Monitoring, Performance Evaluation, and Final Documentation
The success of a remediation project must be verifiably demonstrated—from a technical and regulatory standpoint and over the long term. That is why we at Sensatec support all measures with systematic monitoring and transparent performance evaluation.
This includes analytical investigations, the assessment of potential residual uncertainties, and the installation of traditional monitoring elements such as gauges and wells. In addition, we use modern in-situ sensor technology to continuously monitor changes in the soil and groundwater and to reliably document the effectiveness of the remediation measures.
Based on the data collected, we prepare final reports for government agencies and document all relevant measures taken to secure building permits. If site conditions permit, we also oversee the controlled release of the site into natural self-purification processes.
This transforms a contaminated site back into a location that can be planned for use and is legally viable.
Installation of standard monitoring equipment (gauges, wells)
Monitoring is an essential part of any successful groundwater remediation project. Systematic measurements allow for documenting the progress of remediation and evaluating the effectiveness of the measures taken. Water level gauges and wells form the basis for reliable sampling and continuous data collection.
Monitoring stations are installed at strategically selected locations within the remediation area (monitoring points). They enable the regular collection of groundwater samples for chemical analysis, as well as the measurement of groundwater levels and flow directions. This provides a detailed picture of the distribution of contaminants and how it changes over time. The data collected is crucial for verifying the success of the remediation and for making adjustments to the remediation strategy as needed.
A well-implemented monitoring network also helps control costs. It indicates when remediation goals have been achieved, thereby enabling the timely completion of the measures. At the same time, the documented monitoring serves as evidence for regulatory authorities and ensures compliance with applicable regulations. A professional monitoring system is therefore not only technically necessary but also economically sound.
Delivery and Installation of In-Situ Sensor Technology
In-situ sensors are sensors that are typically installed in groundwater or soil air monitoring wells and provide relevant measurements of subsurface conditions at specified intervals—every second, hour, or day. These sensors are invaluable, especially when conditions underground change so rapidly that they cannot be detected through standard subsurface sampling. This is often the case with very rapid processes in the subsurface, such as chemical oxidation or thermal remediation.
The use of sensors is also important for safety-critical monitoring of the subsurface, such as in explosive atmospheres underground or in the event of methane or oxygen concentrations in the subsurface. Frequent data logging with predefined automatic alarm thresholds then ensures the necessary safety for the secure operation of the remediation technology.
Allowing the site to undergo natural self-cleaning processes
Once a remediation effort has been successfully completed, the site is generally left to natural cleanup processes. Any residual contamination at the site—which may be minor but still detectable—is then further degraded by microorganisms naturally present at the site without any active intervention until it is no longer detectable. Sensatec is able to provide evidence that, upon completion of active remediation, the site possesses a sufficiently high self-remediation potential to serve as the basis for natural self-remediation. This evidence supports the termination of active remediation measures, particularly with regard to obtaining approval from regulatory authorities for this transition.
