We take action on groundwater protection

HUESKER Ltd.

Space2work Warrington
Winwick Quay
WA2 8LT Warrington
United Kingdom

Stefan tells

With our innovative geocomposites, runoff water is no longer channeled, but actively filtered and can seep underground on site. A sustainable approach and a green milestone for the road construction of tomorrow.

When precipitation falls on roads, railways or storage areas, the water absorbs pollutants from the sealed surfaces. The contaminated runoff water must therefore be collected, and fed to a treatment plant via lateral channels in accordance with the regulations applicable in Germany for groundwater protection. The waterproofing of the subsoil below the base course and next to the sealed surfaces is carried out, for example, with the geosynthetic clay waterproofing membrane Tektoseal Clay – the contaminated water is prevented from entering the subsoil. So much for the status quo. A procedure that entails problems. The surfaces are sealed with concrete, asphalt or waterproofing membranes. These resources are scarce and expensive. In addition, wastewater charges apply. The risk of flooding also increases during heavy rainfall, when the water cannot seep away evenly and the sewer systems overflow.

Runoff rainwater: a problem that needs to be "clarified naturally"

We want to preserve the natural flow path and clean the runoff rainwater in place. Local infiltration is beneficial and good for the water balance of the soil. With Tektoseal Active , we have developed a product innovation that purifies and filters the contaminated water before it seeps naturally into the soil. The ditch next to the traffic area is covered with our efficient geosynthetic pollutant filters; the pollutants are bound and the water can be fed into the groundwater unhindered but purified. In this way, the soil is preserved as a natural retention area, e.g. during heavy rainfall events. A runoff infrastructure made of concrete or PE is no longer necessary.

Successful fieldwork vs. bureaucratic hurdles

In extensive research projects, for example with Münster University of Applied Sciences and Deutsche Bahn, we were able to impressively demonstrate the effectiveness of our solution and at the same time develop the necessary product modifications for these specific applications. In close cooperation with our research partners, we unanimously came to the conclusion that Tektoseal Active is a viable alternative to conventional, area-wide waterproofing.

Rethinking groundwater protection: for the sake of the environment

Whether traffic or storage areas: Excessively sealed surfaces endanger groundwater supplies, influence the microclimate, impair soil fertility and can only be unsealed at considerable cost. For this reason, a rethink must take place so that surfaces are not forcibly sealed in order to ensure subsoil protection. Especially on traffic areas or storage areas with lightly contaminated material, solutions without sealing should be used - for a responsible use of our nature.

With Tektoseal Active, we are on a successful and sustainable path to reducing sealed surfaces — which will hopefully soon be reflected in the regulations for groundwater protection.

Yours, Stefan