TRENCHING TECHNOLOGY

Trenching Practices

Conventional excavation remedial approaches typically involve the removal and transport of contaminated materials either to landfills for disposal or to other locations for treatment. An excavation approach developed for enhanced bioremediation consists of the treatment of disturbed contaminated soil in trenches achieved by the topical application of N.A.L.E. TM ( Microsolv ). Once N.A.L.E. TM ( Microsolv ) is applied, the soil is mixed in the trench using earth moving equipment until a slurry consistency is reached. This in-situ approach minimizes the number of times dirt has to be handled.

Prior to remedial actions, dikes are constructed along the perimeter of the land tract to be treated to control surface runoff. After cleanup levels in each trench are confirmed by laboratory analysis, trenching operations proceed across the contaminated area by completing the remediation of soils in adjoining trenches. There is no limitation on trench length, however, trench width will be dependent on backhoe reach and depth of contamination. On previously completed projects the trench width has typically been 10-12 ft (3-3.5 m).

Upon completion of treatment, reclamation activities return the land to its original condition through the destruction of the perimeter dikes, compaction, land contouring measures and re-vegetation.

Treatment Process

Soils are treated in the trenches by the direct application of N.A.L.E. TM ( Microsolv ) accelerating bioremediation by the soil's naturally occurring bacterial colonies and resulting in a reduction of contaminant concentrations. N.A.L.E. TM ( Microsolv ) is topically applied via a water truck to assure complete chemical coverage and the