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Examining Key Considerations When Choosing a Soil Remediation Company
November 16, 2023

Examining Key Considerations When Choosing a Soil Remediation Company

Soil remediation is a critical environmental process that aims to restore contaminated soil to a healthy and safe condition. In Metro Vancouver, many homeowners are faced with soil contamination upon discovering a buried oil tank on their property. If you are a homeowner dealing with a contamination issue from a leaking oil tank or any other chemical spill or seepage, choosing the right soil remediation company can feel overwhelming. Let’s examine some of the most important considerations at play when choosing a soil remediation company.

How experienced is the company?

First and foremost, the company you choose should have years of expertise and experience. To effectively remediate soil, you must first have a thorough understanding of contaminates, soil types, landscape structure, and appropriate methods of remediation. Experienced professionals are knowledgeable and forthcoming about their process and should be able to offer you a portfolio of completed previous projects. Not only should your chosen soil remediation company have a significant amount of experience, but they should also have a current understanding of industry standards and local regulations. At West Coast Tank Recovery, we have nearly 2 decades of experience dealing with contaminated soils and decommissioned oil tanks. We also ensure compliance with up-to-date bylaws for each municipality in Metro Vancouver and the Lower Mainland.

How thorough is their assessment?

Every soil remediation should begin with an in-depth assessment of the work site including soil testing and analysis before proceeding with any work. Given that each municipality regulates soil testing differently, and some may restrict a soil remediation company from taking its soil samples, it’s advisable to use a trusted third-party lab to conduct the sampling and testing. Our expert crew at West Coast works closely with experienced environmental technicians to assess the extent of your soil contamination and customize a plan addressing your situation’s specific concerns.

What variety of techniques are available?

Soil remediation methods differ depending on the nature of the contaminants involved. Experienced companies will be trained in a variety of remediation methods and techniques to ensure a thorough, successful, and safe soil treatment. Whether this means excavation, chemical treatment, bioremediation, or thermal desorption, your selected soil remediation company should be able to describe the process and explain why this method is best for the contaminants found in your soil and for the conditions of the contamination site. Another consideration in this vein is assessing whether the company is taking steps to mitigate and minimize any further environmental harm during the remediation process. Preserving the local ecosystems and wildlife surrounding the contamination site should also be a priority.

What other considerations are there?

Along with environmental concerns, appropriate lab testing, and a significant amount of experience, companies specializing in soil remediation should be able to provide you with a transparent and well-defined quote for their services. This quote should outline a detailed plan for the entire process as well as take into consideration any potential problems and troubleshooting they may need to do. Moreover, these companies need to have the right insurance coverage as well as liability insurance and worker’s compensation insurance. These are important elements designed to protect you in case of accidents or damage during the remediation process.

If you’re facing a soil contamination situation whether from a buried oil tank or other contaminants, finding the right soil remediation company is essential to your safety, peace of mind, and resale value of your home. Reach out to our expert team at West Coast Tank Recovery for an estimate today!