Soil remediation Elnor Haacht commissioned by OVAM

Published Oct. 30, 2025

A soil remediation project at Haacht was commissioned by OVAM. Electric motors have been manufactured on the site since 1916. Contamination with VOCl occurs in the solid part of the soil and groundwater. This contamination is due to the former use of degreasing baths. 

Implementation of soil remediation

The soil remediation was carried out as part of demolition and new construction of the existing warehouses. Here, the production processes continued on site, and close cooperation with the general contractor of the demolition/new construction project was necessary.

At the level of the source plot, soil remediation was performed by in-situ bioremediation of the core zone. Bioremediation is the process of using microorganisms to break down contamination. Prior to in-situ bioremediation, an intensive soil air campaign was carried out. Carbon source injection to stimulate the microorganisms was carried out through direct-push injections over an area of about 1,500 m². Injections were made in different zones over an injection trajectory between 2.0 m-mv and 12.0 m-mv.

Results and follow-up

After completion of the injections and during the construction of the new warehouse, about 10 fixed injection filters were installed as backup. Meanwhile, the 1st monitoring results are known, which show a clear decrease in contamination. No more violations of the clean-up values are observed. The total duration of the soil remediation work is estimated at five years.

Contact

For more information, contact project engineer Michaela Soeters (+32(0)471812351 or m.soeter s@verhoevemw.com) or project manager Wil Brabers (+32(0)473174269 or w.brabers@verhoevemw.com).