August Mack News

The ex-situ landfarming technology results in the following:

• Contaminated soils are removed by physical excavation from the ground and placed in open-air cells
• Excavated soils are usually placed onto plastic lining with side berms to contain all soils and moisture
• Contaminants are reduced in the soil by aeration and evaporation or by biodegradation
• Source area of contamination is eliminated
• May require some type of permit for evaporation of contaminants
• Confirmatory soil samples are collected from the landfarmed soils to confirm effectiveness
• Soils need to be managed after treatment

• Relatively simple to design and implement
• Short treatment times
• Cost competitive
• Removes potential contributors to groundwater impacts

• Very difficult to eliminate 100 percent of contaminants
• May not be effective for high contaminant concentrations
• Disruptive to site operations – requires large land area
• Presence of metals in soils may inhibit progress
• Dust and vapors may pose air quality concerns
• Impacts may have to remain under structures and utilities and along property boundaries
• May require state-approved air permits
• Requires routine O&M (tilling, etc.) and water collection