At ETEC, we understand the challenges of managing contaminated soil excavations. But in exposing the subsurface, a unique opportunity is presented for strategic use of bioremediation products to enhance the solution.
Why Apply Bioremediation Products to an Excavation?
Even after excavation, contaminated soil and groundwater at the excavation floor and sidewalls often remain. Applying bioremediation products to the excavation cavity offers key advantages:
- One-time Opportunity: There is no better time to treat residual impacted soil and groundwater than when the excavation is open. Amendments interact directly with residual contaminants, promoting faster degradation.
- Contaminant Migration Pathway: Application to an excavation will allow soluble bioremediation products to follow the migration path of the contaminants, increasing contact with impacted soil in the vadose zone.
- Follow-up Applications: Installation of injection piping in the bottom of the excavation will allow for the application of soluble bioremediation products to impacted vadose soil and groundwater.
ETEC’s Excavation Treatment Workflow
Data Analysis
- Verify results of previous soil data.
- Review boring logs.
- Calculate the dimensions of the excavation cavity and total excavated soil.
- Review baseline redox, pH, and bioremediation conditions.
Amendment Selection and Dosing
- Choose the optimal ratio of bioremediation products and nutrients for the site-specific contaminant (diesel, gasoline, chlorinated solvents).
- Calculate mass balance of area prior to excavation.
- Calculate dose based on analytical data, area, and historical field data.
Direct Application
- Spread dry product evenly across the excavation floor manually or using spreaders.
- Mix and spray liquid bioremediation product solutions from hoses to saturate the floor and sidewalls.
- Inject soluble bioremediation products episodically via injection gallery installed on the excavation floor.
Monitoring
- Collect periodic samples to track contaminant reduction, pH, bioremediation parameters, and microbial activity.
- Adjust amendment dose or frequency of injections based on ongoing sampling results.
Benefits of ETEC’s Excavation Application Approach
- Cost Savings: Fewer mobilizations without the need to install injection wells and no stockpile management mean reduced labor and equipment costs.
- Speed to Closure: Direct bioremediation products contact and targeted microbial stimulation deliver efficient contaminant breakdown.
- Regulatory Confidence: Removing the source and treatment of residuals minimizes migration from source area.
Next steps for your project
- Contact Our Team: Provide excavation dimensions, soil and groundwater data.
- Data Review: We’ll conduct a review of all relevant data and logs to develop an efficient remedial plan going forward.
- Execution: ETEC handles product supply, data review, remedial design, and ongoing recommendations, to ensure compliance with regulatory and project timelines.
Learn more about our solutions for petroleum hydrocarbons and chlorinated solvents.
To get started, request a site evaluation today!