TUC methodology for remediation of uncontrolled contaminated sites from industrial and toxic wastes
Published on 17 May 2019
Greece
Kriti
This is the good practice's implementation level. It can be national, regional or local.
About this good practice
In Europe there is a great deviation between the estimated number of “suspected contaminated sites” and the recorded number of “contaminated sites”, indicating the need for hard work on the existing legal framework, policies and methodologies, in order to be able to aim at contaminated sites remediation. In Greece no national data base for contaminated sites, nor relevant tools (procedures, methodologies, guidelines, etc.) towards this direction existed. Consequently, the State could not aware of nor could control the existing reality, as far as site contamination and consequently remediation is concerned.
TUC Methology was a first attempt in Greece to develop a study for evaluation and remediation of uncontrolled polluted sites / facilities from industrial and hazardous waste in Greece. The aim was to indicate every required tool (e.g. methodology, criteria, remediation options) for identifying, investigating at various stages, evaluating the results of analytical research and selecting appropriate remediation measures and aftercare of contaminated sites or facilities or any other contaminated waste area. It is a multi-phase methodology that can be used in relevant legal texts and provides an effective, reliable and useful guide, based on scientific knowledge, legal frameworks and practical experiences from all over the world which have been adjusted to the European and Greek administrative structure and reality. Currently is used as solution for the TANIA project Interreg.
TUC Methology was a first attempt in Greece to develop a study for evaluation and remediation of uncontrolled polluted sites / facilities from industrial and hazardous waste in Greece. The aim was to indicate every required tool (e.g. methodology, criteria, remediation options) for identifying, investigating at various stages, evaluating the results of analytical research and selecting appropriate remediation measures and aftercare of contaminated sites or facilities or any other contaminated waste area. It is a multi-phase methodology that can be used in relevant legal texts and provides an effective, reliable and useful guide, based on scientific knowledge, legal frameworks and practical experiences from all over the world which have been adjusted to the European and Greek administrative structure and reality. Currently is used as solution for the TANIA project Interreg.
Resources needed
It is highly contaminated-site-depended to determine the extent and the cost of the necessary actions (methodology phases) for remediation. Funds need to be basically obtained by the polluter or by central governments that need to be able to cover this cost if the polluter cannot afford it.
Evidence of success
In 2013, the TUC solution by this study was used in a project of the Hellenic Ministry for the Environment to provide a risk assessment from sites contaminated by industrial waste in Greece. This methodology was proved to be effective, creating the first national database of contaminated sites in Greece. In the framework of this project, 135 industrial sites were evaluated creating a valuable bank of located contaminated sites that need to be properly remediated.
Potential for learning or transfer
TUC methodology is currently a solution via TANIA with the partners be intrigued implementing it in their final Action Plan. The methodology focuses on soil and groundwater remediation techs providing information as: basic principles, required equipment, manageable pollutants, application criteria, time of application, systems monitoring, application examples-installation and operation costs. It can be transferred to other EU countries, since is only based on necessary actions that can be adjusted to any administrative structure. It is a useful tool for beneficiaries, in both public and private sector, to select the optimal methods for remediation and simultaneously promotes the implementation of analysis on innovative methods. State becomes competent in controlling what is happening within its borders, corresponding to its commitments based on EU directives and ultimately protecting public health and the environment, as unique source, on which several of its activities are based.
Further information
Website
Good practice owner
Organisation
Technical University of Crete (TUC)
Greece
Kriti
Contact
Material Scientist/Chemist