The Challenge
During ground preparation works by the main contractor, two areas were identified to contain asbestos contamination. An investigation of the two areas confirmed asbestos cement fragments as well as dispersed asbestos fibres were present in the soil. This included redundant drainage runs lined with frequent asbestos cement sheeting.
Our Solution
Soilfix undertook remediation of the site to leave the site suitable for development, consisting of:
- Excavation and segregation of soils using experienced remediation engineers;
- Riddling and screening soils to comply with the waste hierarchy and reduce the amount of hazardous waste to leave site;
- Delineation and careful removal of the asbestos drainage runs;
- A total of 10 tonnes of asbestos containing materials (ACMs) were handpicked from the soil;
- Controlled hand raking of soils was carried out in a tree protection area to expose and remove ACMs;
- All works undertaken under an asbestos plan of work in accordance with best practice guidance (CAR 2012 and CAR-SOIL 2016);
- Strict implementation of environmental controls to mitigate issues with dust and airborne asbestos fibres.
Soilfix successfully achieved all remediation goals for the project. Environmental monitoring data confirmed works were carried out safely in regards to potential liberation of asbestos fibres.
