Private Client - Soil Contamination Services

The Client:

Private

The Site:

Taupaki, Auckland

The Project:

Thomas Consultants Ltd were engaged by a private client to provide our Soil Contamination Services.

The site had been subject to uncontrolled filling and had subsequently received an abatement notice from Auckland Council requiring a site assessment and soil testing to characterise the fill materials.

Under the supervision of a Suitably Qualified and Experienced Practitioner (SQEP), our team of scientists undertook an investigation of the fill materials, which included an assessment of asbestos containing materials (ACM), asbestos in soils and other potentially harmful contaminants such as arsenic and lead.

Through the Site Investigation Report, we were able to demonstrate that the site soils did not contain potentially harmful contaminants and that they did not pose a risk to human health or the receiving environment.

Thomas Consultants ability to provide these services to a high standard, in a timely and cost-effective manner, provided reassurance to our client that their site had not been significantly impacted and confirmation that the materials were suitable to be retained at the property.

The Goal:

The goal of this project was to characterise the uncertified fill materials and determine whether soil contamination exists at the site.

The project would assist the client in lifting the abatement notice and would inform any soil disposal or site management requirements.

Our team worked with the client to provide timely updates and to ensure that the works were completed within the project time frame.

Process:

A suitable scope of works was established based on industry best practice and the Contaminated Land Management Guidelines.

Our land contamination consultants conducted a desktop review, which included an assessment of the historical aerial photography for the site, to assess the area of fill materials and to inform the sampling methodology.

A site visit was then completed, which included a thorough visual inspection to identify any additional potential sources of contamination, and a test pit investigation across the subject area to assess and document the vertical and lateral extent of the fill profile.

Soil samples representative of the fill materials were collected and analysed a nationally accredited laboratory to assist in the accurate characterisation of the site soils. The analytical results were then compared against the relevant national guidelines and regulations and a detailed report developed for the client.

Outcome:

By implementing our tailored soil assessment, we were able to meet the requirements of the abatement notice and determine that the soil contaminant levels assessed did not pose a risk to human health or the environment.

In completing the project, our team was able to provide reassurance to our client that their site had not been significantly impacted by the fill materials, and confirmation that the materials were suitable to be retained at the property, avoiding potentially high disposal costs.

The Value:

Our Soil Contamination Team used their experience and knowledge of contaminated land to develop and implement a tailored soil assessment which met the requirements of the abatement notice, and Auckland Council.

These services were provided to a high standard, in a timely and cost-effective manner, to ensure client satisfaction and to ensure that the project goals were met within the clients desired timeframes.

The Project Partners:

Diggers NZ

The Services Provided:

Soil Contamination Services: