Restoring Land and Protecting Water

Introduction

Romania is a country of rich contrasts, fertile farmlands, historic towns, vast forests, and expanding industrial hubs. From the oil refineries of Ploiești and the steel plants of Galați to the agricultural plains of Muntenia and Transylvania, Romania’s growth story is long and complex. But decades of intensive farming, industrial activity, and unregulated waste disposal have left a lasting mark on its soil and groundwater.

Pesticide residues, hydrocarbon leaks, heavy metals from abandoned mines in regions like Maramureș and Hunedoara, and pollution from urban landfills continue to threaten both ecosystems and communities. With groundwater being a primary source of drinking water for many rural and urban areas, contamination is more than an environmental issue it is a public health and economic challenge.

At The Ground Water Company we collaborate with industries, municipalities, and landowners across Romania to rehabilitate degraded land, protect aquifers, and build a sustainable foundation for the future.

What Is Soil Remediation?
Soil remediation is the process of cleaning up and restoring contaminated soil to make it safe for people, plants, and animals. It’s commonly used at sites where industrial activities, chemical spills, or improper waste disposal have polluted the ground.

• Agriculture – Heavy use of fertilizers and pesticides in fertile regions like Muntenia and Oltenia.
• Industry & Refineries – Hydrocarbon spills, solvents, and industrial waste, particularly around Ploiești, Bucharest, and Galați.
• Mining Legacy – Heavy metals and acid drainage from abandoned mining operations in Maramureș, Hunedoara, and Apuseni.
• Urban Growth – Landfill leachates, construction debris, and unmanaged waste near expanding cities such as Bucharest, Cluj-Napoca, and Iași.

Soil Contamination Challenges in Romania

Romania faces a unique mix of environmental pressures:

• Agricultural Runoff – Over-irrigation and fertilizer use have led to nitrate accumulation in both soil and groundwater.
• Industrial Footprint – Oil, hydrocarbons, and solvents continue to contaminate soil near refineries and industrial hubs.
• Mining Legacy – Abandoned mines still leach toxic metals into local soils and rivers.
• Water Dependence – With much of Romania relying on groundwater, contamination directly affects drinking water and food security.

Our Soil Remediation Services in Romania

1. Site Assessment & Soil Testing

Soil sampling and analysis to identify contaminants

Risk assessment for human health and environment

Geotechnical surveys to understand soil structure

2. Excavation & Disposal

Removal of contaminated soil

Transport to licensed disposal facilities

Landfill management or off-site treatment

3.In-Situ Remediation Services

Bioremediation (using microbes or plants)

Chemical oxidation/reduction

Soil vapor extraction

Phytoremediation

4.Ex-Situ Remediation Services

Soil washing

Thermal desorption

Stabilization 

5.Water Treatment 

Pump and treat systems

Permeable reactive barriers

Containment systems

6.Monitoring & Reporting

Post-remediation soil testing

Environmental monitoring

Regulatory reporting and documentation

Why Soil Remediation Matters for Romania

• Protects Groundwater – Ensures safe and reliable drinking water for millions of people.
• Revives Agriculture – Restores soil fertility, critical for Romania’s role as a key agricultural exporter.
• Unlocks Redevelopment – Transforms abandoned or polluted industrial and mining sites into new opportunities.
• Safeguards Communities – Reduces exposure to harmful toxins and supports healthier living environments.
• Supports Compliance – Helps Romania meet strict EU environmental directives.

Other Groundwater Services We Provide in Romania

In addition to soil remediation, GWC offers a wide range of groundwater services:

•  Ground water exploration
•  Ground water recharge
•  Ground water contamination
•  Dewatering solutions
•  Flooding solutions
•  Hydrological studies
•  Ground water seepage
  
•  Ground water remediation
•  Flood risk assessment
•  Ground water consulting
•  Ground water quality monitoring
•  Integrated water resources management
•  Rock mapping 

Conclusion

Romania’s blend of fertile farmlands, industrial centers, and mining legacies makes soil and groundwater protection one of its most urgent environmental priorities. At The Ground Water Company, we bring science, technology, and experience together to deliver effective solutions.