediation Plan: Outline necessary steps for effective mercury spill remediation and hazardous material management.


Phase 2 & 3: Remediation and Technical Oversight

With a robust plan in place, 3D Enviro oversaw the following key remediation activities:

  • Mercury Recovery and Abatement: Coordinated with BPA’s remediation contractor to recover visible mercury and implement comprehensive cleanup strategies.
  • Air Quality Monitoring: Conducted air quality and clearance monitoring to ensure the effectiveness of the remediation efforts.
  • Waste Management: Collaborated on identifying mercury-characteristic waste for proper disposal and managed the abatement of contaminated infrastructure including sanitary pipes and HVAC systems.


Results: Ensured Safety and Regulatory Compliance

The meticulous approach taken by 3D Enviro resulted in:

  • Significant Reduction in Mercury Levels: Post-decontamination clearance levels were reduced to concentrations low enough to eliminate future employee exposure and environmental safety concerns.
  • Ongoing Monitoring and Reporting: Bi-weekly updates during the project provided transparency and allowed for adjustments in real time based on the data collected.


Conclusion: A Model for Effective Environmental Remediation

The project not only rectified the immediate contamination issues but also set a precedent for handling similar environmental hazards in industrial settings. 3D Enviro’s expertise in mercury assessment and remediation was crucial in returning the Celilo Converter Station to a safe operational state.

Interested in ensuring your facility meets environmental safety standards? Contact 3D Enviro for comprehensive hazardous material assessments and remediation services. Our team is equipped to handle complex environmental challenges, ensuring your operations are safe, compliant, and efficient.
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Arc valves containing mercury
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Tiny beads of mercury on ceiling