In 1998, bioremediation was used to help clean the former gasworks on the Foreshore at Fareham in Hampshire. The site was particularly sensitive because it was adjacent to a Site of Special Scientific Interest and had restricted access.
In 1996, following discussions with the Environment Agency, English Nature and other bodies, a regeneration strategy based on bioremediation was devised with the specific aims of minimising lorry movements and treating as much of the material as possible on site.
Two bioremediation beds were constructed on the site in the base of an old gasholder. Slotted PVC drainage pipes were installed to collect water as it percolated through the cells. Suitable contaminated soil was then mixed with a nutrient and loaded into the beds. 40mm slotted pipes were then laid on top to provide aeration of the soil from a remote, electrically driven blower. Finally the beds were covered with polyethylene. The material contained within the beds was turned over monthly using a mini-excavator.
After six months, the natural bacteria had converted the contaminants into carbon dioxide and water, allowing the re-use of the cleaned material at a later stage in the site remediation.
For more information on the Fareham Project Profile click here.