Pump and Treat

Pump and Treat is the most common form of groundwater remediation. In simple terms groundwater is pumped to a water treatment system from either abstraction wells or excavations.

It is subsequently treated before being pumped to the foul sewer and reinjected into the aquifer or to a nearby water course with authorisation from the Environment Agency.

The water treatment system will incorporate a range of technologies dependant on a number of factors including the contaminant, its concentration and the clean-up criteria.

A typical hydrocarbon remediation is likely to include oil water separators, air stripping towers and activated carbon units; although further filtration by sand or other methods could be included.

Consideration of ground conditions, together with a robust monitoring and analysis programme, enables an effective remediation system to be installed and maintained. It also ensures that potential changes in subsurface conditions can be recognised and adjustments made as required.