LIFE FRAC-IN

Enabling in situ soil remediation on low-permeability sites through hydraulic/pneumatic fracturing (FRAC-IN)

Contaminated sites managed by in situ treatments always require direct contact between the remediation agent and the contaminant. In-situ remediation is therefore limited to highly permeable soils to ensure proper distribution of the remediation agents into the contaminated matrices. However, the FRAC-IN technology enables remedial agents to be injected into sites with a low permeability. It combines direct-push drilling – an innovative delivery method used for emplacement of remediation agents in situ without needing to install permanent wells – with pneumatic and hydraulic fracturing to inject remediation agents into low permeable contaminated soils. The FRAC-IN technology creates secondary porosity at the same time as applying the reactive substances, enabling the creation of large reactive zones in the contaminated aquifer.

The LIFE FRAC-IN project aims to:

  • Validate the FRAC-IN technology in different field environments covering a range of geological conditions and contaminants, as well as support full-scale applications of the technology at other sites;

  • Establish a framework for determining the FRAC-IN technology’s feasibility in terms of economic, environmental and technical considerations; and

  • Promote the FRAC-IN technology in EU policy on soil remediation and brownfield redevelopment.

The project will help implement the Soil Thematic Strategy and support the Seventh Environment Action Programme in relation to soil remediation and brownfield redevelopment.

Expected results:

  • Partial clean-up of seven test sites (2 500 m²);

  • Removal of chemical substances from the environment: 127 kg chromium (VI), 2 460 kg (chlorinated) solvents, 5 000 kg mineral oil;

  • Reduction of CO2 emission by 92% (1 385 tonnes);

  • Verification of the optimal vertical extent for successful FRAC-IN applications;

  • Verification of the compatibility of FRAC-IN with established remediation techniques; and

  • EU-wide dissemination.

Project ID

LIFE20 ENV/BE/000597

Funding period

1 January 2022 - 31 December 2025

Total budget

€1,761,230.00

EU contribution

€968,676.00

Funding programme

LIFE

Project contribution to Mission Soil’s:

Specific objectives

  • 1. Reduce land degradation relating to desertification
    Not targeted
  • 2. Conserve and increase soil organic carbon stocks
    Not targeted
  • 3. No net soil sealing and increase the reuse of urban soils
    Not targeted
  • 4. Reduce soil pollution and enhance restoration
    Targeted
  • 5. Prevent erosion
    Not targeted
  • 6. Improve soil structure to enhance habitat quality for soil biota and crops
    Not targeted
  • 7. Reduce the EU global footprint on soils
    Not targeted
  • 8. Increase soil literacy in society across Member States
    Not targeted

Operational objectives

  • 1. Build capacities and the knowledge base for soil stewardship
    Not targeted
  • 2. Co-create and upscale place-based innovations to improve soil health in all places
    Partially targeted
  • 3. Develop an integrated EU soil monitoring system and track progress towards soil health
    Not targeted
  • 4. Engage with the soil user community and society at large
    Not targeted

Innovation hotspots

  • 1. Carbon farming
    Not targeted
  • 2. Soil pollution and restoration
    Targeted
  • 3. Soil biodiversity including the microbiome
    Not targeted
  • 4. Circular economy solutions
    Not targeted

Cross-cutting dimensions

  • 1. Business
    Partially targeted
  • 2. Digital
    Not targeted
  • 3. Territorial
    Not targeted
  • 4. International
    Not targeted

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