Sustainable remediation

Integrating sustainability principles into remediation means identifying the best solutions in terms of environmental, social and territorial impact. As well as fully involving the stakeholders in the decision-making process, we aim to ensure that the following objectives are met:

• protection of human health and the environment
• removal of contaminants from groundwater and soil, with a strong focus on their recovery and reuse
• application of innovative and sustainable technologies with regard to environmental, social and economic impact
• encouraging the re-use and regeneration of areas in line with spatial planning tools, starting from the project design phase
• reducing the carbon footprint of remediation activities.
  

We manage all aspects and phases of every remediation project, from characterisation analysis of the various environmental matrices, to the design, execution of works and post-operational monitoring, in full compliance with current environmental legislation and with a view to the future use of restored areas as well as the application of innovative technologies.  When making decisions, we take into account the type of contamination in relation to possible environmental and human receptors, i.e. the characteristics of the specific contaminant. We also assess the environmental benefits and future reuse of the area, preferring those that restore soil and water in place, without resorting to excavation and disposal, and minimising the impacts of the interventions.

Creating innovation in the complex world of environmental remediation is a commitment that requires a great deal of expertise. In our remediation technologies Handbook, we include what we have learnt and confirmed through years of experience of carrying out many complex projects throughout the country, as well as an overview of Eni's innovative technologies and methodologies. This comprehensive overview takes the specific type of contaminants and the environmental context into account, with diagrams, infographics and photographs. It is not only intended for professionals, but also those without a specific background who would like to understand remediation better.

Ongoing interaction with universities enables us to continue selecting, developing and updating technologies with a focus on sustainability. We have validated the model for assessing the sustainability of environmental techniques and measures with the Ca' Foscari University of Venice Foundation. This collaboration will also lead to the drafting of an Ecological Risk Assessment (ERA) Guideline applicable to water, soil and sediment matrices that are potentially affected by contamination. This is the first reference for standardising ecological risk analysis in Italy. These assessments will be tested on practical case studies to verify their applicability for real remediation situations. At the same time, collaborations and joint projects continue with:

• the Sapienza University of Rome on innovative groundwater treatment subjects, with field trials of recirculation wells and reactive permeable barriers
• the Polytechnic of Milan to study and test the applicability of thermal desorption technologies and the application of innovative technologies for the abatement of certain pollutants in production waters
• the Polytechnic University of Turin for research into innovative solutions for the treatment of groundwater and water related to mining activities, and the experimental application of technologies based on the use of nanoparticles for the abatement of certain classes of contaminants
• the Alma Mater Studiorum University of Bologna for new research initiatives in the areas of sustainability, circularity and creating value in the Water & Waste sectors
• the University of Rome Tor Vergata for testing innovative environmental survey tools.