Idom Merebrook has provided Geo-environmental consultancy services for a project involving the development of the Central Training Facility, Barrow-in-Furness.

Merebrook was consulted at tender stage, where it was requested to review third party data and make recommendations on abnormal cost allowances associated with contaminated ground on the site. This early involvement allowed Wates to prepare an all risk price. Upon award to Wates, Merebrook was appointed to produce an Asbestos Management Plan and Materials Management Plan. These documents set out a safe working method to deal with soil arisings. They also provided methods to prevent accidental exposure to any asbestos-containing soils and to help identify any unforeseen gross contamination on the site.

Slab removal uncovered asbestos-containing soils with various forms of asbestos material. The volume of material that contained asbestos was calculated at 450m3 (c 800 tonne). If the material had been removed from site the waste classification would have been hazardous due to the presence of visible pieces. The type of asbestos and duration of works required that the project was notifiable to the Health and Safety Executive (HSE). An appropriate asbestos licensed contractor was consulted to give a fee for removal of affected soils to a hazardous waste tip. The cost implication of this would have been in excess of £200,000.

Merebrook identified an approach to retain the material on site in consultation with the design engineers, the local authority and the HSE by implementing a workable MMP and demonstrating that the material was suitable for use in the location it was to be retained. The re-use of material as a resource in a location that was agreed with the EHO allowed substantial cost savings to be achieved.

Assistance from Merebrook via early consultation has allowed Wates to deal with a contaminated site, pragmatically but, cost effectively and safely. Wates have also satisfied all contractual obligations with regard to contamination and kept the local authority informed at all stages.

The CTF project serves to show what can be done with the ground when a problem is identified early within the tender process. Risk exposure can be limited and potentially turned into a positive commercial outcome.