The cost of soil remediation ranges widely based on the type of contamination, size of site and the treatment method. It only makes sense for property owners and developers to be better aware of what they are getting themselves into.
What influences the cost?
Site assessment
The first phase of initial soil testing and contamination surveys generally range from £2,000-£10,000 depending on site complexity. This step is critical to understanding what contaminants are present, at what concentration and in which portion of the site.
Contamination severity
Treatment work on light contaminated soil can range from £50-£100 per cubic metre, and for heavily contaminated this could rise to above £500 per cubic metre. Estimating the volume of impacted soil has a major effect on overall cost.
Remediation method
Bioremediation as well as in-situ therapies are less expensive, but require a much longer duration. Chemical treatment falls somewhere between. For Soil Remediation, consider https://soilfix.co.uk/services/soil-remediation
Site accessibility
Equipment and labour costs - sites located remotely or difficult to access increases the costs of equipment and labour. Depending on the geographic location of urban sites, these may need to include extra safety mechanisms and traffic handling.
Regulatory compliance
This includes additional costs of environmental permits, monitoring and compliance documentation.
Hidden costs to consider
Project delays can be costly. The timelines and cost may also be extended due to weather, contamination levels being higher than expected or regulatory issues etc.
Contaminated soil disposal costs depend on the type of pollutant and if licensed facilities are available. Specialist hazardous waste treatment is required for certain materials.
The investment perspective
Remediation might sound costly, but weigh up the alternatives. Contaminated land cannot be developed or sold. Remediation is only a small part of the potential liability for environmental damage and health risks.