GEA is pleased to report significant progress on a groundwater remediation project, delivered in collaboration with Rake Environmental and under the oversight of the Environment Agency. This initiative follows the approval of a comprehensive remediation strategy and marks a major step forward in restoring a site impacted by hydrocarbon contamination.

The site—a Grade II listed building and former oil refinery—had stood derelict for many years and is now being redeveloped into apartments. Once complete, the transformation will be a warmly welcomed revival for this Derbyshire mill town.

The remedial works began with the installation of a belt skimmer within a monitoring borehole containing a significant amount of free-phase hydrocarbons. This system uses an oil-absorbent belt to selectively separate and remove oil from the groundwater.

Belt skimmer removing hydrocarbons from groundwater

Following initial recovery, the project has entered a more advanced phase. Seven 200 mm abstraction wells have been installed across the site to facilitate faster product recovery. Two belt skimmers are currently in operation, actively removing hydrocarbons.

To date, approximately 50 litres of oil have been successfully recovered using this physical abstraction technique.

Despite recent rainfall, groundwater levels within the treatment zone remain noticeably lower than in surrounding areas. It is believed that the contamination is obstructing or redirecting flow by coating soil particles and occupying pore spaces.

In response, the next phase of the remediation will involve the application of RegenOx®, a chemical oxidant that reduces the viscosity of hydrocarbon contaminants. RegenOx® not only breaks down hydrocarbons through chemical oxidation but also helps desorb them from soil particles, increasing permeability and encouraging groundwater to re-enter the treatment zone.

A groundwater pump-and-treat system has now been mobilised to site and will be used to treat contaminated groundwater extracted from these wells via toploading pumps. The water will pass through a three-chamber interceptor and then activated carbon filters to remove hydrocarbon contamination prior to disposal to the foul sewer.

Interceptor and carbon filters

Following the successful removal of free-phase contamination, Oxygen Release Compound (ORC) will be injected to stimulate natural attenuation and promote long-term environmental recovery.

This project showcases GEA’s practical, science-led, and regulatory-compliant approach to contamination management—delivering intelligent, cost-effective solutions to complex environmental challenges.