As a global leader in environmental remediation, AECOM has transformed 25.79 hectares (257,891 square meters) of land in Taiwan, treating 1,236,532 cubic meters of contaminated soil.
This remediation effort involved projects with the petrochemicals, energy, metal processing, manufacturing, automotive, electronics, chemicals, and pharmaceuticals industries, accumulating to a total contract value of US$115,765,203 (approximately NT$3.8 billion). Drawing on this extensive experience, AECOM tackled the Kaohsiung Oil Refinery project, using green technologies and innovative methods to drive environmental restoration and land revitalization.
Established in 1965, the Kaohsiung Oil Refinery contributed significantly to Taiwan’s economic development. At its peak, it refined 270,000 barrels of crude oil per day, producing 500,000 tons of ethylene annually. However, due to industrial changes and growing environmental awareness, the refinery ceased operations in 2015, leaving the site with extensive soil and groundwater contamination.
Originally projected to take 20 years, the remediation plan was accelerated to five years in response to the Taiwanese government’s brownfield revitalization policy. In addition to the original remediation area (Area 1-1), AECOM, with its expertise and proven service quality, was chosen to remediate Area 3-3 and the Central Zone, focusing on soil and groundwater contamination.
Environment-friendly remediation techniques and innovative applications
For this refinery remediation project, AECOM introduced ESG principles and big data analytics, employing various innovative remediation techniques to ensure an efficient and environmentally-friendly approach.
- Contaminated soil treatment methods:
- Low-contaminated soil: Applied bioremediation technology to break down pollutants through microorganisms, reducing environmental impact
- Highly contaminated soil: Employed thermal desorption technology, coupled with soil washing techniques to restore the soil to a usable state
- Wastewater treatment: Introduced a recycling mechanism to achieve zero wastewater discharge
- Energy use: Used liquefied petroleum gas as fuel to reduce carbon emissions during the thermal treatment of highly contaminated soil
- Groundwater remediation technologies: Applied a chemical oxidation process in situ to break down pollutants, minimizing the impact on groundwater.
- Big data management and monitoring:
- Pollution data management: Utilized AECOM’s ScopeX™ approach and applied an engineering calculation model to process 50,000 to 70,000 pollution data records, allowing for precise analysis of contamination distribution and degradation trends
- Cloud data synchronization: Provided real-time project progress updates through AECOM’s PlanEngage platform to enhance transparency and management efficiency
Transforming contaminated sites into sustainable development opportunities
AECOM has demonstrated outstanding environmental remediation expertise through this project, significantly impacting Taiwan’s brownfield revitalization and sustainable development. As the world’s largest single-site soil and groundwater remediation project, it extensively employs green remediation technologies, with bioremediation accounting for 87.4 percent. This approach has notably reduced carbon emissions by 50,000 metric tons in a span of two years, advancing low-carbon sustainability goals.
Following the remediation, nearby communities like Hongnan, Hongyi, and Houjing can enjoy a healthier and safer living environment, significantly enhancing the residents’ quality of life. Additionally, land revitalization and redevelopment will transform the area into a high-tech industrial hub, in line with local government planning. This transformation will drive urban renewal and industrial advancement, stimulate local economic growth and create more job opportunities.
Looking ahead, AECOM remains committed to advancing environmental remediation by harnessing innovative technologies and sustainable strategies. Through collaboration with governments, industries, and communities, we will continue to spearhead environmental restoration and land revitalization projects, fostering economic growth while ensuring environmental sustainability, and creating a cleaner, more livable future.
Key Features of the KOR Project:
- The world’s largest remediation project – A groundbreaking effort in environmental restoration
- Land revitalization and urban transformation – Repurposes industrial land for sustainable urban development
- Biological restoration and green remediation – Implements eco-friendly methods to rehabilitate the site
- Industrial transformation and development promotion – Supports economic growth through sustainable industrial renewal
- Tight schedule and international collaboration: 5 years – Efficient execution through global expertise and teamwork
- Community benefits and sustainable development – Enhances environmental quality and local well-being