When managing a construction site or an old industrial property, you often encounter soil impacted by fuel oil, gasoline, or historic fill. Fortunately, recycling petroleum contaminated soil provides a sustainable and cost-effective alternative to traditional landfilling. By choosing a recycling facility, you can often lower your Transportation and Disposal (T&D) costs while reducing your project’s environmental footprint.
Common Recycling Methods Explained
Remediation teams typically utilize several specialized processes to handle non-hazardous materials. Specifically, the following methods represent the industry standard for recycling petroleum contaminated soil:
1. Asphalt Batching
In this process, facilities incorporate the contaminated soil into the production of hot-mix asphalt. High temperatures during the mixing phase effectively stabilize the petroleum hydrocarbons. Consequently, the soil becomes a functional component of new roads and parking lots.
2. Thermal Desorption
Thermal desorption units use heat to separate petroleum contaminants from the soil. Unlike incineration, this method does not destroy the soil itself. Instead, it vaporizes the volatile organic compounds (VOCs). Afterward, the cleaned soil is often suitable for use as industrial fill or daily landfill cover.
3. Soil Blending and Stabilization
Sometimes, technicians blend impacted soil with clean materials or chemical fixatives. This process reduces the concentration of contaminants to meet specific regulatory “acceptance limits.” Furthermore, it creates a structurally sound material that engineers can use in various land-reclamation projects.
4. Bioremediation
This biological method uses naturally occurring microbes to “eat” the petroleum hydrocarbons. By adding nutrients and oxygen, remediation experts accelerate the breakdown of pollutants. While this process takes longer than thermal methods, it is an incredibly eco-friendly way of recycling petroleum contaminated soil.
Comparing Recycling vs. Beneficial Reuse
While recycling is a fantastic option, many contractors look for “beneficial reuse” to save even more money. Specifically, beneficial reuse involves moving soil to a site that needs fill, provided the soil meets the strict EPA cleanup standards.
However, you must ensure that your contaminant levels fall within the facility’s specific acceptance criteria. Therefore, you should always perform comprehensive soil sampling before selecting a disposal route. By understanding these options, you can choose the most efficient path for your project and your budget.