The draught conditions forecast for southern counties may result in restrictions in water usage by car wash operators. The first step to ensure your car wash operations are not jeopardised is to find ways of reducing water useage. This can be as simple as installing car wash systems with water recycling. However, this could be the opportunity to secure your own water supply in the form of a groundwater abstraction borehole. Abstraction boreholes are relatively cheap to install and can provide all the water you require for your car wash. So not only can an abstraction borehole reduce the potential for downtime during water shortages, but life cycle analysis shows that the payback period is relatively short.
If you’re thinking about installing your own groundwater abstraction well, then we can help you every step of the way, from initial feasability appraisal through to final installation and connection of your well.
We have recently completed feasibility studies for several of the Top 50 Independent forecourt operators and have installed groundwater pumping wells at dozens of sites across the UK and as far afield as St Helena in the South Atlantic. For further information contact James Edley on 01296 739412.
Major Supermarket Appoints Subadra
We have recently been awarded a contract to complete environmental site investigations at a portfolio of retail filling station sites being purchased by a major supermarket chain. Their acquisition of the portfolio is dependent on a “clean bill of health” environmentally. As we own and operate our own drilling rigs and laboratory and so are not dependent on third party contractors we were able to offer them the guaranteed fast turnaround required to meet their contract deadlines.
Subadra Upgrade Geoprobe
Following an extremely busy few months our hard-working Geoprobe drill rig has had a week off the road for its annual overhaul and re-spray. We took the opportunity to add a diamond coring facility to the rig for coring concrete pavement/forecourts. Now, not only can we offer 30m+ of drilling productivity per day, but we’re even neater doing it!
Subadra Turnover Up in 2011
Subadra saw a 16% increase in turnover in the year ending 01/12. The increase can largely be attributed to the positive effects of the diversification process we started the previous year. On the downside, margins remain extremely tight, reflecting the seriousness of the recession in the construction industry.
We would, as ever, like to thank all our clients for their continued support over the last year. We look forward to working with you in 2012.
Subadra Plays Key Role in Development of Award-Winning Filling Station
Subadra are delighted to be part of the consultancy team that helped the Fraser Group navigate through the complexities of the planning system, enabling them to redevelop an old filling station in Yarnton, Oxfordshire. The site had been operating for more than 100 years but was in danger of closing until the Fraser Group took on the challenge of transforming this tired old site into a state-of-the-art multi award-winning forecourt facility and 2,950 sq ft Budgeons shop.
Subadra completed a combined geotechnical and environmental investigation prior to the commencement of the construction phase and soil verification sampling during the removal of the old, below-ground tanks. Our environmental reports were submitted to the Local Planning Authority to assist in the discharge of conditions specified within the Planning Decision Notice.
Information on developers’ obligations when developing land that may be contaminated can be found within the Government’s core guidance document ‘Planning Policy Statement 23: Planning and Pollution Control’.
Alternatively you can give us a call and we’ll talk you through the process.
Contract value: £5-10k
A Pig Ate Our Drill Rig Keys. Seriously!
It’s not every day we are asked to carry out a geotechnical investigation in a field full of 250lbs pigs. Initially inquisitive the pigs soon got bored and left us in peace to carry out our SPT testing using our DandoTerrier drilling system. By the end of the day our drill team were left with just one particularly friendly sow with a fondness for shiny metal objects. In fact, she liked them so much that she ate our drill rig’s keys while our backs were turned. Now that made for an interesting incident report! 
The data obtained during our investigation is currently being used assist in the design of foundations for a new motorway service area. The presence of highly weathered, putty chalk (we’re talking toothpaste) means piling will be required. Contract value: <£5k
Return to the South Atlantic
Subadra have been appointed to construct a series of groundwater abstraction wells on St Helena island. The trip, planned for early 2012, will be our third to the island, one of the remotest spots on Earth. We will be mobilising around 5 tonnes of equipment to the island to facilitate the works.
CBR Testing for Highways
Our geotechnical site teams have been kept busy this month carrying out in situ CBR testing for a major road development project in Essex. We have tested the density of the sub-base along the length of the highway extension, with each test accurately located using our Leica TotalStation surveying equipment.
Contract Value: <£10k.
For further information go to : CBR Testing or contact Duncan Eastland – 01296 739431
Listed Georgian Vault Reconstructed
Subadra have completed the reconstruction
of a Grade II Listed coal vault in Marylebone, London. The vault, which supported the pavement above, had partially collapsed and was unsafe. Working from pavement level, we removed the damaged masonry and replaced it with an enlarged reinforced concrete structure, turning what had been an unuseable space into a fully serviced utility room for the client. We carried out the Planning and Listed Building applications, foundation and structural design, as well as all demolition and construction work.
Contract Value: £25-50k.
St Helena Revisited
We have successfully completed our second project on St Helena. Located in the South Atlantic and accessible only by ship, St Helena is one of the remotest spots on earth. At the start of April, we mobilised a two man team and over five tonnes of drilling equipment to the island to construct a series of deep water wells to supply potable water for the airport, planned to be constructed next year. Subsequent testing has confirmed that our wells are capable of yielding 250,000litres/day of high quality water.
Contract Value £50-100k.