Soil remediation
Driven by the principles of Blue Technology, Carmans BT has specialised in the recycling and treatment of all types of contaminated soils and waste materials. In 2005, we established our soil treatment centre, where we clean and process contaminated soils and waste into recycled secondary raw materials, materials that can even match the quality of primary resources. In doing so, we create a closed-loop system in which we maximise recycling and the use of renewable energy.
More about Blue TechnologySoil remediation techniques
Carmans processes and cleans contaminated soils and mineral waste into high-quality secondary raw materials. Depending on the type and composition of the contamination, we use different techniques, including biological, physico-chemical or thermal cleaning. On top of that, we have all the expertise needed for handling PFAS-contaminated soils, fully in line with the latest insights and regulations. In this way, we give soil streams a second life, safe, sustainable and with maximum focus on quality and environmental performance.
Physico-chemical cleaning
With physico-chemical soil cleaning, you get soil treated using a series of specialized techniques originally developed in mining. The soil is split into different fractions. This way, contaminated sludge and organic material can be selectively removed and safely disposed of, while the remaining fractions, after treatment, are reusable as secondary building materials.
This technique works for sandy to loamy soils contaminated with heavy oil types (like waste oil, motor oil, hydraulic oil), heavy metals from the galvanic industry, PAHs from roadworks or gas plants, and chlorinated products (like dry-cleaning agents, PCBs). Various mineral waste streams such as street sweepings, sewer sludge, gully sludge, and carwash sludge are also recycled using this technique into reusable materials.
PFAS treatment
Carmans accepts and treats PFAS-containing soils in the physico-chemical washing installation, where contaminants are carefully removed according to current environmental standards.
We also offer the option to treat soils in situ using RemBind®, a powdered sorbent that binds strongly to PFAS in the soil. This binding prevents PFAS from leaching into groundwater, significantly reducing the risk of environmental damage and potential health impacts.
The product is mixed with the soil in a ratio of 1% to 3%, together with a small amount of water. Within 24 hours, the treatment process is complete, after which the soil can be reused on site. Once finished, validation samples are analysed, showing a reduction of more than 95% in leachability compared to untreated soil.
This way, we combine practical feasibility with proven environmental effectiveness, fully in line with our sustainable Blue Economy vision.
Biological soil remediation
The basic principle is to convert the present mineral oils in the soil into harmless substances like water and CO₂.
This method is especially suitable for soils contaminated by oil products coming from sources like gas stations, oil depots, leaking fuel oil tanks, or environmental disasters. Thanks to a carefully controlled process, we can speed up the natural breakdown and restore the soil into a safe, reusable raw material.
Thermal soil remediation
Heavily contaminated soils that you can’t clean using biological or physicochemical methods are treated with thermal remediation techniques.
This technique is perfect for stubborn contaminants that can only be removed through heating, like heavy motor oils, polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), and heavy metals such as mercury.