We’ve already written about contaminated soil in detail and we even have a helpful FAQ blog post on it. But how much do you really know about contaminated dirt and soil? Let’s jump straight in…
Let’s get to the facts about contaminated dirt and soil!
Generally, soil or dirt becomes contaminated with man-made waste. Natural waste such as decaying plants, dead animals and rotting vegetable matter, tends to improve the fertility of the soil rather than damage it.
Nature normally knows what it’s doing, whilst man tends to be the villain. Man-made causes of contaminated dirt and soil include:
- Hydrocarbons e.g. fuel oils and lubricants
- Pesticides
- Heavy metals e.g. lead, arsenic, cobalt
- Solvents
- All of which can be harmful to humans.
Contamination is caused in various ways; including the dumping of waste from industry, oil spillages, pesticide residues and the fly-tipping of urban waste.
Harmful side effects of contaminated dirt and soil
The effects of contaminated dirt and soil are numerous, often extremely damaging. But they include:
- Reduced crop quality and yield
- Long term reduction of soil fertility
- Contamination of water sources
- Food chain contamination
- Reduction in air quality
- Naturally, the first few effects are a huge concern for those in the farming and agriculture industry. Or for those with large amounts of agricultural waste.
How Site Solutions will help
Site Solutions have developed expertise in contaminated dirt and soil removal and treatment.
We have a national database of treatment sites and of skip and haulage contractors and we understand the legislation and compliance requirements.
We source the most economic disposal method, be that treatment, landfill or a combination of the two. Where it makes most sense to do so, our national network of treatment sites ensure that your contaminated soil is recycled for reuse. Instead of taking up valuable landfill space. Treatment for reuse can often be more economic than land filling.
End-to-End Service
We organise the haulage and treatment and make sure that you get the correct paperwork so you can rest easy knowing that the job has been done right and you can prove it.
If you need testing done, we can arrange analysis of the soil and advise whether the results indicate if it is hazardous or non-hazardous. View our contimated soil removal service page for more details
And while we’re at it…
Site Solutions also specialise in skip and plant hire. Any skip any size for small or large projects while also offering site services including grab lorry hire, portable toilets and much more. Get in touch for more details.