Hydrocarbon Contamination
Tackling fuel and oil contamination on construction sites.
Hydrocarbon pollution is one of the most common contamination risks on brownfield and redevelopment sites. Spilled fuels, waste oils and historic leaks can compromise groundwater, pose fire and health hazards, and delay planning approvals. Churngold supports clients in identifying, assessing and remediating hydrocarbon contamination to unlock safe and buildable land.
What are hydrocarbon contaminants?
Hydrocarbons are organic compounds found in fuels such as petrol, diesel and heating oil. They often appear on sites with:
Former petrol stations or transport depots
Industrial yards with poor drainage
Tanks, pipelines or machinery with leakage history
Storage or transfer areas for lubricants or solvents
They can persist in soils, create odour issues and migrate into groundwater if left untreated.
Our approach
Churngold works with environmental consultants, regulators and clients to deliver site-specific hydrocarbon solutions.
We provide:
Site investigation using soil and groundwater sampling
Risk-based assessments aligned with current guidance
Remediation planning that balances safety, timescales and cost
In-situ and ex-situ remediation techniques such as:
Bioremediation (using bacteria to break down hydrocarbons)
Soil vapour extraction
Excavation and disposal
Validation reporting to satisfy regulatory and planning conditions
When to involve us
Get in touch early if:
Your site has an industrial or transport history
You’ve uncovered visible staining, odours or tanks
You're preparing a planning application for a former brownfield site
You need support for remediation design and delivery
FAQ
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What types of hydrocarbons do you remediate?
We manage contamination from fuels, oils, solvents, and other petroleum-based products, including diesel, petrol, lubricants, and lighter volatile organic compounds (VOCs).
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How is hydrocarbon contamination identified?
Through site investigation and laboratory analysis of soil and groundwater. We assess the extent, type, and behaviour of hydrocarbons to inform the most appropriate remediation method.
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What remediation methods do you use?
Depending on the contamination profile, we may use in-situ treatments (such as air sparging or bioremediation), excavation and disposal, or vapour extraction systems. Our strategies are tailored to each site.
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Can hydrocarbon remediation affect construction timelines?
Yes, if not identified early, contamination can delay enabling works and impact regulatory approvals. That’s why early involvement and a practical remediation strategy are key.
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Do you liaise with the Environment Agency or regulators?
Yes. We manage all necessary reporting and consultation to ensure remediation works are compliant and approved for redevelopment.
Speak to a remediation specialist
We help clients take control of contamination risk and avoid costly delays later in the build process.
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Chlorinated Solvents
Providing expert remediation for sites contaminated with chlorinated solvents.
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Asbestos
Specialised in safe asbestos removal to protect health and comply with regulations.
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Heavy Metals
Conducting thorough assessments of heavy metal contamination for a healthier environment.
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Invasive Plants
Implementing strategies to control and eradicate invasive plant species for ecological balance.
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Persistent Organic Pollutants
Addressing contamination from persistent organic pollutants to safeguard health and ecosystems.