Background River and marine sediments play a fundamental role in the protection of European ecosystems. Every year in the EU around 200 million cubic metres of sediments are dug out: of these, 15 to 20% are contaminated by organic compounds (PAHs, PCB, pesticides, etc) and/ or by heavy metals. Sediment can be considered as a sink for pollution. In river delta areas new sediments are formed continuously and as long as contaminants are released into the environment these new sediments may be polluted. Recent model studies from the Netherlands have shown that if the release of the main contaminants remains at current levels, polluted sediments can be expected for the next hundred years. Consequently, this large amount of polluted sediment needs to be correctly handled. In the last decades different treatment and disposal technologies have been investigated and applied in order to treat contaminated sediments. Some technologies have been adapted from other fields (mining, soil treatment etc), others are specifically designed for sediments. Objectives The GREEN SITE project’s overall aim is to demonstrate the effectiveness of innovative technologies for the reclamation of sediments from the excavation of the canals located in the industrial area of Porto Marghera, Venice. In particular, the new technologies involve the use of fluids at the super-critical state (SCF state) for the extraction and/or use of super-critical water (SCW) for the oxidation of hydrocarbons and organic compounds with a high environmental impact. Specific project objectives are to: Set up of compact technologies for the quick decontamination of marine and fluvial sediments contaminated by hydrocarbons and other organic substances (PCBs, pesticides, etc) with an associated negative impact on human health and on ecosystems in waterside areas; Introduce technologies that don’t use solvents and/ or harmful chemical/biological compounds and that could diffuse into the environment at the end of the treatment phase; Develop technologies that are easy to transport and to install at contaminated sites, in order to allow a rapid and effective intervention; Develop and transfer “green chemistry” technologies in the field of contaminated land reclamation. Expected results: The possible removal and oxidation of a large range of hydrocarbons (PAHs) and other organic compounds of relevant negative impact such as PCBs, pesticides, etc, contained in the sediments; More than 90% of efficiency in extraction/ oxidation of target organic compounds; Improvement of kinetic rates of extraction/ oxidation of target organic compounds; Up to 90% reduction of volumes of wastewater and/ or other residual products obtained with the current soil washing techniques; Implementation of compact equipment, easy to transport and to install, in the targeted sites.