Soil Vapor Extraction

Horizontal soil vapor extraction wells are an ideal solution to combat harmful vapors from intruding into occupied buildings. Due to their orientation, they can be installed directly beneath building foundations to intercept soil contamination and reroute it to a safe location.

Soil vapor extraction (SVE) is a common solution for soil remediation, but often getting to the contamination is the most difficult step. Too many times contaminated sites remain active years beyond their lifespan simply because there is residual contamination located beneath a surface-level obstruction. Vertical wells installed along building perimeters can slowly chip away at spreading soil contamination, but the reality is that these systems cost money to operate, and clients don’t like spending money. The goal, then, is to knock out the contamination quickly and efficiently. Horizontal remediation wells offer several advantages for soil vapor extraction, making them an effective solution monetarily and performance-wise. Through horizontal directional drilling techniques, horizontal soil vapor extraction wells can provide access to hard-to-reach places. Soil contamination can exist beneath roads, buildings, railroads, storage tanks, and more, all of which are areas that are inaccessible with vertical wells. This is particularly important in situations where vapor intrusion is a threat to business operations. Horizontal soil vapor extraction wells can be installed directly below the building footprint, running parallel beneath the building foundation to provide enhanced coverage against harmful vapors.

Horizontal wells reduce surface disruptions and restorations compared to vertical wells because multiple wells can be drilled and installed from one drilling pit. Several soil vapor extraction wells can be installed in a fan-like layout to provide maximum lateral coverage while consolidating the wellheads into one central location. This is particularly useful at sites that are constrained in urban or sensitive environments where vertical drill rigs do not have the space to operate.