CHEMICALS & PHARMACEUTICALS Environmental & Geotechnical Assessment and Redevelopment Feasibility Assessment Former Landfill Site, UK
Project Summary
Environmental & Geotechnical Assessment and Redevelopment Feasibility Assessment Former Landfill Site, UK
Key Project Elements • Geotechnical Assessment • Groundwater Assessment • Surface Water Assessment • Landfill Leachate and Effluent Assessment • Landfill Gas Assessment
• Drainage Survey
The objectives of the project were to assess the liabilities associated with the site, implement an on-going landfill gas and water monitoring programme, evaluate treatment sludge disposal options, and consider potential future redevelopment of the site. The work comprised a geotechnical assessment, an environmental assessment and a drainage survey. This was followed by subsequent gas and water monitoring to ensure compliance with the discharge permit and to manage ongoing liabilities. CRA also provided the client with a redevelopment feasibility assessment. The geotechnical assessment included an evaluation of the landfill bund to ascertain the effectiveness and integrity of the bund against potential future breaches and leaks, and the evaluation of the landfill cap to assess its efficiency in preventing the infiltration of rain and surface water. This involved drilling a series of boreholes into the landfill, through the clay cap, and along the retaining bund; in-situ testing (Standard Penetration Tests and Dynamic Probing); and collection of soil samples for geotechnical laboratory testing (particle size distribution, bulk and dry density, moisture content, and plasticity index). The environmental assessment was undertaken to identify the presence of substances that have the potential to cause harm to human and environmental receptors; to identify the existence of a pathway between this source and the receptor; and in some cases, to determine if a receptor (i.e. water feature) had been impacted by the substance. The assessment also ensured compliance with the site’s discharge permit. The drainage survey was undertaken to produce a complete drainage plan, including information of drainage chambers and an open drain located in close proximately to the landfill effluent treatment works. As part of the redevelopment feasibility study, CRA reviewed existing local authority development plans and strategies, and contacted a number of organisations typically involved in schemes to benefit the local community, especially in regards to improving the environment, encouraging bio-diversity, and providing quality open space which encourages a healthier lifestyle.
Ref: PS0020b