Ground investigation and analysis with Solmek

Ground investigation for future industrial development

Solmek is a leading ground investigation contractor in the UK, specialising in providing comprehensive services for domestic, commercial, and industrial sectors. Normec DETS recently provided environmental testing for Solmek on a former reservoir site identified for large-scale industrial development. The site required thorough ground investigation and contamination profiling before being safely infilled for future use.

Identifying contamination

The site, previously a reservoir, had been drained and was earmarked for industrial development. Before infilling, a critical part of the project’s success depended on understanding the contamination profile of the soil and groundwater. This analysis was necessary to ensure that the future development would be safe for industrial use and comply with all environmental regulations.

To accurately establish the contamination profile, Solmek collaborated with Normec DETS who carried out the environmental testing required.

Environmental testing for Solmek

Normec DETS was tasked with analysing the samples collected by Solmek. Over a period of six weeks, Normec DETS conducted comprehensive testing on 87 soil and 7 water samples from the site, testing for:

• Ali Aro (Aliphatic/Aromatic Hydrocarbons)
• BTEX (Benzene, Toluene, Ethylbenzene, Xylene)
• MTBE (Methyl Tertiary-Butyl Ether)
• Metals
• Asbestos & Quantification
• Cyanides
• pH Levels
• Organic Matter (OM)
• Phenols
• Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons (PAH)
• Sulfates (SO4)

Effective collaboration to build contamination profile

The samples were collected and delivered to the laboratory by Normec DETS’ in-house drivers, maintaining a controlled chain of custody and ensuring timely delivery for analysis. Solmek also experienced:

• 100% On-time delivery: All sample testing was completed within the agreed timeframe, enabling the project to proceed on schedule.
• Comprehensive testing: The range of tests conducted provided a detailed understanding of the contamination profile, ensuring all potential hazards were identified and quantified.
• Enhanced safety and compliance: The detailed analysis ensured the site met all environmental safety standards, minimising risks associated with industrial development.

The successful collaboration between Solmek and Normec DETS resulted in a detailed contamination profile of the former reservoir site.

This case study highlights the importance of thorough ground investigation and contamination assessment in facilitating safe, compliant, and successful industrial development projects.

“Solmek has used Normec DETS as our contamination testing laboratory for a number of years due to their outstanding customer service and reporting turnaround times. Their collection system is first class utilising their own vans which makes a real difference to ensure samples are collected, protected and into the laboratory the same day.”

Richard Woods, Managing Director
Solmek