Soil & groundwater

We provide professional skills and know-how in all the phases of a project: from preliminary studies and planning to decontamination and development. We carry out our projects in multidisciplinary teams comprising engineers, hydrogeologists, geologists, chemists, biologists, environmental scientists and construction and infrastructure engineers. We also draw on the expertise and knowledge in Ramboll’s other service areas when necessary.

Contamination studies

Ramboll’s skills and experience cover a wide range of jobs from small local studies to major regional projects. We possess all the necessary technical equipment to investigate and record soil and groundwater contamination, including a field laboratory for measuring chemical concentrations in water, soil and pore air samples.

Pore air measurements

Pore air measurements are a fast, reliable, and inexpensive way of examining contamination with volatile substances like chlorinated solvents and oil and fuel products. We have more than twenty years of experience, and our mobile laboratory can identify field contamination in real time.

Risk assessments

Ramboll has worked on many high-profile risk assessment projects for private, industrial and regulatory clients.  These projects have enabled us to successfully demonstrate the significance of pollutant linkages, assess the magnitude of the perceived risks, identify and refine remedial approaches (where necessary) and communicate the findings to reach satisfactory outcomes. We perform risk assessments based on simple and advanced dispersal models, always maintaining focus on our customers’ needs.

Indoor climate

An active and productive life is closely related to a healthy indoor climate. At Ramboll we examine and provide consultancy on chemical substances in indoor climates that originate from chemical products or from seeping soil contamination. We have an extensive selection of measuring equipment at our disposal, and we collaborate closely with recognised laboratories to conduct chemical analyses.

Models for contaminant dispersal

Ramboll is experienced in the use of modeling to simulate contaminant dispersal. We input data on geology, hydrogeology and chemical characteristics into a computer model in order to predict the strength and dispersal of contamination in soils and groundwater. This provides decision-makers with a useful tool for risk assessment.

Preventive and remediation measures

Ramboll’s experience in the field of preventive measures includes:

• Traditional source removal activities with off-site disposal or on-site treatment of contaminated soil
• Preventive pumping activities
• Purification of free phase contamination
• Construction related activities
• In situ purification by traditional physical and more advanced chemical and biological techniques.

Ramboll uses some of the most advanced equipment for piloting preventive and remedial measures and has 4No. mobile remediation treatment units which can be mobilised to site to trial a wide variety of remediation techniques on site.

Environmental assessment of chemical substances

The number of chemical substances used in our society is on the increase. This is why we need to conduct regular environmental assessments on their application and disposal. We collect, interpret and assess chemical and toxicological data and conduct environmental assessments of the consequences of major projects in the public building sector. Tunnel-drilling chemicals, CFCs and flame retardants are some of the more recalcitrant chemicals we assess.

Knowledge management

Our departments for contaminated soil and groundwater work independently but collaborate with other departments with expertise in construction, infrastructure, environment and planning.

Our internal Polluted Soil and Water Technical Network is comprised of representatives in the soil and water sector from all the major Ramboll business units across all countries. The network meets regularly to disseminate current and innovative solutions throughout the company ensuring that a consistent approach to contamination assessment and risk management is maintained.