Hydrovac Contaminated Soil Excavation & Containment
7-step process guide with equipment, safety, and cost information.
Contaminated soil removal using hydrovac excavation provides a safe, contained method for excavating soil affected by petroleum products, chemicals, heavy metals, or other hazardous substances. The sealed debris tank on a hydrovac truck acts as a containment vessel, preventing the spread of contaminants that would occur with open mechanical excavation.
Environmental cleanup contractors prefer hydrovac for contaminated site work because the excavated material is immediately captured in the sealed tank system. This eliminates windblown contaminated dust, prevents surface runoff of contaminated water, and allows the material to be transported directly to an approved disposal facility without intermediate handling or stockpiling.
Hydrovac contaminated soil work is common at former gas stations, industrial sites, brownfield developments, and spill response locations. The precision of hydrovac allows targeted removal of contaminated soil volumes while leaving clean material in place, reducing disposal costs and minimizing the excavation footprint.
Step-by-Step Process
Site Characterization Review
Review environmental assessment reports to understand contaminant types, concentrations, and the estimated volume and extent of contaminated soil.
Health and Safety Planning
Develop a site-specific health and safety plan addressing contaminant hazards, required PPE, air monitoring requirements, and decontamination procedures.
Containment Setup
Establish excavation containment including plastic sheeting, berms, and sediment control. Set up decontamination area and confirm disposal facility acceptance.
Excavation Operations
Excavate contaminated soil using hydrovac, directing all material into the sealed debris tank. Monitor air quality and adjust operations based on conditions.
Confirmation Sampling
Collect soil samples from excavation walls and floor to verify that contaminated material has been adequately removed. Submit samples for laboratory analysis.
Material Transport
Transport the sealed debris tank containing contaminated material to an approved disposal facility. Maintain proper manifesting and chain of custody documentation.
Site Restoration
Backfill with clean material, compact, and restore the site surface. Complete final documentation including disposal records and confirmation sampling results.
Equipment Recommendations
- Hydrovac truck with sealed, leak-proof debris tank
- Air monitoring equipment (PID, LEL meter, O2 meter)
- Appropriate PPE for contaminant type (Level C or D protection)
- Decontamination equipment for personnel and truck
- Sampling equipment for confirmation soil samples
Safety Considerations
- ⚠Identify all contaminants of concern before excavation begins
- ⚠Implement continuous air monitoring during excavation
- ⚠Use appropriate PPE for the specific contaminant hazards
- ⚠Establish decontamination procedures for personnel and equipment
- ⚠Ensure proper manifesting for hazardous waste transport
- ⚠Follow OSHA HAZWOPER requirements (29 CFR 1910.120)
Cost Factors
- ●Volume of contaminated soil to be removed
- ●Contaminant type (hazardous vs. non-hazardous disposal rates)
- ●Disposal facility tipping fees
- ●Transportation distance to disposal facility
- ●PPE and air monitoring requirements
- ●Confirmation sampling and laboratory analysis costs
- ●Site restoration requirements
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