THE CHALLENGE:
A Phase 1 (Desk Study) Assessment carried out identified the potential presence of a large burning pyre for animal carcasses infected with foot & mouth disease. A site-wide archaeological geophysical survey was carried out and found an anomaly in the approximate vicinity of the foot & mouth pyre. This was subsequently investigated to confirm buried ash/clinker deposits in a 2m wide pit 44m in length. Full delineation of this buried pyre was not possible at one end due to the presence of large material stockpiles. Remediation of the buried pyre was required in advance of site-wide earthworks to enable construction of a large commercial building, to mitigate potential risks of exposure to foot & mouth as well as possible anthrax spores.
OUR SOLUTION:
Soilfix devised and implemented the following remediation solution, fully in accordance with an Exhumation Licence issued by DEFRA’s Animal & Plant Health Agency (APHA):
- Establishment of Quarantined Works Areas to ensure full ‘Dirty / Clean’ segregation with stringent decontamination measures for plant and personnel. This included a contained decontamination area for filled drums, 3-stage personnel decontamination unit, boot wash and plant washdown area;
- Controlled stripping of shallow topsoil and subsoil to expose the underlying burial pyre material, setting aside for inspection by the Tier representative;
- Controlled excavation of ash/clinker materials of the foot & mouth pyre, transferring into 205 litre drums via a mobile loading hopper;
- Decontamination of all drums using a specialist Disinfectant, prior to polythene wrapping, labelling and consignment; and,
- Transportation of 680nr drums pyre material using a suitably licensed carrier, with incineration at a permitted thermal treatment facility—fully in accordance with waste Duty of Care.
All works were completed to the satisfaction of both APHA and the client’s representative with zero lost time accidents, on programme and to budget.
