Environmental Cleanup

Seven Common Causes of Soil Contamination

There are many reasons why soil might become contaminated, and only a soil expert can determine the type of contamination and recommended treatment plans. As you are looking for assistance, keep in mind that you need more than basic soil testing. It’s also essential to find a team that can help with soil remediation services in New Jersey.

The most common reasons for soil contamination are related to man-made pollutants that are either intentionally or accidentally put into the environment. Not only is there a concern about the quality of the soil, but these contaminants can contribute to air pollution, acid rain, and other ecosystem concerns. For example, if there is a problem with soil that contains harmful pollutants and particulates, these issues can play a role in air quality.

Here are a few reasons why soil contamination often occurs. This information will help you know if you have an issue that requires soil remediation.

Improper Waste Disposal

Certain hazardous materials require special disposal techniques to minimize the risk of the pollutants entering the soil or groundwater. The problem is that some people dispose of these items incorrectly, leading to soil contamination. 

Any time solid waste is managed improperly, it can affect soil properties and pollution in the area. It actually changes the chemistry of the soil, which degrades the strength and stability of the soil. So, it’s important to be proactive with proper trash disposal to avoid these issues.

Agricultural Chemicals

Many chemical substances are used in farming. Although various organizations around the world, including the Food and Agricultural Organization of the United Nations, have banned certain chemicals and pesticides, many of these products are approved for use in farming and food production.

These products can positively impact crop yields, which addresses some of our food chain concerns. They are helpful because they make it easier to manage weeds, bugs, and other pests that could damage the crop.

The problem is that using these toxic chemicals in agriculture means that the chemicals are being put into our soil over and over again. If a farm has been treated with too many chemicals, then eventually it becomes difficult to grow anything. Additionally, there are health concerns because of soil pollution. So, if you are dealing with these issues, then it’s essential to reach out for soil remediation services in New Jersey.

Corrosion of Underground Storage Tanks and Piping

Even when quality metals are used for piping and underground storage tanks, wear and tear can occur over time. If these metal items start to corrode, then heavy metals can start to seep into the earth and cause soil contamination.

In addition to the concerns about soil pollution, it’s also important to consider the health risks for people who are using the water coming through these pipes. If you have an old storage tank or piping that you are replacing, then it’s a good idea to bring in a soil testing expert at the same time to test the area and determine if you need soil remediation services.

Mining

The most common reason why soil contamination occurs near mines is because of mining waste that leaks into the environment. These can be harmful substances that affect the ecosystem and cause health concerns for everyone in the area.

There are many ways that mining byproducts affect the soil, especially when you consider the long-term effects of these waste products. The soil becomes unstable and it has an unsuitable substrate structure. Additionally, the soil is lacking in nutrients and has unbalanced pH levels.

Soil near mines should be tested. Even if the mine is no longer in operation, it’s possible that old activities caused soil contamination. If soil remediation services haven’t been completed, then there could be serious concerns about the safety of the soil.

Contaminated Water

Contaminated water and soil pollution can be a chicken-or-the-egg scenario. For example, if water is contaminated with pollutants, it’s not only unsafe for human consumption, but these pollutants are seeping into the soil.

On the other hand, soil pollutants can wash into bodies of water (such as rivers and lakes), causing water contamination. So, when you are evaluating options for soil remediation services in New Jersey, it’s also smart to see if water cleanup services are also required. Often, these services go hand-in-hand.

Oil Spills

When an oil spill happens, it makes headlines in all of the major news outlets for a reason: oil spills can cause serious issues in the environment. Recent and old oil spills can result in a continuing source of contamination that is leaking into the soil and the groundwater.

The concern is that oil spills are becoming more and more common due to the increase in petroleum extraction, oil refineries, and the necessary transportation to move these products. Each time oil is being moved or processed, there is another risk of potential environmental contamination. 

Soil that is contaminated by oil spills is affected in many ways. For example, the compaction of the soil changes, there is a decrease in nutrient availability, and it takes a toll on plant growth.

Industrial Activities

Various types of byproducts can be sent into the environment from industrial activity. Manufacturing is one of the major offenders, contributing to polluted soil through the byproducts and contaminants that are released into the air or surrounding soil.

These issues are more common in urban areas or where higher concentrations of manufacturing are occurring. 

Schedule Your Soil Remediation Service in New Jersey

If you are a property owner and need assistance with soil remediation services in New Jersey, then our team at Mikula is just a phone call away. We invite you to reach out at your convenience to learn more about these quality services.

At Mikula we will handle the digging for soil remediation however you will need an environmental company (which we can help provide) to pinpoint how much of the soil needs to be remediated, how it can be disposed of, and identify what will be needed to replace the soil removed. Call today to see how we can help!

by Dennis Mikula Jr.

Signs Your Soil May Be Contaminated

The first step when buying property is learning about the soil and if it meets your needs and is suitable and safe for plants to grow, animals to graze and play, and for your family to enjoy your home. You can always get your soil tested to find out if it is contaminated. Continue reading for some tips here for recognizing signs of soil contamination. 

How Does Soil Become Contaminated?

Your first thought may be, what would cause soil contamination? Perhaps waste was disposed of in the area by the prior owner. This improper waste disposal could include heavy metals or toxic materials that do not wash out like normal dirt and grime. In addition, many other factors could contribute to your soil being contaminated including where the land is located, what the land was used for prior to you owning the land, and how old your home or building is just to name a few. 

Ask our Mikula Contracting team about soil sampling to find out if contaminated soil is present on your property. 

What Are the Dangers of Contaminated Soil?

Contaminated soil is dangerous for several reasons, most of which are related to your family’s proximity to the soil. For example, think about the food chain. If you grow plants and vegetables in a garden on the property, the contaminants can leach into the food you eat. Also, leaded paint is a worry regarding soil contamination. If the home was built before the 1970s, it’s possible that the paint chipped off and fell into the soil. Or the runoff from a painting job seeped into the soil. Similarly, arsenic was used on kid play structures as a preservative for the paint before it was banned.

The possibility of poisoning your children and pets with substances like lead and arsenic are good enough reasons to check for soil contamination. 

Here are some ways to check for soil contamination. 

Tell Tale Signs Your Soil May Be Contaminated

There are various ways to determine if your soil has been contaminated. Below are some tell tale signs that your soil may be contaminated. 

Discoloration of the Soil

Usually, soil mixes together evenly to present a consistent color and texture. If your soil is discolored or stained in some spots, it may be a sign of soil contamination. In addition, an accumulation of oil or sticky substances may point to a toxic substance on your property. 

If the appearance of your soil makes you feel uneasy, it is always a good idea to get it checked out. 

Strong or Unpleasant Odor

Contaminated soil will not always present a smell. But if your soil was contaminated with petroleum, you would be able to smell the substance mixed in with the soil. Talk to a contractor to find out if your soil smells normal. 

On the other hand, if your soil is contaminated with heavy metals, lead, or arsenic, you will not be able to identify it through smell. Be careful about writing off soil contamination just because you do not smell anything suspicious. 

Soil Erosion

The soil will start to blow away and erode when it does not have plant life to keep it grounded. Erosion and its lack of life is a good sign that something is off in the soil. 

Lack of Animals or Plant Life

Do you notice that nothing is growing on your plot of land? Do birds ever land in the area for a rest? Does wildlife avoid your property completely? 

The absence of plant and animal life on the property is a sure sign that the soil is contaminated and unsafe. Plants do not grow in bad soil. It’s time to call Mikula Contracting to check out the area and identify the problem. 

Solutions for Soil Contamination

Soil remediation is the solution to soil contamination. You can cleanse your property’s soil, so it is safe again. Here are some examples of soil remediation: 

• Excavation: Remove the soil completely and replace it with fresh backfill soil. 
• Blending: Sometimes, you can “water down” the concentration of the harmful substance by mixing the existing soil with new soil. If it is not as concentrated, it will not pose a threat. This is to be done by professionals and tested after the mixing to make sure the soil is safe. 
• Removed and Treated: You can always excavate the soil and get it cleansed at a treatment plant to be replaced on the property. The team will test it thoroughly and make sure the treated soil is safe and ready for plant life. 
• Bioremediation: Some bacteria or fungi break down the toxicities found in contaminated soil. You can use these microorganisms to make your soil clean again. 
• Cover the Area: This is not a long-term fix to your soil contamination problem. But you can always pour a patio or driveway over the area and not worry about growing grass. Dangers to animals and children may still be present with this option. 
• “Capping”: Another quick fix includes layering a foot of fresh soil over the top of the contaminated soil, hoping the contaminants do not travel to the new soil. 

Please remember It’s critical to make sure you are working with a reputable environmental firm and excavation company that will ensure you are compliant with all regulations and handle your needs accordingly. 

Consult Mikula Contracting for Soil Contamination Concerns

Mikula Contracting can help you with soil sampling and testing to detect soil contamination on your property. Our excavation team is skilled in soil remediation and can find a solution to your problem. You may feel overwhelmed about where to start, which is why our trusted team can answer any questions you have. 

We are leaders in the excavation industry, helping cleanse soil and restore your yard to a safe and flourishing place. Contact Mikula Contracting to get a free quote. 

by Dennis Mikula Jr.

Types of Soil Remediation Strategies

Soil remediation is required when you find a harmful substance in your soil that can be harmful to animals, people, and plant life. If you fail to treat your soil, you will incur federal fines that can be detrimental to your business or construction project. 

You should always test for soil contamination before a construction project begins through test pit excavation. Not only will you save thousands in excavation costs if you don’t have to conduct soil remediation under a building or a half-built structure but depending on the type of work you’re doing and the municipality you are located in a test may be required, regardless. 

What Is Soil Contamination?

Soil contamination can occur if there was previously an oil or gasoline spill on the property. Perhaps the property had a building with lead paint or arsenic paint treatment on it that chipped off into the soil. This could mean that contaminants like lead or arsenic might be present in the soil.

Contaminated soil can be harmful to people and animals. If you eat food grown in contaminated soil, the unwanted substances could spread to the food and into your body. 

Detect soil contamination by noticing discolored or stained soil. You can also identify soil contamination from strong odors, like oil or gasoline. If you see an area with no plant life, that is also a sign that something is wrong with the dirt. Animals will tend to avoid contaminated soil. 

What Does Soil Remediation Do?

When you detect contaminated soil, environmental remediation is required. This is not a project to put off. Your family’s health could be at risk. If it is a commercial property, the public could be at risk. Take care of your property by choosing the right soil remediation method. 

Soil remediation cleanses the dirt so that it is no longer harmful. There are several methods used for soil remediation. Situ methods are remediation efforts made while the soil stays in place. This can include mixing clean soil to dilute the effects of the harmful substance or cleansing it in other ways. 

Phases of Soil Remediation

Soil remediation methods are offered to remove the presence of heavy metals, poisons, or toxic substances in the soil. The remediation efforts can happen in phases to see which method works on the contaminants present. After each method, the soil is tested to see if it is clean and safe again. 

Bioremediation

Bioremediation is a biological treatment of the soil. Bacteria and fungi are released into the soil to see if they attack the toxic substances and eliminate them that way. Each substance will react differently to the bioremediation, and success will also depend on the breadth and concentration of the toxins. 

Once the bioremediation effort is complete, you can see how far the method got in terms of cleansing the soil. If you find good results, you may continue with the bioremediation efforts without going on to further remediation methods. 

Physical Treatments

The contaminated sites can be remediated with physical treatments. This can involve removing the soil and treating it away from the construction site. You can also mix the soil with healthy soil to find out if that dilutes the toxins enough. Here are some examples of situ techniques.

Soil Washing

Soil washing is the process of using water to flush out toxins. Or you can use a sifting system to remove the contaminated particles from the clean soil particles. Soil washing is done while the soil remains in place and is tested after each attempt. 

Soil washing is an efficient soil remediation method because you do not have to move the soil off-site. All soil washing steps occur while the soil remains in the ground. 

Soil Encapsulation

Another method for remediation is soil encapsulation without removing contaminants. This method requires pouring cement to trap in the contaminants and keep them from harming people or animals. It is a quick fix and will not solve the problem completely. 

Thermal Desorption

Thermal soil remediation uses high heat temperatures to kill the harmful substances in the soil. The heat creates a layer of separation from the soil, which can then be removed. Or depending on the contaminant, the heat can evaporate the substance into the air and away from the soil. 

When you see the toxic substance separated from the soil, it is easier to identify and remove without needing to remove the good soil. Talk to your contractor about testing the soil after the thermal remediation to see how successful it was. 

Chemical Oxidation

Use reduction and oxidation to transform the contaminated substance into a non-toxic substance. Sometimes the harmful substance reacts to chemical oxidation and is no longer dangerous after this treatment. 

Why Remediate Your Soil?

Take part in environmental protection by remediating contaminated soil. Building a structure on top of contaminated soil is a human health issue. Do your part by detecting the problem early and fighting to find the best methods of remediation. You will never regret taking the necessary steps to ensure your family or clients can experience safety while on your property. 

Mikula Contracting Is Your Soil Remediation Solution

Mikula Contracting is your trusted contractor for soil remediation. We are familiar with the potential harm to New Jersey soil and can discuss underground oil tanks and other issues that lead to contaminated soil. How can you detect soil contamination? By calling our team for help who can connect you with environmental engineers who will work with us on the process of testing and remediating the soil as required. Our contractors will not only remove soil that needs to be remediated but we can even transport the soil for remediation and treatment. In addition, we can also bring in clean fill and soil to replace the contaminated soil. 

Our contractors are skilled with test pit excavation and soil testing to determine the health of your soil before you start construction. Save yourself time and money by learning the answers now to your property’s soil status. Contact Mikula Contracting today! 

by Dennis Mikula Jr.

Why You Can't Ignore Contaminated Soil

Contaminated soil can present concerns not only to our health but also to the well-being of the environment around us. If not addressed and managed correctly, dangerous threats within contaminated soil can spread not only to people and the environment in the immediate vicinity but to wildlife and even the ecosystem, causing long-lasting damage. 

What Is Soil Contamination?

Contaminated soil is soil that contains elements in it that weren’t naturally there in the first place. The contaminants are added by human activity, whether directly or indirectly. The soil could have been contaminated many years before, and its tainted properties were just recently found. It could also be the direct (or indirect) result of something going on currently.

Contaminated soil happens in a variety of ways, but one of the largest sources comes from industrial activities from years ago, resulting in large amounts of industrial waste. Military activity is another source of soil contamination, including metals, radioactive substances, and more. Farming chemicals, landfill leaching, unsuitable waste disposal, the list goes on and on. 

If you know that your soil could be contaminated due to the area it is situated, the property history, or you find that it’s unsafe after testing, you must act and begin soil remediation as soon as possible. Although it can be costly, the risks associated with being exposed to contaminated soil could cost you and your loved ones even more.

How People Can Become Exposed to Soil Contaminants

Unfortunately, there are many ways that people can be exposed to contaminated soil. Some of the most common include: 

• Ingesting or eating soil – Kids playing in the dirt can accidentally ingest the dirt or even breathe in the dust. Of course, there are always the curious kids that try eating dirt by the handful too. 
• Breathing in the dust – Small parts of the soil can become airborne as the wind blows, or disturbed by trucks driving over it, etc. Think of construction, mining operations, landscaping, and more. Breathing in these dangerous particles can cause physical or chemical harm to our bodies.
• Absorbing it through the skin – Some contaminants can even be absorbed through the skin.  
• Eating food grown in contaminated soil – Have you considered having your garden soil tested? It’s probably a good idea, even if it’s a community garden. If you grow food in dangerous soil, you put yourself and your family at risk, as the food could also end up contaminated. Be sure to thoroughly wash your vegetables before consuming them.
• Contaminated soil blowing or running into your otherwise clean soil – Maybe your farm is located near an area that takes care of hazardous wastes. In time, and with the help of rain, snow, and wind, the contaminated soil can make its way to your farm.

How Contaminated Land Can Affect Your Contracting Projects

Land that has been contaminated with hazardous materials can pose a risk to human health, animals, and plants. Depending on the type of contamination and location, groundwater and drinking water could be infiltrated quickly. 

If contaminated soil is found at your construction site, there will surely be time delays as toxins are identified. There will also be some costs involved in soil remediation and/or removal as you make sure you are compliant in managing the contamination that is found. 

Reviewing any kind of environmental reports you can before your contracting project begins can help protect those working at the site and prevent possible mishandling of contaminated soil. Be aware of historical land use and what took place at the site of your project beforehand to save time and money.

If you do not handle contaminated soil properly, the safety of those who come in contact with it, as well as the environment, could be poorly affected. It is legally the responsibility of the property owner and developer to handle such contamination. Mikula Contracting is familiar with handling soil remediation projects and can work with environmental engineers through the entire process so you are ready to begin your construction project that has been delayed.

Soil Remediation Options

Luckily, regulations and standards have helped prevent soil from becoming contaminated, but they have only been in place for 30-40 years. Some contaminated land has been cleaned up through soil remediation, but other contaminated sites remain neglected and untouched.

When remediation is taking place, it can either be taken care of at the site or carried off-site for treatment. Contaminated soil can be treated with biological treatments, chemical treatment options, or physical methods. The type of treatment you will use will largely depend on what types of chemicals are present and how badly the soil is contaminated. At Mikula Contracting we work with environmental firms and engineers on handling remediation and how to address it properly. Remember, if you have contaminated soil that is being taken off-site, it must be disposed of at an accredited facility in accordance with local guidelines.

Let Mikula Contracting Guide Your Soil Remediation Project

Mikula Contracting takes pride in every project we complete. We make sure that soil is tested if contamination is suspected, and we will guide you through soil remediation if necessary. We believe in doing each job right, and this includes keeping everyone safe and healthy. If soil remediation is needed, we will help you obtain the proper treatment so that you can get on with your construction project.

Contact Mikula Contracting to get started on your contracting project or to learn more about how we can help with soil remediation at your site.

by Dennis Mikula Jr.