The integrated approach  
  
The traditional way of dealing with polluted soil and groundwater does not work in all cases. In urban environments with complex contaminations of chlorinated 
solvents an integrated approach is needed to tackle the problems. Yet where should you start? The CityChlor project provides building blocks. If you use these 
building blocks your chances of success are much greater. And by working together right from the start you can influence the process and turn problems into solutions 
for a sustainable city development.  
  
CityChlor has demonstrated that remediation and sustainable re-development can evolve on a parallel timescale. It is also clear that public and private 
partnerships are important for guaranteeing the success of the process over a period of several decades. Moreover, the project has shown that an integrated 
approach can fit into European and local legislation. Finally, CityChlor has created tools for risk perception and community involvement and, of course, 
the project has reviewed and selected new techniques for characterisation and remediation.  
  
So CityChlor has delivered the building blocks for stranded city development. But what building block must be added when and by whom? To provide an answer 
to such questions, CityChlor developed a plan that takes you through the different steps of an integrated approach and takes the interests of stakeholders 
into account. 
            

The integrated approach combines all aspects that are relevant to tackle the problems that VOC in urban environment causes. An integrated approach allows 
for more synergies through early connecting and overlapping different disciplines in urban planning is thought to be the most effective approach. It is a complex 
matter and actors involved will need guidance to achieve an integrated approach and good collaboration.  
  
Within CityChlor we strived to find solutions for both the technical, characterisation and remediation, aspects as well as the socio-economical challenges. 
 
Results  
1. Integrated approach  
  
An approach that combines all aspects that are relevant to tackle the problems that VOC in urban environment causes.  
  
    Combines: depending on area, site, context you can use different aspects together or parallel to each other;  
    All aspects: socio-economical aspects (like urban development, communication, financial and legal aspects), techniques, time, space, environment, 
actors (active & passive) and contexts.  
  
2. Characterization techniques  
  
There is a need for efficient techniques for characterization that can be used in urban environments. Several new techniques exist and have already proven 
their value, but they do not find their way easily to broad application. CityChlor dealt with these types of characterisation problems, tested some solutions 
and evaluated the outcomes.  
3. Remediation techniques  
  
Remediation in urban areas must not hinder economic and social activities. In most cases remediation must therefore be realised ‘in-situ’. This means treating 
the pollution without excavation. There are countless highly promising remediation techniques but most of these are not widely used. To remove the barriers 
for market acceptance of innovative remediation techniques we developped codes of best practice based on demonstration projects.  
4. Social and economical aspects  
  
Remediation is also a matter of communication, legislation and financing. And with an area-oriented (more polluted sites at once) and integrated approach 
(all stakeholders together) those aspects are more important than ever. To put it straight: without good communication, legislation and financing the areaoriented 
and integrated approach will not work. Or, to turn it around: with good communication, legislation and financing you can make your urban redevelopment even 
more successful.  
5. Videos  
  
From an animated video of the integrated approach towards real live practical videos of characterisation and remediation projects can be found on the CityChlor 
youtube channel.  
6. Review  
  
At the start of the project, a state-of-the-art inventory assures that results of previous relevant European and regional projects have been critically 
reviewed and incorporated in the project. A number of remediation projects that faced difficulties have been critically reviewed. Regional workshops are 
held to involve all relevant stakeholders. All these documentations, including presentation and reports of CityChlor workshops can be found here.  
Pilot projects  
  
The pilot projects aim to remove barriers for market acceptance of innovative technologies. They act as demonstration and validation sites for new techniques 
and communication aspects of the integrated approach. The results are used to found codes of best practice that will support implementation. The pilot projects 
are co-ordinated by one partner, but followed by a team in which all regions are involved. This will aid in the development of a harmonized basis of knowledge, 
which will factilitate the access of contractors to the international market.  
  
    Nano-iron injection for source treatment  
    Innovative Detection Techniques: EnISSA-MIP and RNS  
    Communication in soil remediation  
    Characterization tools and Monitored Natural Attenuation  
    Thermal treatment  
    Bio-process monitoring  
    Aquifer Thermal Energy Storage  
  
INTERREG IVB.  
  
This project has received European Regional Development Funding through INTERREG IVB.