Combining life cycle analysis, human health and financial risk assessment for the evaluation of contaminated site remediation

In the present study, the REC (Risk reduction, Environmental Merit and Costs), ReCiPe and PRINCETM methods for the estimation of the environmental, health and financial impacts of a soil remediation process have been evaluated. The evaluation was based on a case study in which a choice had to been made between soil excavation and steam extraction for the remediation of a former oil and fat processing plant. The example shows that it is complicated to come to one overall best remediation option, especially when different stakeholder preferences have to be taken into account. Results of the case study suggest that, besides environmental and human health and cost, the financial risk associated with the remediation project is also an important aspect to include in the evaluation.