The user will first describe the specific pollution conditions as accurately as possible. The data required to select remediation techniques includes:
- soil structure and soil permeability ‘e.g. ground water level, depth of the layer),
- the type of pollutant (e.g. benzene) and
- boundary conditions (e.g. desired end result).
We refer to these as ‘input parameters’. For this, the ‘start’ screen should be used.
Based on this information, the system selects a number of possible remediation strategies (‘remediation plans) and provides a number of technical steps that need to be followed (‘remediation concepts and techniques’).
When drawing up this decision supporting system a few boundary conditions were made:
- when selecting LNAPL or DNAPL, all biological treatment techniques drop-out;
- when selecting a timeframe of 5-30 year the system will automatically select in-situ control techniques;
- when selecting permeable soil, mobile pollutants and time frame of 1-5 of 5-30 year, in-situ techniques will be proposed;
- when selecting time frame 0-1 year and depth of the layer < 5 m, the system will automatically generate soil excavation as a potential technique;
- when selecting general pollutants, without further specifications, it is possible that also remediation strategies are generated which are not suitable for specific pollutants or specific concentrations. More details on the applicability of the techniques are given in the technical fact sheets.
In the results, it is possible to simply click on any desired technique to receive further background information. Essentially, the final say is that of the soil remediation expert, who must determine which solution suggested by the computer is the best for his/her specific situation.