Benzene Train Accident in Hustopeče nad Bečvou
Stabilization of the affected area and implementation of a comprehensive remediation strategy to address an environmental accident of exceptional scale, requiring the rapid integration of crisis management, operational contamination assessment, and a combination of physical, chemical, and biological remediation methods.
More about the project
On 28 February 2025, a serious freight train accident occurred at Hustopeče nad Bečvou railway station involving a train transporting pure benzene. Fourteen of the 17 tank cars derailed and subsequently caught fire, releasing benzene into the soil and groundwater. Due to the high toxicity, carcinogenicity, flammability and explosiveness of benzene, the incident represented an environmental emergency of exceptional severity. The key objectives of the emergency response were to rapidly assess the extent of contamination, prevent its further migration towards the Bečva River and the adjacent gravel pit, and gradually remove both free-phase and dissolved benzene.
The remediation measures included emergency recovery of free-phase benzene from the groundwater table, installation of sorption barriers, construction of sheet pile walls to isolate the contaminated area, and installation of remediation wells. The site investigation employed Membrane Interface Probe (MIP) technology, followed by sonic drilling. Contaminated groundwater was pumped and treated using high-capacity activated carbon filters. Additional remediation technologies were also pilot-tested, including the in-situ application of colloidal activated carbon using PetroFix and PlumeStop, while oxidation and biodegradation methods were evaluated through laboratory testing.
Our Scope of Work
Emergency protection of surface water and groundwater
Site investigation using MIP (Membrane Interface Probe) technology
Construction of a sheet pile wall to create an isolated area
Systematic recovery of free-phase benzene from the groundwater table
Relocation and covering of heavily contaminated materials
Prevention of further benzene migration
Installation of 20 remediation wells equipped with pumps
Groundwater pumping and treatment using a multi-stage system of high-capacity activated carbon adsorption filtersEmergency protection of surface water and groundwater
Site investigation using MIP (Membrane Interface Probe) technology
Construction of a sheet pile wall to create an isolated area
Systematic recovery of free-phase benzene from the groundwater table
Relocation and covering of heavily contaminated materials
Prevention of further benzene migration
Installation of 20 remediation wells equipped with pumps
Groundwater pumping and treatment using a multi-stage system of high-capacity activated carbon adsorption filters
