Understanding what might be in the groundwater on your site is a sensible first step for any site owner, developer or manager.
Petroleum Hydrocarbons
Groundwater contamination from the use of Petroleum Hydrocarbons (PHC) such as Petrol, Diesel and Heating Oil on sites across the UK is commonplace. Typically this has originated from a leaking Underground Storage Tank (UST) at a site that was once a Petrol Station, Haulage Depot or other Industrial Yard.
Chlorinated Solvents
These contaminants are typically made up of Solvents (Chlorinated), which have been used in a variety of processes including dry-cleaning, metal degreasing and engineering-related activities. The contaminants mentioned here are dense and will sink to the bottom of the water table, making them difficult to locate and subsequently treat as part of a groundwater remediation project.
Heavy Metals
Heavy metals found on former industrial sites, tanneries, and mining spoil include lead, arsenic, and chromium. Heavy metals are adsorbed by soil particles, but can leach slowly into groundwater, posing a direct threat to Drinking Water Sources. For Groundwater Remediation, visit https://soilfix.co.uk/services/groundwater-remediation.
Nitrates
Nitrates in Groundwater, a Problem Affecting Rural Sites. The source is typically agricultural fertilisers, but can also come from inadequately designed and maintained septic tanks. Nitrates are a very soluble compound and can easily pass through soils that are sandy or made of chalk.
PFAS Forever Chemicals
PFAS Forever Chemicals – Commonly Found on Former Fire Training Areas and Other Sites. These cause significant concern due to their persistence within the environment, detection at extremely low concentrations and continued exceedance of safe concentrations for human consumption.
Phenols and Coal Tars
Phenols and Coal Tars: Former Gasworks and Industrial Sites. Phenolic compounds and coal tars, such as are found at sites of former gasworks, coke works and railway sidings are very toxic to fish and other aquatic organisms. Also, it is very toxic to humans. Often found in very dense hotspots and, therefore, require very accurate site investigation to define the contaminated groundwater ‘plume’ prior to commencement of any remediation works.
Making a few early decisions on site and then having them evolve is far easier than trying to make all of them later on.
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