Groundwater can cause major problems to construction development. Remediation prior to site handover can alleviate these problems before they arise.
Confirm the Problem First
A Phase II investigation involves the drilling of boreholes, such as CFA or rotary boreholes, to enable sampling of the groundwater for the presence of contaminants including hydrocarbons, solvents and heavy metals. The Phase II investigation can highlight the need for remediation and quantify the level of contamination.
What Triggers a Remediation Requirement
Planning conditions will typically require treatment to be put in place to treat groundwater prior to its discharge. Evidence will be required to confirm that groundwater has been successfully treated prior to disposal being sanctioned by the local authority.
Common Treatment Approaches
The most common methods for Groundwater Remediation are pump-and-treat systems, permeable reactive barriers (PRBs) and monitored natural attenuation (MNA). Groundwater Remediation is covered in more detail at soilfix.co.uk/services/groundwater-remediation. Each method is suitable for different contaminants at different depths and for achieving Groundwater Remediation within set timescales.
How Long It Takes
Timescales for remediation can vary from a few months for simple sites with low levels of contamination through to one year or more for more complex sites. Allow time for the remediation to be completed before commencement of groundwork on site.
Verification Evidence You Will Need
Verification of successful remediation requires a detailed verification report. This report will include signed deployment forms together with subsequent monitoring data to confirm that site specific concentrations have reduced to defined levels.
Getting remediation sorted early will mean you can meet your planning conditions and start building as soon as possible.
