Brownfield & Gas Barrier Systems
High-Performance GeoBarrier and GeoVapor Geomembranes
GeoBarrier and GeoVapor gas barriers are engineered solutions designed for brownfield sites and other contaminated properties where prior industrial or commercial activities have left behind hazardous gases and volatile organic compounds (VOCs). Following the 2002 Brownfields Revitalization and Environmental Restoration Act, which promotes safe cleanup and redevelopment of contaminated sites, GeoCHEM, Inc. provides state-of-the-art geomembrane solutions to prevent dangerous gases and VOCs from migrating into the environment and occupied structures.
Critical Brownfield & Gas Intrusion Challenges We Mitigate
1. Hazardous VOC and Hydrocarbon Migration
The Challenge: Legacy industrial and commercial sites frequently contain trapped volatile organic compounds (VOCs) such as gasoline, benzene, toluene, ethylbenzene, and o-xylene. Left unmitigated, these highly volatile contaminants migrate through the soil and into surrounding areas, threatening groundwater safety and rendering the property unusable for safe redevelopment.
The GeoCHEM Solution: The GeoBarrier EVOH Series provides a robust containment system. Manufactured with advanced polyethylene and premium EVOH (Ethylene Vinyl Alcohol) barrier resins, these co-extruded geomembranes restrict the infiltration of hazardous VOCs. The materials deliver exceptional puncture and tear resistance while isolating contaminated soils to meet environmental compliance standards.
2. Under-Slab Methane and Radon Infiltration
The Challenge: Naturally occurring gases like methane and radon, as well as remnant chemical vapors, seep upwards through porous soil and concrete slabs. Accumulation of these toxic or combustible gases inside occupied structures creates severe health hazards for inhabitants and violates building safety codes.
The GeoCHEM Solution: GeoVapor Gas Barriers are engineered to block soil gas and moisture before it enters a building's envelope. Installed directly under the concrete slab, these membranes provide up to 200 times greater protection against methane and VOC migration than standard polyethylene films, effectively eliminating the risk of indoor air contamination.
3. Barrier Continuity Over Complex Geometries
The Challenge: A gas barrier is only as secure as its weakest penetration point. Foundation columns, irregular subgrade geometries, and multi-pipe plumbing protrusions present difficult sealing challenges. Standard rigid liners often fail to conform perfectly, creating microscopic gaps where pressurized gas easily escapes into the structure above.
The GeoCHEM Solution: We supply a suite of specialized System Accessories tailored for complex installations. Utilizing GeoVaporSeal Tape, Butyl Seal Tape, customizable VaporBoot Kits, and PourNSeal epoxy guarantees an airtight, monolithic seal around even the most complicated multi-pipe penetrations and foundational corners.
Available Products & Certified Specifications
GeoBarrier and GeoVapor barriers provide comprehensive solutions for environmental safety, protecting redevelopment projects, buildings, and site occupants from hazardous gases, moisture, and VOC exposure.
Our barrier systems meet rigorous ASTM E-1745 Class A, B, and C requirements and are manufactured under strict ISO 9001 certified quality management standards. Custom barrier solutions can also be engineered to meet specific project requirements, including custom mil thicknesses subject to minimum order thresholds.
| Product Line | Description & Specifications |
|---|---|
| GeoBarrier "X" Series | 40 & 60 mil high-performance, seven-layer co-extruded geomembranes. |
| GeoBarrier "Y" Series | 30 & 40 mil flexible, seven-layer co-extruded geomembranes. |
| GeoVapor Base Series | 6, 10 & 15 mil under-slab vapor barriers exceeding ASTM E-1745 Class A, B, and C. |
| GeoVapor G | 15 mil green underslab vapor barrier featuring a core layer with post-consumer recycled content. |
| GeoVapor Plus™ | 20 mil heavy-duty under-slab vapor and gas barrier with unmatched impact strength. |
| System Accessories | GeoVaporSeal Tape, Butyl Seal Tape, VaporBoot Kit, and PourNSeal epoxy for multi-pipe penetrations. |
Need a Custom Barrier Solution?
Whether you are capping a brownfield site or sealing a commercial concrete slab against methane and VOCs, our technical team can help you select the exact mil thickness and barrier structure required by your environmental engineer.
