Case study
Land remediation and analysis with CK Consulting and Geotechnical
Land remediation and analysis with CK Consulting and Geotechnical
CK Consulting and Geotechnical is a geotechnical and environmental consultancy dedicated to providing cost effective and timely solutions to the construction industry. Their team of experienced and chartered geotechnical engineers and environmental scientists help with ground investigation requirements and offer expert advice.
CK Consulting and Geotechnical was recently commissioned to oversee and verify the land remediation and earthworks at the former Tonbridge Gasworks in Cannons Wharf, Tonbridge, Kent. The site, once used as a gasworks during the 19th and early 20th centuries, had become heavily contaminated, requiring significant remediation before redevelopment.
Environmental testing for contaminants
CK Consulting and Geotechnical took responsibility for several key tasks for the land remediation and earthworks at the former Tonbridge Gasworks during the enablement works. This included liaising with the remediation contractor regarding earthworks and remediation, inspecting formation levels after excavation to check for signs of contamination, and sampling and scheduling soil samples when necessary.
They ensured that all testing conducted by subcontractors was carried out in accordance with the approved Remediation Strategy and Verification Plan (RSVP) and reviewed testing results to verify the effectiveness of the methodologies used. Additionally, they monitored material movement across the site by reviewing the Stockpile Plan.
Laboratory analysis was integral to the success of the land remediation and earthworks at Tonbridge Gasworks to ensure the land met environmental safety standards and this part of the project was successfully delivered by Normec DETS.
Key ways laboratory testing from Normec DETS supported the project include:
Detailed analysis: Specialist testing was provided for metals, PAH, petroleum hydrocarbons, ammonia, ammonium and ammoniacal nitrogen, cyanides and VOCs amongst others.
Soil and groundwater testing: Extensive soil and groundwater samples were analysed to assess contamination levels. Laboratory results provided critical data that guided the remediation efforts and ensured that contaminants were properly identified and treated.
Laboratory results provided timely feedback, allowing for quick adjustments and ensuring all actions were aligned with the RSVP.
Land remediation project results
The Tonbridge Gasworks remediation project was completed successfully, with all goals met and verified in accordance with the RSVP. Key outcomes include:
Environmental compliance: The remediation process adhered to all environmental standards, identifying contamination through laboratory analysis and gaining regulatory approval. Minor exceedances of RTVs were carefully assessed and approved for reuse, reducing waste and costs.
Sustainability: Reusing materials on-site minimised environmental impact by reducing waste and off-site disposal. This not only saved resources but also aligned with sustainability goals.
Through careful supervision and rigorous testing, CK Consulting and Geotechnical and Normec DETS successfully supported the remediation of the Tonbridge Gasworks site, transforming it from a contaminated industrial site into a development-ready plot.