Successful Remediation Under Time Pressure: Remediation of MKW, LCKW, and Cumene Prior to Planned New Construction

When there are only a few weeks between demolition and new construction, every decision counts. On a formerly industrial site in Schladen, residual contamination from MKW and LCKW had to be reduced, while at the same time a newly discovered cumene contamination had to be investigated and remediated—all within the tight timeframe leading up to the planned new construction.

The property had an industrial history—and traces of that history remained in the soil. Two contaminated areas had already been remediated through soil replacement, but minor residual contamination remained in the perimeter and subgrade areas. At the time, further measures were considered disproportionate. With the planned new development, that changed: The residual contamination had to be further reduced—and new site investigations also revealed previously unknown cumene contamination.

The challenge was clear: two pollution problems, a tight schedule, one solution.

There was little time between demolition and the start of new construction. What was needed was a survey method that would deliver quick and accurate results—without the need for time-consuming sampling and laboratory analysis.

The decision was made to use MIP probing —a method that visualizes volatile contaminants in saturated and unsaturated zones in real time. Right on site, without delay, with results that can be used immediately. Based on this, the remediation strategy could be developed and implemented immediately.

Based on the MIP results, Klozur CR—a multi-stage oxidizing agent consisting of a persulfate oxidizing agent with a built-in activator—was selected as the remediation agent. A total of 1,800 kg of Klozur CR was injected into the subsoil through 23 injection wells —precisely where the contaminants were located.

The process is impressive for its broad scope of effectiveness: Klozur CR removes both organic contaminants such as MKW and cumene, as well as chlorinated compounds such as LCKW—all with a single treatment, without the need for soil excavation and without interrupting operations at the construction site.

The entire project—from the initial survey to the completion of the grouting—was carried out in just four weeks. The subsequent groundwater monitoring at the epicenter of the damage and downstream confirmed the lasting success of the remediation. The new construction was able to begin as planned— without delays or the need for rework.

This project demonstrates what in-situ remediation can achieve when time and budget are tight. The combination of rapid MIP investigation and targeted oxidant injection provided planning certainty in a very short time—at a fraction of the cost of traditional soil excavation. This is an example of how effective remediation does not always have to be costly.