The Challenge
Former fuel retail sites often present complex challenges due to their historic use. Potential soil and groundwater contamination, combined with the need for robust geotechnical information, can place significant constraints on redevelopment projects. In this case, local planners required assurance that contamination risks were properly understood and addressed before construction could proceed.
The Solution
Our in-house drilling team advanced a series of boreholes across the site using our tracked rotary drilling rig. Soil and core samples were logged, tested by our UKAS accredited laboratory, and assessed to determine both geotechnical characteristics and waste classification profiles. Monitoring wells were installed to enable an assessment of groundwater quality and monitoring for hazardous ground gases.
The Outcome
The data collected enabled our client to:
– Provide regulators with the necessary evidence to satisfy environmental planning conditions.
– Incorporate robust geotechnical parameters into the foundation design.
– Accurately estimate soil disposal costs by classifying materials in line with waste regulations.
With these critical risks and uncertainties addressed, the redevelopment can progress with confidence, ensuring both compliance and cost control.
