Restoring Land and Protecting Water

Introduction

Slovakia, with its fertile plains, mountain valleys, and long industrial history, has always relied on a balance between economic growth and environmental care. However, years of intensive farming, mining, and manufacturing have left behind soil and groundwater contamination that cannot be ignored. Fertilizer runoff, industrial waste, and legacy pollution from mining regions now pose risks to farmland, aquifers, and public health.

At The Ground Water Company, we provide specialized soil remediation services across Slovakia. Our mission is to help industries, municipalities, and landowners restore damaged land, safeguard vital water reserves, and comply with both Slovak and European Union environmental standards.

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

• Agricultural chemicals linked to intensive crop production in lowland regions like the Danube Plain.
• Petroleum hydrocarbons from industrial hubs, fuel storage sites, and transport corridors.
• Heavy metals from legacy mining in areas such as central Slovakia and the Spiš-Gemer region.
• Urban waste residues caused by rapid urban expansion and aging landfill sites.
• Nitrates and salinity from overuse of fertilizers and irrigation in farming zones.

Soil Contamination Challenges in Slovakia

The country’s landscape and economic background bring specific environmental challenges:

• Agriculture & Irrigation – Fertilizer and pesticide use has resulted in nitrate buildup across key farming areas.
• Mining Legacies – Abandoned and historic mines continue to release heavy metals into soils and nearby waterways.
• Industrial Footprints – Factories and workshops have left behind hydrocarbon and solvent pollution.
• Urban Expansion – New development adds pressure on waste management, increasing soil stress.
• Groundwater Protection – With many regions relying heavily on aquifers, contamination threatens both households and agriculture.

Our Soil Remediation Services in Slovakia

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 in Slovakia

• Protects Drinking Water – Safeguards aquifers, a primary water source for households and agriculture.
• Restores Farmland – Rebuilds soil productivity, crucial for Slovakia’s agricultural sector.
• Supports Compliance – Ensures adherence to Slovak laws and EU directives.
• Protects Communities – Reduces risks of exposure to toxic chemicals.
• Revitalizes Brownfields – Makes industrial and urban land safe for redevelopment.

Other Groundwater Services We Provide in Slovakia

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

Slovakia’s mix of fertile farmland, mining legacies, and industrial growth makes soil and groundwater protection one of its most important environmental priorities. At The Ground Water Company, we combine science, technology, and practical expertise to restore contaminated land, secure aquifers, and support sustainable development for future generations.