Case Studies
Our case studies demonstrate our best practice capabilities on all types of site throughout the UK that require legally compliant, sustainable, environmentally and commercially aware solutions.
Client:
VHE Construction (Land Remediation)
Contract start:
April 2010
Contract Finish:
Soil screening May 2010 (6 weeks duration). Herbicide treatment May 2012 (2 years)
Description of works:
Mechanical screening of 6,000 m³ hazardous material which contained Japanese knotweed. TCM worked closely with VHE Construction to remove Japanese knotweed from hazardous material prior to soil washing treatment. By closely monitoring excavation, TCM were able to significantly reduce the volume excavated by approximately 40%, offering a more sustainable and cost effective approach to the problem when compared to excavation and removal to landfill. The soil screening was supervised and undertaken by fully qualified and in-house trained staff.
Problems TCM overcame:
Due to the presence of a variety of services, including a substantial electricity sub-station and overhead power lines, significant health and safety provisions were implemented. As the site is adjacent to the River Clyde, substantial infestations on adjacent land and significant infestations of giant hogweed, a 2 year herbicidal treatment programme using TCM’s HIT® methodology is being undertaken.
Warranty:
This all-encompassing approach will allow TCM to offer a bespoke 10 year warranty which will cover the entire site.
Client:
Morrison Construction Ltd
Environmental Consultants:
Atkins
Contract start:
July 2007
Description of Site:
The total area of the site is approximately 2.2 km² and over 71 m² was covered in invasive weed species such as Japanese knotweed, Himalayan balsam, giant hogweed and floating pennywort.
Project Constraints:
Not only was the timing of delivery critical but there were several watercourses, an aquifer, rail corridors and utilities to circumnavigate. Clear environmental objectives were also set by the client, which meant that only a minimum amount of waste could be taken off site and in the case of the watercourses and aquifer, options were restricted due to pesticide regulations.
Description of Works:
A variety of solutions were implemented, depending on the types of constraints that were imposed in individual areas throughout the site. The vast majority of Japanese knotweed was separated from soil, using TCM’s soil screening methodology. Excavated topsoil has been reused on site, following confirmation that it is Japanese knotweed free after 2 years of monitoring. Excavated sub-soils were encapsulated in membrane and buried to a depth of 2 metres in accordance with Environment Agency recommendations.
Herbicide treatment was undertaken for all invasive weeds found near watercourses in order to minimise any environmental impact. In the case of giant hogweed and Himalayan balsam, treatment continued over a three year period to allow for seed bank depletion.
The project was completed within the time frames specified and works were fully guaranteed.
“Since early 2007, Morrison Construction has been working with Thurlow Countryside Management (TCM) to treat and eradicate a range of invasive species as part of enabling works on the North Olympic Park.
By establishing a partnership approach to the works, the project has benefited from early access to invasive species expertise, which has been utilised at the design and planning stages of the works. An on-site TCM presence has helped to integrate complex invasive species considerations into our construction management. A range of treatment applications from spraying to screening have minimised potential treatment and disposal costs, whilst an accompanying TCM eradication guarantee has ensured piece of mind.
While the project is not yet finished, all work so far has been successfully achieved to a very tight programme – again demonstrating the advantages of collaborative working.” Jon Bailey, Corporate Responsibility Manager, Galliford Try, 2009.
For more information on how the experience gained from this project can help you, contact us.
Site:
Houghton Regis
Contract start:
September 2011
Contract Finish:
October 2011
Description of works:
TCM carried out all clearance works on the site before installing 1600 metres of fencing and in excess of 200 pit fall traps. The site, due to be developed for new homes required reptile fencing erecting to ensure the protection of newts in the area in line with Natural England's guidelines. The fencing and traps were required for one trapping season only, making temporary fencing the most appropriate and cost effective option.
Problems TCM overcame:
TCM faced issues with vandalism half way through the job where some of the fencing was torn down. TCM reacted quickly to ensure the fencing was re erected with minimum cost to the client and without major disruption to the project and its timescales.
Added value brought to the project:
TCM were also appointed to eradicate an area of Japanese Knotweed found on the site. The area measuring approximately 75m² was treated with TCMs single season HIT System.
Site:
Knockando Woolmill, Inverness, Scotland
Contract start:
May 2010
Contract Finish:
Warranty Issued November 2011
Description of works:
TCM recommended an integrated approach to the removal of the Japanese knotweed on this site. The Japanese knotweed situated in the development footprint was excavated and moved to a designated area agreed with the client before works commenced. The herbicidal treatment was then applied over a period of two years.
Problems TCM overcame:
Due to excavating close to the water TCM originally planned to use a root barrier however were able to excavate without it thus reducing cost to the client.
Warranty:
TCM were able to issue a warranty in November 2011 covering the entire site.
Site:
The Co-operative Headquarters, Miller Street, Manchester
Contract start:
June 2009
Contract Finish:
Final herbicidal treatment in September 2009, Warranty issued in February 2010
Description of works:
TCM initially recommended treatment with the TCM Hit system for a 1 year period.
In line with the Co-operatives policies and their desire to achieve a building of the highest BREEAM rating it was requested that after the initial treatment the footprint of the site be screened to ensure there was not remaining waste on site. TCM were able to offer its services and met the criteria the Co-operative set in order to achieve this rating.
Problems TCM overcame:
The site was in use as a car park. TCM advised that there be an exclusion zone and the area remain undisturbed before and during treatment works to avoid any further spread and cost to the client.
The area that TCM initially required to screen the site wasn’t made available therefore smaller screening equipment had to be brought in to continue the works.
Warranty:
TCM were able to issue a warranty covering the entire site
