Abstract

A method of removing contaminants from a contaminated soil area in situ comprises the steps of placing a barrier in engagement with the exposed surface of the contaminated soil area, sealing the barrier around the periphery of the contaminated soil area and reducing the pressure beneath the outer layer of the barrier to draw the contaminants out of the soil. The barrier is comprised of an outer fluid impermeable layer and an inner fluid permeable layer. The edges of at least the outer layer of the barrier are sealed by digging a trench in the uncontaminated soil beyond the periphery of the contaminated soil area, inserting the edges of the barrier into the trench, refilling the trench and compacting the fill against the ends of the barrier. A liberating fluid may be injected into the soil beneath the contaminated soil area through a plurality of conduits inserted into the soil at acute angles.