In this episode, host Sean Grady sits down with Jim Galligan, Senior Vice President at TerraTherm, to discuss advanced thermal remediation technologies. Jim, an industry veteran with over 34 years of expertise, dives deep into thermal conduction heating (TCH), electrical resistance heating (ERH), and steam-enhanced extraction (SEE)—powerful techniques used to remediate recalcitrant contaminants like PFAS, chlorinated solvents (PCE, TCE), PCBs, dioxins, and petroleum hydrocarbons.
Learn how thermal remediation effectively targets complex contaminant source zones, even beneath buildings or challenging infrastructure, and discover why depth and geology are no longer barriers. Jim dispels common myths about thermal technologies, addresses lifecycle costs compared to traditional methods like chemical oxidation, and explains critical factors such as power infrastructure and hydrogeological site characterization.
Ideal for environmental consultants, remediation engineers, and project managers looking for proven strategies to achieve rapid and reliable cleanup goals. Join us as we uncover how TerraTherm is driving innovation in environmental remediation, offering sustainable solutions and unparalleled performance in treating soil and groundwater contamination.
#EnvironmentalTransformation #ThermalRemediation #TerraTherm #SoilCleanup #GroundwaterRemediation #PFAS #environmentalengineering
00:00 – Introduction to the Environmental Transformation Podcast
01:15 – Meet Jim Galligan: 34 Years in Thermal Remediation
03:25 – Overview of TerraTherm and Its Mission
06:40 – What Is Thermal Remediation? Key Technologies Explained
10:55 – Thermal Conduction Heating (TCH) Deep Dive
13:45 – Electrical Resistance Heating (ERH) Explained
16:05 – Steam-Enhanced Extraction (SEE) Use Cases
18:10 – Ideal Site Conditions for Thermal Remediation
22:30 – Treating Deep Contaminant Zones: Why “Deeper Is Cheaper”
25:00 – Real-World Project Examples and Case Studies
29:15 – Site Selection and Design Considerations
33:45 – Comparing Lifecycle Costs of Thermal vs. Chemical Treatments
37:20 – Power Infrastructure Needs and Utility Coordination
41:50 – Debunking Common Myths About Thermal Remediation
50:10 – Regulatory Cleanup Goals and Treatment Effectiveness
54:20 – Remediation of PFAS, Dioxins, PCBs, and VOCs
59:30 – Thermal’s Impact on Soil and Microbial Recovery
1:03:00 – Thermally Enhanced Bioremediation and Future Innovations
1:06:40 – How to Design an Effective Thermal Treatment System
1:10:00 – How to Contact TerraTherm and Learn More