One of the two mobile laboratories parked at Regionsgården in Hillerød. Photo: The Capital Region of Denmark.
Two new mobile laboratories are now ready to use in the Capital Region of Denmark’s work to protect groundwater.
With these new mobile laboratories, the Region can take a significant step forward in its efforts to tackle pollution. Previously, the Region had to send soil and water samples to laboratories abroad, which was expensive, time-consuming and far from sustainable. The tests can now be carried out directly on the contaminated site.
“Protecting groundwater is a key political priority, as it concerns public health and the future supply of drinking water. With these new mobile laboratories, we will have a powerful tool to find the right solutions more quickly and in a more sustainable way, so we can get started on the clean-up,” says Line Ervolder (Conservative People’s Party), chair of the Environment and Climate Committee.
A metre of soil, as it is in nature
One of the two laboratories offers a unique opportunity. The Region can take an undisturbed soil sample up to one metre long directly from the subsoil and place it in the laboratory exactly as it lies in the ground. At present, only small, processed samples are tested, which do not accurately reflect reality, which is why the new method provides far more reliable results.
Faster responses and better solutions
Both laboratories are equipped with advanced control and monitoring systems, enabling the Region’s staff to remotely monitor experiments whilst they take place on the contaminated site, allowing them to quickly adjust and optimise the approach.
“Ultimately, it is about ensuring that people can feel safe about their drinking water and their local environment. With these trailers, we can get out there more quickly, carry out tests on site and find the solutions that work best for the benefit of both people and the environment,” says Line Ervolder.
The first assignment for the mobile laboratory
The first assignment in which the mobile laboratories are to be deployed is a case in Birkerød involving severe groundwater contamination with chlorinated solvents. The contamination must be dealt with, and using the two trailers we are testing, which cleaning agent works best in this case, and thereby which cleaning agents should be used to decontaminate the groundwater.
Building on strong development work
The new mobile laboratories build further on the many years of work to develop effective and sustainable methods for decontaminating groundwater. The Region can now carry out the necessary tests more quickly, more cheaply, and with greater accuracy – benefiting both the environment and the public.
Invitation to the press
In connection with the presentation on 22 April at 3.00 pm, the press is invited to see the mobile laboratories at Regionsgården in Hillerød. As well as seeing the two new mobile laboratories, visitors can meet politicians and experts who will explain exactly how they will be used in the work to ensure clean drinking water in the future.