Abstract: Provided is a process for remedying a contaminated soil characterized in that a contaminated region of the ground is purified by the steps of first freezing the contaminated region, then injecting to the same a microorganism and a liquid agent or gas which is required for a biological treatment using the microorganism's ability to decomposing a pollutant, to enable more efficient and rapid remediation.

Abstract: A system for preventing release from an underground storage tank from further migrating into surrounding geological formations and groundwater of a surrounding underground storage tank field includes a low permeable layer surrounding the tank field and a set of horizontal pipes positioned above and below the underground storage tank above the low permeable layer within underground storage tank field. The horizontal pipes include two portions including a lower portion installed below the underground storage tanks and an upper portion installed above the underground storage tanks. An air blower injects air in the lower portion of the horizontal pipes for providing air flow which passes through the formation of the underground storage tank to strip out volatile and semi-volatile components of any release from the underground storage tanks when there is a small release from the underground storage tanks.

Abstract: A method and system are described for removing contaminants from the phreatic zone, also known as the saturation zone, or groundwater. A barrier wall is constructed below the ground surface and in the path of flow of a contaminated groundwater plume. A well is constructed in advance of the barrier wall and is connected to the barrier wall via a pipe. Various remediation media may be lowered into the well to perform remediation on the contaminated groundwater before it passes through the barrier wall.

Abstract: The invention is a method and a composition of a mixture for degradation and immobilization of contaminants in soil and groundwater. The oxidative particle mixture and method includes providing a material having a minimal volume of free water, mixing at least one inorganic oxidative chemical in a granular form with a carrier fluid containing a fine grained inorganic hydrophilic compound and injecting the resulting mixture into the subsurface. The granular form of the inorganic oxidative chemical dissolves within the areas of injection, and the oxidative ions move by diffusion and/or advection, therefore extending the treatment zone over a wider area than the injection area. The organic contaminants in the soil and groundwater are degraded by the oxidative ions, which form solid byproducts that can sorb significant amounts of inorganic contaminants, metals, and radionuclides for in situ treatment and immobilization of contaminants.

Abstract: A method for groundwater remediation of DNALP-contaminated aquifers comprising the steps of modifying the density of the DNALP with alcohol and displacing the NAPL by surfactant flushing.

Abstract: The invention relates to a disposable assembly for collecting contaminated waste, comprising a heat-stable container (1), for example made of metal, in order to withstand, without deformation, the conditions, particularly the temperature conditions, of a complete sterilization of its contents, and intended for household and/or industrial refuse, and forming a chamber provided with a sealable opening (2) through which the contaminated waste (3) is introduced, and a hot-melt plastic material (11) which is meltable under the conditions, particularly the temperature conditions, of sterilization, and is arranged inside the container (1), with a sufficient mass to enclose the waste (3) in the molten plastic material, the assembly additionally including a permeable cover (15), with a filter (55), sealing the opening (2) of the container (1).

Abstract: A system for use in preventing a flow of gas from a gas-containing region (20) to an adjacent region (22) and/or for collecting or dispersing gas at the interface between the regions, comprising a composite barrier (10) installed so as to separate the two regions (20, 22), the barrier (10) comprising a gas-impermeable layer (11) and a gas-permeable membrane (12) interconnected so as to define an interspace (16) between them and arranged with the permeable layer (12) facing the region containing gas (20) to be dispersed or collected. A method is also described comprising the steps of connecting an aperture (36) or aperture of the barrier communicating with the interspace (16) thereof to pumping means (37) which, in operation, act to pump gas into or out from the interspace (16) by creating a pressure differential across the permeable membrane such as to cause gas to flow therethrough across a major proportion of its surface area.

Abstract: Heavy metal bearing products during production, processing and/or handling, and/or in landfills, storage or retention areas are stabilized prior to the generation or management as a waste by applying heavy metal stabilizing agents into the product stream thus avoiding complex and costly processing and treatment of waste under hazardous waste regulations.

Abstract: A method of treating a selected volume of soil comprising the steps of providing a pipe network including at least one layer of perforated fluid conduits, inserting the layer of perforated fluid conduits below the selected volume of soil, introducing a selected soil treatment fluid in the selected volume of soil via the perforated fluid conduits, and successively raising and lowering fluid level through the selected volume of soil, thereby ensuring higher extraction and removal efficiencies.

Abstract: Volatile organic compounds are removed from contaminated soil by introducing one or both a water soluble peroxygen compound, such as a persulfate, and a permanganate into the soil, either in situ or ex situ, in amounts and under conditions wherein both the soil oxidant demand is satisfied and volatile organic compounds in the soil are oxidized. In a preferred embodiment, when both are used the peroxygen satisfies the soil oxidant demand and the permanganate oxidizes the volatile organic compounds. Sodium persulfate is the preferred persulfate and potassium permanganate is the preferred permanganate. The persulfate and the permanganate may be added to the soil sequentially, or may be mixed together and added as an aqueous solution.

Abstract: Liquid chemical compositions are disclosed for anaerobic biodegradation, detoxification, and transformation of toxic organic and inorganic compounds in a contaminated geologic media under reducing conditions, including, but not limited to, denitrifying, manganese-reducing, iron-reducing and sulfate-reducing conditions. One such liquid chemical composition includes sodium nitrate in the range of one-fifth (0.2) to four (4) pounds per gallon of the chemical composition; sodium hexametaphosphate or other biologically hydrolyzable ring or linear polyphosphate in the range of one twentieth (0.05) to five (5) pounds per gallon of the chemical composition; a surfactant in the range of 0.01% to 10% by volume of the chemical composition; and a diluent in the form of water. A method is disclosed for anaerobic biodegradation, detoxification, and transformation of toxic organic and inorganic compounds in a contaminated geologic media.

Abstract: A method for providing a composite capping cover for maintaining the surface of a sulphide bearing tailing and mine waste containing deposit moist thereby substantially eliminating oxidation of the sulphidic particulate in the deposit and the formation of heavy metal salts. The moisture is provided by atmospheric precipitation. The composite capping cover comprises a fine particulate layer, a fine-granular particulate layer and a coarse-granular particulate layer, the particle sizes of the particles making up the individual the layers having been selected such that the hydraulic conductivity of the layers increases with successive layers while the matric suction value within the layers decreases.

Abstract: Electro-osmotic infusion of ground water or chemically tailored electrolyte is used to enhance, maintain, or recondition electrical conductivity for the joule heating remediation technique. Induced flows can be used to infuse electrolyte with enhanced ionic conductivity into the vicinity of the electrodes, maintain the local saturation of near-electrode regions and resaturate a partially dried out zone with groundwater. Electro-osmotic infusion can also tailor the conductivity throughout the target layer by infusing chemically modified and/or heated electrolyte to improve conductivity contrast of the interior. Periodic polarity reversals will prevent large pH changes at the electrodes. Electro-osmotic infusion can be used to condition the electrical conductivity of the soil, particularly low permeability soil, before and during the heating operation.

Abstract: A method is provided to render non-hazardous surface soil which is contaminated with lead compounds. The soil is treated by applying an aqueous composition comprising hydrogen peroxide, ammonium hydroxide, nitric acid and acetic acid and allowing said composition to migrate through the soil.

Abstract: An absorption mat 1 receives organic hydrocarbons in liquid, paste-like or solid form, for example, oil, fats, fuels and solvents. The absorption mat includes a plate-like molded body 2 made of rubber granulate 3 or rubber shavings 3 bonded to each other to define a plate-like body. A base layer 6 resistant to the hydrocarbons is joined by vulcanization to the plate-like molded body 2. The base layer 6 is a composite base barrier layer including first and second layers (10, 12) made of hydrocarbon resistant material and a mesh-like support layer 14 is sandwiched and trapped between the first and second layers (10, 12) for preventing unwanted stretching of the mat during manufacture and when handling before placement on the ground or floor area and when in use.

Abstract: An apparatus for constructing an underground containment barrier for containing an in-situ portion of earth. The apparatus includes an excavating device for simultaneously (i) excavating earthen material from beside the in-situ portion of earth without removing the in-situ portion and thereby forming an open side trench defined by opposing earthen sidewalls, and (ii) excavating earthen material from beneath the in-situ portion of earth without removing the in-situ portion and thereby forming a generally horizontal underground trench beneath the in-situ portion defined by opposing earthen sidewalls. The apparatus further includes a barrier-forming device attached to the excavating device for simultaneously forming a side barrier within the open trench and a generally horizontal, multi-layer barrier within the generally horizontal trench. The multi-layer barrier includes at least a first layer and a second layer.

Abstract: A process for removal of halide from a halide containing organic compound in a solvent, a process for simultaneous removal of halide from a halide containing organic compound and reduction of an oxygen containing organic compound in a solvent, a process for removal of halide from a halide containing organic compound, a process for reduction of an oxygen containing organic compound in a solvent, a system for removal of halide from a halide containing organic compound in a solvent, a system for simultaneous removal of halide from a halide containing organic compound and the reduction of an oxygen containing organic compound in a solvent, and a system for reducing an oxygen containing organic compound in a solvent are disclosed.

Abstract: A process for removing water-soluble contaminates from soil includes laying a mat over and in contact with the contaminated soil, applying water to the soil, permitting the water to be transferred from the soil to the mat, permitting the contaminants to be carried via the water into the mat, and permitting the water to be evaporated from the mat so that the contaminants precipitate in the mat.

Abstract: This invention relates to an environmental engineering process for injecting a mixture into the ground to act as a containment barrier for fluids or gases or to act as in situ waste remediation process. The process involves pumping a mixture into the ground so that the mixture penetrates from the injection source(s), to form overlapping and/or intersecting horizontal or vertical planar geometries. Control of the geometry of the propagating fracture is made by the down hole outlet design and by interactively modifying mixture composition, injection pressures and flow rates, according to the sequential calculation of the in situ injected geometry by an inverse or tomographic method from monitored response of detection devices.

Abstract: A surfactant which is the reaction product of a hydrocarbyl-substituted succinic anhydride or a reactive equivalent thereof with at least one water-dispersible amine-terminated poly(oxyalkylene), is effective for use in soil remediation.

Abstract: In a lid support arrangement for a double lid lock for closing the openings of two containments disposed adjacent one another for transferring noxious materials between the containments, a cover lid for sealing the opening between the containments is supported by a pivot arm structure which is pivotally supported at one end and extends over the cover lid and the cover lid is attached to the pivot arm structure by a pivot joint having an axis extending parallel to the pivot axis of the pivot arm structure.

Abstract: A method is disclosed for constructing, verifying, and maintaining underground vaults that isolate and contain radioactive burial sites. The method employs a buoyant lift technique to isolate a block of soil containing the contaminates from the surrounding soil. An impermeable synthetic liner is embedded in the vault to enhance the integrity of the system. The integrity of the vault is monitored by a system of sensors placed both inside and outside of the sealed vault. The method eliminates the need to excavate or drill in the contaminated areas.

Abstract: The present invention is a soil remediation system which uses naturally occurring barometric pressure oscillations to remediate volatile contamination in the vadose zone. By applying a surface seal, a collection plenum and a unidirectional gas relief valve to the soil surface above the contaminant plume, the present invention induces a net upward soil gas velocity in the contaminated soil. The sinusoidal velocity of the soil gas is rectified by the present invention to eliminate or minimize its downward velocity component and allow a normal upward velocity component. The resulting net upward velocity sweeps contaminant vapors from the source, releasing them up to the atmosphere through the gas relief valve in small concentrations. This process is regular and steady, and is accomplished without the use of ground bore holes, off-gas treatment or onsite power.

Abstract: A method is disclosed for constructing, verifying, and maintaining underground vaults that isolate and contain radioactive burial sites. The method employs a buoyant lift technique to isolate a block of soil containing the contaminates from the surrounding soil. An impermeable synthetic liner is embedded in the vault to enhance the integrity of the system. The integrity of the vault is monitored by a system of sensors placed both inside and outside of the sealed vault. The method eliminates the need to excavate or drill in the contaminated areas.

Abstract: A system and method are provided for treating biodegradable waste material in a landfill by aerobic degradation. Waste material is deposited in the landfill and covered. The moisture content in the landfill is increased from about 40% to about 70% and a source of oxygen is injected into the landfill to drive and maintain primarily aerobic degradation of the waste material. The temperature in the landfill is increased to substantially eliminate pathogens from the waste material. The temperature in the landfill is controlled within a range of about 130.degree. F. to about 150.degree. F. to sustain the primarily aerobic degradation. Any combination of oxygen content, moisture content, and temperature in the landfill is monitored and varied to sustain and maintain the primarily aerobic degradation in the landfill.

Abstract: A process for in situ remediation of contaminated soils and/or residues is disclosed. This process takes advantage of a horizontal radial flow irrigating/draining system and sensors (8) located at midspacing between parallel conduit lines (5) to create an environment propitious to the action of decontaminating agents (plants, microorganisms, salts, acids, bases, buffers, enzymes, substrates, surfactants, etc.). For example, a water-saturated zone may be created, the level of water containing decontaminating agents is raised, maintained and/or lowered, which water-saturated encourage desorption or solubilization of soluble contaminants, by adjusting and controlling all the parameters of reaction (time, temperature, pH, oxygenation, etc.) The process is easily adaptably for many classes of contaminants, including volatile compounds and light non-aqueous phase liquids, by further installing supplementary sets of conduit lines and pumping means at adequate levels.

Abstract: A method is disclosed for constructing, verifying, and maintaining underground vaults that isolate and contain radioactive burial sites. The method employs a buoyant lift technique to isolate a block of soil containing the contaminates from the surrounding soil. An impermeable synthetic liner is embedded in the vault to enhance the integrity of the system. The integrity of the vault is monitored by a system of sensors placed both inside and outside of the sealed vault. The method eliminates the need to excavate or drill in the contaminated areas.

Abstract: A gas vent closing device that incorporates the use of a base member that is secured to a liner disposed over a collection pit. The base member includes a vented lower grate that allows for the passage of gaseous fumes therethrough. A cap member is slidably coupled with respect to the base member. The cap member can be seated within the base member after a desired amount of time in order to seal the pit and preclude the passage of the gaseous fumes.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for treating confined material such as buried waste or areas of contaminated earth by injecting a plurality of high velocity jets of treating fluid into the material over a limited depth in multiple directions from each of a plurality of injection holes. The high velocity jets remain stationary, but the arrangement of the jets emanating from an injection hole in multiple directions produces a result similar to a rotating jet but with increased penetrating force. The jets are operated sequentially over the limited depth of each injection hole to treat a layer of the material and are then moved and again operated sequentially over another limited depth of each injection hole to provide treatment of the material by layers. This allows effective treatment of material surrounding each injection hole without substantial interference from treating fluid flowing through the material from a previously treated hole.

Abstract: A method to produce structural products from benign waste is provided comprising mixing pretreated oxide with phosphoric acid to produce an acid solution, mixing the acid solution with waste particles to produce a slurry, and allowing the slurry to cure. The invention also provides for a structural material comprising waste particles enveloped by an inorganic binder.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for regulating treatment of contaminated soil may be accomplished by regulating a soil volume rate and a neutralizing agent volume rate to insure proper application of the neutralizing agent to the contaminated soil. Control circuitry regulates the soil volume rate and the neutralizing agent volume rate, based on a soil/neutralizing agent ratio, to insure that the appropriate amount of neutralizing agent is applied to the contaminated soil.

Abstract: A method for ex situ cleaning of contaminated soil using a closed system of heat-conductive solid-walled pipes embedded in the contaminated soil, the pipes being in communication with the heat source that heats and circulates air throughout the system of pipes, the method having the following steps of placing the contaminated soil in a heap on the pipes, substantially enclosing the soil heap with a vapor barrier, circulating heated air throughout the pipes to elevate the temperature of the surrounding soil to a temperature sufficient to cause vaporization of soil contaminants, extracting the vapor containing soil contaminants from the enclosed soil heap, and treating the vapor to remove contaminants and recycling the vapor.

Abstract: The invention provides a range of modified organoclays comprising intercalated moieties to provide an effective mechanism for attracting organic compounds into the interlamellar spaces in close proximity to other intercalated reactants. The intercalated moieties provide three functions, namely (a) pillaring to create adequate interlamellar spacing to provide access for larger molecules, e.g. polychlorinated biphenyls and poly aromatic hydrocarbons, (b) organophilic attraction of like polarity organic compounds, and (c) a reactive environment in which the organic substrates can be permanently bonded to the clay surfaces and pillaring agents. The invention also resides in methods of treating soil or other materials with such modified organoclays in order to remove or bind hazardous organic molecules.

Abstract: An apparatus for safely delivering a hazardous fluid substance to a receiving structure includes a supply cylinder containing a hazardous fluid substance and having a supply cylinder release port; a high pressure containment vessel having a vessel wall and a vessel receiving end, for receiving and safely enclosing the supply cylinder; a conduit structure in fluid communication with the supply cylinder and with the receiving structure for delivering the hazardous fluid substance from the supply cylinder into the receiving structure; and a supply cylinder loading structure for loading the supply cylinder into the containment vessel, including a containment vessel pivoting assembly having a structure for tilting the containment vessel into a substantially horizontal position and a supply cylinder pivoting assembly having a structure for tilting the supply cylinder into a substantially horizontal position for sliding the supply cylinder into the vessel receiving end.

Abstract: A method of removing one or more mercury compounds from mercury-contaminated soil is disclosed. The method includes mixing the mercury-contaminated soil with an additive, and heating the thus produced mixture to a temperature which is below the boiling point of the one or more mercury compounds. The one or more mercury compounds are thereafter recovered from the soil. Preferably, the additive is a chloride compound of iron or nickel.

Abstract: An improved method for decontamination of lead contaminated surface coatings utilizing calcium phosphate minerals. The method for decontamination of lead contaminated surface coatings uses solid calcium phosphate material added to the abrasive blasting media prior to the structure being abrasive blasted. After removal of the lead contaminated surface coating by abrasive blasting with the calcium phosphate--abrasive blasting media mixture, the blown down surface coating and calcium phosphate--abrasive blasting media mixture are left in-situ to allow a chemical reaction to occur which renders the lead immobile and biologically nonhazardous. The calcium phosphate can be in one of several forms which are readily available and inexpensive.

Abstract: A method is provided for remediation of soils contaminated with at least one volatile organic contaminant, such as benzene, toluene, xylene, polynuclear aromatics and the like. The method includes placing a layer of a vapor barrier material over the contaminated soil and thereafter treating the soil so as to stabilize the soil and thereby reduce emissions of the volatile organic contaminants therefrom. The vapor barrier material is selected from oil-based muds, natural gels, and aqueous surfactant-based foams, and in particular, certain aqueous surfactant based foams which are relatively easy to generate and use, as well as being long-lasting in effect. The method may obviate the need to chemically treat a remediation site, or erect costly containment structures, such as a tent or canopy, to reduce emissions of the volatile contaminants during soil remediation activities.

Abstract: A method for encapsulating hazardous cations is provided comprising supplying a pretreated substrate containing the cations; contacting the substrate with an organo-silane compound to form a coating on the substrate; and allowing the coating to cure. A medium for containing hazardous cations is also provided, comprising a substrate having ion-exchange capacity and a silane-containing coating on the substrate.

Abstract: This invention relates to the use of activated charcoal granule compositions which, when dry spread and "watered-in" to a site, reduces undesirable biological activity of deleterious organic compounds. When wet, these granules disperse very rapidly with a large dispersion area to original granule diameter ratio. The granules have high loadings of charcoal, i.e., from about 60 to about 95 weight percent and contain from about 5 to about 40 weight percent of a surfactant system which exhibits excellent dispersing; rewetting; and binding properties.

Abstract: A mobile safety structure for the storing and handling of containers of hrdous materials comprising multiple modular storage units. The modular storage units may be configured in tandem to form one embodiment of the modular mobile safety structure. In this configuration access between the interiors of adjacent modular storage units is provided by a bellows which is connected to and removable from a bellows support frame in a side wall of each modular storage unit. The modular storage units may also be configured in a stacked arrangement to form an alternate embodiment of the modular mobile safety structure. In this configuration access between the interiors of the stacked modular storage units is provided through an opening between units in the stack. A pull down safety ladder affixed to the roof assembly of all units except the top unit in the stack allows the user to gain access to each unit in the stack of modular storage units.

Abstract: A device for collection and containment of spilled or leaked liquid hydrocarbons absorbs pollutants that come in contact. The absorbed material is solidified within the pillow into a rubber-like mass. An impermeable layer of material may be utilized in forming the bottom layer of the outer envelope of the device to retain accumulated hydrocarbons within the pillow while further allowing the contaminants to disperse throughout the device for absorption and solidification. The impermeable layer prevents spilled or leaked hydrocarbons from contaminating the surface below the device. The consolidated mass is easily retrieved and handled for disposal. A variety of options may be utilized in disposing of the spent device, including recycling the rubber-like mass as a component of tar-like materials, such as asphalt. The solidified hydrocarbons will not leech when exposed to pressure limits used to determine landfill suitability.

Abstract: A process for the remediation of soil containing volatile organic compounds which comprises the steps of: (1) forming an emulsifier comprising: (a) from about 70 to about 99% by weight of a sugar surfactant selected from the group consisting of an alkyl polyglycoside, a glucamide, and mixtures thereof; and (b) from about 1 to about 30% by weight of a nonionic surfactant, other than said sugar surfactant which, when combined with said sugar surfactant, provides a hydrophilic-lipophilic balance of from about 8.0 to about 13.0; (2) mixing said emulsifier with said unwanted contaminants to form a stable emulsion; and (3) removing said stable emulsion from said soil.

Abstract: A process for the treatment of soil in situ involving examination and cleaning of contaminated soil. Treating medium and/or any other material for treating the contamination is introduced into the soil intended to be treated. The process involves the use of oblique angled connecting pipes which are connected to a perforated pipe-system fitting to the dominant position of the contaminated layer or the layer intended to be treated. One branch of the pipe system collects the contaminated liquid and/or contaminated soil water and brings it to the earth's surface. The other branch of the system delivers treating medium to the contaminated soil. Optionally, the contaminated liquid or contaminated soil-water can be cleaned and reintroduced into the same branch of the pipe system into which the treating medium is introduced.

Abstract: A secondary containment device is provided for protectively containing leaks and spills of a possibly hazardous or otherwise harmful chemical substance contained in a primary container such as a standard thirty or fifty-five gallon chemical drum. The device includes a tubular member with an open bottom equipped with a annular ring or foot of a resilient tacky material that forms a seal with the floor or other surface on which the drum is situated. A chemically resistant plastic material is preferred for the tubular member, which is preferably cylindrical. The foot is preferably triangular and presents a surface that is at least partially upwardly facing on the inside thereof so that the pressure of leaked chemical in the space between the drum and the sidewall of the device contributes sealing force to the foot. Where the floor is not sufficiently smooth to form a seal, a disc or sheet of a preferably plastic material is provided under the drum.

Abstract: A disposable back table collection device having a container with an open end and at least one layer of an absorbent material positioned within the container. The open end of the container is sealed with a cover containing a leak resistant injection site. The invention also may have a second layer of an absorbent material positioned on top of the cover with an aperture therein corresponding to the location of the injection site. In use, a syringe is inserted into the injection port and the syringe is drained. The fluid from the syringe is absorbed into the layer of absorbent material. When the syringe is removed, the injection port has sufficient elastic "memory," or shape retaining characteristics, to return to its original position, thereby insuring a leak resistant seal. Further, there is no splashing while the syringe is either inserted or removed because any droplets of fluid that may escape from the syringe are absorbed into the absorbent material on the top of the device.

Abstract: There is described a travelling multi-functional disposal simulation instation for simulating the long-term behaviour of materials for disposal containing organic components. These can comprise disposable house refuse and similar wastes, but also contaminated soils. Simulation serves for recultivation, composing and similar soil investigations. The installation constructed for this purpose comprises a double-walled heatable container, a lower, inner base plate with a slight inclination to the horizontal and with at least one outlet opening at its lowermost point, a horizontal base plate disposed immediately above the said first base plate, and forming the support base for the fill material, and which is in the form of a screen base, two different lid formations extending in a gas-tight manner over the clear width of the container and being vertically adjustable along the inner wall, and a travelling undercarriage receiving the entire container.

Abstract: A temporary shelter for housing and shielding a high energy radiation source used to irradiate objects and includes a hot cell for enclosing the source. An outer perimeter structure, including at least one wall, substantially encloses the hot cell and together with the cell forms an interior space positioned between the cell and outer wall. The interior space is filled with sand, covering the cell except for a front opening into the cell. The walls of the cell and outer structure are comprised of a rail and panel structure tied together with wire form ties to provide internal structural integrity against the weight of the sand. The sand and appropriately located other high energy attenuating components attenuate the energy emissions to a value less than the MPD Distance for the particular high energy radiation emitting source immediately to the exterior of the shelter.

Abstract: A thermal barrier is disclosed for surface confinement with active cooling to control subsurface pressures during thermal remediation of shallow (5-20 feet) underground contaminants. If steam injection is used for underground heating, the actively cooled thermal barrier allows the steam to be injected into soil at pressures much higher (20-60 psi) than the confining strength of the soil, while preventing steam breakthrough. The rising steam is condensed to liquid water at the thermal barrier-ground surface interface. The rapid temperature drop forced by the thermal barrier drops the subsurface pressure to below atmospheric pressure. The steam and contaminant vapors are contained by the thermal blanket, which can be made of a variety of materials such as steel plates, concrete slabs, membranes, fabric bags, or rubber bladders.

Abstract: A system for in situ decontamination of contaminated soil in a contaminated zone comprising:a. a metal section placed in the contaminated soil,b. a heating means attached to said metal section for heating said metal section,andc. an extraction system adjacent or near said metal section for withdrawing vapors and condensates generated from heating the contaminated soil.

Abstract: An eliminator for eliminating microorganisms which catch and eat pollutant-degrading microorganisms from a region to be decontaminated in a soil is applied to the region to protect the pollutant-degrading microorganisms from being eaten, whereby a soil remediation effect can be enhanced.