A purifying thunderstorm

HUESKER Ltd.

Space2work Warrington
Winwick Quay
WA2 8LT Warrington
United Kingdom

Stefan tells

Filtering instead of sealing and depositing: In technical earthworks, HUESKER uses rain and innovative filter mats to improve the quality of contaminated soils. A natural and sustainable solution — also for future generations.

For some years now, the pollutant group of perfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) has been increasingly coming into the public eye. The main problem is that the substances are distributed in the air and groundwater and can pose a health risk. Again and again, PFAS can also be detected in locations that have been used by industry, aviation or the military. Abandoned areas waiting to be redeveloped.

What to do with the contaminated soil?

The development of contaminated areas poses a major economic and ecological challenge for land owners. Very few landfills accept the contaminated material and charge high prices for it. Apart from its load, soil is a good building material that is becoming increasingly scarce. In Germany, the material may be used, for example, for technical structures such as infrastructure or noise protection walls. In this case, however, provided that the surfaces are covered with a suitable sealing membrane to prevent the pollutants from escaping. A suboptimal construction method in which the pollutants remain forever in the soil of the "micro-landfill" and the problem is passed on to future generations.

A floor without PFAS

A sensible alternative is the use of Tektoseal Active.The innovative pollutant filter mat is installed underneath the technical structure. Nature will do the rest. With every rain shower, the water washes the pollutants out of the soil matrix and carries them to the filter mat, where they are permanently bound. A sustainable solution and a win-win situation: The filtered water can flow through the permeable pollutant barrier on site and naturally, while the PFAS remains in the filter — quickly, safely, efficiently. The precious building material is preserved and at the same time rendered harmless to the environment and human health. In addition, the avoidance of landfilling of the soils eliminates the need for long transport routes – which saves CO₂ and microplastics.

Thinking ahead together

Together with our team of experts, airport and landfill operators, universities, and laboratories, we have brought our product to market maturity and in this way put a new technology in the toolbox of land developers. Tektoseal Active is a functional product that must now be brought to the attention of decision-makers through consistent persuasion. With each new project, we collect further important data for a comprehensive proof of product efficiency.

But we have to think even further: In order to protect our environment more actively, it should be the goal of the industry to rely on alternatives in the manufacture of its products and to do without PFAS altogether. Only if we change the causes — and not just the symptoms — can we really relieve the burden on nature and future generations.

Yours, Stefan