​Access to clean water is essential, making protection against harmful contaminants a health and safety priority — especially in the Midwest. As the nation's agricultural hub, America's Breadbasket faces unique soil and groundwater contamination challenges.

States like Illinois, Iowa and Wisconsin work to control and reduce pollutants through effective remediation techniques, efforts that remain ongoing. This blog post explores the most common ways to address soil and groundwater contamination in these regions.

Remediation techniques for soil and groundwater in the Midwest

Several factors influence the best remediation techniques, including the type of contaminant, the property's intended use and available financial resources.

The specific contaminant — such as volatile organic compounds (VOCs), polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), metals, polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) or agricultural chemicals — will influence the most appropriate remediation technique. The property's location, whether residential, commercial or industrial, and zoning regulations must also be considered. Financial support, including grants or loans, will determine the most feasible and practical solution.

Soil remediation techniques
Bioremediation	This approach uses microorganisms to break down contaminants, such as hydrocarbons, in soil.
Chemical injection	Chemical agents are injected into soil to neutralize contaminants, such as heavy metals or other organic pollutants.
Excavations	This approach is appropriate for contamination contained within a specific area. It allows for easy removal and transportation off-site for treatment/disposal.
Soil vapor extraction systems	Vacuum suction extracts harmful vapors, such as VOCs, from the soil.
Engineering controls	Physical barriers, such as liners and caps, can prevent the spread of or exposure to harmful contaminants.
Institutional control	This establishes land-use restrictions to prevent exposure to contaminated soil.

Here are the most common remediation techniques for groundwater remediation in the Midwest. 

Groundwater remediation techniques
Air sparging	Air injected, or sparged, into an aquifer can evaporate and remove harmful contaminants. Increased oxygen content in groundwater during this process can also improve the contaminants' aerobic degeneration.
Pump and treat	A widely used and relatively low-cost technique that involves extracting contaminated groundwater from wells, filtering it and treating it using several methods. Treated water can be reintroduced or discharged.
Chemical injections	Chemicals can be injected into groundwater to break down or immobilize harmful contaminants such as chlorinated solvents.
Engineering controls	Barriers, such as slurry walls, can prevent the migration of contaminated groundwater.
Institutional control	Like soil remediation, restrictions control exposure to contaminated water sources.

Groundwater provides drinking water to millions of people and is estimated to produce nearly half of the nation's drinking water. However, contamination from VOCs, PAHs, heavy metals, PCBs, agricultural fertilizers and pesticides continues to pose significant safety concerns nationwide. Soil contamination also poses threats to local ecosystems and public health.

In the Midwest, specifically in Illinois, Iowa and Wisconsin, community leaders have partnered with state and federal funding agencies to implement many groundwater and soil remediation projects to address public health and safety risks. These projects, which are deploying the most effective and common remediation techniques for soil and groundwater, help ensure the safety and well-being of millions of residents. While progress has been made, the work is far from over. Fehr Graham remains committed to supporting these efforts.

How Fehr Graham supports Midwest communities with soil and groundwater remediation techniques

Fehr Graham actively supports Midwest communities as community leaders seek to remediate contaminated groundwater and soil. We have experience in soil and groundwater remediation.

​We have a well-established history of success in groundwater remediation projects throughout the region. We're proud of our ability to meet our clients' needs and provide ongoing support during every phase of a remediation project. Learn more about our most recent efforts here.

 Partner with Fehr Graham​

​At Fehr Graham, we are committed to working alongside communities as they seek to remediate contaminated sources of groundwater and soil. Our team of licensed engineers can help you design a groundwater remediation program that meets your needs and secure funding for construction and system upgrades.

When you partner with us, you can be assured that your project will be managed and executed according to all applicable regulatory standards and will meet the greater needs of your community.

Dillon Plamann is an Environmental Project Manager who helps with soil and groundwater investigations, remedial activities, due diligence and building material assessments. He also works on reports, work plans, proposals, budgets, and Phase I and II Environmental Site Assessments. Reach him at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..