Waste remediation involves removing or neutralizing contaminants to prevent harm to the environment. It can be done by removing waste, isolating it on site, or neutralizing it. Public involvement is encouraged in developing a remediation plan.
Waste remediation is a process in which contaminants are removed or rendered neutral so that they cannot cause harm. Hazardous waste remediation is an ongoing project in many nations around the world, as they deal with the continued generation of hazardous waste and the remediation of waste produced in earlier eras when environmental regulations were less stringent. Companies that specialize in waste remediation may offer very specific services, such as remediation of particular types of waste or specific environments, or they may offer more general remediation services.
The idea behind waste remediation is that hazardous waste must be handled carefully to avoid polluting the environment. The process begins with a site assessment to determine remediation needs. At an abandoned contaminated site, people identify the types of waste present and their locations. At a site where hazardous waste is generated as part of site operations, people determine what type of waste is produced so they can establish management protocols for it.
Waste remediation can be approached in several ways. In some cases, the waste is actively removed, in which case specialized equipment must be used, the waste must be packaged appropriately for transport, and the waste must be moved to a location equipped to handle it, such as a tightly sealed incineration plant or landfill. Removal is often considered preferable because it keeps the site clean and allows for future reuse of the site without having to worry about contaminants.
In other cases, the waste may be isolated and contained on site because it is impractical or too costly to remove the waste. Remediation of waste of this type involves setting up a suitable containment facility, seizing the waste, and properly sealing the containment facility. For example, remediators may choose to cover a contaminated brownfield with concrete or bury the waste on site in a concrete bunker.
Environmental remediation can also involve on-site neutralization of waste. Oil-eating bacteria, for example, can be released at the site of an oil spill to eliminate hazardous waste. This technique is attractive in some cases because it eliminates the waste altogether, rather than transferring it, as seen in the case of in-situ isolation or waste removal.
When developing a waste remediation plan, public involvement can be encouraged by government agencies that keep people informed about the process and the information that has been uncovered. Members of the public can be invited to comment or can even vote on options, ensuring that there is community support for a fix program.
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