Hydraulic containment, often referred to as “pump and treat”, was one of the originally proposed methods for groundwater remediation. This approach involves extracting contaminated groundwater through a single well or a network of pumping wells, treating the water, and then discharging it appropriately, often into a storm sewer system.
When to Use Hydraulic Containment
Today, pump and treat methods are used mainly for hydraulic containment – to stop the spread of contaminated groundwater by capturing it through pumping wells equipped with treatment systems.
Across Canada and the United States, the environmental industry has recognized that pump and treat alone is not sufficient to reduce groundwater contamination to regulatory standards. Therefore, its role is primarily as a control measure to prevent off-site migration of contaminated groundwater, and it is typically paired with additional remedial techniques to achieve final cleanup goals.
How Suitable is Hydraulic Containment for Your Property
Every contaminated property is unique. The suitability of hydraulic containment depends on:
- The type and extent of contamination
- Site-specific constraints (e.g., geology, hydrogeology, infrastructure)
- Project timeline and desired outcomes
- Available budget
- Potential for off-site migration
- Regulatory requirements and design considerations
Because of these complexities, hydraulic containment is often used as part of a broader Remedial Action Plan (RAP) that integrates multiple strategies for effective site management and cleanup.
Partner with AEL Environment
Our team specializes in developing clear, cost-effective solutions tailored to your property. We can assess your site, design an appropriate RAP, and help you move forward with confidence.
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