Environmental remediation deals with the removal of pollution or contaminants from environmental media such as soil, groundwater, sediment, or surface water. We provide cleaning and decontamination services to a wide range of clients principally in the oil and gas, petrochemical, heavy industry and manufacturing markets. We understand that every project site is unique, with its own set of challenges and constraints. Our focus is to provide service which is unrivalled in terms of practical skills, technical knowledge, innovation and willingness to put in the extra effort to help make your project a success.
Remediation is critical to keeping our communities and environments safe and healthy. We provide the most advanced and effective ways to deal with contaminants giving you the confidence and security in the hazard we are removing, including all technical and commercial aspects of the project. All types of contaminants are within our capability, whether organic or inorganic.
Environmental earth remediation works include environmental site investigations and often the stockpiling and aeration of soil. Preliminary and detailed site investigations are the foundation of all environmental investigations. A preliminary site investigation (PSI) typically includes a detailed review of a sites history including historic information such as aerial photographs and records, a detailed site walkover and on occasion collection of samples through intrusive works and excavations. The purpose of a PSI is to identify known or potential areas of contamination for further study. Examples can include leaking fuel tanks, heavy metal impacts and solvents.
A detailed site investigation (DSI) follows on from a PSI where areas of interest and potential contamination issues identified during the PSI are targeted for sample collection. Depending on the contamination issues identified in the PSI sample types can include soil samples, groundwater or surface water samples and vapour samples. One of the most common methods of collecting soil samples is using an excavator to dig to depth. This activity is called 'Test Pitting' and is completed by our team comprising an experienced excavator operator and an environmental scientist.
Test Pitting is a common activity in environmental investigations for the collection of soil samples for logging and laboratory analysis. Most test pitting will be completed to a depth of between 2 to 6m below ground level with the type and size of excavator selected based on the required depth.
Our team ensure that a dial before you dig (DBYD) search is completed and the excavation area scanned by a qualified service locator to identify any subsurface services such as electricity lines, fibre optics and gas mains.
Earthmoving in environmental investigations is not limited to test pitting. Remediation includes the clean-up of impacted soils and groundwater and earthmoving is an essential requirement of successful remediation activities.
Once environmental investigations and remediation activities are complete excavated soils need to be backfilled which is achieved by using excavators, rollers and compactors. Typically, soil is placed back into the open excavations in layers of approximately 300mm before being rolled. This process is repeated several times until ground level is reached. Full compaction of soil to its original state will not be achieved straight away and a backfilled excavation will need time to settle. A return visit to a site is required to ensure compaction has been completed successfully and either to top off or level any slumps or raised ground.
If you are interested in learning more about our Environmental Earth Remediation services, please contact our friendly team.