Patent Awarded to ARCADIS Geraghty & Miller For Unique In-Situ Treatment Technology

Business Wire, Feb 20, 2001

Business Editors

PHILADELPHIA--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Feb. 20, 2001

ARCADIS Geraghty & Miller, an environmental and engineering services consulting firm, was recently awarded a patent for Engineered In Situ Anaerobic Reactive Zones (IRZ) (Patent No.US006143177A issued November 7, 2000).

This environmental technology represents one of 12 innovative remediation approaches for which the firm holds patents. The IRZ invention involves the injection into the subsurface of carbohydrates and sulfates that react with contaminants in groundwater to degrade or precipitate them into harmless products.

The IRZ technology offers a practical, cost-effective cleanup alternative for sites where groundwater has been impacted by chlorinated solvents (PCE, TCE), chlorinated phenols, metals (including chromium nickel, lead, cadmium, copper, and zinc), nitrates, perchlorate, and/or pesticides. To date, ARCADIS has applied the IRZ technology at more than 85 sites throughout the U.S. and Europe. Ten of these sites have reached clean closure within only a two to three year time frame, resulting in reducing clients' environmental liability by tens of millions of dollars.

"Pioneering the IRZ technology is our latest accomplishment in our continual search for advanced technologies that create a business advantage for our clients while protecting and sustaining the environment," says Dr. Suthan Suthersan, P.E., director of ARCADIS' remediation services and inventor of the IRZ technology. "We are excited about the potential that this patented technology brings to our clients for reducing their overall environmental liability and minimizing environmental cleanup time."

ARCADIS Geraghty & Miller is an environmental and engineering services consulting firm, specializing in full-service capabilities within the environment, infrastructure, and building sectors. The firm is the U.S.-based operations arm of ARCADIS NV (Nasdaq:ARCAF) (Arnhem, The Netherlands). ARCADIS is an international knowledge-based services organization in the fields of infrastructure, environment, buildings and communications. Wherever the Company operates, it aims to improve the physical quality of the living and working environment. From strong local market positions, the Company works on integrated projects for public and private sector clients. Founded in 1888, ARCADIS currently has some 8,000 employees. The Company belongs to the top ten in its business worldwide.