Protection of a quarry refuelling area near a water table
- Giovanna Winetzki
- Aug 22
- 3 min read
Updated: Sep 23
Overview
Mercier Sablière, a company specializing in the extraction of raw materials as well as the production of sands and aggregates, required an advanced hydrocarbon management solution for a sensitive refueling zone located within its sand quarry site “Lac de Cadeuil” in Sainte-Gemme, France. The company’s activities take place in an ecologically delicate environment, where any contamination risks pose a direct threat to both groundwater and adjacent surface water. As part of its environmental responsibility and risk mitigation strategy, the company sought a durable, autonomous, and maintenance-free solution to manage accidental hydrocarbon leaks linked to routine refueling operations.
To meet these objectives, Mercier Sablière selected OSMORIA® Geoclean®, a high-performance depolluting aquatextile specifically designed for hydrocarbon and PAHs treatment.
Challenge
The “Lac de Cadeuil” sand quarry is located in an area characterized by high water table levels and immediate proximity to a natural water body.
This environmental context presented two critical challenges. First, the site’s geological configuration means that any infiltration of hydrocarbons through the soil could rapidly contaminate the groundwater.
Second, the porous and mineral-rich nature of the soil could allow for quick dispersion of contaminants in the event of accidental spills. These risks are especially significant in the quarry’s refueling area, where machinery is regularly replenished with diesel, oils, lubricants, and hydraulic fluids.
Given the sensitivity of the surrounding ecosystem, Mercier Sablière required a solution that not only provided containment for routine leaks but also acted as a failsafe in the event of technical malfunctions or spills during refueling operations. The solution had to be compatible with the site’s mineral substrate, operate without active intervention or complex maintenance procedures, and remain functional over the long term. Protecting subsurface water resources from hydrocarbon pollution was the primary engineering requirement.
Additionally, the quarry’s operations could not be disrupted, so the system needed to be easy to install, resilient, and cost-effective over its lifespan.
Solution
To meet these stringent environmental and operational requirements, OSMORIA Geoclean Pure was selected as the preferred hydrocarbon solution barrier. This high-performance aquatextile was installed across an area of 120 m² (1,292 ft²) beneath the refueling zone. The system was designed in a two-layer configuration, with each OSMORIA Geoclean Pure layer separated by a bed of 10/20 mm mineral aggregate. This multilayer structure provided optimized permeability while enhancing the hydrocarbons retention.
OSMORIA Geoclean Pure is engineered to trap and immobilize hydrocarbons upon contact. Tests carried out with runoff water containing C10-C40 hydrocarbons percolating through an open-air infiltration structure, showed a retention and biodegradation rate greater than or equal to 99.9%, i.e., concentrations at the outlet of the device below 0.7 mg/L.
In the event of accidental spillage – such as oil leaks, fuel overflows, or mechanical failures – OSMORIA Geoclean acts as a highly effective containment and treatment barrier. Its advanced structure allows it to operate effectively even in highly mineralized soils which are not conducive to optimal biodegradation due to their low organic matter content.
Its ability to immediately fix hydrocarbons within its matrix prevents lateral or vertical migration of pollutants into the surrounding environment. This makes it highly suitable for industrial applications in environmentally sensitive zones where refueling or fluid transfer is required.
What sets the aquatextile apart is its ability to optimize the biodegradation of hydrocarbons and PAHs. Unlike conventional absorptive materials, the textile’s matrix releases essential natural nutrients that attract and support native soil microorganisms, such as bacteria and fungi. These microorganisms multiply and accelerate pollutant breakdown, delivering consistent performance across diverse environmental conditions.
Independent laboratory testing and field performance data indicate that OSMORIA Geoclean maintains its hydrocarbon adsorption and biodegradation capacity for over 100 years under typical operating conditions.
This long-term reliability makes it particularly advantageous for permanent infrastructure applications where ongoing maintenance is impractical or economically unfeasible.
OSMORIA Geoclean provides an easy to install, autonomous and robust solution for hydrocarbon management, particularly in locations where water protection is paramount. Its integration into the Lac de Cadeuil quarry aligns with best practices for sustainable industrial site management and demonstrates how engineered solutions can support environmental stewardship without compromising operational efficiency.
For geotechnical engineers, environmental consultants, and infrastructure developers, this installation highlights the value of advanced aquatextiles in combining durability, functionality, and ecological compatibility in hydrocarbon-sensitive areas.
