Soil Processing

Introduction to Soil Processing Techniques

Soil processing is one of the simplest yet most critical components of ex-situ soil remediation. It serves as a vital precursor to advanced treatment methods such as ex-situ bioremediation or stabilisation and solidification, significantly reducing the volume of contaminated material that requires further treatment.

Through processes such as selective excavation and stockpiling, contaminated and non-contaminated materials are segregated, minimising the amount of material that needs remediation. Further processing, including screening and sorting, removes solid debris like metals, timber, and plastics, which could otherwise inhibit the efficiency of subsequent treatments. These processes are also essential for meeting structural fill requirements (e.g., 6F2 materials) when backfilling excavations meant for construction.

In addition, soil processing can separate and segregate specific fractions of soil (such as fines), particularly in made ground areas where a significant portion of the contaminant mass may reside. Recovered materials such as metals and plastics are often sent off-site for recycling, contributing to sustainable remediation practices.

Common Contaminants Addressed in Soil Processing

Soil processing effectively handles a wide range of contaminants and materials, including but not limited to:

Fabrics
General Waste
Heavy Metals: Finely divided contamination, often from industrial sources.
Metals and Steel: Larger solid fragments.
Plastics: Both biodegradable and non-biodegradable.
Solid Tar: Residual byproducts from industrial processes.
Concrete: Requiring crushing for reusability.
Oversized Objects: Large items that may need further reduction or separation.

By addressing these contaminants, soil processing ensures that the soil is optimised for further treatment or reuse.

Soil Processing Plant Description

The effectiveness of soil processing depends heavily on the equipment used. VertaseFLI employs advanced machinery tailored to the unique needs of each project. Common equipment includes:

Screens: For separating soil fractions and debris.
Picking Stations: For manual removal of non-soil materials.
Crushers: For breaking down oversized objects such as concrete.
Excavators: Essential for selective excavation.
Processing Buckets: For material handling and separation.

Selective Excavation: A Key Technique

Selective excavation plays a crucial role in reducing contaminated material volumes. Experienced environmental engineers supervise excavators to ensure that visually contaminated soils are identified and separated from visually uncontaminated soils. This process helps prevent cross-contamination and reduces the overall volume of soil requiring remediation.

Real-World Application: Former Landfill Reclamation in South Wales

VertaseFLI was contracted to manage the reclamation of a former landfill site in South Wales. This complex project required extensive soil processing to ensure compliance and sustainability.

Key Project Highlights

Total Material Processed: Over 360,000m³ of industrial waste, household waste, and soil was excavated and processed.
Reuse and Recycling: More than 325,000m³ of material was separated and prepared for reuse.
Further Remediation: Approximately 15,000m³ of material was stockpiled for advanced remediation techniques, including bioremediation and stabilisation.
Disposal of Untreatable Waste: About 31,000m³ of non-recyclable waste, including plastics and fabrics, was sent to licensed facilities.
Asbestos Management: Separated 250m³ of asbestos-containing materials for specialised disposal.
Site Restoration: Remaining materials were recycled for on-site restoration works.

This project highlights the versatility and sustainability of soil processing as part of a comprehensive remediation strategy.

Advantages and Limitations of Soil Processing

Advantages of Soil Processing

Volume Reduction: Reduces the amount of contaminated material requiring further treatment, lowering costs and timeframes.
Sustainability: Enables the recovery of materials suitable for use as engineering fill.
Improved Treatment Efficiency: Creates a homogeneous soil mass, enhancing the effectiveness of subsequent remediation processes.

Limitations of Soil Processing

Incomplete Remediation: Soil processing alone does not fully eliminate contamination.
Further Treatment Requirements: Additional remediation methods may be necessary to achieve compliance with environmental standards.

Partner with VertaseFLI for Tailored Soil Processing Solutions

At VertaseFLI, we specialise in delivering bespoke soil processing services that align with project-specific requirements. Whether as a precursor to bioremediation or as part of a broader remediation strategy, our expertise ensures sustainable and cost-effective outcomes.

From tender through to project completion, the team at Vertase FLI provided a very collaborative and thoroughly professional service with a positive problem solving approach.

Daniel Baker
Contracts Director, Brown and Mason Group Limited

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