At this constrained and relatively remote site on the Moray Firth coast, over 5,000m3 of material had been designated for excavation and disposal to landfill. 1,000m3 of the volume was classified as Hazardous, with the nearest suitable landfill some 350 miles away.
In an innovative and environmentally beneficial solution, we took advantage of the close proximity of the site to the North Sea. We hauled the contaminated material from the site to Buckie harbour, where it was transferred into seagoing vessels and transported to landfill in Teeside, via a quayside disposal facility. In choosing to do so, we also had to overcome the challenge of the minimal storage space available both on-site and at the harbour.
A site testing laboratory was set up to assist in overall material assessment and subsequent sentencing.
Excavated materials were screened several times, down to 20mm. Oversize material was analysed to ensure its suitability for on-site reuse, with contaminated fines tested to guarantee accurate waste classification. We succeeded in reducing the volume taken to landfill by 30%.
The project also incorporated complex jet-grout underpinning of the boundary retaining wall, and continuous dialogue with the local community that reflected the site’s sensitive location near the town centre.
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