There is a huge variation in prices quoted for groundwater clean up and in many cases the site owner has no idea why there is such a large variation between quotes.
Contaminant Type and Concentration
The type of contaminant and concentration present in the biggest factor of the cost of groundwater remediation. The cost of treating hydrocarbons such as diesel is generally low when compared to other contaminants such as chlorinated solvents and heavy metals. Even within these groups of contaminants, the cost of treatment can vary depending on the concentration of contaminants present and therefore the amount of time required to treat the contaminated groundwater.
Site Geology
Tight clays slow down contaminant movement which can make extraction difficult, and allow for greater storage on site. Conversely, highly fractured rock can create unpredictable paths for contaminants to take, and allow for greater spread of contamination. Therefore site geology greatly increases the amount of time that is required to investigate a site and design an engineering solution to extract contaminants from the groundwater.
Chosen Treatment Method
There are different costs for different methods for cleaning up contaminated groundwater. Pump-and-treat, in-situ chemical oxidation and permeable reactive barriers are the three main methods. Some are more suitable for shallower, more contained plumes of contaminated groundwater than others and so costs can be kept down by choosing the most suitable method for a site’s specific contamination problems.
Regulatory Requirements
Groundwater remediation in England is carried out under a number of legal frameworks. The scope for site investigation and cost of groundwater remediation are both affected by what is required to demonstrate that contaminated groundwater and soil is being remediated in line with the legislation for contaminated land in England. In particular, information on how contaminated land is regulated in England will enable site owners to clarify details of required monitoring records and validation reports for groundwater remediation projects.
Post-Treatment Monitoring
Post-Treatment Monitoring: After the Treatment Phase.
Mobilisation and Site Access
Additional costs will be incurred for mobilisation to a remote site, costs of site access and indeed ground conditions on site that require specialist plant/equipment etc.
There is more on Groundwater Remediation at https://soilfix.co.uk/services/groundwater-remediation/.
A clear scope and a breakdown of costs into a phased plan is key to helping you manage your site’s groundwater remediation treatment options for contaminated land.
