Oil spills, sewage overflow, construction runoff…whether or not it makes news headlines, our communities face new hazardous waste contamination each day. These toxins can quickly leach through sediment and soil into groundwater or flow downstream to expose miles of farmland, towns, and ecological sanctuaries. As the economy has improved and increased construction and manufacturing projects the last few years, so too has the need for remediation and environmental cleanup.
Environmental remediation removes pollution and contamination from soil, rivers, and other locations to reduce the harm that threatens wildlife and human health.
Whether it’s an emergency spill cleanup or routine maintenance, companies are required to contain contamination and enact preventative maintenance to quickly and effectively clean a polluted area. There are five essential things to note when undergoing an environmental remediation project.
- Partner with a certified company. Companies should be Emergency Response Hazwoper and OSHA certified to complete any environmental remediation task with minimum risks and maximum competency.
- React immediately. It’s crucial to choose a partner with rapid-response solutions for removal, transportation and disposal of materials. Companies that specialize in environmental remediation have unique machinery that holds more than the industry standard, boosting job efficiency and ensuring 24/7 action for emergency response.
- Be preventative. It’s easy to overlook contamination threats that lay below the surface or require ongoing care. Sewage, for example, can cause serious overflow problems from buildup or clogged piping. Hydro jetting technology can help ensure a long lifespan of clean pipes, to avoid blockage over time.
- Evaluate an entire job site.Widespread contamination can quickly be traced back to a small leak from an underground storage tank. Maintenance on these tanks is challenging and they often degrade over time. There is a proper method of removal to ensure environmental and personal safety. It pays to find an experienced partner to remove buried debris to avoid further contamination and potential fines.
- Monitor leaching and spread. A small leak in a storage tank can quickly contaminate surrounding soil. When a spill occurs near a body of water, response time is limited to avoid polluting the entire river or stream.
Environmental remediation is a lifeline for our communities and ecosystems. Contamination occurs every single day in the form of transportation runoff, natural disaster wreckage, construction waste, and storage tank decay. Working alongside certified, tested partners is key to ensuring your next remediation adheres to the strict procedures and follows protocol for a safe, effective solution.
