Introduction
With our industry in current years always looking to improve better ways to efficiently and sustainably return ecosystems to their original state, ACME Environmental continues to evolve with these best practices. One of these ways that ACME has continued to improve our services includes our ability to provide Ex Situ remediation using our specialized shredding unit and the “Contact Chemistry” from our proprietary treatment solution. ACME Environmental specializes in Ex Situ soil treatment that involves treating the impacted soil with a peroxide-based solution that oxidizes and releases the hydrocarbons from the soil. This process involves shredding the soil to create more surface area and then treating it with this solution as it leaves the shredding machine. The soil is then tested and returned to the original pit.
Ex Situ Remediation Unit
ACME utilizes a mobile remediation unit to treat contaminated soil onsite by shredding and chemically oxidizing petroleum hydrocarbons in soil by using a proprietary peroxide solution delivered by a dual spray system. Contaminated soils are treated directly on-site using the Ex Situ Remediation unit. Sending the soil through our shredding unit creates more surface area, allowing more soil to be treated with this chemical oxidation solution. This process chemically oxidizes hydrocarbons and other contaminants upon contact and introduces oxygen to the soil. This allows the soil to be more amenable to hydrocarbons and to lift off and leave the soil as CO2. Depending on soil conditions, the unit can process 60-100 cubic yards of material per hour. In the event material segregation or additional aeration of the material is required, the unit is equipped with a 6′ diameter by a 21-long trommel.
One of ACME’s Ex Situ Remediation units in Action
Advantages Of The Ex Situ Remediation Unit
This process offers significant advantages over traditional remediation methods, making it a game-changer for companies focused on sustainability. By utilizing ACME Environmental’s Ex Situ Remediation unit, companies can benefit from an incredibly reduced carbon footprint and eliminate the need for landfill disposal. This means there is no need to dump contaminated soil in landfills or for the transportation of contaminated soil, which simplifies the process. This approach is a proven and efficient solution for organizations committed to achieving Environmental, Social, and Governance (ES&G) objectives. The Ex Situ Remediation unit not only expedites site clearance but also prevents the risk of introducing additional hazards, which can occur if the contaminated soil were to spread to a water source. This eco-friendly method allows companies to meet regulatory standards while contributing to long-term environmental protection and ensures the health and quality of soil.
Another one of ACMES Ex Situ Remediation units in Action
A great example of the Ex Situ Remediation unit saving time and money is given by the scenario below:
One gallon of diesel can produce over 10 lbs. of CO2. Most diesel trucks get an average of seven miles per gallon. This means that during transportation of soil to and from landfills and backfill sources can create nearly 1.5 lbs. of CO2 per mile! When you remove the need to do this with our Ex Situ Remediation unit, you can cut these emissions out completely and better protect your environment. In addition, by reusing the same soil there’s no need to dump contaminated soil in landfills which can pose additional hazards for having concentrated build-up of Hydrocarbons in one area. The environmental aspect of Ex Situ Remediation is clear, but it also makes a difference in social and governance performance. By choosing a more sustainable process, your company will have chosen a more socially responsible route, and your shareholders will also benefit from the lower cost.
Dig and Haul vs. Ex Situ Remediation
When comparing the methods of dig and haul and Ex Situ Remediation, we see vast differences in cost and time. Both methods serve as prominent remediation approaches, but their practical applications vary based on project goals, and site conditions, alongside environmental and social responsibilities.
The dig and haul method typically results in higher expenses due to the need for transportation, disposal fees, and regulatory compliance. For example, landfill disposal rates can be as much as $40/cubic yard. Ex Situ Remediation treats soil directly on-site, eliminating the need for transportation and landfill disposal which significantly reduces the overall project expenses, especially for larger oil spills. These two methods also differ in terms of saving time. Dig and haul is time-consuming, as the soil removal, transportation, and disposal process require extensive preparation and regulatory approval. Ex Situ Remediation is designed for efficiency. ACME’s Ex Situ Remediation unit can treat 1,200 yards of soil in a day. The amount of soil that can be processed varies depending on its conditions. For example, the presence of clay and rocks, or excessively wet soil, can increase the time required to shred and treat the material.
Lastly, environmental aspects are just as important. Dig and haul involves significant fuel consumption and carbon emissions to transport soil off-site, which adds to the environmental footprint. This process also increases landfill footprint and poses additional environmental risks to surrounding areas. Ex Situ remediation, on the other hand, offers a much more sustainable alternative by treating soil on-site with chemical oxidation that breaks down hydrocarbons to allow for the treated soil to be reused. This process significantly decreases the potential landfill and environmental footprints that dig and haul contributes
Dump truck ready to haul off contaminated soil
In conclusion, Ex Situ Remediation presents several advantages compared to the dig and haul method. Collectively, these benefits make Ex Situ Remediation a superior choice for addressing contamination issues while prioritizing both cost efficiency and environmental sustainability.
Why Choose ACME?
ACME Environmental has a proven track record of success using the Ex Situ Remediation unit across a wide range of projects, effectively addressing contaminants such as gasoline, diesel, condensate, and lube oil. The unit’s aggressive internal spraying system can deliver a variety of chemical solutions, tailored to each site’s specific needs, ensuring thorough and efficient remediation. ACME’s proprietary chemical oxidation method is not only effective but also recognized and approved by several key regulatory agencies, including, but not limited to the EPA, WDEQ, WOGCC, CDPHE, KDHE, ODEQ, OCC, TCEQ, and TRRC. This regulatory endorsement underscores the reliability and effectiveness of ACME’s approach, further reinforcing its commitment to delivering successful, compliant, and environmentally responsible remediation solutions. In conclusion, ACME Environmental’s Ex Situ Remediation unit offers a highly effective, environmentally responsible solution for treating contaminated soil directly on-site. By utilizing an advanced shredding system combined with chemical oxidation, ACME ensures that petroleum hydrocarbons and other contaminants are rapidly broken down and remediated.
Learn More
We can help your team achieve your ESG goals through our chemical oxidation process. Learn more about the Ex Situ Remediation process by reading here or by watching this video
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