Environmental monitoring of the sea in Sandefjord
Cautus Geo is monitoring the sea off the Vera site in Sandefjord, where Jotun is carrying out a clean-up following 100 years of environmental pollution.
Problem statement
The Vera site in Sandefjord borders the sea. It has been home to industry for over 100 years and, more recently, a waste disposal site. Jotun owns the site. A risk assessment shows that heavy metals and oil could be washed out as a result of future climate change. Jotun wishes to prevent this. The site will therefore undergo environmental remediation. Historical contamination will be removed and properly managed. At the same time, it is important to prevent leaching into the sea beyond the site.
Solution
Physical barriers and silt curtains are used to protect the fjord. On the outer side, Cautus Geo monitors water quality using solar-powered measuring buoys. The sensors measure turbidity and continuously transmit the data to Cautus Web. If pre-set thresholds are exceeded, an alarm is triggered via text message and email.
Cautus Geo’s real-time monitoring in the fjord prevents the spread of heavy metals and oil. The real-time monitoring will detect any pollution immediately and trigger an alarm to the project managers responsible for the environmental clean-up.
A risk assessment triggered the environmental clean-up that began in the summer of 2026. The fear is that climate change, with more rain and more frequent storm surges, could lead to the leaching of environmental pollutants. A changing climate means less predictability. This could increase the risk of leaching. Pollutants below sea level could then be washed away. Jotun wants to prevent this.
The cost of the project could exceed 200 million kroner. The 77 mål industrial site down by the sea must meet the requirements for sensitive land use, such as residential development.
A total of 55,000 cubic metres of contaminated soil is to be removed. The work is being carried out by the contractor AF Decom. Some of the excavation is taking place below sea level, right next to the water’s edge.
Customer
Norconsult (on behalf of the client: Jotun)
Year
2026 – 2027
Location
Sandefjord
Application area
Technology
Cautus Web gives us the overview and peace of mind we need.
Ida Nilsson, environmental adviser at AF Decom.
Contact person
Switchboard telephone +47 990 96 580 or e-mail salg@cautusgeo.com
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