A purifying thunderstorm

HUESKER Inc.

3701 Arco Corporate Drive
NC 28273 Charlotte
USA

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 for future generations.

For some years, the group of pollutants, perfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), has become increasingly part of 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 used by industry, aviation, or the military. Abandoned areas are waiting to be redeveloped.

What to do with the contaminated soil?

The development of contaminated areas poses a major economic and ecological challenge for landowners. Very few landfills accept the contaminated material and charge high prices for it. Besides its load, soil is a good building material that is becoming increasingly scarce. In Germany, for example, the material may be used 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 T ektoseal 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, and efficiently. The precious building material is preserved and, at the same time, rendered harmless to the environment and human health. In addition, avoiding 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 decision-makers' attention through consistent persuasion. We collect further important data for a comprehensive proof of product efficiency with each new project.

But we have to think even further: 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 — not just the symptoms — can we relieve the burden on nature and future generations.

Yours, Stefan