VertaseFLI was contracted by Caerphilly County Borough Council to undertake remediation works on a site in Bedwas, Caerphilly, designated as ‘Contaminated Land’ under Part 2A of the Environmental Protection Act 1990. Site investigation works across the site had identified elevated concentrations of hydrocarbons and metals associated with the sites’ former use as a gas works, resulting in the risk of significant harm to the current site users. The remedial actions were required to facilitate the safe restoration of the garden suitable for the ongoing residential end use.
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The work involved the hand excavation of soft planted areas and replacement with imported certified topsoil. Lawn areas were excavated and reinstated with properly constructed hardstandings to facilitate an alternative end use as agreed with the Council and the householder, thus providing a pathway break. Other associated works involved the rebuilding of stone walls, pathway edgings and the preservation of existing live services.
The remediation of the site presented a number of significant challenges due to restricted access and working conditions within the garden. Works were undertaken in close consultation with the householder under an accelerated programme in order to minimise disruption. In addition, the owner had planned some future building works in the garden and VertaseFLI worked closely with Caerphilly County Borough Council to design the remediation works such that the requirements of the householder were compatible with those of the regulator.
An area of site was lowered to accommodate the future building work and this was provided with concrete blinding with ducting and drainage installed to ensure that the pathway break would not be compromised by future works. Temporary formwork was installed to retaint the new surfacing. The project demonstrates our ability to contribute positively on often contentious works and to the satisfaction of all stakeholders.
