SERVICE
Environmental Site Remediation
Environmental site remediation enables the restoration of a contaminated zone defined during a Phase II Environmental Site Assessment in accordance with environmental criteria corresponding to specific site use and zoning.
A number of factors influence the selection of environmental remediation technologies include the following:
- The type of contaminant and its characteristics (properties, volume and exposure risks)
- Site characteristics (soil type, permeability, surface water and groundwater properties, infrastructure, topography and location)
- Costs (capital, operations and maintenance)
- Feasibility, in accordance with the various available technologies
- Work schedules
The most common remediation method is excavation. Contaminated soil is first excavated and then hauled offsite for treatment or burial in an authorized centre in accordance with the contaminant type and characteristics. Since January 2023, in order to comply with regulations, any removal of contaminated soil excavated outside of the original terrain must be recorded in the Traces Québec system.
Depending on the range of contamination and the type of contaminant, the soil can be treated or buried. After completing these steps and verifying compliance of the results, the report will certify that the property has been adequately remediated.
Remediation is also possible by means of in situ treatment, which utilizes chemical processes to reduce the contamination present in the soil, treating the property directly. This method is favoured when contamination is limited to confined, non-accessible areas or when it is impossible to excavate the soil on the property.
Environmental site remediation is performed in compliance with the Guide d’intervention – protection des sols et réhabilitation des terrains contaminés [Intervention Guide – Soil Protection and Remediation of Contaminated Land].
