Let's talk about remediation! I have a solution!

It’s no secret that the earth is currently facing more environmental crises than ever before in its lifetime. From increased CO2 emissions to pollution, it seems there isn’t hope in the world for any of these issues to be solved.?

Fortunately, contractors around the world are here to help. Though we can’t save the planet alone, our services are responsible for some of the largest improvements in environmental remediation. As simple as they might seem, these projects are what keep our communities greener, safer and happier. The longevity of our planet begins with sustainability.??

Whether you have a few toxic materials in your building or a full-scale health hazard, we are ready to tackle anything. Read on as we walk you through some of the most common — and best — strategies that we put to use when it comes to environmental remediation.???

What is Environmental Remediation??

Before we get to the details, it’s essential first to cover the basics of this crucial service. Environmental remediation can be quite complex, which could explain why most of the general public still has little to no knowledge about the topic.

However, as more focus is placed on sustainable practices, the industry will grow exponentially in the next few years.?

In plain terms, environmental remediation is the process of removing contaminants from a particular area: soil, sediment, groundwater, surface water or another natural material. This solves the risk contaminants pose to surrounding communities and structures and benefits the environment. No matter where or what a structure might be, remediation is one of the most critical factors for maintaining public health.?

If you plan to work with any contractor for their environmental remediation services, you can expect the following steps to occur.?

1. Assessment: Before any plans are made, an environmental site assessment must be conducted. This process involves sampling materials, like soil or groundwater, to understand what contaminants are present in the area. Without this essential step, contractors may as well attempt to solve the problem while wearing a blindfold.??
2. Remediation: If a contractor needs more information about a site, they may enter a second assessment phase to add detail to their plan. If the first round produced enough data, a strategy would immediately be created, and remediation will finally begin. At this point, various methods can be used to complete the projects, some of which we will cover later in this article.?
3. Disposal: If applicable, the contractor will collect and dispose of all toxic materials. SKY always ensures to complete this in the most environmentally sustainable method possible, maintaining our promise of keeping the planet healthy.?

As always, some contractors may offer a different process depending on size and scope. Still, these general guidelines should remain consistent amongst all providers.?

3 Common Solutions?

With the fundamentals covered, let’s uncover the leading solutions utilized by contractors during an environmental remediation project.?

Thermal Soil Remediation?

This innovative strategy is used primarily for projects that call for comprehensive soil remediation. As such, this method can prove vital for bringing communities back to health and keeping them protected in the future.????

Though it may seem as if contaminated earth is nothing to worry about, it can easily lead to a collection of issues once the chemicals leach into nearby surface waters and soil. Areas that suffer from this common problem can experience a contaminated human drinking water supply, impacted air quality, polluted plants, infected animals and so much more.?

So, how exactly does thermal soil remediation work??

Well, as the name suggests, the secret ingredient is heat. Contaminated soil is collected, brought to the remediation site, and then placed into an oven or conveyer belt set to a high temperature. As the earth “bakes,” any contaminants within — most often oil, tainted water and petroleum products — evaporate from the heat. Any leftover hazardous materials are finally cooled, collected and safely disposed of.?As a bonus, the soil can even be recycled for different, healthier use afterward!?

Air Sparging?

If an environment has been tainted with hazardous vapors or gases, an air sparging method may be used to eliminate them from the area. Unlike other forms of remediation that extract the contaminated sections beforehand, air sparging requires that the soil be treated on-site without any prior removal.??

Still, the process is quite simple and one of the most common remediation methods out there. The contractor will begin by injecting a powerful amount of pressurized air into the area, from soil to groundwater, which flushes out toxic materials: these tend to be hydrocarbon contaminants. As always, contaminants can be removed and disposed of afterward.?

?Encapsulation?

In some instances, a contaminated environment should be “quarantined” rather than remediated. Where other forms of remediation would extract the area to be cleansed, this process simply ensures contaminants won’t spread further, leaving them trapped in an enclosed space.?

A few techniques are used for encapsulation, but the most commonly used one involves placing a mixture of cement, concrete and lime into the area. This barrier prevents toxic materials from moving away from the site, keeping surrounding communities safe.?

However, it’s important to note that excavation will render the affected area useless. If you still want to use your contaminated soil for cultivation, for instance, it’s best to choose a remediation strategy that’ll allow you to recycle it instead.?

Conclusion?

Environmental remediation is a complex yet exciting development in the overarching construction industry. These methods are simply a select few of many that you could encounter during your specific project. ?

PJ Sarcev