Model for Carbon Footprinting Soil Remediation Processes

United States - How do you put into perspective the various soil decontamination processes and their effects on the environment? This question is the driving force behind the innovative Carbon Footprint Calculating Model. This is a useful tool when such decisions have to be deliberated. The location is always the starting point. The various choices in decontamination processes are dependent on a variety of factors such as: cost, duration of process, the desired result, etc. Having knowledge of the carbon footprint now means that the environmental impact of a process can also be included in the decision making process.

The decontamination of contaminated land is good for the environment, but what are the consequences for emissions of CO₂ by such an operation? HMVT, a sister company of Oranjewoud, wanted to investigate this and developed a tool that would offer an extra dimension to remediation projects - the Carbon Footprint of the remediation approach. The model has a database of every relevant activity and its production of CO₂; from the number of litres of chemicals or biological substrate to the distance that trucks carrying excavated soil have to travel.

Currently, work is being carried out on a revised version of Carbon Footprint by Delta, Soresma and HMVT. The three parties conduct regular meetings via the internet to discuss their progress and to coordinate developments. This is a good example of the international teamwork and innovation within Inogen.

This new concept considers the options available knowing that soil remediation not only costs energy but also has an effect on other environmental issues. By recycling energy and using renewable sources during a remediation process is it possible to reduce CO₂ emissions. Available options include solar panels and heat exchangers. These two energy options, or 'green credits', are also included in the model. A start has been made with the calculations from a number of sites in the USA, including a Delta remediation project, the McCandless site in New Jersey. Green Remediation is especially useful for larger contaminated sites and remediation processes that will require lengthy operations and maintenance. Time is an important factor within the concept of Green Remediation. By spreading a remediation process out over a longer time period, it is possible to gain greener efficiencies in utilising energy, fuels and transportation to minimise the carbon footprint, and to produce an overall greener cleanup solution compared to past remediation practices.

The California state regulatory cleanup authorities have already taken steps to include CO₂ emissions from soil remediation in their policy forming. They have written an initial policy description in which both Delta and HMVT have a role to play with the Carbon Footprint forming the basis.

For further information contact Mike Martinson, Delta at mmartinson@deltaenv.com