Custom work delivered by Verhoeve in a cramped basement in Berchem

Published February 17, 2026

In 2019, a large-scale in-situ remediation project was launched in a former laundry facility in Berchem on behalf of Vlabotex, based on in-situ chemical oxidation (ISCO) and soil vapour extraction (BLE).

Core remediation

During this soil remediation, the site underwent a complete redevelopment, which required a great deal of interaction/consultation with the client/contractor.

Despite good communication and coordination, our experience in such projects and the flexibility required in their execution proved essential to the successful completion of this exciting assignment: the internal relocation of installations and piping, the addition of filters, and/or their underground finishing.

The redevelopment has now been completed and the core renovation has also been finalized. It was not an easy process, but ultimately both projects were successfully completed.

Feather cleaning

After the core remediation, the plume remediation follows, which consists of two phases, namely: Soil vapor extraction (SVE) and stimulated biological anaerobic degradation.

First phase: Soil vapor extraction (SVE)

In the first phase, the BLE filters were installed. In total, soil air will be extracted at 66 filters. However, this is a densely populated inner-city area of Antwerp, which made it difficult to find a suitable location for all the remediation equipment (due to space and noise considerations).

After much searching, a suitable basement was found, albeit with limited space and access, and all the piping was brought in here.

Second phase: Stimulated biological anaerobic degradation

Subsequently, virtually the entire BLE installation was custom-built here: manifolds for 66 filters, including air-water separators, discharge pumps, and blowers.

The extracted soil air is then transported outside to be purified via the activated carbon filters. These components are located outside the building to facilitate any carbon changes.