Industrial Land Greening Process

Greening industrial land is a complex process, regulated by Law 74/2019 on the management of potentially contaminated and contaminated sites and by 2020 methodology for investigating potentially contaminated and contaminated sites and Metodologie din 2021 de remediere a siturilor contaminate. This legal framework sets out the mandatory steps and technical procedures necessary for the investigation, assessment and remediation of land affected by industrial activities or other sources of pollution.

Steps in the remediation process under the legal framework

1. Identification of potentially contaminated sites

• The process starts with the identification of potentially contaminated sites. This is done by preliminary investigations and site history studies to identify polluting activities;
• The documentation includes data on the types of substances used, sources of pollution and possible affected areas.

1. Feasibility study
   • Based on the results of the investigations, a Feasibility Study, which evaluates:
     • Remediation technology options available;
     • Costs associated with each variant;
     • Environmental impact and feasibility of implementing the proposed solutions.
2. Remedy project
   • Once the feasibility study has been approved, a Remediation Project detailed, which includes:
     • Remediation objectives;
     • Appropriate greening technologies (in-situ, ex-situ, bioremediation, etc.);
     • Implementation plan and deadlines;
     • Post-intervention monitoring measures.
3. Implementation of remedial measures
   • The remediation technologies applied are selected according to the type and degree of contamination as well as the affected medium (soil/water). Some examples of the most commonly used technologies and methods:
     • Excavation of contaminated soil: removing the contaminated soil layer and treating it ex-situ or in-situ by physical, chemical or biological methods;
     • Bioremediation: Using micro-organisms to break down organic contaminants in soil or groundwater;
     • Monitored natural attenuation: natural processes in the subsurface degrade certain types of contaminants over time;
     • Phytoremediation: Use of plants capable of accumulating, stabilizing or degrading contaminants in soil or water;
     • Permeable reactive reactive dams (PRBs): The installation of permeable structures underground containing reactive materials to intercept and treat contaminated water;
     • Soil washing: Separation of contaminants by washing the soil with chemical solutions or surfactants;
     • Solidification/Stabilization: Immobilization of contaminants by adding chemical agents to reduce their mobility.
   • Post-recovery monitoring
     • After the remediation works are completed, the site is regularly monitored to ensure that contaminant levels are kept below legal thresholds.
     • Assessments include regular soil and/or groundwater analysiswith reporting to the competent authorities.

The benefits of remediation

• A cleaner environment: Remediation removes harmful pollutants from soil and water, contributing to a healthier environment for people and nature.
• Safety for communities: Clean zones reduce risks to human health by preventing exposure to toxic substances.
• Land re-useContaminated land can be transformed into productive, industrial, residential or green areas.
• Protecting groundwater: Ecologizarea previne infiltrarea poluanților în sursele de apă potabilă.
• Compliance with the law: Implementation of remedies ensures compliance with legal regulations and prevents sanctions.

The role of environmental consultancy in the greening of industrial sites

Environmental consultancy supports compliance with legal regulations and implementation of the most effective remediation methods. To this end, a number of specific activities help to identify, manage and reduce the negative environmental impacts of pollution:

• Preliminary investigation: Environmental consultants realize a historical assessment of activities in the area of interest (e.g. past industrial uses) and identify the hazardous substances associated with historical and current activities. It shall also evaluate the data obtained and determine whether a detailed investigation is necessary;
• Detailed investigation and risk assessment. Environmental consultants collect data and conduct detailed analysis to identify the types and extent of contamination. Sampling, risk assessment and determination of critical areas are carried out. Specific methods are used to estimate the impact of contaminants on the environment and human health;
• Elaboration of the feasibility study: Specialists analyze the available technical solutions, selecting the most efficient and sustainable methods from an economic and environmental point of view;
• Implementation of the remediation project: Consultants prepare detailed plans that include technical solutions, implementation deadlines and necessary follow-up measures;
• Implementation of remedial measuresConsultants coordinate the application of approved technologies, ensuring compliance with technical and legislative standards;
• Post-recovery monitoring: After completion of the works, the consultants monitor the evolution of the site to confirm that the remediation objectives have been achieved and to prevent any possible recurrence of contamination;
• Advice and education: Specialists provide training and support for authorities and operators, ensuring correct implementation of good environmental practices.

Benefits of environmental consultancy

Environmental consultants support companies in complying with environmental regulations, helping them avoid financial and legal penalties. A sound strategy not only prevents further contamination, but also optimizes the use of resources, helping to lower costs in the long run. Globally, organizations that work with environmental experts demonstrate a genuine commitment to sustainability, enhancing their reputation with customers and communities.

AUDITECO has extensive experience in carrying out intrusive field investigations and consultancy on environmental remedies. Determining the quality of soil, subsoil and groundwater is essential to understanding the risks of potential contamination and deciding whether remediation measures are necessary. Our specialists analyze and interpret data collected in the field, assessing both qualitatively and quantitatively the contaminations on a site and the associated risks. This fundamental information supports decisions on future remediation and environmental protection.

The greening of brownfield sites is an urgent necessity in the context of growing global interest in environmental protection. By applying appropriate methods, affected areas can be restored, contributing to a healthier and safer environment for the whole community.