Diversified Soil Off-site Treatment Management System

What is contaminated soil?

Contaminated soil refers to soil that has been affected by substances, organisms, or energy generated by human activities that exceed the soil's self-purification capacity, disrupting its original functions. These contaminants can come from industrial emissions, chemical fertilizers and pesticides used in agriculture, waste from urban construction, and more. Such pollutants can harm soil microorganisms, hinder plant growth, and negatively impact the overall ecosystem. When soil is contaminated, it can alter its physical, chemical, and biological properties, affecting crop quality, groundwater safety, and ecosystem stability. Therefore, soil contamination poses long-term potential risks to the environment and human health, requiring proper management and remediation efforts.

Why should contaminated soil de reused?

Soil is a valuable resource with irreplaceable ecological and economic value. By adopting innovative methods for the diverse reutilization of contaminated soil, we can ensure sustainable soil use while reducing the demand for natural raw materials. This approach of substituting raw materials not only minimizes the environmental impact of extracting new resources but also contributes to reducing carbon emissions, advancing towards the goal of net-zero emissions. Technologies for reusing contaminated soil include applications in engineering construction, land reclamation, and industrial use. These methods not only manage pollutants effectively but also enhance resource recycling efficiency, achieving dual benefits for environmental protection and economic development.

For regulated sites with soil contamination, when conducting off-site treatment of contaminated soil, a control/remediation plan and necessary response measures should be submitted in accordance with the Soil and Groundwater Remediation Act. Pollution prevention during off-site operations for contaminated soil must comply with the aforementioned plans and other relevant environmental regulations, including the Waste Disposal Act, Water Pollution Control Act, and Air Pollution Control Act.

For the removal and transportation of contaminated soil, transport vehicles must be equipped with a real-time tracking system (GPS) that meets industrial waste transportation equipment standards. Additionally, transportation activities must be reported in the Industrial Waste Management System.

Contaminated soil removed off-site can be transported to treatment or recycling facilities. Treatment methods include landfill disposal, solidification, cement kiln processing, and thermal desorption. Recycling techniques include brick kiln processing, high-temperature smelting, bioremediation, and soil washing. Both treatment and recycling operations must comply with regulations regarding wastewater, air emissions, and waste disposal. Treatment facilities must meet the requirements set forth in the Management Regulations for Public and Private Waste Disposal Facilities, while recycling facilities must adhere to the Industrial Waste Recycling Management Regulations by the Environmental Protection Administration.

The use of recycled products derived from contaminated soil, including red bricks, cement materials, aggregates, earthworks, and crude zinc oxide, must comply with CNS standards, approved product quality standards, regulations on location and usage, as well as the conditions and standards for reuse as backfill soil.

When contaminated soil is treated or reused to create products for further use, it is referred to as "resource recovery." According to the chart, the cumulative proportion of resource recovery for contaminated soil in Taiwan has increased from 59% in 2016 to 83% in 2024. This upward trend indicates a yearly increase in resource recovery, closely related to the effectiveness of promoting diverse reuse options.