For both homes and businesses, contaminated soil is a serious problem. Both human health and the ecosystem suffer as a result. Finding and getting rid of any polluted soil is crucial. The causes of polluted soil range from unintentional spills to industrial operations. Poor soil health can occasionally result from past land use or from proximity to waste disposal sites and other contaminated land.
Inappropriate trash disposal techniques were first used here. Eliminating the top layer of polluted soil is not enough. Because soil is home to a diverse range of flora, fauna, and minerals, contamination can have far-reaching consequences. Employing qualified staff is essential who can understand the surface soils and the extent of land contamination.
The disposal procedure must be understood by the customer. A business or family should be aware of what they are getting when they employ a trash management firm. This blog explores how to dispose of contaminated soil. It is important so that households and businesses can make informed hiring decisions.
What is Soil Contamination?
Soil contamination occurs when there is a high presence of chemicals, minerals, or other substances that naturally should not exist. Examples include paint chippings, oil, microplastics, and excessive human or animal remains. A soil test can help to identify this toxicity from even garden soil.
It’s important to stress two aspects of this definition:
- Soil is usually considered contaminated when unnatural substances are present. Here, unnatural refers to both substances created by humans and natural. Including substances, like arsenic, which are naturally produced.
- But, there must be a high presence of these substances. Arsenic, again, can exist in low amounts without contamination. Soil is rich in many minerals. The issue comes when it is so high that the natural equilibrium is unstable.
Our definition highlights that contaminated soil is best defined by professionals. They understand the richness of mineral diversity and are best to judge.
It is critical to understand the various components to decontaminate the soil. Essentially the end goal of soil decontamination is to return the environment towards its original equilibrium state.
Dangers of Contaminated Soil
Both the ecosystem and human health are at risk from contaminated soil. These risks must always be taken into account when working with potentially hazardous soil. First and foremost, the cause of the soil contamination must be taken into account. Biohazardous waste-contaminated soil has the potential to leach into groundwater, leading to additional environmental problems. Human interaction with the contaminated soil is not the only concern here.
A special risk is posed by soil tainted by historically inadequate treatment. Old and abandoned dumpsites and landfills are not well documented in many metropolitan cities. There is still a chance that this dirt is poisoned. To make sure this doesn’t happen, a thorough ground soil audit is necessary before constructing any new structures.
Contaminated soil can also be something of a ticking time bomb. The extent of damage from contamination worsens as the soil is left to decay. Something that was not a major issue can worsen, causing a more tremendous clean-up effort and significant human health risks.
The Contaminated Soil Disposal Method
Evoro engages in a 5-step soil disposal process. They are:
- Pre-service Inspection: Initial assessment to understand the contamination level and plan the remediation process.
- Remediation: Implementing the chosen remediation method based on the type and extent of contamination.
- Processing: Treating the contaminated soil using technologies such as Thermal Desorption™, chemical stabilisation, or bioremediation.
- Post-service Inspection: Evaluating the treated soil to ensure it meets regulatory and safety standards.
- Disposal or Reuse: Finally, the treated soil is either disposed of safely or prepared for reuse, depending on the contamination level and the effectiveness of the remediation process.
Each of these steps is in line with industry standards and best practices. They ensure a safe and effective clean-up and decontamination process.
5 Types of Contaminated Soil Disposal Services
On top of this, Evoro offers 5 types of contaminated soil disposal services. This variety ensures that the specific needs of your business or household soil are met.
- Contaminated Soil Disposal: Safe removal and disposal of soil contaminated with hazardous substances.
- EPA Compliance: Ensuring all disposal methods meet Environmental Protection Agency standards.
- Environmental Services: Comprehensive services that cover assessment, remediation, and restoration of contaminated sites.
- Hazardous Waste Management: Expert handling of hazardous materials to prevent further contamination.
- Soil Remediation Services: Techniques designed to treat and reclaim contaminated soil.
The required service will depend on the nature of the soil contamination. It will also consider local and regional factors and available prices.
What Happens with Contaminated Soil?
What happens with contaminated soil depends on the extent of the contamination and the chosen cleaning method. Additionally it might be necessary to contact local planning authorities for further investigation on agricultural activities which might cause soil contamination.
Ideally, contaminated soil is effectively cleaned through one of the five standard clean-up methods. What happens with the soil depends on the chosen method.
Cleaning Method 1: Containment
Containment does what the name suggests: it contains the contaminated soils by separating and restricting their reach. The contained soil taken from the polluted site is safely disposed of. Its level of pollution dictates where it will end up.
Cleaning Method 2: Bioremediation
Bio-remediation seeks to take the polluted soil and remove the contaminants. This job is best done by contaminated soil remediation services.
Cleaning Method 3: Chemical Oxidation
Chemical oxidation seeks to reactivate the chemical oxidants found in the contaminated soils. Doing so removes contaminants like asbestos and industrial polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons.
Cleaning Method 4: Soil Washing
Soil washing is a treatment technique that seeks to wash the contaminants from the affected soil. The downside of soil washing is that it does not destroy the waste but merely moves it. It is not advised if the contaminated soil borders a large water table.
Cleaning Method 5: Thermal Treatment
Thermal treatment involves heating the polluted soil to destroy or move the contaminants towards the surface. It is a dangerous process that should only be conducted by contaminated soil remediation services.
Two things become apparent from the five cleaning methods above. Contaminated soil disposal involves either remediation or moving the contaminated soil to another location. Both come with their risks, challenges, and advantages.
Is Contaminated Soil Hazardous?
There may be risks to the environment and human health from contaminated places. Contaminated soil decomposes and becomes poisonous to humans due to hazardous waste, including asbestos and dangerous heavy metals.
Furthermore, inappropriate disposal of polluted soil pollutes the ecosystem even more.
Contaminated soil must be handled like any other hazardous material. It is wiser to be safe than sorry because there are serious hazards of injury.
Is Contaminated Soil Reversible?
Contamination of soil can be reversed. It is difficult to restore the contaminated soils to their original, natural state, though. The disposal of contaminated soil takes into account the direct effects of human industrial activity on polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons and heavy metals.
Addressing them in the same way as all other climatic changes is essential. However, it is impossible to claim that we will return to a situation in which harm has not yet occurred.
Contaminated Soil Remediation Services
Restoring the soil to a nearly organic state is possible with the help of numerous soil remediation services. However, this is practically difficult due to stuff like polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons and microplastics.
However, one common method of disposing of polluted soil is still soil remediation. This is because it aims to solve a waste problem rather than disposing of it in another location.
There is a growing awareness of environmental issues in this globe. As a result, soil remediation provides options that aim to repair rather than just discard.
One essential aspect of the waste management sector is the disposal of contaminated soil. Both homes and businesses benefit from safe disposal. The procedure must be carried out by a skilled team.
