Project: Bioremediation of Petroleum Hydrocarbon Contaminated Soil
Value: £150,000
Timescale: 6 months
This former psychiatric hospital in Inverness was purchased by a large housebuilder client for a new residential development. The client needed a cost-effective solution for remediation of the hydrocarbon contaminated soil. There was a relatively tight timeframe for remediation as the client wished to progress to building phase.
ERS had already done several phases of site investigations for the client’s consultant, which had uncovered an area of localised hydrocarbon contamination associated with the former hospital’s heating system and garage/workshop area.
Ex-situ bioremediation was chosen as the most cost-effective solution for remediating the contaminated material to the site's remediation targets. However, in addition to the limited timescales and space available on-site, the client also wished for the works to the place during the winter months.
ERS received the contaminated material in batches, which was mixed with bespoke nutrients to optimise aerobic biodegradation. The mixed material was then formed into biopiles on-site and covered whilst bioremediation took place. Samples were taken at regular intervals to chart the hydrocarbon degradation progress of each batch of material.
Works were completed on-time and on budget over the winter allowing the housebuilder client to progress the site and start building works.
