Contamination testing for Ruddlesden geotechnical

Contamination investigation for brownfield site

Ruddlesden geotechnical provides ground investigation, geotechnical consultancy and contamination assessment services for their client base across the UK.

They have recently provided services for a client’s new development on a brownfield site, a former coal-fired power station. Due to its industrial past, the ground was suspected to contain several hazardous contaminants. Key concerns included polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) and asbestos, both of which are dangerous to human health and the environment.

For the site to be considered safe for redevelopment, comprehensive contamination assessments needed to be conducted. These assessments would identify the types and levels of contaminants present, allowing for informed decisions on necessary remediation measures. Ensuring the site met safety standards was critical for the project to proceed.

Precise analysis to identify contaminants

The primary challenge for Ruddlesden geotechnical was to accurately assess the level of contamination across the site. This required precise testing and analysis to understand the extent of pollutants such as PCBs and asbestos. Given the size and historical usage of the site, the investigation had to be thorough, with multiple samples taken and analysed to create a clear picture of the contamination levels.

Normec DETS offered a competitive quote for the required testing suites, tailored specifically to the site’s conditions and the contaminants of concern. Services included:

• Supplying all sample containers and cool boxes needed for safe transportation and preservation of the samples.
• Conducting a variety of tests on the collected samples to identify and quantify the presence of contaminants.
• Delivering the test results promptly, ensuring there were no delays in the contamination risk assessment process.

Normec DETS’ efficient service was crucial in maintaining the project’s timeline, ensuring that all testing was completed within the stipulated time frame.

“We were really pleased with the analysis provided by Normec DETS which contributed to the successful redevelopment of a brownfield site.”

Simon Ruddlesden, Director
Ruddlesden geotechnical

Transforming a potentially hazardous site

The comprehensive analysis facilitated by Normec DETS, enabled Ruddlesden geotechnical to conduct detailed contamination risk assessments. Based on the findings, Ruddlesden geotechnical was able to:

• Identify the specific contaminants present and their concentrations.
• Provide well-informed remedial recommendations tailored to the site’s specific conditions.
• Ensure that the proposed redevelopment could proceed safely, with appropriate measures in place to protect both future site users and the surrounding environment.

The collaboration between Normec DETS and Ruddlesden geotechnical was instrumental in transforming a potentially hazardous site into one ready for safe development, contributing to the area’s sustainable growth and environmental protection.