Feasibility Testing

Under some circumstances it is advantageous to undertake laboratory and / or field pilot trials. This can give useful information to ensure that full scale remediation is conducted efficiently to meet the client’s needs, budget and time scales. During the trials specific information is gathered which can then be incorporated into the design of the full scale system.

Laboratory tests

In order to establish treatability or to optimise treatment performance, we may suggest feasibility studies which may include laboratory and/or pilot scale tests. Laboratory facilities are available for carrying out these tests the results of which can be used to assess the preferred treatment option, likely treatment times and associated costs.

Biodegradation laboratory trials are undertaken on samples of soil and groundwater. Accelerated tests can be undertaken to derive useful information on bioremediation potential and likely timescales to reach specified target contaminant concentrations.  

Field pilot trials and pumping tests

Pilot trials can be undertaken to demonstrate the effectiveness of a remediation technique prior to full scale implementation.  Typical trials may include the following:

• Ex-situ bioremediation - screened soil is characterised, sampled, analysed, blended with suitable amendments and formed into a biopile. Samples may be taken weekly for chemical testing. A typical timescale for an ex-situ bioremediation trial would be 8 to 16 weeks. 

• Air sparging - air is injected into the saturated zone by connecting mobile equipment to previously installed test boreholes. The effect on the water table is monitored including extent of mounding, radius of influence, rate of contaminant removal, effect on dissolved oxygen levels.

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