Physical techniques

ERS engineers are experienced in the design and implementation of remediation methods that physically separate contaminants from the surrounding matrix.

We offer a full range of physical remediation methods for soil and groundwater, including:

Soil separation

Can be highly effective in reducing the volume of contaminated material requiring further treatment.  Separated material can be recycled and returned to site.

Soil washing

Applicable to a wide range of organic and inorganic contaminants, soil washing achieves physical separation from the bulk soil matrix.  Supplementary chemical treatment can enhance the effectiveness.

Air sparge/vacuum extraction

Effective where volatile contaminants are present in soil and groundwater.  Air is pumped into the groundwater from installed wells, causing contaminants to be driven off.  This may be combined with the application of a vacuum to increase coverage and removal rate.

Dual phase vacuum extraction

Compound wells are installed, combining extraction of contaminant vapour from the soil with vacuum extraction of contaminated groundwater.

Vacuum-enhanced product recovery

Where LNAPL free product is present, vacuum extraction can be combined with down-well water and product pumps to achieve combined treatment of soil and groundwater with highly efficient recovery of free product.

Engineered barriers

In-ground barrier walls and soil capping technologies are used to isolate contaminants and break pollutant linkages, allowing regeneration to proceed.

Ex situ groundwater treatment systems

Can achieve control of dissolved phase and free product plumes, preventing contaminant migration and breaking pollutant linkages.  Extracted groundwater can be treated using physical techniques (e.g. oil-water separation, air stripping, solid phase immobilisation) or using chemical or biological means.