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Case Study

Interfor Squamish

Amending soil to enhance PCP-degradation.

The Interfor Squamish lumber mill site in Western Canada had some 7,500 m³ of soil contaminated with pentachlorophenol (PCP), a highly toxic wood preservative. Envirochem, an environmental consulting firm, together with Microbial Technologies, were contracted to bioremediate the soil on site, a cheaper alternative than shipping the soil for treatment.

Our tests of the contaminated soil indicated that it supported virtually no bacteria, including PCP-degrading bacteria. We identified external sources of PCP-degraders and ameliorated soil texture, pH, and other characteristics for optimal biodegradation.

Treatment began in late August 1998, and over 90% of the PCP had been biodegraded one year later. By 2001, the soil was fully detoxified - well ahead of schedule and at a fraction of the cost of conventional alternatives!

This project received prompt approval from government regulators, reflecting recognition of our team's commitment to good science, good sampling, and good engineering.