A crane is required for off-gas hood placement and movement. The soil oxide composition must provide sufficient electrical conductivity in the molten state and adequate quantities of glass formers to produce a vitrified product. Oxides can be added to soil to correct for deficiencies. Groundwater should be diverted away from treatment areas to improve economic viability. Costs are highly site specific.
Treatment is most economical when treating large sites to maximum depth.
Moisture content of the waste being treated directly influences the treatment cost since electric energy must be used to vaporize water before soil melting occurs. Sites that require staging and extensive site preparation will have higher overall cost.