Things to Know About Excavating Contaminated Soil

Excavating contaminated soil requires specific knowledge of the process and its benefits. If you’re considering excavating contaminated soil, use the following excavation of contaminated soil FAQ to make informed decisions.

What is it?

Excavating contaminated soil involves digging up the site to dispose of the contaminated dirt or to treat it for reuse. This process may also require the removal of chemicals or drums that have been buried in the soil.

What is the purpose of excavating contaminated soil?

By removing or treating the contaminated soil, technicians prevent human contact with the contamination, which could cause serious health effects. By cleaning up the soil, technicians also protect the groundwater from future contamination and help clean up any water that has already been contaminated.

How is contaminated soil excavated?

Technicians use standard construction equipment for excavating contaminated soil. The particular equipment chosen depends on the depth of contamination and the surrounding terrain. For example, if access to the area is limited due to structures in place, smaller machines may be required to excavate the soil.

For areas that require deep excavation, long-arm excavators are available that can reach up to 100 feet below ground. In cases where excavation must extend below the water table, pumps are used to keep the area dry during excavation.

Once removed from the ground, the soil may be placed on a dump truck for disposal in a landfill. If it will be treated and reused, the soil may be placed in covered containers or on plastic tarps and then covered with additional tarps. This will prevent the soil from blowing or washing away, and it protects technicians from coming into contact with the contaminated soil.

How is contaminated soil treated?

Technicians may bring a mobile treatment facility to the site to treat the soil, or it may be hauled off site. If the soil is hauled away, replacement soil may be used to fill in the holes left behind.

How long does excavating contaminated soil take?

The length of time varies by project, depending on several factors. It could take a single day or many years. Excavation takes longer when the contaminated site is large or deep. It also takes longer if the contamination reaches below the water table or if there is a lot of debris that must be removed. If technicians must navigate around existing structures or access a remote area, these factors can also lengthen the time required for excavating contaminated soil.

Who should handle excavating contaminated soil?

Only experts trained in this process should attempt to excavate contaminated soil. If you suspect a site is contaminated, contact your local excavation experts for consultation and excavation. These professionals have the knowledge, skill and equipment to safely and efficiently handle this task.

We know soil

Since our establishment in 1974, Estes Excavating Inc. has been a premier provider of commercial excavating and demolition services. Our experienced experts provide a variety of services including excavation, demolition, land clearing, environmental cleanup, storage tank removal, new construction preparation and fire system installation. We also have topsoil and dirt available for purchase. Contact us today at 812-283-6245.

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