Conceptual framework: Company engaged in industrial activities related to leather manufacturing. Since 2017, periodic investigations have been carried out to assess the quality of the subsoil, particularly regarding potential impacts from past and current industrial activities. The evolution of the site shows an increase in contaminant concentrations between 2017 and 2024, with slight stabilization at some points thanks to improved sealing of the piezometers and continuous monitoring. However, the persistence of high levels of Boron and Formaldehyde in the central courtyard and along the site boundaries has led to the recommendation to decommission piezometers S2, S3, and S4, due to their possible role as secondary contamination sources, and replace them with new points outside this vulnerable area. As a result, it is proposed to carry out a Quantitative Risk Assessment (QRA) to evaluate the potential impact on human health and define future mitigation or remediation actions, in accordance with current environmental regulations. Actions:
Integral geotechnical study – Port of Barcelona
Project type: Preliminary Investigation of an industry dedicated to the processing of cereals for animal consumption. The investigation was based on the execution of 19 boreholes, with 11 of them installed as monitoring devices. Contamination detected in superficial soils (anthropogenic fill) by heavy metals and hydrocarbons. Geotechnical study Study for the mechanical characterization of the subsoil for the expansion and remodelling project of the facilities. An area of 45,000 m² of existing facilities and buildings will be remodelled, and 20,000 m² will be added for new industrial structures and buildings. The investigation included 25 boreholes up to 25 meters deep, with in situ SPT and pressure tests, extraction of undisturbed samples, and installation of 11 piezometers for groundwater level monitoring.
Decontamination by excavation and pump & treat system
Project Type: Decontamination through excavation and groundwater treatment via Pump & Treat system including decantation, phase separation, and activated carbon water filtration. Conceptual Framework: Decontamination through selective excavation: Objective: From Brownfield to Greenfield. Remediation targets defined by ACR and SSTL. Key Data: Excavated soil volumes: ▪ Clean soils: 276 m³ ▪ Class II soils: 772 m³ ▪ Class III soils: 401 m³ ▪ Class III + stabilization: 1,397 m³ ▪ Total managed soils: 2,570 m³ ▪ Total excavated soils: 2,846 m³ ▪ C&D waste and bituminous materials: 294 m³ Managed tonnage: ▪ Class II: 1,555 tons ▪ Class III: 752 tons ▪ Class III + stabilization: 2,224 tons ▪ C&D waste: 350 tons ▪ Bituminous materials: 182 tons Treated water volume: 891 m³
Characterization and remediation of soils and waters affected by organochlorines with degradation chains
Project Type: Characterization of soil and groundwater due to the presence of organochlorines with degradation chains (tetrachloroethene → trichloroethene → dichloroethene → vinyl chloride). Proposed treatments: hydraulic barrier outside the plot / oxidation within the plot. Conceptual Framework: Work Carried Out: Remediation Proposals: Objective: To create a hydraulic barrier to prevent the migration of contaminants downstream while implementing targeted oxidation to reduce groundwater concentrations to levels below VGI according to Royal Decree 665/2023.
Control of biogas emissions at the former municipal landfill
Conceptual Framework: Former landfill sealed in 1988, with a rainwater collection system and chimneys installed for biogas extraction. Currently, the site hosts a football field with its respective facilities. In the early years after sealing, minor ground collapses and unpleasant odors from organic decomposition were reported. As a corrective measure, a passive gas extraction system and a monitoring and control plan for underground water and gas were implemented. Problem Statement: Control and Monitoring Methodology: 1. Air: 2. Water: Results Obtained:
Integral decontamination after an emergency at a chemical plant
Project Type: Conceptual Framework: Decontamination via selective excavation: Objective: Cleaning of pavement and sewer network. Selective removal of contaminated soils. Results: Excavated soil volume: Managed tonnage: ▪ Class III: 301 tons ▪ C&D waste: 107 tons
Hydrocarbon decontamination in a saturated zone with free-phase extraction
Project Type: Remediation through excavation and extraction of free-phase fuel in the saturated subsurface using a continuous-loop oleophilic belt system, complemented by a mobilization system through targeted pumping. Effluent water treatment via settling and phase separation. Conceptual Framework: Remediation through selective excavation: Saturated zone remediation using Abanaki system + Pump & Treat (P&T): Objective: Elimination of primary and secondary sources through removal of underground tanks and, primarily, contaminated soils. Secondary objective: removal of free-phase floating fuel in the saturated zone. Key Data: Volume of excavated soil: Managed tonnage:
Integrated soil and groundwater remediation project at an industrial site affected by a spill of volatile organic compounds and heavy metals
Project type: Remediation of saturated and unsaturated zones contaminated by heavy metals, hydrocarbons, BTEX, CVOCs, and ketones. Contamination plume in groundwater: 25,000 m² Affected soil surface area: 1,800 m² Conceptual framework: Remediation: Objective: Data: Emergency actions: Groundwater remediation: Remediation goals achieved after 3 years of treatment. Soil remediation: Selective excavation according to disposal route. For less contaminated soils with reuse potential, vapor extraction is applied using a biopile to eliminate volatile compounds.
Comprehensive decontamination of a former chemical plant
Conceptual Framework: The site covers over 7,700 m² in Cornellà and was historically dedicated to the manufacture of waterproofing materials for 85 years. It is currently abandoned and undergoing urban rezoning. Issue and Waste Management: During the inspection work, more than 800 containers with various chemical substances were identified, along with 5 underground tanks containing unidentified products, 3 wells, and surface spills. Our technicians classified and managed waste such as fuel, solvents, cresols, phthalates, and materials that have been discontinued for over two decades. Thanks to a combination of analytical testing, technical expertise, and safety protocols, the waste was successfully identified, segregated, classified, and prepared for safe and effective transport. Ongoing Results: ✔ +26 tons of hazardous packaged waste managed ✔ +22 tons of hazardous liquid waste pumped and treated ✔ +100 tons of contaminated soil excavated and removed ✔ Project budget: between €250,000 and €300,000 This project stands as a successful example of environmental remediation and responsible management of industrial liabilities, paving the way for safe and sustainable urban development.
Environmental restoration of a watercourse affected by an accidental oil spill
Project type: Emergency response to contain the accidental spill of vegetable oils into a watercourse, followed by the delimitation, characterization, and extraction of residual soils and waters affected by the oils, and environmental restoration to recover their natural state. Conceptual framework: Objective: Restore the natural state of the stream, as it existed prior to human activity, by taking advantage of the emergency response to the vegetable oil spill. Data:
