Environmental Business Review: Specials Magazine

But of sight is no longer out of mind when it comes to pollution. As industries face mounting pressure to reduce their environmental impact, conventional methods of containing contamination are proving insufficient. Nelson Environmental Remediation is pioneering a more sustainable approach, offering advanced remediation solutions that restore polluted sites and eliminate long-term liability for businesses. “Unlike traditional methods that haul toxic materials to landfill, where liability lingers indefinitely, we eliminate contamination at its source,” says Warren Nelson, owner. “We Don’t Just Bury the Problem—We Eliminate It”: The Nelson Guarantee At the heart of Nelson Environmental Remediation’s strategy is a commitment to complete contamination removal—an approach made possible through advanced thermal desorption technology. The company utlizes two primary methods to treat hazardous materials directly at the source Direct-Fired Thermal Desorption (DFTD), also known as Low-Temperature Desorption, heats contaminated soil, sludge, or sediment in a specialized thermal desorber, evaporating toxic compounds for safe destruction. In contrast, Indirect Thermal Desorption (ITD) utilizes an inclined rotating metallic cylinder, where heat is transferred through conduction, preventing direct contact between the flame, feed solids, or off-gas. By remediating soil on-site and verifying results through third-party testing, the company eliminates waste generators’ liability while ensuring regulatory compliance and environmental responsibility From Soil Remediation to Environmental Powerhouse Founded 30 years ago as a specialized soil remediation company, Nelson has evolved into a full-scale environmental solutions provider. It now addresses groundwater contamination, high-resolution site delineation, and industrial waste recycling— including tyres and plastics. The company has also developed techniques for tackling emerging contaminants like per- and poly-fluoroalkyl (PFAS) and dioxins. This evolution has expanded Nelson’s reach across multiple industries and regions. In South East Asia the company addresses dioxin contamination, a lasting consequence of wartime activities. In Europe, it partners with the steel industry to extract and recycle steel powder, demonstrating expertise beyond soil remediation. In the United States, Nelson has remediated chlorinated solvent spills in New York City and a gasoline pipeline rupture in Dallas. One of its most significant projects occurred in North Dakota, where it cleaned up 2 million tons of contaminated soil from a pipeline rupture over three years, operating 24/7. Whether in the Arctic at -50°F or tropical regions like Honolulu, Nelson has proven its ability to adapt to diverse conditions and regulatory frameworks. Meeting the Needs of Global Giants and Local Communities Alike Nelson Environmental Remediation serves many clients, including major oil and gas companies, government agencies, petrochemical firms, and environmental consulting groups. Among its latest partnerships is the Canadian Department of Defense, reflecting the company’s growing role in high-stakes environmental restoration projects. For industries seeking remediation solutions, safety and liability remain critical concerns. Traditional methods involve excavating contaminated soil and transporting it to landfills— an approach that demands thousands of truckloads, increases accident risks, raises carbon emissions, and extends long-term liability. Nelson eliminates these challenges through its on-site mobile technology, treating contamination directly at the source and ensuring a safer, more sustainable process.