[en] A field site where a minor spill of hydrocarbon material had occurred was chosen to study the effects that augering would have on soil decontamination. The soil was impermeable moist, clay. Therefore, remediation methods that rely on porous soil would not have been appropriate in this case. Excavation was not considered feasible either, since studies have shown that during excavation more than 90% of the volatile components are released to the atmosphere, causing safety hazards. Efficient bioremediation needs the presence of nutrients and oxygen. Before the site was augered, nitrogen and phosphorous fertilizers were spread over the area. Augering allowed the percolation of nutrients to 90 cm depth, and increased the redox potential. It held the volatilization of hydrocarbons to less than 2% of the initial concentration. Total hydrocarbon contaminants were reduced by 78% in 116 days. It was concluded that augering was economical and that it protected the environment by minimizing the release of volatile compounds while enhancing soil remediation. 8 refs., 7 tabs., 7 figs