Cleanup & remediation
A proper clean-up starts with understanding the spill.
Oil spill recovery is not simply a matter of washing or digging. The right method depends on what was released, where it travelled and what must be protected.
Assess before you act
Avoid moving the problem elsewhere.
An investigation-led plan can target the real contamination and avoid unnecessary disruption.
Affected areas
Different places need different responses
Use these routes to understand the likely questions, risks and professional input.
SOIL
Contaminated soil and gardens
How oil moves below ground, how affected areas are defined and the available remedies.
WASTE
Excavated soil and waste
How affected materials may be classified, transported, treated or disposed of.
WATER
Groundwater and surface water
Why water pathways change urgency, reporting, monitoring and specialist requirements.
BOUNDARIES
Neighbouring land
How investigation changes when contamination could cross ownership lines.
Buildings and indoor spaces
Oil beneath or inside buildings
Entry routes, materials, odours and the balance between clean-up and property protection.
Persistent odours
Persistent heating-oil smells
Why odour alone does not show the full extent and what an assessment may investigate.
How recovery works
From first assessment to a verified outcome
A proportionate process should explain what is known, what is uncertain and how success will be demonstrated.
01
Initial response
Control the source, prevent further spread and identify sensitive receptors.
02
Investigation
Use observations, sampling and site information to define the problem.
03
Remediation plan
Select a practical method with clear objectives, controls and responsibilities.
04
Treatment or removal
Excavate, recover, treat, contain or monitor contamination as appropriate.
05
Verification
Document the work and use evidence to show whether objectives were met.
Make good decisions
Know the boundaries of a homeowner clean-up
Small safe actions can help, but technical work should be planned and delivered by competent people.
YOU CAN
Preserve evidence
Photograph safely, note dates and retain invoices, correspondence and call records.
YOU CAN
Prevent access
Keep people and animals away from affected areas while advice is obtained.
AVOID
Unplanned excavation
Digging can expose utilities, spread vapour and remove evidence.
AVOID
Washing or dispersing oil
Water and detergents can move contamination into soil, drains or water.
SPECIALIST
Environmental assessment
A consultant can define pathways, risks, sampling needs and objectives.
SPECIALIST
Spill clean-up contractor
A contractor can deliver containment, recovery, excavation or treatment.
Plan the recovery
Get the right expertise around the problem.
Tell us about the source, affected area and current status. We can help route you towards an independent specialist who can assess and contract with you directly.