Understanding Petroleum Contaminated Soil Remediation

Environmental remediation is restoring contaminated soil, groundwater, surface water, air, and other environmental media to meet state and federal regulatory standards designed to protect human health and the environment. When human activities release pollutants into natural resources, these contaminants pose significant risks to people, wildlife, and ecosystems.

Petroleum contaminated soil remediation is critical when land used for storing, transporting, or utilizing petroleum products becomes polluted. If released petroleum exceeds regulatory safety thresholds, immediate action is required to address the soil contamination and remediation. Whether developing a new site, upgrading an existing facility, or managing operations involving petroleum products, you may encounter situations that demand soil remediation.

Adhering to state and federal regulations is essential to safeguarding human health, ensuring environmental safety, and avoiding costly penalties. At Alpha-Omega Training and Compliance, Inc. (AOTC), we specialize in helping clients understand these risks and providing solutions to prevent, mitigate, and remediate contamination effectively.

What Are Ways That Soil Can Be Polluted by Oil?

Soil pollution from oil contamination can result from various sources. Common causes include spills and leaks from storage tanks, pipelines, and transportation accidents. Additionally, improper waste oil disposal or runoff from industrial sites often contributes to soil contamination.

Refineries, gas stations, and other facilities handling petroleum products are also potential culprits. Underground storage tanks at these locations can corrode over time, allowing oil to seep into the surrounding soil. Even minor spills or leaks from equipment used to store or transport petroleum products, if neglected, can escalate into severe soil pollution over time. Addressing these issues promptly is crucial to prevent long-term environmental damage.

What is Petroleum-contaminated Soil?

Qualifying petroleum products commonly include the following substances:

• Gasoline
• Diesel fuel
• Kerosene
• Jet fuel
• Motor oil
• Hydraulic fluid
• Used oil

If these substances are released into the soil in volumes that exceed State or Federal regulatory standards, the soil is classified as contaminated. In such cases, the landowner or designated responsible party is legally required to address and remediate the issue.

Common Signs of Petroleum-Contaminated Soil

When assessing soil for potential petroleum contamination, several key indicators can help identify the issue:

• Visible staining or discoloration: Petroleum products often leave noticeable stains on the soil’s surface, ranging in color from light brown to deep black.
• Strong, unusual odors: Contaminated soil may emit intense, unpleasant smells reminiscent of gasoline or diesel fuel.
• Abnormal plant growth: Due to high levels of petroleum toxicity, vegetation in affected areas may show stunted growth, yellowing leaves (chlorosis), or complete die-off.
• Barren zones: In severe cases, contamination can create “dead zones” where plant life is absent due to the chemicals’ toxic effects.

Beyond these physical signs, exposure to petroleum-contaminated soil poses health risks. These include skin irritation, respiratory issues, and, in some cases, long-term effects such as an increased risk of cancer.

Identifying these indicators early is essential for addressing contamination and mitigating its environmental and health impacts.

Testing Soil for Petroleum Contamination

Various effective soil testing methods can accurately identify the presence and extent of petroleum contamination at your facility. From preliminary visual assessments to detailed analytical testing, the process of detecting and addressing contamination involves the following key steps:

Use your senses

To perform an initial qualitative assessment of petroleum contamination in soil, you can start with a simple sensory check using your eyes and nose. When petroleum products contaminate soil, visible stains on the ground and a distinct odor in the air are often telltale signs.

More thorough testing using quantitative methods is essential if you can see or smell signs of a petroleum release. However, it’s important to note that even low concentrations of petroleum—undetectable through sight or smell—can still contaminate soil. This is often the case with slow leaks from underground storage tanks (USTs) at active or former gas station sites.

Hire a professional

The most effective way to assess potential petroleum contamination is to consult an experienced environmental professional skilled in applying advanced quantitative testing methods, including:

• Soil vapor analysis
• Soil sample collection
• Laboratory testing
• Defining the extent of contamination

At AOTC, our team of highly qualified environmental experts provides thorough soil testing to uncover any contamination issues that may require attention. Let us help you address your environmental concerns with precision and expertise.

Remediation of Petroleum-Contaminated Soil

After a soil assessment, remediation may be necessary to address petroleum contamination. This process involves reducing or removing pollutants using one or more effective treatment methods, depending on the type and severity of the contamination. Other site-specific factors, such as land use, topography, and hydrogeology, influence the remediation approach.

Soil remediation is a complex, technical process requiring specialized equipment, custom-designed systems, skilled professionals, and techniques that comply with strict State and Federal regulations.

At AOTC, we employ various soil remediation methods to combat petroleum contamination effectively, tailored to meet each site’s unique needs.

Dredging/Excavation

The simplest and often most cost-effective soil remediation method is dredging or excavation. This process involves removing contaminated soil and replacing it with clean fill sand or similar material. The excavated soil is then transported to a designated facility for appropriate treatment and disposal, tailored to the specific characteristics of the waste.

In some cases, it may be more practical or advantageous from a risk management perspective to remove the contaminated soil and treat it through methods such as aeration, biostimulation, or bioaugmentation. The best approach ultimately depends on your project’s unique goals, budget, and site-specific needs.

Soil Vapor Extraction/Multi-phase extraction

Soil vapor extraction (SVE), the multi-phase extraction method, is a remediation technique designed to remove organic compounds from contaminated soil. The process works by injecting air into the soil to volatilize the contaminants, creating sufficient pore space within the sediment. The resulting vapors are then extracted using a vacuum system called an SVE system.

This method is frequently employed at gas stations, where moderate levels of petroleum contamination are typical. SVE remediation systems are often housed in compact, enclosed trailers parked discreetly on-site. Known for being both cost-effective and efficient, this approach is a practical solution for addressing soil contamination in such environments.

Solidification/Stabilization

Solidification/Stabilization (S/S) is a method used to minimize or prevent the spread of soil contamination. This process involves introducing specialized reagents into the contaminated soil. In solidification, contaminants are encapsulated within a solid matrix, effectively immobilizing them. In stabilization, the reagents alter the soil’s properties to prevent contaminants from leaching into groundwater and spreading further. Together, these techniques provide an effective solution for containing and managing soil contamination.

Bioremediation

Bioremediation introduces microorganisms or enhances existing microbial activity in soil to break down petroleum hydrocarbons into harmless byproducts. One specific method, bioaugmentation, involves stimulating the growth of naturally occurring microorganisms in the soil that consume and degrade contaminants. This approach is minimally invasive, requiring little to no excavation or physical land disruption, and offers a cost-effective solution for managing soil contamination.

How Much Does Petroleum-Contaminated Soil Remediation Cost?

The cost of remediating petroleum-contaminated soil varies based on the extent of contamination and site-specific factors such as land use, topography, and hydrogeology. According to EPA research, the average expense for this service in the United States is approximately $197,735.

Spending nearly $200,000 on soil remediation might seem costly, but it’s a wise investment that can save you significantly in the long run. Regulatory bodies like the EPA and state agencies, such as the Florida Department of Environmental Protection (FDEP), can impose substantial fines on individuals or businesses failing to comply with environmental regulations due to soil contamination. Non-compliance can result in hefty penalties, with fines reaching up to $50,000 daily! Addressing contamination issues promptly is essential—not only to maintain regulatory compliance but also to safeguard health, safety, and your financial well-being. Taking swift action now can help you avoid severe consequences later.

When to Call a Professional for Petroleum Soil Cleanup

Soil contamination is a serious issue that requires immediate attention to avoid severe consequences. Regarding petroleum soil cleanup, taking the necessary measures as soon as possible is essential. Sometimes, individuals or businesses may feel compelled to handle the situation themselves to save time and money. However, there are instances where calling a professional for assistance is crucial. This section will discuss when seeking professional help for petroleum soil cleanup is recommended.

Significant Contamination

One of the most crucial factors in determining whether or not to call a professional for petroleum soil cleanup is the level of contamination. If the spill or leak has caused significant damage and has spread over a large area, it is best to contact a professional immediately. They have the necessary equipment and expertise to handle such situations effectively. Attempting to clean up significant contamination without proper knowledge and tools can lead to further damage and potential health hazards.

Chemicals Involved

Another factor to consider when deciding whether or not to call a professional for petroleum soil cleanup is the type of chemicals involved. Petroleum products contain various toxic compounds, including benzene, toluene, and xylene. These chemicals can be harmful if ingested or inhaled and contaminate groundwater and nearby bodies of water.

Additionally, the type of soil affected by petroleum contamination can also play a role in the cleanup process. Certain soil types, such as sandy soils, are more prone to allowing contaminants to spread quickly and deeply into the ground. This makes cleanup more difficult and requires special techniques and equipment.

Environmental Impact

Petroleum spills pose a potential health hazard for humans and a significant environmental threat. The contamination from these spills can harm plants and animals, disrupt ecosystems, and contaminate water sources.

Oil spills can damage plant life by smothering vegetation and preventing photosynthesis. This can lead to reduced biodiversity and the loss of animal habitats. Similarly, animals living in or near contaminated areas may ingest or come into contact with oil, leading to health issues and potentially even death. In addition, oil spills can also have long-term effects on marine life, as the substances found in petroleum can accumulate in fish and other aquatic organisms.

Oil spills in coastal areas can also impact local economies that rely on fishing and tourism. The harm caused by an oil spill can take years to clean up and may result in the loss of jobs and income for communities.

If you encounter a spill, handling the situation properly is essential to prevent potential hazards or environmental damage. Avoid managing it independently, as improper handling can lead to spills or contamination. Instead, contact a professional specializing in oil management to ensure the situation is addressed safely and effectively, using the proper tools and techniques.

Get the soil remediation that you need from AOTC

AOTC works with clients to design and implement site-specific and tailored remediation strategies for petroleum-contaminated soil. We’ve helped major corporations with petroleum contamination issues, such as Mitsubishi Power and Lockheed Martin.

AOTC is capable of providing:

• Contamination assessments
• Remedial investigation
• Land pre-development assessments
• Excavation
• Hazardous and non-hazardous waste transportation
• Emergency spill response
• And more

AOTC can alleviate your facility’s petroleum hydrocarbon soil contamination issues in the quickest, most cost-efficient, and most effective manner possible.

Contact us today to learn more about how we can help.