Budget Guarantee
We believe projects should run to budget and that quotes and invoices should be easy to understand and compare.
Holistic
We work holistically to ensure both the environmental and geotechnical aspects of a project work harmoniously.
Always on Schedule
We believe that you shouldn't have to waste your time chasing late reports, so we guarantee our reports will be delivered on time.
Asbestos in Soil
Asbestos contamination of soils requires particularly careful consideration to allay fears amongst stakeholders of the real and perceived risks.
Asbestos risk assessment is a complex undertaking when considering the multiple components that must be considered. Specifically, the three main types of asbestos (chrysotile, amosite and crocidolite) together with lesser-known forms (anthophyllite, tremolite and actinolite). Asbestos contamination of soils may present as either free fibres or fibre bundles in soil (usually invisible to the naked eye) or asbestos-containing materials (ACMs) which may be broken and scattered across a site or buried in the soil. Unlike a fuel spill that spreads out from a source, the extent of asbestos contamination is much more sporadic and difficult to predict.
For these reasons, the investigation and assessment of asbestos-contaminated soils must be completed in a systematic way to ensure all risks are properly understood and any remedial activity designed to cost-effectively mitigate the dangers. Furthermore, asbestos contamination requires awareness and consideration of specialist guidance such as the Control of Asbestos Regulations 2012, CIRIA C733, CAR-Soil™ by CL:AIRE, the EU REACH legislation and the handling of hazardous waste.
We provide comprehensive and cost-effective investigation, risk assessment and remedial recommendations, allowing our clients to balance the risk against the costs and make informed choices as to the best course of action. If you are concerned or aware of your land being contaminated with asbestos, please contact us to discuss how we may help.
Ground Gas Risk Assessment
We can undertake ground gas risk assessment of both bulk and trace gases (carbon dioxide, methane, carbon monoxide, hydrogen sulphide and radon) as well as vapours and volatiles.
Through the application of both continuous and spot monitoring, we provide generic and detailed quantitative risk assessment, in a time-efficient manner providing clients desirable outcomes and value for money.
If required, we can work with the design team to ensure adequate protection measures are adopted and hope soon to be offering validation of ground gas protection systems.
Waste Soil Classification
It is the responsibility of a waste generator to classify waste soil as non-hazardous or hazardous before it is removed from a site. In addition, correct classification of waste allows informed waste management options to be considered, provides more predictable disposal costs, prevents accidental harm to people and the environment and ensures legal compliance.
Waste classification is not necessary if uncontaminated soil is excavated for use on-site or if contaminated soil is not excavated. It may be possible for contaminated soil to be reused on-site if the CL:AIRE code of practice (CL:AIRE DoWCoP) is followed. We can help with this process.
If waste soils are destined for disposal in a landfill, Waste Acceptance Criteria (WAC) testing will need to be undertaken to confirm an appropriate landfill site is selected.
Contrary to popular belief, WAC testing does not characterise waste as hazardous or non-hazardous. In fact, WM3 states “Landfill WAC analysis (specifically leaching test results) must not be used for waste classification and hazardous waste assessment purposes.”
We provide a full range of waste consultation from initial waste classification (determination of non-hazardous and hazardous waste) in accordance with the Waste Management 3 (WM3), advice on appropriate waste management options including reuse of soils in compliance with the DoWCoP and can provide WAC testing should disposal to landfill be required.
Fuel Tank Removal
As the UK economy becomes increasingly decarbonised, commercial and domestic fuel tanks are gradually becoming obsolete. Historically it has been common practice to “empty” tanks and fill them with concrete or foam.
Though this is an acceptable and cost-effective method of decommissioning tanks, under certain circumstances, it can have some drawbacks;
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pipe runs and infrastructure are often neglected during the cleaning and filling process,
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poorly filled or “towering” concrete can result in voids and vapour build-up,
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filled tanks present a greater environmental risk,
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filled tanks can present an obstruction when building,
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tank filling is usually a temporary or medium-term solution, with removal required at some point.
We have experience in investigating above and below ground fuel tanks and tank infrastructure. Following our assessment, we will recommend whether filling or removal is most appropriate and, where necessary, develop a remediation strategy, supervise removal and verify/validate the final works.
Contract Engineers
If you are looking for a standalone factual ground investigation or environmental site report we can cater to your every need. We can provide competitive prices based on a bill of quantities and perform in accordance with a client-defined contract and scope of works. We provide the typical drilling supervision (dynamic sampling, cable percussive and rotary), trial pitting, soakaway testing, etc. as well as less common services such as XRF and QED screening and testing, down well and in-situ testing and long-term monitoring of gas and groundwater.
We are happy to work on a scope of any size. Need some gas monitoring done locally, but don’t have anyone in the area? We are happy to help. Need a GI report for an infrastructure project to be built over sensitive clays? We would be happy to meet to discuss how we might be able to assist in moving the development forward.
