PROJECT EXAMPLE: Removal of Japanese knotweed and asbestos contaminated ground for a large council – via Cosan-CC
In brief
What started off as a typical knotweed removal excavation contract turned into a more complicated project involving asbestos and general waste removal. The team had to think quickly and adapt the brief to ensure the result was a solution the client would be happy with – and of course a clean site ready to be developed.
Introduction
Cosan-CC came to us for remediation of Japanese knotweed from a farm in Snodsbury, Worcestershire. Whilst we were working with Cosan-CC, their client was a large council. Cosan-CC are a construction, consultancy and development firm. Works were undertaken between 2nd and 18th September 2024.
Challenges
The works hit several unforeseen and unavoidable challenges including non-licensable asbestos identified in dig area. We encountered various waste types including metals, asbestos, Japanese knotweed green vegetation and soils and copious amounts of general waste (plastics etc).
Our onsite team commented “this was initially a straightforward knotweed removal contract, but as we’re trained to spot other contaminants it was no surprise to find asbestos, as is common on these types of sites. It’s all part of our comprehensive service that clients appreciate. Bagging the waste into specific types made the job easier to manage.”
Objectives
Our client (acting for the council) was required to clear the site ready for development. We worked closely with them to advise on best options to achieve their project goals and provide the best costs to carry out the works. The client was looking for a trusted contractor with all required accreditations such as Safe Contractor and Constructionline Gold and licensed to carry out the works under H&S regulations.
Methodology
Asbestos that was found in the designated dig area was remediated by means of hand-picking the ACMs out of the soils, bagging and placing in a secure skip for removal to a suitable disposal facility.
The Japanese knotweed plant materials and contaminated soils were removed via excavation and cart-away. As the knotweed did not extend beyond the site boundary it was not necessary to install vertical root barriers after excavation.
The various waste types (plant materials, asbestos and other refuse) were segregated on site and removed as separate waste categories. To aid with this we had a grapple attachment on the excavator.
Solution
In total 45 loads of waste soils and materials were removed from site and taken via tipper lorries to a landfill site. The site was left clean and fit for purpose, and a happy client who provided a testimonial on the works we provided, and our team.
Results & Impact
Because we are a licenced and approved contractor to remove both noxious weeds and asbestos in soils – we were able to swiftly move this project forward and remove both safely and at the same time. This saved our client time and expense sourcing different contractors for the noxious weeds and the asbestos works. Our All-In-One contract made it super easy for them as we adapted to the needs of the site. This is not a service all knotweed contractors can provide.
Helen from Cosan-CC commented: “I worked closely with the JK Ltd Excavation team on a recent scheme and felt incredibly supported all the way through the process. The works did hit upon some unforeseen, unavoidable issues and thanks to their expertise and openness we were able to review and evaluate all the options to give the client as much certainty as we could at that time. I have found all the team to be helpful and responsive and would definitely recommend them for future works. Thank you!”
If you’d like us to advise on or quote for a project that requires our expertise please get in touch with the team.
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