5 Things You Need to Know About Groundwater Remediation

Groundwater is an incredibly important part of the water cycle, playing multiple roles in our ecosystem to sustain life around the world. Let's start with the basics: groundwater is the water present beneath the Earth's surface in soil-pore spaces and in the fractures of rock formations. A unit of rock or an unconsolidated deposit is called an aquifer when it can yield a usable quantity of water.

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Groundwater remediation is the act of removing pollutants from the groundwater or converting the pollutants into particles that will not harm the public. Our team at Shield Engineering has decades of experience in soil and groundwater remediation. Here are five things you need to know about the groundwater remediation process:

1. Groundwater Cleanup is a Requirement

Groundwater cleanup or remediation is required when a release or spill of petroleum or other chemicals and contaminants reaches the groundwater. 

2. There is a Timeframe for Remediation

The duration for groundwater remediation at a site can range from as little as 5-months to more than 10 years. This is dependent upon many factors including the contaminant type, soil material, and other subsurface variations. 

3.  Risk-Based Rules

Most states have instituted Risk-Based Rules, allowing various types of contaminants to remain in the groundwater at levels above groundwater quality standards. This is, of course, based on the level of risk to the health of the public.

4.  Remediation with Naturally-Occurring Materials

Groundwater remediation can be accomplished by using naturally occurring materials within the groundwater or aquifer soil materials, such as bacteria and organic carbon. More aggressive active approaches using physical methods (e.g. air sparging, soil-vapor extraction, liquid extraction), or chemical methods.

5. Groundwater Remediation Has Been Around for a Long Time

Physical approaches, such as air sparging (injecting air into the groundwater to create a bubbling effect) and soil vapor extraction (pulling air out of the soil via vacuum) technologies, have been around for many decades. 

However, just because they are older doesn’t mean they are not just as good as or better than newer or more costly technologies in remediating volatile organics like fuels and solvents.

 

HOW SHIELD ENGINEERING CAN HELP 

Each groundwater situation is unique and Shield Engineering can help you find the right groundwater remediation solution to fit your challenges.

For more information on how Shield Engineering can help you, please fill-out the form on our website or call 800-395-5220 to speak to a Shield team member.

 

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