The remediation of contaminated areas is a highly complex process that can take years or even decades. This is because the operation involves not only the remediation process itself but also a series of preliminary analyses and activities, in addition to caring for affected communities and managing relationships with environmental agencies.In this article, we will describe how the NewFields Brasil team managed the rehabilitation for use of an area contaminated by pesticides, which, after undergoing the entire remediation process, received the classification of Area Rehabilitated for Declared Use and obtained the closure of the administrative process with FEPAM - the State Environmental Protection Foundation of Rio Grande do Sul.
Scenario Context
In the 1970s, an agrochemical industry illegally buried industrial waste and materials on its own land, in an industrial zone in Southern Brazil. Decades later, the company that acquired that enterprise contacted NewFields Brasil to manage the area's remediation process.The waste had been disposed of without any soil preparation or authorization for the activity, over a large area. Compounding the problem, despite being located in an industrial zone, the site was close to residences and commercial establishments, posing risks to the surrounding community.
NewFields Brasil's Strategy for the Case Solution
NewFields Brasil, in partnership with the client and municipal and state agencies, facilitated the implementation of a process comprising the following steps:1) Pre-remediation ActivitiesFirst, the precise delineation of the area with hazardous waste was carried out through probing and geophysical methods. Next, the Intervention Plan for the Removal of Impacted Soil was developed, which was approved by FEPAM upon issuing an Operating License.A communication and engagement strategy was also established with the various stakeholders, especially the local community and environmental agencies, as the collaboration of these actors is crucial for the progress of the activities.2) Remediation ImplementationThe NewFields Brasil team demarcated the safety zones, comprising support zones, contamination reduction zones, and exclusion zones, each with appropriate linings and waterproofing according to its function.With the structure prepared for the proper containment of the generated waste, the team began the removal of the buried materials. In this stage, excavation and waste removal techniques were used, with special care for segregation and analytical characterization for final disposal.During this period, stormwater management was essential, because in case of rain, any water that came into contact with the waste would be considered potentially contaminated, thus requiring a special analysis and treatment process.At the end of the process, the excavated area was restored with clean soil from a licensed quarry, and the site was revegetated.3) MonitoringFinally, a human health risk assessment and long-term groundwater monitoring were carried out, initially on a quarterly basis and eventually annually. Once the reduction and stability of the concentrations of the chemicals of concern were confirmed, and the absence of risk to human health was established, monitoring was concluded.
Results
The precise delineation of the environmental liability enabled the complete removal of over 7,000 tons of pesticide waste and contaminated soil, preventing the spread of contamination in soil and groundwater. Both the waste and the contaminated soil were sent for proper disposal.Following the completion of remediation operations and the confirmation of no risk to human health, the company received the certificate of Area Rehabilitated for Declared Use and the administrative process closure term issued by FEPAM.NewFields Brasil is an environmental consultancy specializing in complex projects, with over 200 projects completed in Brazil and Latin America. If your organization also needs assistance with Environmental Intelligence, contact our team!
