Contaminated soil management services
Sweco provides comprehensive contaminated soil management services focused on the investigation, assessment, and remediation of contaminated environments. These services cover all situations where human activity has led to the release of hazardous substances into the environment — such as soil, surface water, and groundwater — and caused health or environmental risks. We also examine cases where the environment itself may pose a risk to surrounding areas due to human actions (e.g., acid sulfate soils or black shales).
Our goal is to assess the environmental and health risks caused by contaminants, so that areas can be made safe and suitable for beneficial use — improving both environmental and human well-being.
We utilize the latest technologies and methods in our contamination assessments. Our remediation plans prioritize environmentally friendly solutions to ensure that restoration efforts place minimal burden on the environment.
Our services include
- Investigations and assessments
- Risk evaluation and remediation planning
- Environmental construction management
- Management and monitoring of construction-phase impacts
- Handling of environmental and water permit processes
- Fieldwork, expert tasks, and laboratory sampling
Contaminants and Environmental Pollution
Industrial history has left its mark on the environment in the form of hazardous substances. Due to industry, waste management, transportation, and construction, over 25,000 potentially contaminated sites were identified in Finland in 2023. Pollution has been caused by landfills and waste fills, fuel or chemical storage, industrial activities, and careless handling of construction waste and materials.
Obligations for operators
According to the Finnish Environmental Protection Act (YSL 527/2014), operators must be aware of the emissions from their activities and their environmental impacts. This obligation applies both during the construction phase and throughout the operation. Sweco also carries out environmental monitoring and investigates your company’s emissions and their effects on the environment.
Comprehensive PIMA services – From investigation to monitoring
We support environmental projects through all phases — from preliminary studies to planning, construction, and operation.
Investigations and assessments
- Mapping of past activities and events through historical reviews
- Baseline studies of soil and groundwater
- Investigations of soil, groundwater, surface water, sediments, soil pore air, and waste
- Environmental Due Diligence (EDD) assessments for property transactions
Risk assessment and remediation planning
- Risk assessments and general/remedial design
- PIMA notifications and environmental permit applications for authorities
- Collaboration and negotiations with authorities
Environmental construction management
- Project planning, support in procurement, and site supervision
Management and monitoring of construction-phase impacts
- Supervision of excavation and final disposal of contaminated materials
- Planning and monitoring of waste handling
- Planning, monitoring, and supervision of site water treatment
Environmental and water permit processes
- Waste handling and utilization, including soil landfills
- Extraction of soil and aggregates
- Dredging and filling of water bodies, design and implementation of water structures
- Environmental permits for industrial operations
Fieldwork and expert services
Our services also include fieldwork and expert tasks. In collaboration with laboratories, we provide reliable analyses on a fast schedule.
Other services
Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) procedures
Our experts support environmental impact assessments, permit processes, and environmental protection planning. We conduct EIA procedures for operators in energy, battery, and circular economy sectors, as well as for the chemical industry, transportation, and port operations.
Environmental, Chemical, and Occupational Safety Services
Sweco has extensive experience in providing environmental, chemical, and occupational safety services. Our goal is to offer comprehensive and tailored solutions that support sustainable development and safety.
Contact our experts — we’ll help you find the best solution to protect the environment and minimize harm.
Oona Virta
Team Manager