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.