The problem of the oil-contaminated geo-environment and ways to solve it

Abstract

Introduction. On the one hand, polluted soils are a source of ecosystem degradation. On the other hand, it is a potential basis for the construction of structures. Construction works are constantly carried out at the sites of oil producing and oil processing enterprises. The construction of new and reconstruction of existing installations is accompanied by the demolition of old facilities up to the extraction of foundations from contaminated.

Materials and methods. The assessment of oil-contaminated soils was carried out at existing enterprises of the oil complex during design and survey work to prepare sites for new construction. At the survey stage, the bearing capacity of contaminated soils was investigated using the stamp test method. The individual parameters necessary to assess the construction development of industrial sites without excavating contaminated soils were determined in a soil laboratory using standard methods.

Results. The oil-contaminated soils under the sites of the reconstructed enterprises are distinguished by a variety of species composition, geomechanical properties and environmental indicators. Accordingly, the number of ways to eliminate pollution is diverse. The contaminated soils were washed with reagent solutions (flocculant, soda, carbonized water) through a network of drains and wells under pressure. At the same time, the contamination “trapped” in the pores and capillaries of the soil was transferred to a free state, followed by outflow into the drainage, interception of the contaminated liquid and its rise to the surface for subsequent cleaning.

Conclusions. Taking into account the importance of the problem, the authors developed and introduced into construction practice a set of technologies that allow for the removal of hydrocarbon-containing pollutants in the territories of reconstructed and liquidated facilities of the oil complex, without extracting soils from recesses.