Commencement date – March 2022
Completion Date – January 2023
We offered a variety of Ecological services to the Ellesmere Port site which was previously a paper mill located next to the Manchester Ship Canal, which had also been used for storing glass cullet from an off-site operator. The proposed development plan involved constructing two large logistics warehouses, with the largest one covering an area of approximately 654,000 ft2. However, the site presented various challenges, including the presence of relict structures, drainage systems, and groundwater abstraction boreholes. In addition, there were accessibility issues due to glass cullet stockpiles, a steep slope, and potential ecological sensitivities.
To address these challenges, E3P was commissioned to review existing site investigation reports, map areas of glass cullet and associated waste materials, conduct a phase of supplemental site investigation, and develop a remediation and enabling works strategy using re-engineered materials. E3P also undertook a detailed settlement analysis and slope stability assessment, developed a comprehensive remediation strategy, provided validation through contractor test data review and weekly site visits, and closed a former groundwater well and several abstraction boreholes.
Furthermore, E3P provided ecological services such as a preliminary ecological appraisal, bat emergence surveys, and great crested newt surveys. During construction, E3P ecologists also monitored Peregrine Falcon activity on a water tower.
E3P’s broad multi-disciplinary approach enabled the timely resolution of potential constraints and the development of cost-effective and sustainable solutions. Retaining materials on-site eliminated the need for significant off-site disposal, and potential pathways were identified and addressed, reducing long-term environmental risks.
Client- Bellway Homes Manchester
Commencement date – February 2020
Completion Date – May 2022
The client aimed to redevelop a former industrial estate and former bleach and dye works into a low-rise residential development. The site posed several challenges, including the demolition of industrial units containing ACM, the presence of a chlorinated solvent plume, on-site culvert realignment, asbestos impacted soils, Japanese Knotweed, historical reservoirs, and the requirement for significant cut and fill.
E3P was tasked by Bellway Homes Manchester to undertake a detailed Phase I & II Geoenvironmental Site Assessment, develop a comprehensive Remediation Strategy, complete a Detailed Controlled Waters Risk Assessment, and provide Remediation Supervision and Validation. By being involved throughout the entire process, E3P identified potential development risks early on and enabled the client to adjust their program and budget accordingly.
E3P provided comprehensive supervision of both geoenvironmental Site Assessment and geotechnical aspects during remediation works to ensure adherence to the agreed remediation strategy. The company also validated the build phase enabling works for the site after the remediation works were completed.
E3P completed delineation sampling, which identified a specific area requiring remediation works to treat chlorinated solvent compounds. Post-demolition investigation further characterized the site, and site-specific remediation targets were calculated for the protection of the on-site surface water course. Surface water sampling was completed throughout the remediation and enabling works to monitor water quality.
E3P also conducted further sampling of impacted soils stockpiled in the bunded area and re-used the majority of the material within the development. Only a limited amount of material required treatment and was removed from the site. Following remediation works, only plots within a specific area required vapour membranes. E3P also provided a method statement for the decommissioning of the well identified beneath a proposed plot.
Client – Wain Homes West Midlands
Commencement date – December 2014
Completion Date – April 2022
E3P where asked to do a Hydrogeological Risk Assessment on a site which once was a sandstone quarry that had been filled with pottery slip until the early 1990s, after which it was partially used as a lorry park with most of the land remaining undeveloped. E3P’s ground investigation revealed that the pottery slip infill had high levels of lead and zinc, but through detailed investigation and risk assessment, it was determined that it did not pose a threat to the underlying principal aquifer.
To ensure compliance with regulations, E3P developed a detailed Remediation and Enabling Works Specification and held meetings with the Local Authority and the Environment Agency technical and waste teams. A Waste Recovery Plan was also completed to ensure that any imported material was used for restoration rather than disposal.
Another consideration was settlement associated with placing fill materials above the clayey pottery slip fill. E3P conducted a geotechnical site investigation and settlement analysis, which demonstrated that existing fills had already undergone settlement, and engineered fills would not lead to long-term settlement or creep.
Wain Homes West Midlands commissioned E3P to undertake a Phase 1 and 2 Geoenvironmental Site Assessment, a detailed Hydrogeological Risk Assessment, Cut/Fill Analysis and Remediation and Enabling Works Strategy, Geotechnical Settlement Analysis, Waste Recovery Plan, and Remediation Supervision.
E3P’s multi-disciplinary approach enabled successful redevelopment of the site without removing existing materials or undergoing additional treatment. They also demonstrated that imposing additional loading onto existing fills would not result in long-term settlement, further reducing the need for off-site disposal or treatment.
