June 25, 2025
Environmental remediation is the process of cleaning up pollution in areas like soil, groundwater, sediment, or even the air. The goal is to remove harmful substances and make these places safer and healthier for people, animals, and the environment. Pollution can come from industrial operations, accidental spills, or old waste left behind at inactive sites. No matter the cause, cleaning it up is important for public safety and environmental health.
Types of Environmental Remediation
There are different ways to handle contamination, depending on where the pollution is found. You might need one approach for contaminated soil, another for polluted groundwater, and something else entirely for sediment at the bottom of rivers or lakes. That’s why environmental remediation isn’t a one-size-fits-all process.
Crystal Clean’s Field Services team is trained and equipped to handle all of these scenarios. We make sure every job is done safely and in line with local, state, and federal rules.
Soil Remediation
Soil remediation deals with cleaning up polluted dirt. Contamination can happen from spills, leaks, bad disposal practices, or years of industrial activity. Pollutants like fuel, oils, heavy metals, and chemicals can make the land unsafe for people and wildlife. If not removed, they can also seep into groundwater.
Crystal Clean begins by testing the soil to see what types of contaminants are present and how much there is. We manage everything from sampling and digging to transportation and disposal. Depending on what’s needed, we may work with environmental partners to apply special treatments directly on-site or at a facility. Our goal is to make the land safe again so it can be used without risk.
Groundwater Remediation
Groundwater is the water that moves beneath the earth’s surface and often supplies wells or community water systems. If this water becomes contaminated, it can pose a serious risk to public health. Common pollutants include industrial solvents, fuels, and metals that slowly move down through the soil.
Crystal Clean works with environmental engineers and groundwater experts to identify and treat these problems. We use methods like pump and treat systems that remove the water for cleanup or in-place treatments that break down pollutants underground. We take care of everything from mapping where the contamination is to providing the necessary reports for regulatory compliance. The focus is on stopping the pollution from spreading and restoring clean water.
Sediment Remediation
Sediment remediation focuses on cleaning up contaminated materials that have settled at the bottom of rivers, lakes, harbors, or wetlands. Over time, pollutants from industrial runoff or past waste practices can build up in these areas. If left alone, they can spread into the water and harm fish, wildlife, and nearby communities.
Crystal Clean assesses the area and works with partners who specialize in dredging and environmental cleanup. We may remove the sediment, cover it to contain the contamination, or monitor it over time depending on the situation. The aim is always to protect the ecosystem while making the process as smooth and effective as possible.
How We Get the Job Done
Different problems require different tools. At Crystal Clean, we use a variety of cleanup methods based on the site conditions and type of contamination. Here are our two most commonly used techniques.
Excavation Services
Excavation is one of the most straightforward ways to remove contamination from the ground. It involves physically digging up the polluted soil and hauling it off-site for treatment or disposal. Crystal Clean starts by testing the soil and identifying how deep the contamination goes. Once that’s clear, we carefully excavate the area to remove the polluted material.
The soil is then taken to a licensed treatment or disposal facility. In many cases, we can send the material to be recycled or used in waste-to-energy programs. From planning to execution, we handle the process safely and responsibly so your site stays on track and in compliance.
Bioremediation Services
Bioremediation is a method that uses living microorganisms like bacteria to break down pollutants in soil or water. It works especially well for petroleum-based contaminants, solvents, and other organic chemicals.
Crystal Clean prepares the site and introduces or enhances microbial activity to speed up the cleanup. We may add nutrients or oxygen to help the bacteria grow and do their job. This method is great for locations where digging isn’t ideal and is often more cost-effective than traditional removal options. It’s also environmentally friendly and a good fit for long-term solutions.
Why Crystal Clean Is the Right Partner
Having a trusted partner for environmental cleanup makes all the difference. Crystal Clean’s Field Services team has years of experience handling everything from emergency spill response to long-term site restoration. We take care of every part of the project so you don’t have to juggle multiple vendors or worry about compliance issues.
Our team serves clients across the country and follows all applicable regulations. We focus on delivering results that meet your goals while protecting your business and the environment.
With Crystal Clean on your side, you get a team that’s ready to handle the hard work so you can stay focused on your operation.